Zheleznovodsk is a cozy green town, shrouded in forest and fog descending from the peaks of the Caucasian laccoliths. With unique water that has a bright taste of iron, making its way from the mountain of the same name. We came here from neighboring Pyatigorsk and, frankly, did not expect that the smallest town would turn out to be the pearl of the four resorts.
In this article I will briefly describe the route of one day - what to see in Zheleznovodsk and the surrounding area along which we walked ourselves. We were a little unlucky with the weather, it was raining, but still this did not spoil the pleasant impression of the city.
Features of Zheleznovodsk that you need to know about
The city is built among protected forests, in a hilly valley between the Beshtau and Zheleznaya mountains. Among the resort towns of Kavminvod, Zheleznovodsk is the smallest and calmest; after 20 o’clock life on its streets comes to a standstill. If you want fun nightlife, then go to Kislovodsk or Pyatigorsk.
From other resorts you can get to Zheleznovodsk in 4 ways:
- take minibus 213, departs from the railway station, in Zheleznovodsk get off at the Kurortny Park stop
- by train, it runs only on weekends on Saturday and Sunday
- Taxi
- or with a tour group. We book our place on the excursion through the tripster website - it’s so convenient that they pick you up right from your front door
From Pyatigorsk to Zheleznovodsk there is minibus 213, the fare costs 40 rubles.
A little history
Today the resort has federal significance, but at the beginning of the 19th century, in its place there were unsightly buildings and mud baths, which were ordinary pits fenced with fences. Resort residents have appeared in the surrounding area since 1812, and from that time on, the gradual arrangement and development of the tourist destination began. The name was given by the German doctor and researcher Friedrich Haas. Seeing orange traces around the outlet of the springs, he mistook them for rust, making sure that there were ferrous compounds in the drink. This turned out to be a mistake, but the name Zheleznovodsk was cemented in history.
Resort Park
I recommend starting your tour of the Caucasus Mining Waters from this park. The protected park is the heart of the resort, very calm and peaceful, just like Zheleznovodsk, with a lot to see. There are three pump rooms with mineral water of different compositions on the territory; it consists of several levels and is divided into Lower and Upper parks.
Inside the park there are excursions on electric cars around Mount Zheleznaya, and rental of electric scooters and bicycles is available. Through its vast territory there are many walking paths to interesting places, such as the Mistress of the Mountain and the Permafrost Cave.
map of the Resort Park with routes
In addition to squirrels, the park is also home to many furry friends; they even came up with a name for them - resort cats.
Attractions in the vicinity of Zheleznovodsk
Mount Iron
Mount Iron
The main decoration of the urban landscape is Iron Mountain. Its height is more than 850 meters; at the very top there is an observation deck. The mountain is known primarily for its springs, saturated with ions and minerals. There are more than twenty of them: among the springs there are cold, warm and hot ones - up to 60°C.
After a healthy swim, you can continue your journey through the mountain forest or turn onto the eastern slope - to the resort park.
Address: northeast of Zheleznovodsk (GPS coordinates 44.13999729225546, 43.03082077220409)
When to visit: any time
Visit: free
Mount Kabanka
Mount Kabanka
Kabanka is famous for its dense deciduous forest and interesting flora: 8 Red Book plants grow on it. Its flat top, reminiscent of a steppe, is located at an altitude of more than 760 meters. Everyone who gets to this place will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and the peaks of the neighboring mountains - Razvalka, Zmeyka and Zheleznaya.
Address: Zheleznovodsk, suburb (GPS coordinates: 44.123250, 43.003173)
When to visit: any time
Visit: free
Mountain Honey
Mountain Honey
At approximately the same height, about 720 meters, Mount Medovaya is located - an ancient volcano that fell asleep thousands of years ago. Trails lead to its very top, but you can climb the rocky tooth only with special equipment. Already at the foot of the peak a panorama of the city opens up, a view of Beshtau and Mashuk.
Some paths lead through tall beech forests of fabulous beauty.
Address: Zheleznovodsk, suburb (GPS coordinates: 44.134758, 43.009794)
When to visit: any time
Visit: free
Mount Razvalka
Mount Razvalka
The highest of the listed mountains is Razvalka: the peak reaches 926 meters. Its ridge is rocky, steep, partially covered with forest. If you look at its southern side, it vaguely resembles the head of a lion.
On the northern slope there is the Grafsky cold spring, a little further you can find permafrost, as well as the Saltpeter Cave and traces of an ancient settlement. Razvalka is a landmark that is definitely worth viewing from all sides.
Address: Zheleznovodsk, suburb (GPS coordinates: 44.15428533877284, 43.03427261612154)
When to visit: any time
Visit: free
Permafrost Cave
Permafrost Cave
At the beginning of the 20th century, an amazing phenomenon was discovered at the foot of Mount Razvalki - a grotto with permafrost. Even in the heat of summer, its temperature at the entrance remains at about zero degrees.
However, due to the difference in pressure, condensation forms inside, which becomes an ice source outside. It is best to get to the entrance to the adit with a local guide.
Address: Zheleznovodsk, Mount Razvalka (GPS coordinates: 44.157235468077864, 43.0307325)
Opening hours: daily, 24 hours a day
The entrance is free
Temple of the Beheading of John the Baptist
Temple of the Beheading of John the Baptist
In 1914, in Karras, at the resting place of the railway engineer Ivan Inozemtsev, a family church with a tomb on the ground floor was built.
In the USSR, the building became a local club, the sarcophagi were quickly destroyed, but with the collapse of the union, they decided to restore the church. A small brick temple with five domes and a bell tower can be visited by everyone.
Address: pos. Inozemtsevo, Svobody Ave., 44
Opening hours: daily from 07:00 to 19:00
The entrance is free
Dacha of the Emir of Bukhara
The dacha of the Emir of Bukhara is the former residence of a Central Asian ruler in the Caucasus and a beautiful building in the Moorish style of the early 20th century with turrets and a golden dome. In Soviet times, it was a building of the sanatorium named after. Telman. Now it is private property, restoration was supposed to be completed in November 2022, but it never began. On our visit, it was in terrible disrepair and resembled an autistic abandoned place - it was covered in thickets of weeds, with plaster falling off, but had not yet lost the signs of its former greatness.
Where is it: Resort Park
Entertainment for children
If a child has never been to the Caucasus, then Zheleznovodsk will become pure entertainment for him. If the young tourist is not impressed by the pump rooms, city squares and palace, then you can visit another place - “ice caves”
Ice Caves on Iron Mountain
A child explorer will love climbing Iron Mountain through the forest. There are many hiking trails in Zheleznovodsk, the most interesting ones begin at the Slavyanovsky spring. At the beginning of each trail there are signs with information and a climbing diagram. There are signs in the form of carved pillars, old drinking fountains (they are not working now, but the sculptures are worth visiting) and a prehistoric site. There is also a permafrost grotto here. Essentially this is a cave, the air temperature in which does not exceed 12°C. There are branches in the grotto, and on its stone walls there are inscriptions and drawings of tourists. And the grotto got its name because of the eternal cold (even in the June heat).
Photo gallery: interesting places on the way to the “ice caves”
There are images and words on the idol pillars, if you read the inscriptions on all the pillars, you will get a story
On the climbing trails you can find many sculptures (both stone and wooden)
The Prehistoric Man's Cave is a simple hole in the rocky side of the mountain, but the children love the fact that ancient people may have lived here
The cold cave of Iron Mountain is also called the Permafrost Grotto, although the temperature here does not drop below zero.
Egg of Wishes or Zodiac Signs
This original sculpture, located in the Spa Park, is a rotating sphere in a stone arch, shaped like an egg. It depicts the signs of the zodiac and passers-by believe that if you turn it around its axis and make a wish, and at the same time your sign according to the eastern calendar appears, then your wish will certainly come true. The meaning of this sculpture is that with effort, you can change your destiny.
Every city has similar customs for tourists, so we did not miss the opportunity to also ask for the treasured egg. Moreover, such attractions cause complete delight for a child.
Where is it located: in the Resort Park opposite the entrance to the castle of the Emir of Bukhara
Chaykovskiy street
But I really love this place, Tchaikovsky Street is one of the most beautiful in the city . It offers views of Mount Beshtau , which has 5 peaks. The three tallest ones are best seen. A stone staircase with golden lions leads from the Palace of the Emir of Bukhara to Tchaikovsky Street (not to be confused with the cascade one). Going down you will pass by a department store, a cultural center and beautiful gazebos along the alley of love. This is the second name of this street; weddings are often filmed here. Of course, the place is very cozy - a view of the mountains, neat chestnut trees - be sure to visit here even if you only have one day.
On the same street there is the city palace of culture - the place where all significant events take place, take a look, maybe there is something for your dates.
Pushkin Gallery
The Pushkin Gallery is the sister of the Lermontov Gallery in Pyatigorsk, designed by the same Warsaw architect Schiller. It is curious that the structure was assembled from ready-made structures; the metal components of the building of the future stained glass gallery were brought to Zheleznovodsk by train in disassembled form.
Pushkinskaya was commemorated in honor of the poet, who was in Zheleznovodsk and the resort made a strong impression on him; it was here that the idea of his poem “Prisoner of the Caucasus” was born. This gallery is the pearl of the resort park; its halls host exhibitions of paintings by local artists and live music concerts; Isadora Duncan, Joseph Kobzon and Edita Piekha performed under its arches.
Entrance: free, exhibition of paintings 50 rubles.
How long does it take to explore Zheleznovodsk?
Zheleznovodsk is conditionally divided into 2 parts - tourist and residential. The tourist part of the city is a resort park, on the territory and next to which all the attractions are located. They can be viewed in 1 day. Another day is required if you want to explore the mountain. In this situation, you will need overnight accommodation. Here are some options:
- hotel "Pearl of the Caucasus" (3 stars);
- sanatorium Plaza (3 stars);
- hotel “Slavyanovsky Istok” (4 stars);
- sanatorium "Rafael" (4 stars);
- guest house "Paradise Corner".
When I come to a city for only 1–2 days, I try to stay in a hostel. Prices for hotel rooms depend on geographic location and star rating, and I don’t like to overpay for one night. The neatest and most budget hostels are usually located on the outskirts - away from resort and student areas. A hostel is the same hotel, only with a shared kitchen and bedroom for several people. If I come with a child, I rent a family room.
Hot spring Slavyanovsky
The Slavyanovsky hot spring is the most delicious among underground waters, but at the same time it smells strongly of iron, as if you are drinking from a rusty pipe. You can drink mineral water in the Lermontovsky, Slavyanovsky, Smirnovsky pump rooms at any time; the drinking fountains located on the street do not close during the day. The pump room building resembles more of a chapel, but in fact it is a temple of healing water.
Mineral water from the depths of the mountain comes out heated and has a strong cleansing effect on the body, which we felt immediately. Therefore, if you have planned excursions, it is better not to drink it on this day.
Lermontovsky square with a source
What else can you see in Zheleznovodsk? Not far from the sculpture of the Signs of the Zodiac is the Lermontov Public Garden. Here you will see huge shaggy blue spruces, benches with lanterns and a monument to Lermontov. The place seems to be from another era. is within walking distance . Why is it called Lermontovsky? Of course, because Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov was treated with the resort’s water in 1837 - 1841, this is also indicated on the sign of the pump room building.
Smirnovsky source
In Zheleznovodsk, thanks to the great scientist Smirnov, several healing springs were discovered in the area of Mount Zheleznaya, which are generously saturated with natural carbon dioxide. This mineral water is recommended for the treatment of kidney diseases and the result of its beneficial effect on the body is felt already on the second day of use.
Next to the Smirnov Gallery there is a huge fountain in the bed of which two bronze drinking pits rise. This design in the spirit of Soviet times looks very pompous, especially towards the observation deck near the cascade staircase, where a stunning view of the lake opens from the height.
Fountain with pump bottles
Not far from the Pushkin Gallery there is a new city fountain in the center of which there are two huge bronze “pump room” mugs. The fountain received this design recently - in 2022, and it also became a light and sound fountain , so it makes sense to come in the evening. During the day, the fountain also looks great, the water jets form different patterns, you can relax by the fountain and eat signature Pyatigorsk ice cream.
Cascade staircase
The cascade staircase consists of 1,790 steps and is rightfully considered the longest in the south of Russia. The staircase itself is very pompous, somewhat similar to Peterhof. A cascade staircase connects the Upper and Lower parks and leads to the resort lake, where you can swim after a therapeutic walk along the health path.
There are also signs on the steps in the form of drinking pots indicating the number of calories burned.
Natural sites in the surrounding area
The unique nature of the Caucasus Mountains is considered one of the components of the treatment course. But it’s worth admiring the landscape without selfish intent, simply receiving a huge charge of positive energy. We will tell you about the mountain and other natural resources of the region.
Iron
She could have become a volcano, but fate had a different fate in store.
Pump room Book with quotes from Lermontov's poems
The Pump Room Book is a small building with walls decorated with excerpts of lines from Lermontov's works. It was built right above the well, and inside there is a spring with new mineral water, colder and more alkaline than the rest, reminiscent of the Essentuki waters. The literary pump room is located in the middle of the cascading staircase; nearby there are benches for relaxation, where you can listen to broadcasts of the poet’s poems and a dancing fountain hidden in the tiles.
Opening hours: daily from 09.00 - 17.00
Where to go in Zheleznovodsk and what else to see
Temple of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duchess Olga of Russia
Temple of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duchess Olga of Russia
The Temple of Princess Olga of Russia is one of the key religious and cultural spaces of the city. For believers, this is the main place of worship. But it will also be interesting for ordinary tourists: the building is distinguished by its beautiful ceremonial architecture, and the shrines have an interesting history. You can also visit the temple with a city guide.
Address: st. Karla Marksa, 34, Zheleznovodsk
Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 18:00
The entrance is free
Train Station
Train Station
Architectural monuments greet guests of Zheleznovodsk as soon as they get off the train. We are talking about a one-story station building, which was inaugurated on January 1, 1897. Since then, the station has been neglected, then in our time the monument was restored and even partially put into operation.
Nowadays, trains run from the station to Beshtau and Kislovodsk, and its cozy platform is equipped with benches and lanterns.
Address: Station Square, 1 / st. Lenina, 73, Zheleznovodsk
Opening hours: daily from 07:45 to 18:45
The entrance is free
Sculpture "Eagle"
Sculpture "Eagle"
Another popular art object of the Resort Park is located next to the Smirnovsky spring. The eagle is a key symbol of the Caucasus and its main wealth - mineral waters.
It is this bird with open wings that sits on a stone mountain. In his claws the prey is a snake, in whose image all diseases are hidden. By the way, the forerunner of modern sculpture appeared in 1901, and in 1973 the eagle was made of bronze.
Address: st. Parkovaya, Resort Park, top of the Cascade Staircase, Zheleznovodsk
When to visit: any time
Visit: free
Stagecoach Postal Station Museum
Stagecoach Postal Station Museum
The ancient postal station, which opened in 1875, today serves as a museum building. Its exhibition takes guests back a century, when mail and passenger stagecoaches ran from the corners of the country to Zheleznovodsk.
Even after the advent of the railroad, local residents and visitors periodically used horse-drawn carriages. Today the postal station is a valuable architectural monument and an important cultural point of the city.
Address: st. Lenina, 7
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays
Entrance: 200 rub.
Ostrovsky baths
Ostrovsky baths
At the end of the 19th century, under the leadership of the architect P. Yu. Syuzor, a building for hydrotherapy and mud therapy in an oriental style was built in Zheleznovodsk. Even today it resembles a mosque because of the dome, Arabic script and the design of the courtyard.
Now the baths, named after the Minister of State Property M.N. Ostrovsky, are closed for restoration, but the monument can be seen from the outside.
Address: st. Lenina, 50, Zheleznovodsk
Opening hours: daily, 24 hours a day (the building can only be viewed from the outside)
The entrance is free
Slavyanovsky source
Slavyanovsky source
Fans of hot baths should first of all visit the Slavyanovsky Spring. Water obtained at a depth of 300 meters reaches 56°C. It is used not only for spa treatments, but also as a health drink for the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. The source adorns the century-old pump room in blue and white tones.
Address: st. Parkovaya, Resort Park, health path No. 1, Zheleznovodsk
When to visit: daily, 7:30 – 9:30, 11:30 – 14:30, 16:30 – 19:00
The entrance is free
Health path in Zheleznovodsk
Health path in Zheleznovodsk
Health paths are a popular method of treatment and rehabilitation through mountain walks. The low mountains of Zheleznovodsk with varying levels of slope of the trails are perfect for such therapy.
Beautiful landscapes around support a positive emotional charge. At the moment, three paths are open: around the Iron Mountain, to Razvalka and to the cold Grotto or Selitryana Rock. Each route differs in length and difficulty.
Address : st. Parkovaya, Kurortny Park, start from the stele near the Pushkin Gallery
When to visit: any time
Visit: free
Lake Thirty in the Resort Park
This small artificial lake is located in the saddle of the Zheleznaya and Razvalka mountains, and from the beach side an incredible mountain landscape opens on the horizon. This lake is the cherry in the resort park and you will immediately understand it. There is everything for a family holiday: the lake is equipped with modern sun loungers and sun loungers, there is a swimming area for children with a shallow bottom and for fishing, there is fast food, drinking fountains, there are changing rooms on the beach, a clean new toilet with soap and paper towels for hands, boats and catamarans for rent. The shores are lined with natural stone, there are wooden piers everywhere with steps leading down to the water. Prada, the water is cloudy and has a greenish feel to it; I wouldn’t go swimming, but sunbathing and playing sports is quite suitable.
Admission is free, catamaran rental is 300 rubles. / 30 min.
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A large number of springs have opened on the slopes, 16 of which are in use. It got its name from the admixture of iron oxide in the healing moisture. A 3 km long path leads to the place. The walk passes through deciduous forest, revealing a stunning panorama of the surrounding area with each turn.
Kabanka
From a distance, resembling the outline of a boar lying on its side, it has a flat top resembling a table. Height 772 meters. Hiking along the slopes is organized, but you can also set off on your own, since it is impossible to get lost on the trail.
Honey
In ancient times, a rare stone, beshtaunite, was mined on the slopes; now it is simply a natural monument of a bizarre shape. Tourists are offered walking routes of varying lengths and levels of difficulty.
Slavyanovsky source
One of the hottest in the resort, temperature + 56 degrees. Named in honor of the hydrogeological engineer N.N. Slavyanov, who insisted on deepening the well, which reached a unique water layer. The pump room above it was built in 1918. The classic style with snow-white porticoes and columns harmonizes perfectly with the landscape. The strongest healing effect is achieved in the first minutes after taking water.
Address: Resort Park.
Smirnovsky
The wetland, where local residents in ancient times took mud baths, hid water with unique healing properties. Having cleared and improved the place, a drinking pump room was built above it in 1930, which became one of the most famous in Zheleznovodsk. Three springs, different in temperature and mineral composition, were found in it.
Where to see: Resort Park.
Lermontovsky
Known for more than 200 years, the honor of discovery belongs to Dr. F. P. Haaz and the local prince Izmail Bey Atazhukov. The source is located in Mount Zheleznaya, and is fed through pipes into an elegant glassed pump room. The name changed several times from Konstantinovsky and Lenivoy to the modern version.
Address: st. Lermontova, 12.
Ostrovsky baths
Ostrovsky Baths is a beautiful 19th century building, built in the Moorish style, located in the very center of the city, named after the brother of the great playwright, who invested a lot in the development of Zheleznovodsk. Because of the round domes, it somewhat resembles a mosque with a minaret. But now you can’t get inside the ancient hydropathic clinic; it is under restoration.
Where is it located: opposite the railway station
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Museum of Local Lore
The Museum of Local Lore in Zheleznovodsk is a small two-story museum with exhibitions of archeology, history of the Great Patriotic War and a very authentic place, the atmosphere of being thrown back 50 years. The building itself is ancient - a former merchant's apartment building and is in urgent need of restoration
Entrance: 100 rubles, I advise you to take a guide, the price of which is equal to a movie ticket
Where is it: st. Lermontova 3
How to get there
You can get to Zheleznovodsk by choosing one of the modes of transport below.
Air service
The fastest way to get there is by plane. You should buy a ticket from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody Airport. The flight from the capital will take only two hours. There is a direct flight from St. Petersburg to Zheleznovodsk. If you make a transfer at Moscow airport, you can fly cheaper.
Railway transport
There is a direct train by rail to Kislovodsk. Travel for several days. You should get off at the Beshtau station, which is closest to Zheleznovodsk. There are minibuses from the destination station to the resort, or, if you want something more convenient and faster, you can order a taxi. They also travel electric – travel time is 30 minutes. Another option is to walk, unless, of course, you have a heavy bag.
Bus
A shuttle bus runs regularly from Mineralnye Vody or Pyatigorsk, so getting there is easy. You can also travel by commuter transport or use the transit route.
Taxi
You can comfortably get to the resort by taxi. The trip will cost more than by public transport, but it is fast and convenient.
Personal transport
If you travel by private car from Moscow, the journey will take approximately 20 hours. This is a minimum of time, since time is wasted on eating, traffic jams, and visiting a gas station. It is advisable to plan in advance where you will stay overnight. The journey to Zheleznovodsk takes place along the Don highway, then along the Caucasus highway.
Food and drink
There are many places to eat in and around the small town - about fifty. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered by restaurants, kebab houses, snack bars, small cozy cafes, and inexpensive canteens. The menu has a wide variety of dishes, especially lucky for those who do not adhere to diets. Catering establishments offer both full meals and business lunches at affordable prices - prices start from 200 rubles.
You can have a snack between sightseeing at kebab shops. Visitors love the aromatic Caucasian pies, which are sold in many places, but especially fresh and tasty ones can be bought at the market, at the Slavyanka snack bar. Cakes and other sweets are offered by pastry shops. There are several restaurants in the city serving Armenian and Georgian dishes. If you choose Zheleznovodsk park for relaxation, visit a cozy establishment that will appeal to lovers of oriental cuisine.
Mountains Bull and Camel
These mountains of Zheleznovodsk are located to the west of the city. You can clearly see them when traveling towards Essentuki. Mount Bull (Bykogorka) is clearly visible when descending from the park into the city along the central road along Lenin Street. Its height is 817 meters.
Mount Camel (Camel) is 885 meters high.
Visible from the resort park from the observation deck of the Mountain Air sanatorium.
Mount Lysaya
Mount Lysaya (Lysogorka) is located further from Zheleznovodsk than the others. Its height is 739 meters.
The mountain in Zheleznovodsk is visible mainly from the top of the cascade stairs.
You can also see the mountain when going up to the central entrance to the park along Tchaikovsky Street.
