Mountains, Eagles and Juniper: Wellness Terrenkur Routes in Krasnodar Krai

Terrenkur Trails of Sochi

A concrete path through the thickets The juniper, plane trees, cypress, and eucalyptus groves saturate the air with phytoncides and the scent of pine. There are also a few steep descents and ascents, but along the way, you will often find benches where you can rest. The route continues to the Central Stadium on the bank of the Bzugu River. You can exit earlier — near the ski lifts to the “Sochi” sanatorium, but then you will have to ascend to the Kurortny Prospekt either by funicular or by a steep and long staircase. If moving from Matsesta, you can enjoy views of the Black Sea through the greenery. At night, the health trail is well lit. Start of the route: Sculptural symbol of Matsesta on Cheltenham Alley St. Length: 4565 m Travel time: from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 43.545535, 39.788273

Rosa Khutor

A year-round ski resort The health trail at the resort includes three circular routes — from the simplest, the Small Ring, accessible even to children, to the Medium and Large Rings.

Website: rosakhutor.ru

Small Ring

A great route to start your walking journey at the resort The tiled path stretches from Rosa Square to Rosa Beach. Surrounding it is lush subtropical vegetation. The Terrenkur trail leads to the lakeside beach near the “Seasons” restaurant and the Barsov Bridge. Along the way, don't miss the observation deck, where you can take great photos. Start of the route: Behind the Radisson Rosa Khutor Hotel Length: 400 m Travel time: 15-20 minutes Difficulty: Low, suitable for children from 7 years old Season: Year-round

Address: Coordinates: 43.673722, 40.298184

Website: rosakhutor.ru

Medium Ring

The route passes through a park, under the canopy of hornbeam and beech trees The Medium Ring is suitable for those in good physical condition. The path includes many fairly steep ascents and descents. Therefore, make sure to wear comfortable footwear. At the starting point of the Medium Ring, there is a stand with a map. You can assess the route and mark rest stops and landmarks. The main highlights are the Stone Trail and the Bath. Along the way, you will encounter several observation platforms. Start of the route: Behind the Radisson Rosa Khutor Hotel Length: 2000 m Travel time: 1–1.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 43.673722, 40.298184

Website: rosakhutor.ru

Large Ring

A route in the shady forest zone of the Mzymta River valley The Large Ring has 919 steps, crosses 13 mountain streams, and two waterfalls. Start of the route: Behind the Radisson Rosa Khutor Hotel Length: 2400 m Travel time: 1.5 - 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 43.673722, 40.298184

Website: rosakhutor.ru

Bear Waterfall

Mountain valleys here are known as “cirques” These are natural amphitheaters formed by glacier movements. Even in the middle of summer, snow still lies in some parts of the cirques. The eco-trail to the picturesque cascade Bear Waterfall passes through the mountain valley Tsirk-2. The route goes through rhododendron thickets, past the high-altitude chapel of Saints Faith, Hope, Love, and their mother Sophia. From the height, you will have an impressive view of the peaks of the Main Caucasian Ridge. Start of the route: Mountain valley Tsirk-2 Length: 1000 m Elevation gain: 100 m Travel time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Moderate Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 43.643964, 40.255236

Website: krasnayapolyanaresort.ru

Mountain Bath, Seasons Trail

Don’t forget to bring your swimwear On the route, you will encounter a mountain bath. Dipping into the scorching cold water on a hot summer day is an incomparable pleasure. The water temperature in the bath in summer is from +12 to +15 °C. At an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, a viewing platform has been set up for travelers. From here, you get an unforgettable view: the Mzymta River valley, the peaks of the Main Caucasian Ridge, and the peaks of the Aibga Ridge. Start of the route: Polyana 960, upper station of the cable car "Krasnaya Polyana" Length: 2 km Elevation gain: 150 m Travel time: 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 43.663963, 40.254909

Website: krasnayapolyanaresort.ru

Trekking to the Polikarya Waterfall

One of the highest and most picturesque waterfalls in southern Russia Its special strength is accumulated every spring. The name “Polikarya” comes from a Greek word that means “a brave warrior.” The eco-trail is quite difficult and consists of a continuous three-kilometer climb, part of which passes along an open slope. An easy alternative: you can reach the waterfall by cable cars. First, take the K-10, then two transfers — to K-12 and K-13 — and you will reach the entrance to the trail, marked with a sign. The path along the well-maintained trail in the picturesque forest takes 30–40 minutes. Start of the route: Cable car "Polikarya Waterfall," Polyana 960 Route map: yandex.ru/maps Elevation gain: 600 m Travel time: 4 hours Difficulty: High Season: May to October

Website: krasnayapolyanaresort.ru

Fern Valley

The eco-trail passes through the vibrant green forest with huge ferns These fantastic plants appeared on the planet millions of years ago and have survived to this day. A branch of the trail leads to the abandoned ski lift and the very first ski slope of Krasnaya Polyana. Start of the route: Polyana 900, lower station of the cable car "Start of the Champion" Length: 2.3 km Elevation gain: 170 m Travel time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 43.668076, 40.267424

Website: krasnayapolyanaresort.ru

Big Bay

An extended version of the previous route About half of the route passes through the most beautiful places in the city center, and the other half runs along the waterfront, leading to the monument to the Resting Person, then returning to Theater Square. From there, you’ll head to the Local History Museum via Protapov Street. The trail then circles the Anapa Lighthouse and turns right onto the Upper Embankment. Walking from the central promenade to Anapa Cape, you will see the "High Shore" beach located in Small Bay. Turn right onto Revolution Avenue, where the mineral water pump room and the children’s sports school with an indoor swimming pool are located. To your left, you will find the Seaport and the Therapeutic Beach, and to your right — the Anapa Archaeological Museum and the "Pearl of Anapa" fountain. The route then continues along the embankment, which runs parallel to the Anapa Bay, returning to Theater Square. Start of the route: Theater Square Length: 5320 m Travel time: 2–2.5 hours Difficulty: Low Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 44.894243, 37.311633

High Shore

Ideal for active leisure lovers Walk along the embankment to the "High Shore" beach, through the Nut Grove, and return the same route. There are two excellent observation points on the route: Supsekh on Lysa Hill and about a kilometer further — "Swallow’s Nests," where the terrenkur ends. Start of the route: Cultural center Rodina Length: 7500 m Travel time: 2.5–3 hours Difficulty: Moderate Season: May to October

The Markoth Terrenkur Trail

The route runs along the slope of the Markoth Ridge The well-maintained trail runs through the natural park area. Along the way, there are 12 rest stops, viewing platforms equipped with gazebos and benches, so the walk won’t be too tiring. Start of the route: Near the "Olymp" cable car Length: 7200 m Travel time: 4 hours Difficulty: Low Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 44.575094, 38.096324

Canyon

A great walk through juniper forests Walk amidst the protected mountains with views of the Prevrannaya rock, to which, according to legend, Prometheus was chained. Start of the route: Gazebo with a green roof on the way down to the sea Length: 3000 m Travel time: 2-2.5 hours Difficulty: Low Season: Year-round

Address: Coordinates: 44.762948, 37.388102

Savina Shchel Gorge

Walk through broadleaf forests, coniferous woods, and a beech-hornbeam grove From Sukko village, the route will take you to the Navagir Ridge at an altitude of 270 meters. Along the way, stop to admire a picturesque stream. If you're lucky, you might encounter the Nikolski’s tortoise — one of the endangered species living in the reserve. Start of the route: Sukko village Length: 3000 m Travel time: 2-2.5 hours Difficulty: Low Season: Year-round

Dantovo Gorge — Salvation Rock

A short but intense route From the city, the route leads to Salvation Rock, then continues with a short climb to Abadzeh or Klyuchevaya Mountain. The ruins of the medieval fortress Psyzfabé are preserved here. The route continues to the Tsar's Gazebo. Now a modern building stands here, but the historical gazebo was built in 1864 before the visit of Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich, though it hasn’t survived to the present day. Next, the trail leads you to the next archaeological site — the 'Ancient Reservoir,' a stone bowl intended for collecting fresh water. The route finishes with a walk along stone steps through Dantovo Gorge and then along the stream’s bank to its source. Start of the route: Information stand "Mobile Guide" at Psekupski St., 2 Length: 1500 m Travel time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Low Season: May to October

Address: Coordinates: 44.620441, 39.094115