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.

Ski holidays in Kabardino-Balkaria

Nalchik is a city of various holiday styles. However, if you come to visit in winter, you will probably want to see the snow-covered mountain expanses. The ski resorts of the Elbrus region are considered an ideal place for such an acquaintance.

Two ski resorts, Cheget and Elbrus, are the oldest in our country. They were the dream of Soviet skiers, as well as modern fans of speed on the snow slopes. The resorts are located on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, along the Baksan ridge. The ski infrastructure stretches for almost 15 kilometers and includes hotels, cafes, restaurants, recreation and entertainment areas, equipment rental points and ski schools, and of course cable cars to the mountains.

Landscapes of the Elbrus region

“Elbrus” annually takes prizes among the ski resorts of our country. If you come to resorts in winter solely for the sake of skiing, it is more convenient to stay in the villages of Polyana Elbrus and Polyana Cheget.

They are located within walking distance from the ski lifts. All other tourists who are not focused on skiing and snowboarding can choose more budget accommodation.

These are the villages of Adyl-Su, Baidaevo, Terskol. By the way, they are waiting for you to visit all year round - to breathe fresh air, admire the mountains and waterfalls, walk along ecological trails and just relax.

If you haven’t decided on a resort yet and want to ride both Cheget and Elbrus, stay in the village of Terskol. It is located at a short distance from both one and the other. You can also come here from Nalchik if you wish; the distance is just over 100 kilometers. You'll go for a ride and come back.

The resorts of the Elbrus region have the longest ski season in the Caucasus. Already in November, the slopes await their conquerors, and you can ski here until May. On certain sections of the slopes, in the area of the Gara-Bashi station and above it, snow lies all year round. At the same time, winter at the resorts is quite mild and comfortable, sunny. The average temperature is about -3 °C. So, which resort would you like better?

Ski complex "Cheget"

The resort is located, as you might guess from the name, at the foot of Mount Cheget. It is known for its steep slopes and equally dashing skiers.

Resort "Cheget"

The Cheget ski complex is considered a haven for experienced freeriders and other extreme sports enthusiasts. There are no convenient fenced trails here.

It is unlikely that this resort is suitable for a family holiday or skiing for beginners; skiing on the slopes of Cheget is quite dangerous.

The height of Mount Cheget is 3700 meters. On the ski lifts you can reach a level of +3050 meters above sea level; the resort has three ski lifts - a rope tow and two chairlifts.

The total length of the resort's trails is about 20 kilometers. Please note: there is only one green track on Cheget, the rest are red and black. More convenient trails are located on the southern slope; it is recommended to master the northern slope only in the company of an experienced instructor.

The lower station is located at +2120 meters at Polyana Cheget. There are hotels, cafes, and ski equipment rentals here. The tourist infrastructure of the resort is not very developed, and if you want to combine skiing with entertainment, choose the Elbrus resort.

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.

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.

Routes around Nalchik in stories and tips from tourists

So, you have decided on the destination for your next vacation - this is Nalchik and its surroundings. An excellent choice, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is very generous in its beauty - both natural and created by human genius. What not to miss in Nalchik and its environs, where to take a walk, have lunch, relax, buy souvenirs, read the materials of our authors. Their stories, advice, routes, photo albums invite you to hit the road!

You will find interesting routes around Nalchik in city guide
A fresh overview of the beauties of Kabardino-Balkaria is offered by Viktor Bashkir in the story “Ah, leave unnecessary disputes”;
How to get to the Djily-Su waterfalls and what not to miss along the way, read Maria Penina’s essay “Be careful, you can fall in love...”;
Impressions about the resorts of Kabardino-Balkaria await you in Tatyana’s material “Two very different days in the Caucasus Mountains”;
Natalia’s rich review “Three in one - Elbrus, Bermamyt, Djily-Su or an exciting jeep tour.”

All reviews about holidays in Kabardino-Balkaria on Turister.Ru