Sights of Nalchik. What to see and where to go

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.

Where to stay in Nalchik

If you choose Nalchik as the city for your next vacation, you will not be disappointed. It’s beautiful, hospitable, interesting, and most importantly, inexpensive. A traveler with any budget can find accommodation here to his liking - at the same time, you will relax conveniently and in comfort.

Are you on a budget? So, choose among the hotels in Nalchik. You can find excellent hotel complexes with swimming pools, spa centers and solid medical facilities. In the Dolinsk resort area there are sanatoriums based on the mineral springs of Kabardino-Balkaria - many of them are not inferior in quality to the famous resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters .

Budget tourists will also not be disappointed in their choice of accommodation in Nalchik. Consider guest houses or rent apartments - this option is especially beneficial for large companies and families with children.

Are you saving? Stay at a hostel. This is especially beneficial if you are vacationing in Nalchik alone - you will find a company with similar interests and save money.

Hotels in Nalchik
Guest houses
Apartments, apartments
Hostels for budget tourists

Don't forget about another way to save money while traveling. This is booking accommodation on Booking.com with cashback.

Read more: Cashback promotion on Tourister.Ru

Hotel "Russia" Photo: © miljkovic14

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.

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.

Interesting excursions in Nalchik

Capital Nalchik is a great idea for a short walk. This is a city with history: mansions from the era of Tsarist Russia, the legacy of the USSR, well-groomed parks and sanatorium areas. All this is especially interesting to learn in the company of a local guide, an expert on the city and Caucasian beauties.

He will tell you what not to miss in the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria if you come for 1 day, where to visit, what to pay attention to. And also secret locations from local residents - galleries, viewing terraces, cozy cafes. Book a sightseeing tour, a city tour, and there will be no secrets left for you in the capital Nalchik.

All excursions around Nalchik on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru

Walk around Nalchik Photo: © Karina Ivanova

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 go in the vicinity of Nalchik: natural attractions

When you have walked along the alleys of Nalchik parks, tasted mineral water and taken all the memorable photos, you can hit the road. The main reason to come to Kabardino-Balkaria is its magnificent nature. She will not leave indifferent fans of everything beautiful.

National Park "Elbrus"

The main natural heritage of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is the Elbrus region national park. On its territory there are picturesque gorges, alpine lakes and meadows, mineral springs, ski slopes, majestic rivers and waterfalls. And also incredible mountain peaks, the highest in Russia and Europe. People come here to admire Elbrus , and perhaps to conquer this proud beauty a little.

Most of the park is virgin forest. Not only the usual deciduous and coniferous trees grow here, but also endemics from the Red Book. You can get to know them by walking along the tracks on foot, ordering a horse ride or a jeep ride. A cable car is also at your service; it will take you to a dizzying height of +3750 meters above sea level.

Guests can visit the Elbrus ski resort - from November to March people go skiing here, and in the warm season they walk along numerous trekking trails. They will lead you to waterfalls, lakes, mountain passes and valleys, and mineral springs. If you want to come here for a few days to explore the sights of the national park without haste, stay in the village of Terskol .

Ski resort "Elbrus"

The Elbrus ski resort, located on the southern slopes of the mountain of the same name, is also interesting. It starts from the Azau glade, and is included in the list of the most popular all-season resorts in our country. You can come here throughout the year: from November to April for skiing, and from May to the beginning of autumn, walking trails with fantastic views await resort guests.

The Elbrus ski complex is represented by seven slopes. Their total length is 11 kilometers, there are blue, red and black trails. The tourist infrastructure is excellent: hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, equipment rental points. Come to the village of Terskol with the whole family and have a great rest.

Aushiger Hot Springs

Have you come to Nalchik to not only enjoy the beautiful nature, but also have a great rest? This is not difficult to do. Just 25 kilometers from the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria are the Aushiger hot springs. Their waters come from a depth of 4000 meters, reaching approximately +40...50 °C at the outlet.

Several thermal complexes were built on the basis of the Aushiger springs. Hotels, cafes, outdoor pools and baths welcome visitors all year round. Please note: Aushiger thermal waters are suitable for both oral and bathing. They relieve stress, fatigue, treat ailments and rejuvenate the body.

Chegem Gorge

Your great Caucasian adventure can begin in the vicinity of Nalchik. Literally 40-50 minutes on a normal quality road - and you are there, admiring the magnificent Chegem Gorge. This place is beautiful and accessible regardless of the season. The cleft in the rocks, which the Chegem River formed with its flow, stretches 3 kilometers in length. Its width in some places is only 15–20 meters, and the rocks go up 300 meters.

The impressive sight fascinates travelers, but the Chegem Waterfalls deserve special attention - many water streams along the rocks. In winter they freeze, and you feel like you are traveling through the kingdom of the Snow Queen. By the way, you can travel and explore the beauty of the Chegem Gorge for more than one hour (or even one day). So, pay attention to the ancient watchtowers, ruins of ancient temples and fortresses. The City of the Dead in the village of Eltyubyu is also very interesting.

And of course, in the Chegem Gorge, a place of attraction for tourists, the infrastructure is well developed. There are many improvised counters with souvenirs and snacks, photo zones, cafes and hotels, and convenient viewing platforms. The Chegem Gorge should definitely be added to your wishlist of beauties in the vicinity of Nalchik.

Blue lakes of Kabardino-Balkaria

Even if you have not yet been to Kabardino-Balkaria, you have probably seen photographs of this picturesque place. Just imagine: solid mountains covered with emerald forests, and against their background there are five lakes with azure water. This is not a wonderful dream, this place exists in reality - the Blue Lakes of Kabardino-Balkaria. The lakes are called “blue” not for the sake of advertising; the water in them is truly a beautiful azure color. The water surface plays especially well in sunny weather. The route to them has long become the most popular tourist destination in the vicinity of Nalchik.

What are the Blue Lakes? These are 5 reservoirs of karst origin, in the Chereksky region of the republic. You will spend only one hour on the road from Nalchik. All reservoirs are located within a radius of two kilometers. These are the two Upper Blue Lakes, the Lower Lake, the Secret and the Dry Lake.

The route can be built this way: see the Lower Blue Lake, then Lake Secret. After 500 meters you will be greeted by the Upper Blue Lakes. If you wish, you can have lunch on the shores of the lakes, drink mountain tea with honey, or even stay in a hotel for a few days. The route to the Blue Lakes is all-season; you can come here either as a family with small children or as a group of young people - it’s interesting and tireless.

Read more: Blue lakes of Kabardino-Balkaria

Bezengi Gorge

Blue lakes and Chegem waterfalls are well-known attractions. But if you dream of seeing something more unusual, hidden from the eyes of mass tourists and even exclusive, pay attention to the Bezengi Gorge. This is a great route for lovers of mountains, because you will get to know an incredible series of five-thousander peaks. It is not for nothing that they call it the “Little Himalayas”; all climbers in the country dream of these places.

Although, these days, the magnificent views of Bezenga are available not only to climbers. It’s easy to get to the Bezengi camp by road, and various walking routes start from there. You can choose the length and difficulty level that suits you. Try to see the Bezengi glacier, this is one of the most beautiful places in the Caucasus.

Springs and tract Djily-Su

But if you need to choose just one place in Kabardino-Balkaria that you can visit, let it be the Djily-Su tract. A true natural wonder of the entire Caucasus, Djily-Su is home to magnificent open spaces, hot springs, and impressive waterfalls. Experienced tourists say that all the wonders of Djily-Su cannot be seen in one day; it is better to stay overnight here. True, the tourist infrastructure here is not yet developed; you will have to spend the night in a tent. But you are guaranteed a complete break from civilization!

What to see in Djily-Su? Walking routes, vivid views of the surrounding expanses, and the road to Djily-Su itself are already a tourist attraction. Don't miss the mineral springs, especially the famous Narzan Djily-Su. But the main reason why people come here is the fantastic waterfalls. Their noise and power are so high that often a cloud of spray reaches hundreds of meters around.

The most famous waterfalls are called Sultan and Karakaya-Su. The height of Sultan is 40 meters, Karakaya-Su is 25. Both waterfalls are full-flowing, majestic, incredibly beautiful. They are frequent visitors to the lenses of photographers and fans of social networks.

Read more: Springs and the Djily-Su tract

Park "Valley of Narzans"

Getting to know Djily-Su can be combined with a visit to another interesting site, the Narzan Valley Park. Here you can not only walk, relax, dine in the fresh air, but also taste mineral water directly at the source. The Narzan Valley is located in a very picturesque place, surrounded by rocky mountains.

The park is surrounded by greenery of coniferous forests, offering excellent views. The valley got its name thanks to springs of one type; there are more than twenty of them. The water in these springs is healing and rich in many microelements. The area is nice, well-groomed, there are both landscaped pump rooms with mineral water, and cafe services - you can have lunch or drink a cup of aromatic herbal tea.