Where to go in Adler. TOP 50 attractions of the center, Olympic Park and surrounding area

Until recently, one of the most famous and largest areas of the resort city of Sochi was the Adler district,

and its administrative center is the city of Adler, one of the popular resorts in the Krasnodar Territory.

It is in Adler that all the main urban transport interchanges of the modern Sochi region are located - the Airport and the Railway Station; until recently, one of the main Sochi attractions was located here - the Olympic Park, built for the 2014 Winter Olympics. The famous off-season resort Krasnaya Polyana is also located in the Adler region.

Adler stretches along the coast from Kudepsta to the Mzymta River

In February 2020

year, the entire Olympic component of Adler, located in the Imereti Valley, with all sports, cultural and entertainment facilities on the left bank of the Mzymta, was separated into a new administrative unit - the urban-type village
Sirius
. And although it is no longer geographically part of Adler, historically and according to the associative perception of many vacationers, this settlement will for a long time be perceived as the Olympic part of Adler, or more precisely, its most popular Imereti Valley.

Today, tourists travel to Adler and Sirius in summer and winter, autumn and spring, because they know that here they will find not only comfortable conditions for recreation, but also many cultural and entertainment places and amazing natural reserves that can be visited both as part of excursion groups, and quite independently.
Today, the eastern border of Adler runs along the Mzymta River
. But this fertile area was not always such an attractive resort pearl; there were bloody wars and impassable swamps full of malarial mosquitoes on these lands. The history of a region is a cultural component of its present, and getting to know any place must begin with getting to know its history. You can read about the main significant stages of Adler’s history, including the fight against the malarial killer, which lasted until the mid-20th century.

Brief description of Adler

Adler is a microdistrict of the city of Sochi, Krasnodar Territory. It can be called a resort town; tourists come here every summer, and major international forums and other events are also held here. It was in Adler that the Winter Olympic Games were held in 2014.

Adler is located at the mouth of the Mzymta River and stretches along the Black Sea coast, from the left bank of the Kudepsta River to the right bank of the Psou River on the border with Abkhazia

Adler is located in the southern part of the Krasnodar Territory, on the shores of the Black Sea (the coastline in Adler is 17 km). The total area of ​​the town is 1352 km2. Adler is the center of one of the Sochi districts, which is home to about 140 thousand people.

A little bit of Adler's history

The prerequisites for the formation of the town appeared in 1837. Then the first settlement was founded here. Next to the fortification was the Abkhaz village of Liesh (at that time these lands did not yet belong to Russia). Lies merchants traded with Turkey, and the Turks called this coast Artlar. This name was firmly attached to the settlement, and later the pronunciation changed to Adler (from German - eagle).

In 1910, Drachevsky Park was laid out in Adler, and 17 years later, a workers’ settlement began to be built next to the park. In 1934, the center of the Sochi region was moved to this village. And in 1961, Adler was included in the city of Sochi (at the same time as Lazarevsky). At this time the town flourished. Health resorts, sanatoriums, etc. were built. The authorities did everything to make Adler a popular Russian resort.

How to get to Adler

You can get to Adler in several ways:

1. Flight (Sochi International Airport is one of the largest in the world). The flight from Moscow takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
2. Travel by train from almost any major city in Russia (you need to buy tickets in advance, they sell out quickly).
3. By your own car (on several federal highways).
4. Travel by bus from major Russian cities (about 1600 km from Moscow).

The most convenient way to get to Adler is along federal highways through the cities of Voronezh, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Tuapse, Dzhubga, Sochi, etc.

Imeretinskaya embankment

Location: Imeretinsky district, st. Morskoy Boulevard, 1 Visiting time: 1.5 hours Price: free Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Imeretinskaya embankment is the longest in Greater Sochi. It stretches for 5 kilometers. You can start the route along the embankment from the Imeretinsky Hotel (Morskoy Boulevard St., 1). What can you do here besides a regular walk?

• Rent a bicycle, tuk-tuk or scooter (from 120 rubles/hour).
• Eat at a local cafe (popular ones are Panorama, Weeping Willow, Cafe Parus, Fish Bone).
• Buy souvenirs.
• Arrange a photo shoot on the seashore.

In the summer season there is much more entertainment on the Imeretinskaya embankment than in the winter. Here they organize a soap bubble show, offer to take part in competitions, you can also listen to live music and have your portrait drawn by a professional artist.

You can get from Central Sochi to Imeretinskaya embankment:

• At Lastochka from Sochi railway station (Olympic Park stop).
• By bus No. 124C, No. 125, No. 55 (Olympic Park stop).
• By taxi or car sharing.

Fare: taxi – 1000 rubles, bus – 100 rubles, “Swallow” – 170 rubles.

Review of Adler sights

The main attractions of Adler can be divided into several groups:

• architectural;
• cultural;
• historical;
• natural.

Adler architecture

The architectural attractions of the town include the following objects:

• Olympic Park;
• fountain "Olympic Flame Bowl";
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior;
• Trinity Church;
• Train Station.

Olympic Park

The Olympic Park (Olympic Village) is the main attraction of Adler. This is a multi-million dollar project - a complex of unique structures built specifically for the Winter Games in 2014. The park is located on a small hill and includes the following structures:

• fountain "Olympic Flame Bowl";
• Tulip Inn Omega Sochi hotel (324 rooms - from economy to luxury classes);
• curling (capacity - 3000 seats);
• Fisht stadium (accommodates more than 41 thousand spectators);
• Iceberg Winter Sports Palace;
• Formula 1 track (lap length - 5.848 km), etc.

All sports facilities of the Olympic Village are illuminated at night
. Practical information:

• the park is located (you can get there by minibus No. 125C);
• Website: oparksochi.ru;
• Entrance to the park is free;
• Open: daily, 8:00–0:00.

Fountain "Olympic Flame"

The fountain, which is located in the center of the Olympic Park, is an element of the Winter Games in 2014. In the center of the site is a torch with the Olympic flame, and before the games there was a relay race where the passing baton was a miniature torch. Sochi residents say that this fountain is an Olympic heritage, evidence of involvement in world competitions. It is light and music. Every evening, to loud music, jets of water take part in a show.

Light and sound show schedule:

• in winter - from 18:00 to 19:00;
• in spring and autumn - from 19:00 to 20:00;
• in summer - from 20:30 to 21:30 (the switching schedule may change, this will be written on the official website of the park).

Video: singing fountain in Sochi Olympic Park

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Spassky Church is one of the segments of the spiritual and educational complex “Shelter of St. John the Baptist.” The shelter itself was built even before the appearance of the sports town. And in 2007, when it became known about the construction of the Olympic Park, it was decided to build a temple. In 2012, the 43-meter-high church was completed, and Archimandrite Flavian became its rector.

The author of the project was the architect from Sochi F. I. Afuksenidi. The architectural style is neo-Byzantine (as an example - the Moscow Church of the Icon of the Mother of God). It is interesting that this church combines the classic temple appearance and modern communications (in the temple, for example, there is an elevator, from the windows of which you can see the bell tower).

• address: Spasskaya street, 1;
• official website: ubrus-sochi.ru;
• Opening hours: daily, from 9:00 to 21:00;
• schedule of services: https://ubrus-sochi.ru/raspisanie.html.

The foundation of the Olympic Temple is a two-story building - a stylobate, which made it possible to solve the issue of placing premises in a small area

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church (Church of the Life-Giving Trinity) was opened in 1998. This is a small one-domed building that is popular with parishioners. 5 years before the opening of the temple, Archbishop Isidor of Ekaterinodar and Kuban blessed the start of construction. This was an important moment, since the laying of the first stone was exactly in the place where the center of the first settlement was located many years ago. The iconostasis of the church was made by the famous icon painter V. Simonenko. The rector is Archpriest Alexei Stadnyuk.

Interesting fact: the new Holy Trinity Church was rebuilt from the premises that once housed the Aeroflot ticket office.

Information for tourists:

• temple address: Kirova street, 22 “A”;
• official website: https://hram-adler.cerkov.ru;
• Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 18:00.

At the entrance to the temple there is a memorial plaque with the inscription “Erected on the historical site of the outpost of the Holy Spirit in 1837.”

Train Station

Adler railway station was built in 2013. This is a large terminal on the North Caucasus Railway of Russian Railways. The project of the ultra-modern building was developed by two large organizations at once: NPO Mostovik (Omsk, Russia) and GMP (Berlin, Germany).

The terminal is capable of serving 5 thousand passengers per hour, and in 2014 it could handle 20 thousand. The main hall is located at an altitude of 10 meters. The station provides services not only for transportation; passengers have access to luggage storage, bathrooms, a first-aid post, Wi-Fi, etc. In addition, from the waiting room you can get to the observation deck from which you can see the Black Sea.

Information for tourists:

• The station building is located at: Lenina Street, 113;
• Opening hours: 24/7, daily;
• official website: https://adler.dzvr.ru.

In addition to the fact that the Adler railway station looks like a giant art object, it is also high-tech - its heat is supplied by solar panels

Cultural attractions

Popular places for cultural leisure:

• Nizhneimeretinskaya embankment;
• Southern Cultures Park;
• Museum of the History of the Adler District;
• Park named after Bestuzhev-Marlinsky;
• KKZ sanatorium "South Coast".

Nizhneimeretinskaya embankment

Nizhneimeretinskaya embankment is a 7 km long street that stretches to the border with Abkhazia. It was built simultaneously with the Olympic Park. Here you can walk, ride a bike or roller skate, there are convenient descents to the water. The district administration organized the embankment infrastructure so that tourists and local residents would be as comfortable as possible. There are no stalls or dry closets here, but there are sculptures, art objects, sports equipment rentals, etc.

Information for tourists:

• the embankment is a 40-minute walk from the train station (next to the Olympic Park);
• the entrance is free;
• You can walk even at night (the entire embankment is illuminated).

The embankment is divided into a pedestrian zone and a rubberized bicycle path, along which runners also ride Segways and jog.

Southern Cultures Park

“Southern Cultures” is an dendrological park established in 1910. The founder of the botanical garden with a total area of ​​20 hectares was gardener-decorator A. E. Regel. This park is home to more than 5,000 rare plant species, including Japanese cherry blossoms and tulip trees. In addition, the park has a rose garden, several art objects and artificial ponds. Tourists really like to take pictures with the oak tree, which is more than 300 years old.

I visited arboretums in different cities. As a rule, the larger the garden, the more zones it has, for example: Japanese, European, African, etc. But in each of these parks there were areas that few people know about. Firstly, any botanical park has a gazebo for relaxation (usually they offer free tea, etc.). And secondly, if the gardener on duty likes you, then they will show you a secret zone (these are sectors that you simply cannot get into). They are rented for private (for example, holiday) events, but it is expensive. In the Penza Arboretum, renting a secret sector costs from 5,000 rubles per hour.

Information for visitors:

• park address: Gubernskaya street, 13;
• Opening hours: daily, from 9:00 to 19:00;
• cost of visit: up to 250 rubles;
• official website: https://park-yuzhnye-kultury.ru.

The dendrological park "Southern Cultures" is located near the left bank of the Mzymta River, so part of the river is used by the park, there is even a descent to the water

Museum of the History of the Adler District

The History Museum was founded in 1989. The main exhibits of the museum are archaeological finds and handicraft collections. Most of the exhibits date back to the 19th century. A tourist here might like the collections with national costumes.

You can view the exhibition on your own or as part of a guided tour. With a guide, exploring the museum will become more interesting. The fact is that next to each item there is a sign with the name and estimated date of creation. But the unique collection of fossil artifacts requires further explanation. For example, in this museum there are things that indicate that the first people appeared on the territory of modern Adler several thousand years BC.

Practical information:

• museum address: Tavricheskaya street, 9 (buses No. 57, 100, 117, 125 to the “Sovkhoz Rossiya” stop);
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 18.00, except Mondays;
• entrance fee: 30–50 rubles (children under 7 years old - free);
• official website: www.museum.ru/M2498.

The Museum of the History of the Adler District is divided into 5 sections - 5 thematic halls

Park named after Bestuzhev-Marlinsky

Bestuzhev-Marlinsky Park was opened in 1910. The initiators of the creation of the cultural object were Adlerites - A. Nikolaev and N. Marar. At first, thujas, cypresses and plane trees were simply planted. But later the alley was transformed. Every year, gardeners create unusual flower beds, and in the summer there are attractions for children.

The park is named after the Decembrist A. A. Bestuzhev. He died defending Cape Adler in 1837. And since Bestuzhev was a writer (his pen name was Marlinsky), the park was given a double surname. There is also a monument with a bas-relief (1957). The author of the sculpture is S. M. Tretyakov, a resident of Adler.

Information for tourists:

• park address: Bestuzheva Street, 8 (not far from the Adler shopping center);
• Opening hours: daily, 24 hours a day;
• the entrance is free.

A monument with a bronze bas-relief of the Decembrist was erected on the grave of the poet Bestuzhev

KKZ sanatorium "South Coast"

The cinema and concert hall of the sanatorium "Yuzhnoe Vzmorye" is a specially equipped room that serves as a concert hall, conference hall, cinema, etc. The hall with an area of ​​680 m2 is located on the third floor of the institution and seats 720 spectators. In 2014, renovations were made here (for the 50th anniversary of the sanatorium).

Concerts and stand-up performances are regularly held here. In the summer, KVN teams also perform on the KKZ stage. Theatrical performances and game programs are held daily for children.

Information for visitors:

• address: Kalinina Street, 1 (you can get there by buses No. 124, 125, 134, 167, stop “Yuzhnoye Vzmorye”);
• official website: https://uvzmorie.ru/congress/%D1%81oncert-hall/;
• operating hours: the sanatorium is open around the clock, and the KKZ is open depending on the schedule;
• ticket prices depend on the performance.

At various times, Valeria, Philip Kirkorov, Smash, Blestyashchie, Hi-Fi, Ivanushki International, etc. performed at the KKZ sanatorium “South Coast”.

Historical monuments

The most popular historical attractions:

• convent;
• Adler lighthouse;
• monument to the "Defenders of the Passes".

Trinity-St. George Monastery

Trinity-St. George Diocesan Monastery is a convent opened in 1999. This place is considered a historical landmark due to its history. The fact is that the monastery is the successor of the Holy Trinity Monastery, which used to be in the Adler region. During the Soviet years, the men's monastery, like most churches, was abolished. The building of the old monastery was demolished long ago, but there is still a stop “Monastery” (you can meet it on the road to Krasnaya Polyana). The women's monastery complex includes 8 temples of different icons, outbuildings, a bell tower and a garden plot.

Information for tourists:

• address: Lesnoye village, Mira street, 25 (it’s convenient to get from the center of Adler by taxi);
• the monastery is open 24 hours a day;
• services are held at 6:00, 9:00 and 17:00;
• the entrance is free.

The monastery consists of several temples: the archondarik, the Nativity of the Mother of God, the Abbess of Mount Athos, the icons of the Seven Arrow and Sandy Mother of God, Saint Uar, the icon “Quench My Sorrows” and the Vladimir Mother of God

Adler lighthouse

Adler lighthouse was built in 1898. Its height is 11 meters. The range of the beacon signal is 13 miles. The old lighthouse still operates uninterruptedly, so it is well known to the captains of all ships that ply in the Black Sea. There is an observation deck on the tower, but the lighthouse is fenced.

Some tourists do not understand why they should approach a lighthouse, the entrance to which is closed. But this historical object is truly unique. This is the southernmost lighthouse in Russia, as it stands at the very border with Abkhazia. And when the Adler and Abkhaz lands were officially demarcated, the tower could end up on the other side of the border line.

Information for tourists:

• lighthouse address: Primorskaya street, 10 “A” (next to the sanatorium “Yuzhnoe Vzmorye”;
• Entry into the tower is prohibited.

Adler lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Black Sea coast

Monument to the Defenders of the Passes

The monument in honor of the defenders of the Caucasus passes was erected in 1965. The author of the project was the architect G. F. Savchenko. This monument, which is an obelisk complex, is one of the most famous historical places in the North Caucasus.

As part of my work, I sometimes have to delve into history. When I was in the Caucasus, I learned a lot about the events in the south of the country during the Great Patriotic War. In one of the museums I was told that in the fall of 1942 the Nazis tried to capture the Caucasian passes. These are Aishkho and Pseashkho (they are located next to Krasnaya Polyana). Our territories were defended by soldiers of the 20th Mountain Rifle Division. The fighting continued almost until the spring of 1943. And the Krasnopolyans helped the soldiers of the Red Army (they were partisans and were guides, some brought food and ammunition to the soldiers). The passes were defended, but many local fighters died in those battles.

Information for tourists:

• the memorial is located near Krasnaya Polyana, on the territory of Radisson Peak (easy to get there by taxi);
• You can inspect the place at any time and for free.

Talentedly and uniquely made by a sculptor, the monument to the defenders of the passes is one of the most famous buildings dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War

Natural beauty in Adler

The most popular natural attractions:

• beaches on the Black Sea coast;
• trout farm "Adler";
• Akhshtyrskaya cave;
• Gluboky Yar waterfall;
• Mzymta river.

Beaches on the Black Sea

There are several municipal beaches in Adler: “Coral”, “Chaika”, “Ogonyok”, “Wagon Depot”, “Olympic”, etc. The most popular pebble beach of Adler stretches along the Nizhneimeretinskaya embankment. There are always a lot of tourists here, even in winter. For the convenience of vacationers, there are umbrellas, changing cabins, toilets, first aid stations, etc. You can rent a sun lounger or swimming equipment.

Tourists who are used to white sand may not like pebbles. I have seen different beaches, and pebble beaches are one of my favorites. The fact is that on such a coast there are the most shells (especially in spring and autumn). In addition to shells, other Black Sea artifacts (pieces of coral, beautiful stones, etc.) wash ashore. I have an aquarium, so a beach covered with pebbles is a real find for me.

Information for tourists:

• You can go down to the beach from the embankment.
• Opening hours: 24 hours a day;
• entrance fee: free.

The beach next to the Olympic village is the most popular beach of the resort, eagerly visited by both vacationers and local residents

Trout farm "Adler"

The Adler trout farm is a state-owned trout hatchery founded in 1964. The purpose of creating the farm was to study and breed trout. In 111 special tanks of the plant, breeds such as rainbow trout, kamloops, brown trout, steelhead salmon, etc. are raised. Every year the farm raises 500 tons of trout for sale, so the production is known not only in the Adler region, but throughout Russia.

Tourists are offered excursions here. Visitors are told about the history of the farm, the types of fish, the benefits of eating salmon fillets, etc. The excursion also includes watching a documentary film. And fans of fishing rods and spinning rods will be allowed to fish in one of the reservoirs.

Practical information:

• farm address: Kazachiy Brod village, Forelevaya street, 45 “A” (10 minutes drive from the airport, buses No. 131, 135);
• official website: https://forelevoe-hozyaistvo.ru;
• excursion cost: from 150 to 250 rubles (children under 7 years old - free).

The trout farm is engaged not only in research work, but also in the cultivation of trout for sale and the production of breeding material

Akhshtyrskaya cave

Akhshtyrskaya Cave is a unique natural monument, discovered in 1903 by E. A. Martel. The cave is 160 m deep and located at an altitude of 200 m above sea level. This place is also called a caveman site, since in 1936 archaeologist S.N. Zamyatin discovered in a cave a place where primitive people supposedly lived. Now the surrounding area has been landscaped, there are stairs, railings, information boards about each hall of the cave and archaeological sections. There is also a small grotto in which an icon of the Mother of God is installed.

Artifacts found in the cave for the first time testified to the presence of people here 70 thousand years ago. There was a period of 200 centuries when no one was here. And the Cro-Magnons lived in grottoes about 35 thousand years ago. Interestingly, the bones of cave bears were discovered in the cave; the signs indicate this.

• located in the Akhshtyrskoye Gorge, between Adler and Krasnaya Polyana (stop “Trout Farm”);
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00;
• Entry cost: from 200 rubles.

Akhshtyrskaya Cave is located on the territory of the Sochi resort and is recognized as one of the most significant natural attractions in Russia.

Waterfall Glubokiy Yar

Gluboky Yar (Dragon's Mouth) is a 41.5 m high waterfall. One of the most picturesque waterfalls is named after the river that flows into the Mzymta. Previously, the river ran several tens of meters higher than it is now, but over time it descended, boring away the stones. Even later, the riverbed split, and the lower one lay underground. Now the power of the waterfall depends on the completeness of the underground channel and the amount of precipitation.

In the place where the water falls, a small lake has formed. There is not enough light entering the canyon for the reservoir to warm up, so it is always cool here. The dragon's mouth is difficult to find, but there are always tourists here, as this is one of the coolest places in the Krasnodar region.

Information for tourists:

• the waterfall is located near the village of Monastyr (you can get there by buses No. 105, 135 and 105C);
• You can come here at any time and for free.

The amazingly beautiful Dragon's Mouth waterfall is part of the national park in Sochi

Mzymta River

The Mzymta is the longest river flowing into the Black Sea (89 km) with a basin area of ​​885 km2. On average, water flow per second reaches 45.6 m3 (measurements near the village of Kepsha). The Mzymta replenishes the sea by 1.4 km3 per year. There are several versions about the origin of the river's name. The first version says that the word “mzymta” means mad. This is what it says in the book by Yu. K. Efremov. According to the second version, before the Caucasian War the Medozyu tribe lived here.

My friend Dmitry is professionally involved in rafting (extreme rafting on mountain rivers). So he believes that the Mzymta is the best river in Russia for this sport. And the point is not only in the speed of the flow, but also in the absence of deadly thresholds. In his opinion, Mzymta is second only to Terek (Kabardino-Balkaria).

On the river you can meet not only rafters, but also fishermen. The main thing is to find a convenient descent to the water.

Information for tourists:

• the river follows the entire city of Sochi;
• exact coordinates: 43°34′20″ 40°37′33″;
• can be reached on foot (40 minutes walk from the Olympic Park).

Mzymta is the longest river in Russia with its mouth at the Black Sea

Sochi Arboretum

Where is it: Central Sochi, Kurortny Prospekt, 74 Time to visit: 3-4 hours Price: adult (both parks) – 250 RUR, children under 14 years old – 120 RUR, children under 7 years old admission is free. Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 20:00; from November to May – from 9:00 to 17:00

The Arboretum is a year-round outdoor museum, which is divided into 2 parks - upper and lower. We recommend starting your visit to the Arboretum from the cable car, which is located across the road from the park (adult ticket - 350 rubles, children from 7 to 14 years old - 250 rubles, children under 7 years old - free).

Arriving in the cable car cabin at the upper park, you can take unique photographs from the observation deck (included in the ticket price). Going down, look at the mammoth tree and the “prickly sucker”, as well as many other rare plants. In the upper park you can also visit the aquarium and exotarium, and look at peacocks and ostriches.

You need to go to the lower park through an underground passage. There, tourists feed ducks and swans, look at chinchillas, beavers, storks, otters and rabbits, and take photographs in a bamboo grove.

In total, the park has about 2,000 plants from different parts of the planet. Before your trip, download the Arboretum Guide app to your phone - it will help you navigate the park and learn stories about the plants and structures of the area. The Arboretum can be visited at any time of the year - it is beautiful both in winter and in summer. If you wish, you can book a guided tour in an electric car (cost: 150 rubles/person).

When is the best time to come to Adler

The holiday season in Adler lasts from April to October, but it is warm here all year round. Many tourists prefer to come in April or September because at this time of year it is warm like summer, but the prices are much lower. In addition, if you rent a hotel room, the best ones may be occupied.

I came to Sochi in August. I expected the “velvet season” to be warm and tender, but it turned out to be dry and sultry. Therefore, now I come to such southern cities in September.

FAQ

Where can you go with children in Adler? Park "Southern Cultures", Stadium "Fisht", Dolphinarium Aquatoria, Sochi Autodrom, Skating, Electric Museum "TESLA".

What can you see in Adler for free? Park named after Bestuzhev-Marlinsky, Adler Park of Culture and Recreation, Holy Trinity Church, Adler Market, Temple of the Image of Christ the Savior Not Made by Hands.

3 main attractions of Adler that are definitely worth a visit? Olympic Park, Sochi Park, Sochi Discovery World Aquarium.

Entertainment for children

If your child is not impressed by the architecture and nature, take him to the indoor skating rink and dolphinarium.

Ice skating rink in the Olympic Park

The Olympic Park skating rink is a figure skating training center named after Volosozhar and Trankov. The skating rink is open all year round, and after the Olympic Games anyone can come here. There is music here, skates and protective equipment are available for rent, and anyone skating can ask for help from doctors and instructors. In the evening, shows and celebrations are held here. Children will especially enjoy the gaming workshops.

Information for tourists:

• the skating rink is located in the Olympic Park (next to the Iceberg Ice Arena, entry through the Northern Checkpoint);
• a ticket for skating costs from 200 to 300 rubles;
• Opening hours: 24 hours a day;
• additional information on the Olympic Park website.

The ice surface is a special pride of the Iceberg Ice Palace and its training center, where the skating rink operates

Adler Dolphinarium

The Adler Dolphinarium was built in 1997. The pride of the object is the arena for performances. Its capacity is 1000 seats. The dolphinarium's pool is 20 m in diameter and 6 m deep. Bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions and whales participate in the show programs. One performance only lasts about an hour, but there are always a lot of children here.

Sometimes special events are held for young spectators. For example, my friend Samira's daughter rode a boat that was being pushed by a dolphin. She also said that one of the numbers involved painting on canvas. The masterpiece painted by a dolphin was taken by one of the spectators (the winner of some competition).

Information for visitors:

• address: Lenin street, 219/2;
• official website: adlerdelfin.ru;
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00–20:00);
• Entry cost: up to 600 rubles.

Video: Adler Dolphinarium through the eyes of a child

Marine Station

Where is it: Central Sochi, st. Voikova, 1 Time to visit: 40 minutes Price: free Opening hours: 24 hours a day

The Marine Station building is a real architectural landmark of the city of Sochi. It was built in 1955. Hundreds of tourists come here every day. What is there to do here?

• Take a boat trip on one of the snow-white yachts (from 600 rubles),
• Eat in a cozy cafe (popular and inexpensive ones are My Coffee, Weeping Willow, Rice, Swallows, Yumi, Guests),
• Take a photo in the park near the fountain and blooming magnolias,
• Stroll along the Trade Port and a number of brand stores,
• Have a snack at McDonald's.

If you come with your own car, you will have to look for a long time for a parking space - there are many people who want to stay here (especially in the summer season). Be prepared for the fact that you will be intrusively offered to ride on a yacht. If you are not interested in such offers, then it is better not to answer the sea barkers and pass by.

We recommend visiting the Sea Port in the evening, before sunset.

How many days do you need for sightseeing?

Although Adler is one of the districts of Sochi, it has long become an independent resort area, which takes about a week to explore. Of course, you can walk around the Olympic Park and explore its facilities in 1 day, but temples, museums and natural beauties deserve no less attention. If you stay in Adler for at least 1 night, you will need a hotel room. There are many of them here, the most budget rooms will cost about 1000 rubles per day.

When I went to Adler, I managed to rent a room with the hostess on the second floor of a private house (Sanatornaya Street). I paid 400 rubles per day. This, of course, is not a five-star hotel, but I had a bath, toilet, kitchen and TV. In addition, the hostess of the house explained to me where it is better to go, where to save money and where it is better not to go at all. I chose a more convenient area, but I was looking for a room 2 weeks before the trip, so I had a choice. Among the advertisements, I also came across offers for 250–300 rubles per day, but the houses were located far from the sea.

What else to see

If you have time left, you can visit a few more places:

• car museum;
• skypark;
• Tammsaare Museum;
• Discovery World Aquarium.

Adler Automobile Museum

The Automuseum in Adler is an exhibition of domestic vintage cars. The museum building was built in 2015; the main exhibits of the museum are cars from the USSR era. In addition to cars, other items from Soviet times are presented here (banknotes, canned food, clothing, postcards, etc.). For the convenience of visitors, the museum has an audio guide, and to avoid problems with it, you can connect to free Wi-Fi at the entrance. However, you need to register for the exhibition in advance.

The Automuseum in Adler is an exhibition of several dozen cars from the Soviet automobile industry and retro items

Information for visitors to the Auto Museum:

• address: Mezhdunarodnaya Street, 12 (near the entrance to the Olympic Park);
• official website: sochi-automuseum.ru
• Opening hours: daily, 10:00–21:00;
• Entry cost: up to 500 rubles.

Skypark in Adler

Skypark in Adler is a complex for extreme entertainment at different altitudes. This complex was created jointly with the New Zealand company AJ Hacket International. The skypark has several bridges up to 440 meters above the ground. The most popular entertainment in this complex is bungee jumping (jumping down with your legs tied to a cable). And for those who are afraid to jump, there is another fun option - a walk along the safest suspension bridge in the world - Skybridge.

Fun fact: The first bungee jump was performed by Oakland construction worker AJ Hackett. He loved extreme sports and once jumped from a 35-meter height with his legs tied to vines. Locals began to believe that bungee jumping would produce good yams. Since then, jumping has become popular all over the world.

Practical information

• Address: village of Kazachiy Brod (11 km from Adler);
• Website: ajhackett.com;
• Open: daily, 10:00–18:00 (in winter - until 17:00);
• the cost of tickets depends on the attraction (a regular ticket for a bungee is 1,250 rubles);
• Tickets must be booked in advance (online).

Skypark is an amusement park and complex for active family recreation at different altitudes

Tammsaare Museum

The house-museum of A.H. Tammsaare is part of the Sochi Literary and Memorial Museum of N.A. Ostrovsky. The famous Estonian novelist Tammsaare lived and worked in this house (built in 1910). The entire museum is dedicated to the work and life of the writer during his stay in the Caucasus.

In 1912, Hansen came to a small village (now in the Adler region) to be treated for tuberculosis. He wrote here about the happy life of immigrants from Estonia. He sent some of his works to his homeland. This did not leave his readers indifferent, and 36 Estonian families moved here, founding a small village, which is now called Esto-Sadok.

In addition to books, household items and national things, the museum also has unique artifacts: photographs, letters, etc. The museum also sometimes hosts literary and festive events.

Information for visitors:

• museum address: Esto-Sadok village, Estonskaya street, 35 (convenient to get there by taxi);
• official website: muzei-ostrovskogo.ru/muzey/dom_muzey_a_kh_tammsaree;
• Opening hours: daily, except Wednesday and Saturday (from 10:00 to 18:00);
• entrance fee: 50–300 rubles;
• photo and video shooting - 50 and 100 rubles, respectively.

Currently the museum of A.Kh. Tammsaare plays the role of the cultural, historical and ethnographic center of Krasnaya Polyana

Oceanarium Discovery

Discovery World Aquarium is the largest oceanarium in Russia, opened in 2009. Its total area is 6 thousand km2. 29 aquariums of different sizes hold 5 million liters of water. Among the aquarium's pets there are not only freshwater fish, but also representatives of the seas and oceans. The most interesting inhabitants: piranhas, reef sharks, discus fish, surgeon fish, etc. There is also a tunnel aquarium with sharks and corals, and sometimes show programs are produced (with mermaids, scuba divers, etc.).

There is a souvenir shop in the lobby of the oceanarium. Here you can buy not only shells, but also branded souvenirs (for example, a T-shirt with the Discovery World Aquarium sign).

Information for visitors:

• oceanarium address: Lenin street, 219 “A”;
• official website: sochiaquarium.ru;
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday (10:00 to 18:00);
• ticket price: 400–800 rubles (children under 4 years old - free).

Discovery World Aquarium is the largest oceanarium in Russia with a 44-meter long tunnel aquarium

Amusement park "Sochi Park"

Where is it located: Adlersky district, Olympiysky Prospekt, 21 Visiting time: unlimited Price: entrance ticket – from 1700 rubles Opening hours: 11:00 – 18:00

Sochi Park is a theme park that delights both children and adults. There is plenty of entertainment to suit every taste. There are about 30 attractions in Sochi Park - all of them are in the nature of Russian folk tales. In addition, in the park you can visit:

• petting zoo,
• Sovarium,
• Children's playgrounds,
• Master classes,
• Dolphinarium,
• Animation zone with show programs.

In the amusement park you can buy both a single ticket (unlimited access to all attractions) and a walking ticket.

During the summer season, we recommend planning a visit to the park for the whole day, as the queues for the attractions will be long.

You can get to Sochi Park from Central Sochi by Lastochka (170 rubles) or by bus No. 124C (100 rubles).

Tips for staying in Adler

Some tips for those who are planning to relax in Adler for the first time:

1. It is better to rent a hotel room, apartment or room in a private house in advance (in the case of hotels, you can even make an advance payment).
2. Transfer from the train station/airport can also be ordered in advance (some hotels provide this service).
3. There are private taxi drivers on duty at the station, who charge double payment from their passengers (it is better to use special online services).
4. If you are going to come in the summer, do not forget sunscreen, and if in the fall - warm clothes (even in warm autumn it can be windy on the coast).
5. Prepare in advance for visiting attractions (for example, for a walk through the Akhshtyrskaya Cave, you can prepare a snack and water in advance - there are no shops there).
6. Print out the Adler tourist map in advance.

   
   You can save a photo of a tourist map in the memory of your smartphone

Stalin's dacha

Where is it: Central District, Kurortny Prospekt, 120 Visiting time: 1 hour Price: adult ticket - 300 rubles, children's ticket - 150 rubles, children under 7 years old - free Opening hours: 10:00-17:00

If you have ever been interested in history, then you know exactly who I.V. Stalin is. His dacha is located in Sochi - a real architectural landmark of the 30s.

Tourists love to visit this place on their own. But, unfortunately, you will only be allowed inside the building as part of an excursion group (additional 200 rubles per person). The tour lasts 45 minutes: they will tell you about Stalin’s personality, his life, family, and the history of the country. Next, you are invited to walk around the museum on your own and take photographs.

The site offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city, there is also a large green garden and a park adjacent to the site.

Additional services at Stalin's dacha:

• Tea party (50 rubles/person).
• Photo session (1000 rub/hour).
• Rent a hall for lunch (from 10,000 rubles).

Mount Akhun and Agur waterfalls

Location: Khostinsky district, st. Agur Gorge, 1 Time to visit: 2-4 hours Price: entrance to the territory of the waterfalls – 100 rubles Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Mount Akhun and Agur waterfalls are located exactly in the middle between Sochi and Adler. We recommend combining a trip to Stalin's Dacha with a visit to the waterfalls and a climb up the mountain, since the distance between all three attractions is short.

Tourists love to visit this place because of the beautiful views, fresh air, waterfalls and rocky mountains. To visit Mount Akhun and Agur waterfalls, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing drinking water and a snack.

On Mount Akhun it’s worth climbing the observation tower - a stunning view opens up from there (cost - 100 rubles, under 7 years old - free). You can ride a Ferris wheel (adult ticket – 250 rubles, children’s ticket – 150 rubles). There is a popular tourist place on the territory - the Mangal restaurant.

At the Agur waterfalls you will find a sign with hiking routes. We recommend choosing “medium” in terms of difficulty level. In total you have to walk a little more than 4 kilometers. You will see a stunning sight - as many as 3 waterfalls, reaching 20 meters in height. And on the way to the waterfalls you will find several viewing platforms from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the river and mountains.

You can get to Mount Akhun from Central Sochi by buses No. 2, No. 102, No. 100, No. 125 (stop “Maly Akhun”). To get to the Agur waterfalls you need to go from the “Maly Akhun” stop to the “Sputnik” stop by bus No. 48. From there, according to the signs, you will have to walk 3 kilometers along a forest hiking trail.

Rosa Khutor

Location: village. Estosadok, st. Olimpiyskaya, 35 Visiting time: unlimited Price: free Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Rosa Khutor is a large mountain resort that operates for tourists both in winter and summer. Here you can truly touch the city's Olympic heritage.

What can you do in the summer?

• Rent a bicycle or electric bike and ride along the mountain routes of Krasnaya Polyana
• Swim in a luxurious pool,
• Look at the mountain sunset
• Visit a deer farm
• Take a paragliding flight (cost: 5,500 rubles),
• Visit the indoor karting track (cost - from 1000 rubles),
• Play sports on the street or in the fitness center,
• Shoot in a crossbow and archery shooting range (cost - from 300 rubles),
• Have a picnic at an altitude of 2320 meters,
• Take a ride on the cable car (cost from 900 rubles).

At Rosa Khutor you can purchase a subscription that will allow you to ride on all cable cars without restrictions (the cost of an adult subscription is from 1,750 rubles, a child’s subscription is from 900 rubles).

What are the entertainment options in winter?

• Visit the Museum of Archeology (adult ticket – 400 rubles, children’s ticket – 200 rubles, under 7 years old – free),
• Go skiing/snowboarding (the cost of a set of equipment for an adult is from 1500 rubles, for a child – from 750 rubles),
• Visit the cultural and ethnographic museum (ticket price – 500 rubles),
• Take up figure skating (cost - from 200 rubles),
• Take a ride on the rodel bath (cost - from 700 rubles),
• Play curling (cost from 2000 rubles),
• Visit a spa or bath complex (cost - from 1,500 rubles).

You can spend a weekend or a whole vacation at Rosa Khutor. There are many budget and, conversely, expensive hotels here (popular ones include Park Inn Radisson, Tulip, Golden Tulip, Mercure).

There is also a large concert hall - Rosa Hall. Before your trip, be sure to look at the posters for upcoming concerts and performances.

You can get to Rosa Khutor from Central Sochi:

• At Lastochka (cost – 400 rubles).
• By buses No. 125, No. 105, No. 105С, No. 124С (cost – 100-150 rubles).

Upon arrival at the Rosa Khutor railway station, you can use a free transfer.

Zmeykovskie waterfalls

Location: Khostinsky district, st. Izmailovskaya, 166 Visiting time: 2 hours Price: 100 rubles Opening hours: hours a day

Zmeykovsky waterfalls are a very beautiful and mesmerizing sight. The length of the route is short - only 1 kilometer. You will walk along one path past a green grove and rare plants. The last of the five waterfalls is the largest and most photographed. At the end of the route there is a spring with drinking water.

The route to Zmeykovskie waterfalls does not require serious physical training - it can be done even with children. In the summer, don’t forget to take your swimwear with you – swimming is allowed at Zmeykovskiye Waterfalls.

To visit the waterfalls, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing drinking water and a snack. By the way, there is a special area on the territory where you can have lunch and grill your own barbecue.

You can get here from Central Sochi by bus No. 120 and No. 180 from the railway station.

Krasnaya Polyana (“Gorki-gorod”)

Location: village. Estosadok, st. Gornaya Karusel, 5 Visiting time: unlimited Price: free Opening hours: 24 hours a day

The Krasnaya Polyana resort is located on two levels - upper and lower. On the lower level there are a number of different hotels and apartments (you can stay here for the night), there are also good cafes and restaurants (popular ones are Sugrob, Olivier, KFC, Pomidorka). On the lower level you can buy souvenirs. From here there is a cable car to higher levels (960 m and 2200 m). The cost of the cable car on two levels is 1290 rubles.

There is more entertainment on the upper levels. From here you have gorgeous panoramic views of the mountains - you can arrange a cool photo shoot. Tourists are offered a ride in a hot air balloon (800 rubles), an ATV (1,250 rubles), and also go along interesting walking routes (length - 1 to 5 kilometers, depending on the level of difficulty).

We recommend taking warm clothes with you if you are going to climb to 960 and 2200 meters above sea level. The temperature there is much lower.

You can get to Krasnaya Polyana from Central Sochi by bus No. 105 from the railway station (150 rubles) or by “Lastochka” (400 rubles).