The mountains in Kislovodsk are an integral part of it. It is they, surrounding the city, that protect from cold winds and make the climate warm and mild. Around it you can admire the amazing creations of nature, created by it with the help of winds and rains. These are mountains that attract tourists here with their unusual appearance. Amazing legends are associated with them. Most of them are located near the city.
Location of the city of Kislovodsk
The largest balneological and natural-climatic resort of Kislovodsk is located in the mountains of the Greater Caucasus. It would be more correct to say, in its northern foothills. The area where the city is located is hilly, mountainous, crossed by gullies and ravines. The city itself is located in a small valley. It is surrounded by the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range, in which gorges are formed by small mountain rivers Olkhovka and Berezovka. One of them contains the famous Honey Falls.
Mountains are everywhere in Kislovodsk, it is surrounded by them. The city was formed on the site of a Russian fortress at the beginning of the 19th century. Named after the springs with healing mineral water, which, thanks to its unique healing properties, has become known throughout the world. Its name is Narzan. The unique mountain climate, beautiful nature, combined with mineral springs have made Kislovodsk the most popular resort in Russia.
Zheleznovodsk or Kislovodsk - which is better for relaxation
This question cannot be answered unequivocally, because everyone has their own preferences and ideas about vacation. Rest can be active or passive. Some people want to escape from the whole world and spend a couple of weeks in peace and quiet; for others, give them entertainment, action and drive. In this, Kislovodsk and Zheleznovodsk differ significantly from each other. In addition, the resorts have different therapeutic profiles. However, if you are choosing where to go for treatment, first of all you should consult with your doctor, since mineral water also has contraindications.
Ring Mountain
The southern spur of the Borgustan ridge, not far from Kislovodsk, will delight lovers of hiking along Mount Ring. There are many caves in it. A large through ring with a diameter of 8 meters was formed from the edge of the mountain by wind and water. It is famous for the fact that it was described by M. Yu. Lermontov in one of the stories “A Hero of Our Time”. It is not for nothing that the Caucasus Mountains in Kislovodsk are considered a landmark. There are many legends and beliefs associated with them. The healing air of the mountains together with mineral waters has a beneficial effect on human health.
Mount Ring is very popular among tourists. It has been known since the time of the conquest of the Caucasus, when residents of St. Petersburg and Moscow came here for treatment with mineral waters. Near the ring there are caves, in one of which there is an inscription on the wall, presumably dating back to the time the poet visited Kislovodsk. Be sure to visit this attraction while relaxing in Kislovodsk. How to get to Mount Ring? There is a path leading to it, along which you can buy souvenirs made by local residents. It starts at the entrance to the city, with a sign pointing to it.
The mountain offers a magnificent view of Kislovodsk, to admire it, and at the same time to go through the ring to become strong in body and spirit; hundreds of tourists climb here every day. Only when climbing you need to follow safety rules, as collapses occur here. In Soviet times, special work was carried out to make the path safe, but recently no one has been doing this.
History of the creation of Kislovodsk
Later, by decree of the Russian Emperor Alexander I in 1803, the construction of a fortress was started in these places.
The fortress was built by soldiers of the 16th Jaeger Regiment from the Konstantinogorsk Fortress, who became the first inhabitants of the Kislovodsk Fortress.
At the moment, this fortress is a local history museum.
The fame of the healing carbon dioxide springs spread quickly and in the summer more and more people came here for treatment.
At first, when holidaymakers arrived at the waters, they stayed in tents and took baths in the open air, making potholes in the ground. Later, in 1812, stone baths were built.
In 1822, the Russian government allocated funds for the construction of a two-story restaurant where vacationers could stay. And in 1823, the improvement of the Resort Park began.
Thanks to General Ermolov, who gave the order to move the troops of the Caucasian Line much further south, the raids of the highlanders stopped. The city began to develop and build up quickly.
In 1858, the construction of the famous Narzan Gallery was completed; it still has an attractive appearance and is one of the main attractions of the city.
Since the beginning of the settlement of Kislovodsk, such celebrities as Pushkin, Lermontov, Chekhov, Leo Tolstoy and others came to the waters.
The city acquired the status of a fashionable resort and became a real Russian health resort. Many representatives of the nobility and intelligentsia of that time moved here for permanent residence. The following names are known: landowner Alexey Rebrov, merchant brothers Tarasov, naval general Joseph Debu.
Honey Falls
The Alikonovskoe Gorge, where the famous Honey Falls are located, is very popular among tourists. Kislovodsk is located not far from them. This is a group of five waterfalls, each of which has its own name. The largest waterfall, “Honey”, has a height of 18 meters, the smaller one falls from a height of 6 meters, the other three break out from under the boulders.
Falling from a height, water forms a water cloud that envelops the gorge and mountain slopes. Jets of water under the scorching rays of the sun sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow. Beautiful nature serves as a frame for this cascade. Even on the hottest day, coolness and freshness reign here. The history of the origin of such an unusual name is amazing.
According to local residents, wild bees once lived here. There were a huge number of them. When the grasses bloomed, they collected honey, which they stored in hives attached to trees and mountain crevices. In the gorge where the waterfalls are located, in the summer there was the aroma of honey and flowering herbs. Since then, the name Honey has been assigned to the waterfalls.
Where to take your child in Kislovodsk
The city has everything necessary to provide an excellent holiday for children. A rich leisure time awaits them, filled with carelessness, fun, amazing discoveries, and vivid impressions.
City Dolphinarium
- Opening hours: daily, except Monday. Performances start on weekends at 11:00 and 15:00, on weekdays at 15:00.
- Ticket price: adult 650 rub., child 550 rub.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.dolphin-kmv.rf
- Address: st. Promyshlennaya, 5A. Transport stop "Donbai".
A trip to the dolphinarium will be a real holiday for a child. A colorful show featuring amazing animals lasts 1 hour. The program includes tricks performed by bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and lions, and walruses. The main roles are played, of course, by dolphins. They move gracefully and swiftly, jump out of the water, fly through hoops, accurately follow the commands of the trainer and even draw. The kids are delighted with everything they see. After the end of the performance, the audience is offered to purchase a painting “painted” by the bottlenose dolphin.
Honey Falls
- Address: Krasny Kurgan village. It is better to get there by minibus or excursion bus.
A trip to Honey Falls will be an exciting adventure for the whole family. The natural recreation is located 16 km from Kislovodsk. Here the Alikonovka River flows through a picturesque gorge overgrown with hazel trees and lush herbs. In several places, waters cascade from a plateau created by dolomite rocks. Myriads of spray and bright rays of the sun create a fantastic halo around the cascades. The height of the main waterfall “Honey” is 18 m. “Snake”, “Secret” and “Mill” look more modest and less full of water. The ion-saturated air of the gorge is very beneficial for health.
Mountain ring
- Address: st. Industrial. Transport stop "Nezhinsky".
Seeing the natural monument will be interesting for both adults and children. Considering that the attraction is located almost within the city, getting to it is not difficult on foot. Here, in the rocky massif of the spurs of the Bargustan ridge, winds and rains “carved” a round arch. There are several grottoes located next to the amazing creation of nature. According to an ancient legend, having galloped through the ring on horseback three times, the mighty Nart Araf gained the strength necessary to defeat the genies. The original rock was mentioned in his works by M.Yu Lermontov. Some episodes of the series “A Hero of Our Time” were filmed in its vicinity.
Mountain Big Saddle
There are a large number of natural attractions in Kislovodsk and its surroundings. 12 kilometers from the city is the Big Saddle Mountain, which with its outline really resembles a saddle. This is the highest point in the vicinity of the city, its height is 1408 meters above sea level. From it you can see a magnificent panorama of both the outskirts of Kislovodsk and the surrounding mountains. Particularly impressive is Mount Elbrus, the top of which is covered with a snow cap.
Most tourists come here for the beautiful views. In early summer, herbs bloom here, many of which are medicinal. The buzzing of bees and the singing of birds makes the picture idyllic. The fragrant, clean mountain air calms the nervous system and fills the body with life-giving energy.
Well-trodden paths lead here, starting in Kislovodsk. You go to the Big Saddle through the city park, then through the Air Temple, the Red Sun and the Narzan Gallery. This is a long walking route, as you need to cover 12 kilometers of path that constantly climbs uphill. But all the efforts will pay off in a big way, as the panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and Kislovodsk are simply mesmerizing.
Mountain Small Saddle Kislovodsk
Vacationers and just tourists who want to look at the highest mountain in Europe, Elbrus, make a hike to Mount Maloe Sedlo, which rises more than 500 meters above Kislovodsk. The total height of the mountain above sea level is 1325 meters. There are two routes leading here from Kislovodsk. Through the western spur and from the park through Krasnoye Solnyshko, then along the hiking trail.
From here you can see all the surroundings of the resort town, the valley of the Podkumok River, the grandiose Bermamyt plateau, crossed by deep green gullies. Ahead in the south there is a view of the chain of mountains of the Main Caucasus Range, among which the majestic double-headed Elbrus rises, sparkling in the sun with a snowy peak.
Mountain Red Sun
The city of Kislovodsk is the main natural and climatic resort of the country. Along the territory of its surroundings there are routes of health paths (movement over rough terrain, one of the methods of resort and sanatorium treatment). Routes No. 2 and 3 lead here. They originate from the Narzan Gallery, located in the resort park. No. 2 is longer, No. 3 is more difficult, since the climb is along a serpentine road.
Why the mountain got such a name: when holidaymakers came here in the morning, they saw the red sun rise. And so it happened - Red Sun Mountain. It is entirely covered with tracts of pine, spruce, ash and birch. Forbs make the air rich with floral aromas.
Valley of Roses
More than 80 varieties of roses bloom on an area of 3 hectares. Roses grow in square sectors, which are separated by narrow paved paths. All varieties of roses are labeled, so if you like the roses, you can find out their variety. Roses bloom from early June to September.
At the top there is an observation deck with a colonnade. From here you can see a large flower bed made in the shape of a rose. On the right is Thuevaya Alley, and on the left is a sculpture of a crocodile, which children love to climb on.
Address: Kislovodsk, Resort Park
Air Temple
Even in pre-revolutionary times, it became clear to city residents and vacationers how beneficial the influence of the local mountain air was. So that vacationers could enjoy it with greater comfort, as well as sunbathe, it was decided to build an “Air Temple”. The year was 1914. The highest point of the Upper Park was chosen for construction. The architect Semenov worked on the construction. The structure is a classic semi-rotunda with windows facing west, supported by six columns.
Address: Resort Park, health path No. 2
Cable car
The cable car connects the Middle and Upper parks. The length of the cable car is 1750 meters. The climb to the top takes about 8 minutes.
Cable car operating hours: from 10:00 to 18:00, break from 13:00 to 14:00. The cost of the lift one way is 200 rubles, payment only in cash. It doesn't work in strong winds.
Address: Resort Park, lower station next to the Air Temple, upper station next to the Gazebo of the Seven Winds
Monument to M.Yu. Lermontov
Initially, the monument to the poet was erected on Mount Red Sun. Then they lowered us into the Lower Park, and after a few minutes they returned to their place. The bronze sculpture of the young Lermontov is installed so that his gaze is turned towards Elbrus. Nearby is next to the Red Sun cafe.
Address: Resort Park, Red Sun Mountain
Gazebo of the Seven Winds
The elegant gazebo is located at an altitude of 1400 meters. From here there is a stunning panorama of the outskirts of Kislovodsk. In clear weather you can see Elbrus. The upper cable car station is nearby.
Address: Resort Park, health path No. 3
Cable car
The resort park in Kislovodsk is a unique complex located on an area of 950 hectares. This includes a large number of multi-level objects. Therefore, it was divided into three zones along which path routes of varying complexity were laid. The first (lower) level extends from the Narzan Gallery to the Rose Valley, the second (middle) level starts from the Rose Valley and ends with the Gray and Red Stones, from them to the Maloye Sedlo Mountain - the third (high) level.
It is between the first and third levels that the cable car operates. Kislovodsk from the observation deck can be seen at a glance. The cable car, which is 1,743 meters long, is equipped with carriages in which passengers go up and down.
Red stones
Gray and red rocks are sandstone rocks that are gray and reddish in color. Nitrogen hydroxide gives the stones a bright reddish tint. Wind and precipitation have worn the rocks for thousands of years, giving them unique, bizarre shapes. They are the sights of the resort and are located in the middle and upper levels of the park. In addition, the famous sanatorium in Kislovodsk bears the name “Red Stones”.
The city has a huge number of health resorts where people from Russia and neighboring countries come. Two main factors played a big role in this: life-giving air and healing water. One of the oldest health resorts is the “Red Stones” sanatorium, located in the central part of the resort in Kislovodsk Park.
Until 1991, it was a nomenklatura health resort and it was not so easy for an ordinary person to get here. Now everything is different. The “Red Stones” sanatorium is open to anyone. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular systems, metabolism and reproductive organs are treated here.
Kislovodsk Resort Park
The year of foundation of the resort park is 1832. Its area is 2000 hectares. This is the largest park in Russia. The park consists of three parts. Its beginning is in the center of Kislovodsk, and the park ends in the area of the Maloe Sedlo mountain. Park compositions of greenery are distinguished not only by their amazing beauty, but also by their healing properties. It is also the main hospital of the city.
Address: Kislovodsk
Lermontov site
Opposite the Colonnade is the Lermontov Square with a bust of Mikhail Lermontov. This site was built in 1948.
At the bottom of this area there is a small grotto, in which you can see a sculpture of Lermontov’s Demon imprisoned in a cage. The grotto was built in 1826 according to the design of the architect Bernardazzi.
Address: Resort Park, opposite the Colonnade
Lermontovskaya embankment
The embankment runs along the left bank of the small mountain river Olkhovka and stretches to the famous bridge “Ladies' whim”. The embankment turns 215 in 2022.
Address: Resort Park
Floral calendar
The idea of creating a flower calendar belongs to gardener-decorator Abolin. This happened in 1924. Not only the size of this huge calendar is amazing, but also the idea itself: plants were used to make it. Under the semicircular inscription “Kislovodsk” there is a flower clock; in the lower part there are lines where the year, month and day are indicated. There is no need to worry about their reliability: the figure is changed every evening by park employees, regardless of the time of year in the yard.
Address: Resort Park
Mirror Pond
Mirror Pond dates back to the 1860s. Then a pool was cut out of the limestone mass, having a bizarre irregular shape. Later, the original Glass Stream pavilion was completed. The temperature of fresh water is constant throughout the year. Sculptural compositions of children bathing are installed nearby.
Address: Resort Park
Bridge "Lady's whim"
The sophisticated structure of the resort park – there’s no other way to describe the Ladies’ Caprice bridge. It appeared thanks to a certain resting lady who flatly refused to wade across the Olkhovka River. The gentleman who carried her in his arms had no choice but to promise to build a bridge in this place. Couples in love to this day love to stop there to enjoy the spectacle of the turbulent river flow.
Address: Resort Park
Red stones
There are red rocks in the Resort Park. On one rock there is a bronze profile of Lenin. There is a sculpture of an Eagle on a rock nearby.
Address: Resort Park, 200 meters from the Cascade Stairs
What travel can teach you
Why do people travel? Is it really just to take a 2-week break from work, spend the money accumulated over six months and create the illusion that “they can afford it”?
You look up from the couch.
Thinking about the upcoming voyage, we begin to worry about the difficulties that await tourists. We are worried that we will not find a place to stay for the night, that we will not be able to communicate with the residents of another country in our broken English. What do travel teach? Because all the fears listed above are in vain. Gather your courage, put aside your worries, focus on your goal and hit the road. It is a mistake to think that traveling is either a “round the world” trip, where you burn all your bridges, or a package holiday, which limits you to an all-inclusive system. How much do you know about the surrounding areas of your city? About the life of residents of neighboring villages? Surely there are a lot of interesting things near you. Start discovering the world small.
Travel changes your worldview
The first thing he learns after visiting different countries is that exotic places are not as dangerous as they seem. You can feel comfortable in any city. This rule also applies to wildlife: by following basic safety rules, you are guaranteed to avoid trouble. Moreover, in a metropolis a person is more likely to die (for example, by being hit by a car) than in a desert or forest.
You will constantly expand your horizons
What are travels for? To get to know the world and get acquainted with the culture of other peoples. Don't worry about the friendliness of the people: the locals always treat travelers politely and try to help them. If you are not a Tagil fan, don’t spoil their heritage and don’t laugh at the culture of the country in which you are a guest, then traveling will definitely bring you new acquaintances and faith in people. Many people will be happy to provide you with an overnight stay, show you the way, and tell you about the interesting sights of their country.
You don't have to be a millionaire to see the world
Travel more and you will realize that you don't need to spend millions to do it. Big money is necessary only for those who dream of a sea cruise to exotic islands. Although, if you make friends with the locals, you can easily avoid these expenses. When organizing your travels yourself, you only need to have a small amount of cash to buy food, pay for transport and hotel rooms or places in hostels. Living in the latter, by the way, despite its cheapness, can give you a huge amount of experience and impressions.
Things are just things
First-time tourists consider it their duty to take 10 suitcases on the road with outfits for all occasions and full equipment in case of the end of the world. But over time, travel teaches that an abundance of luggage only gets in the way. A person on the road (as in life) needs a minimum of clothing, two pairs of shoes, hygiene products, money and documents. Once you start traveling, you will realize that you absolutely do not need most of the things you have, and you can painlessly get rid of them by freeing up space in your closet. The same applies to unnecessary emotions, unnecessary worries, uninteresting people and habitual obligations - by getting rid of such “junk”, you will make room for new things.
Find out the difference between a tourist and a traveler
Travelers and tourists are not the same thing. The first ones communicate with local residents, get acquainted with traditions, make new acquaintances, change their worldview and improve their lives. The latter fearfully glance at everything that is happening from the windows of the bus. Locals scam tourists out of money, and share food and shelter with travelers. Travel changes people and teaches them that they need to be simpler and not be afraid to learn new things, teach them to be open with others and appreciate every person who comes into life.
By leaving your usual environment, even for a short period of time, turn your life into a journey full of uncertainty, and you will be able to get to know yourself from the most unexpected sides.
Travel is not a vacation
You've probably heard more than once how traveling changes many people, making them stronger and more resilient. And you actively travel to Cyprus and Turkey, but you don’t notice any changes... And this is not because hiking in the mountains or tundra with a heavy backpack is a workout for the body. Not because in the most harmless resort city you can be left without money or find yourself in a difficult situation. It’s just that when you travel, you don’t set the goal of “lying down” under a palm tree, relieving stress from work or family. You change your lifestyle from the usual to an improved version of it. Traveling can be physically difficult, but it also relieves the mind. Therefore, they are not looking for physical relief; they provide much more than relaxed muscles.
You are your best friend and travel companion
Can't find travel companions to go on the road with a fun group? This will only benefit you. There is no better way to understand yourself, the world, determine life goals and cultivate fortitude than solo travel. Traveling alone is an incomparable experience. By relying only on your own strengths, you will begin to believe in yourself more and learn to make responsible decisions on your own. This will make it easier for you to meet new people, try unusual things and take on unfamiliar roles, since you won’t have to look up to anyone and won’t be afraid of anyone’s judgement.
It's a small world
Long journeys have changed the opinion of millions of people that our planet is vast. It only seems like this when you watch about other countries on TV. In reality, it is possible that you will meet your friends when you go to Cambodia, India or Kamchatka. Or, in a quiet, remote corner of the world, meet someone from your hometown. Travel more and don’t be afraid to communicate with people and look for new acquaintances. Perhaps one of the billions of people who will change your life will meet you in a place you never thought possible.
