There is a version that a large settlement, which gave rise to modern Nalchik, was founded on the banks of the river of the same name in 1724 by Prince Aslambek Kaytukin, who migrated to these places with his village. Almost a century later, on the orders of General Ermolov, a fortress was built here, which quickly acquired a settlement. The village grew and already in 1921 received not only the status of a city, but also became the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria. The food and light industries have always been developed in Nalchik, and in the Soviet period, enterprises of knowledge-intensive and heavy industries appeared. However, most Russians know the city primarily as a popular resort. In its vicinity there are 20 mineral springs. Their water is used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The sights of Nalchik, photos and descriptions of which you will find in the article, will be an excellent addition to wellness treatments.
Sights of Nalchik: TOP-5
The capital of Kabardino-Balkaria will delight travelers with an abundance of various attractions. Some of them are considered the calling cards of this wonderful resort town.
Monument “Forever with Russia”
- Address: Lenin Avenue. Transport stop "Mary's Square".
On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the reunification of the republic with Russia, a monument was opened in the city, which quickly became one of the hallmarks of Nalchik. A 15-meter monument is installed in the center of the octagonal stepped platform. A bronze sculpture of the Kabardian princess Maria Temryukovna, whom Ivan the Terrible once took as his wife, is placed on a pedestal lined with polished granite. The sculpture, according to the sculptor’s plan, personifies the Motherland, the patroness and protector of the people of Kabardino-Balkaria. Around the monument there are pylons decorated with high reliefs telling about the significant stages of the history of the republic.
Atazhukinsky garden
- Address: Shogentsukov Avenue. Transport stop "Spartak Stadium".
The park, named after the Kabardian prince Atazhukin, rightfully occupies a place among the main attractions of the city. The recreation includes more than 2 km² of forest, a picturesque lake, and artificial reservoirs. More than 150 species of plants grow here, including the exotic needle oak, Japanese quince and the gingko tree - the same age as dinosaurs. Walking along the well-groomed alleys lined with linden, maple, chestnut and blue spruce trees, you can admire the magnificent flower beds and flower beds. In the garden there are sculptures, elegant gazebos, and comfortable benches for relaxation. Having been here, you will personally see that the garden was recognized as the best green park in Russia in 2000 not by chance.
Arch of Friendship
- Address: st. Idarova. Transport stop "Strelka".
An excellent architectural monument adorns a small square at the entrance to Nalchik from the Baksan highway. In 2007, Kabardino-Balkaria celebrated the 450th anniversary of joining Russia. Part of the festive events was the grand opening of the monument, called the “Arch of Friendship”. The exterior of the building corresponds to classical canons. In its central part there is a wide arched passage. Decorated with carved friezes, the cornices support paired elegant columns with luxurious capitals, between which slabs depicting the coat of arms of the Russian Federation are mounted into the wall. The inscription “Forever with Russia” is stamped in gold on the pediment.
Green Theater
- Address: Atazhukinsky garden. Transport stop "Spartak Stadium".
The main concert venue, capable of accommodating more than 2,500 spectators, is one of the architectural pearls of Nalchik. The exterior of the amazing structure intertwines features of ancient, Byzantine, and Moorish architecture. It is decorated with luxurious arches and colonnades. The balustrade of the balconies and stairs leading down to the lake is incredibly elegant. The open-air auditorium has the shape of a classical amphitheater. Here you can not only watch an interesting performance or a colorful show, but also immerse yourself in a romantic, Romanesque atmosphere.
Restaurant Sosruko
- Address: Mount Bolshaya Kizilovka. Upper station of the chairlift.
It's not often that an iconic landmark includes a restaurant, but Nalchik is a special city. When in the 50s of the last century the authorities decided to build a new catering point where numerous vacationers could spend their evenings, a competition was announced for the best design of the structure. The winner was the architect Palagashvili, who proposed to make the building recognizable and colorful. The exterior of the restaurant is stylized to resemble the helmeted head and hand with a flaming torch, the hero of the national epic Sosruko. The epic hero seems to grow from a mountain 640 meters high. There is an observation deck in the knight’s helmet, from which impressive panoramic views open up.
How much time does it take to explore Nalchik?
Nalchik is a small city, so its sights can be explored in a day. But if you plan to visit the Elbrus region, Chegem waterfalls, Blue Lakes and other natural beauties outside the city, then you will need at least three days. Of course, if you spend more than one day in the city, you need to check into a hotel. There are hotels and hostels both in Nalchik itself and in the surrounding area.
What to see in Nalchik in 5 days
If your visit to Nalchik is planned for more than 3 days, visit other attractions:
- restaurant "Sosruko";
- monument "Fantômas";
- Cheget.
Restaurant "Sosruko"
“Sosruko” is one of the most popular restaurants in Nalchik. Local residents call it the symbol of the city. The restaurant is an architectural structure in the shape of the head of a Nart hero, after whom it is named.
"Sosruko" stands on Kizilovka - a mountain within the city
The administration of the establishment offers guests:
- national cuisine;
- youth (two-story) hall;
- hunting hall;
- beautiful scenery in the form of waterfalls;
- panoramic view from the windows of almost the entire Nalchik.
The famous restaurant is located on Lermontov Street, 25.
Monument "Fantômas"
Any Nalsk resident knows what “Fantomas” is. This is the name given to the monument erected in 1968. The author of the sculpture, Guide Bzheumykhov, dedicated this monument to Komsomol members who gave their lives for their Motherland. The opening of the monument was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Komsomol.
I asked why such a large and significant monument was nicknamed Fantômas, because this is a comparison with a villain. It turned out that depending on the weather, the metal sculpture takes on a greenish tint. And immediately after the installation of the monument, old-timers demanded the dismantling of the statue, which resembled a monster. And some even considered the sculpture indecent. Although, in my opinion, “Fantomas” is somewhat similar to one of the famous monuments of Mamayev Kurgan. I never saw the green color.
Monument to Komsomol members (“Fantomas”) is a sculptural composition of a stele and the figure of a Komsomol member holding his hand on his heart
“Fantomas” is located on Shortanova Street (in front of the Walnut Grove).
Cheget
Cheget is a mountain in the Caucasus mountain range, the second most popular and largest in Kabardino-Balkaria after Elbrus. There are many gorges and panoramic areas, and tourists use the valley at the foot of the mountain for acclimatization. There are also ski resorts and a cable car here. From the slope there is an overview of the Baksan Gorge and Elbrus.
“Cheget” is the unofficial name of the mountain. It has two peaks - Donguz-Orunbashi (3769 m) and Azau-Gitche-Cheget-Karabashi (3461 m).
There are hotels and shops in the Cheget Valley, and there are cafes and restaurants even on the mountainside
Cheget is located near Elbrus. You can get to it from the Nalchik bus station by minibus or excursion bus.
Monuments and architectural delights of Nalchik
The city will satisfy the needs of admirers of fine architecture and monumental art. Among the things you should definitely see in Nalchik, there are many colorful buildings and monuments.
Republican Parliament building
- Address: Lenin Avenue, 55. Transport stop “Tolstoy Street”.
The majestic mansion, erected in the first third of the last century, is deservedly one of the pearls of Nalchik architecture. It is an excellent example of neoclassicism in architecture. The arch of the central portal, located outside the main volume, is supported by massive cylindrical and square columns with elegant capitals. The façade of the building is decorated with decorative rosettes. There is an elegant balustrade above the eaves.
Monument to the Cavalry Heroes
- Address: 115th Cavalry Division square. Transport stop "Strelka".
In May 1942, Wehrmacht troops came very close to Nalchik, but the city was not going to surrender to the mercy of the Nazis. The enemy's main blow fell on the positions occupied by the soldiers of the 115th Cavalry Division. For about five months, the soldiers held back the onslaught of superior enemy forces. Many of them gave their lives for their homeland. In memory of the heroes, a monument was erected in 2005. A bronze sculpture is placed on a high pedestal lined with marble and granite. A cavalryman, riding a rearing horse, is ready, with a naked blade in his hand, to rush into battle for the Fatherland.
Railway station building
- Address: st. Osetinskaya, 132A. Transport stop "Railway Station".
Railroad connections between Nalchik and other Russian cities were established in 1913. The station was also built at the same time. During the war it was heavily damaged by shelling and bombing. Therefore, the authorities decided to erect a new building, which was commissioned in 1948. Since then, a magnificent example of the Stalinist Empire style has become one of the main attractions of the city. The central portal of the structure is covered with a massive dome. The portico of the main entrance to the station is supported by graceful columns. The building looks very elegant.
Stela City of Military Glory
- Address: Walnut Grove Park. Transport stop "Square of fallen Komsomol members".
In 2010, Nalchik was awarded the high title of City of Military Glory. Five years later, in honor of this event, a monument was opened in Orekhovy Park. Then 70 snow-white doves, released by WWII veterans and other participants in the ceremony, soared into the sky. The pedestal above which the column rises is mounted on a stepped base. The top of the stele is decorated with a gilded double-headed eagle. On the sides of the pedestal there are metal plates with the text of the presidential decree, heraldic symbols of the city, the republic and Russia.
Fountain Elephants
- Address: Atazhukinsky garden. Transport stop "Kindergartens".
Tourists visiting Nalchik consider it their duty to take photos at one of the most colorful sights of the city, which appeared in 2010 on the alley of the city park. It is simply impossible to pass by the elegant structure. In the center of a small octagonal pool there are sculptures of four elephants. They hold the rotunda in the eastern cut on their backs. Jets of water erupt from nozzles placed in the animals' trunks, cascading into an elegant bowl.
Parks and Recreation
Terskol Peak Observatory
Coordinates: 43.274712, 42.500843 Address: Elbrus district, on the right shoulder of Elbrus
The observatory is located at an altitude of 3150 meters above sea level on the slope of Elbrus, on the territory of the New Horizon station. Several months a year the station is covered with snow. She is cut off from the outside world. You can only get here on foot.
Back in the 70s of the twentieth century, several small telescopes were installed; in 1988, installation of the Zeiss-2000 telescope began. It was finally installed only in 1995. The Terskol Peak Observatory today has international status.
The main task of the observatory is high and ultra-high resolution spectroscopy. The research program has been developed for years to come. In total, about ten astronomers work there on a rotational basis.
Thermal springs of Aushiger
Address: Aushiger village (20 minutes by car from Nalchik)
The lake contains nitrogen-carbon dioxide mineral water. The source comes from a well about 4 km deep. Mineral water is suitable both for medicinal baths and is prescribed for oral administration. The water is hot (50C), you can swim all year round.
The complex is equipped for relaxation and has a SPA center.
Mineral water is used in the treatment of many diseases. Before visiting the source, consultation with a doctor is required. The list of contraindications is significant.
Amber Thermal Spring
Address: s. YantarnoyeRoute from Nalchik: get to Prokhladny, then to the village. Yantarnoe
On the territory of the complex there is a small lake with mineral water, which contains sodium chloride. The water in it contains silicic acid. There are two swimming pools - women's and men's.
Before swimming, you should carefully read all recommendations and contraindications and consult your doctor. Pregnant women and children under 3 years old are strictly prohibited from swimming in the spring. Children of primary school age can be in the lake for no more than 10 minutes.
Nalchik museums and theaters
Nalchik is one of the resorts where you can harmoniously combine recreational and educational recreation. Curious tourists are always welcome to visit museums, and theaters open their doors to fans of Melpomene in the evenings.
National Museum of Kabardino-Balkaria
- Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Ticket price: adult 150 rubles, reduced price 40 rubles.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.museum-kbrglav.ru
- Address: st. Gorky, 62. Transport stop “Tolstoy Street”.
The funds of the institution, founded in 1921, contain more than 150 thousand storage units, most of which are presented in exhibition halls. Having been here, visitors will learn how unique and rich the nature of Kabardino-Balkaria is, and will get acquainted with the customs, authentic culture, and way of life of the peoples living on this beautiful land. A significant part of the exhibition is devoted to different stages of the history of the republic, the period of the Second World War. The museum has an excellent collection of works of art, an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, and items of historical value.
Art Museum
- Opening hours: daily, except Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00, on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 21:00.
- Ticket price: adult 70 rubles, student 30 rubles, citizens of the Russian Federation under the age of 18 are admitted free of charge.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.muzey-kbr.ru
- Address: Lenin Avenue, 35. Transport stop “Lermontov Street”.
A tour of the institution will bring pleasure to all lovers of beauty. Its exhibition halls display works of European, Russian and national artists, sculptors, masters of decorative and applied arts, created in the 19th–20th centuries. Here you can admire paintings by F. Rokotov, K. Bryullov, I. Shishkin, A. Vasnetsov, I. Aivazovsky, sculptures by P. Klodt, F. Shchedrin, E. Lanceray. The pride of the collection is the collection of masterpieces by French watchmakers of the 18th century, antique Japanese, Chinese, European and Russian porcelain.
Gorky Drama Theater
- Opening hours: information should be clarified by calling the contact number.
- Ticket price: from 200 rub.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.rusteatrkbr.com
- Address: 400th Anniversary Square, 1. Transport stop “Mary Square”.
For more than 80 years, the city's Russian Drama has been inviting viewers to have a wonderful evening watching a colorful performance performed by wonderful actors. There are performances for children and adults here. The repertoire includes productions of dramatic, comedy, and musical plays by classic dramaturgy and modern authors. The theater troupe includes both recognized masters M. Burmako, V. Kostryukova, awarded the title of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, and talented youth - Z. Nagoev, A. Lutfulina and others.
Where to go with a child in Nalchik
When going on a family trip, be sure to plan where to go in Nalchik with a child. The city is always ready to warmly welcome young tourists and provide them with exciting leisure time.
Nalchik Zoo
- Opening hours: daily, from 9:00 to 18:00.
- Ticket price: adult 100 rubles, children 60 rubles.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.zoonalchik.ru
- Address: Dolinsky Lane. Transport stop "Restaurant Bochka".
A walk through the zoo, which occupies almost 7 hectares of picturesque parkland, will bring great pleasure to all family members. Here you can see more than 350 fauna representatives belonging to 150 species. A large number of visitors traditionally gather at the enclosures with representatives of the cat family, brown and black bears. Children love watching the hilarious antics of macaques, hamadryas, and monkeys. Children will be able to alternate communication with living nature with entertainment in the children's town, for which there is no charge for visiting.
Children's town "Treasure Island"
- Opening hours: daily, from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Ticket price: from 10:00 to 14:00 on weekdays 150 rubles, at other times 200 rubles.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.tc-deya.ru/kids
- Address: st. Kirova, 30. Transport stop “Ulitsa Baysultanova”.
If you come to Nalchik with a preschool child, be sure to plan a visit to the DEYa shopping center. All conditions have been created here for your beloved child to have fun from the heart. A children's town with slides, labyrinths, and inflatable safe attractions will delight him. Animators offer young visitors fun quizzes and active games. When tired, the child happily eats one of the delicacies presented in the special menu of the children's cafe.
Chegem waterfalls
- Address: Khushtosyrt village. Excursions to the waterfalls are organized by almost all tour operators in Nalchik.
The unique natural recreation is located 55 km from the city, but it’s definitely worth taking your child here. Both the young tourist and his parents will receive a lot of vivid impressions. The Su-Azu gorge amazes with its picturesqueness. In several places, mountain streams Kayaarty and Sakal-Tup pour streams of water into Chegem from the tops of rocks. The length of the most powerful cascade is 30 m. The gorge is beautiful at any time of the year. A unique microclimate has been created here, conducive to the growth of many types of herbs and colorful flowers. In winter, when the river waters are frozen, the streams turn into strangely shaped blocks of ice, captivating with their unearthly splendor.
Read about the sights of other cities of the North Caucasus:
- Makhachkala, Stavropol, Nazran,
- Grozny, Maykop, Cherkessk,
- Vladikavkaz, Pyatigorsk.
If you have never been to Nalchik, be sure to spend your next vacation here. The city has created excellent conditions for a good rest, full of vivid emotions.
Where to begin?
Today the city attracts a large number of tourists not only from all over Russia, but also from all over the world. Historical and archaeological attractions deserve special attention:
- Nalchik burial ground;
- Dolinskoe settlement;
- Agubeko site.
All of them date back to the second century BC.
Central Park is the pearl of Nalchik, which has gained such fame due to its rare tree species. The park area is very convenient for walking.
The park contains picturesque lakes, as well as a river running through it. Such amazing natural combinations have made this iconic place one of the most famous representatives of European park culture. The park occupies a fourth of Nalchik, and therefore recreation areas are associated with attractions where everyone can find entertainment to their liking.
Arriving in the city, you should definitely visit the Sosruko restaurant, which was built in the shape of the head of the hero Sosruko, extending his hand with a torch. This restaurant is considered popular among tourists because it is located on Mount Kizilovka. You can get to it by regular or cable car. From there you have stunning views of the blue lakes.
The city is famous for other memorable places, including:
- Cathedral Mosque;
- Monument to A. Shogentsukov;
- Blue Lakes;
- Monument to K. Kuliev;
- Memorial arch dedicated to the 450th anniversary of the annexation of Kabardin-Balkaria to Russia, etc.
Every tourist will find the perfect combination of local flavor and introduced European modernity.
The Narzan Valley, located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Range, also attracts a lot of people. Climbing Mount Malaya Kizilovka, you can see stunning views of the city that simply cannot be compared with anything.
The city is famous not only for its nature, but also for its mild climate. The territory has large reserves of healing mud and mineral water, and therefore many tourists come here also for health purposes. In a short period of time, Nalchik was able to gain recognition not only from Russian, but also from European tourists.
The city is considered one of the popular destinations for tourism and mountaineering. Every year thousands of tourists come to the North Caucasus for thrills. When you come on vacation, you can not only enjoy the picturesque landscapes, but also unique architectural attractions.
