The 15 best Things to do in Nalchik

The capital of Kabardino-Balkaria is located among the mountains covered with greenery. A stable favorable environmental background has contributed to the development of the health resort and various tourist destinations. As a resort region in terms of area, Nalchik is second only to Sochi. The hills protect the city from cold winds, which is why the climate here is mild without sudden changes.

The sights of the city are an attempt to find harmony between national characteristics and emphasize belonging to the country. A monument and an arch were opened in honor of the anniversary of the accession of the people of the republic to the Russian Empire. Directly within the city, there is a Resort Lake, offering relaxation on the beach during the high season. And if you drive away from Nalchik for a couple of tens of kilometers, you can find the picturesque Blue Lakes and Chegem waterfalls.

What to see and where to go in Nalchik?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Concorde Square

A vast ennobled area in front of the Government House. A public garden is adjacent to it. There is a lot of greenery around: both planting trees and flower beds. The decoration of the square is a light and music fountain. It was launched in 2012 and in the warm season pleases residents and guests of the city with a real water show to the sounds of world classics. The main social events of Nalchik are held on the square.

Atazhukinsky garden

The largest park in the North Caucasus was founded in 1847. The area is about 250 hectares, and the length of the main alley is one and a half kilometers. In addition to the typical maples and spruce trees, Japanese quince, paulownia and the unique two-lobed ginkgo grow here. The name of the territory is given by the name of the prince, who in the past belonged to these lands. In 2002, the garden was recognized as the best park of culture and recreation in Russia.

Resort lake

An artificial reservoir is located within the city. It is framed by the spurs of the Wooded Ridge. The lake was created in 1960 and filled with water from the Nalchik River. There are three more lakes nearby, but you can swim only in Kurortnoye. Willows grow along the banks, there are beaches suitable for families with children. Catamarans, boats and tourist equipment rentals are open during the season. In the past, there was a cable car here.

Green theater

It is located in the Atazhukinsky Garden. This is the main summer concert venue in the city. The current Green Theater was built in 2007 on the site of a dilapidated predecessor of the same name. The amphitheater, thanks to its favorable location on the mountain slope, turned out to be unusual and looks natural. The capacity is more than two and a half thousand people. There is a cafe on the ground floor with a banquet hall.

Sosruko Restaurant

Located on Mount Kizilovka. The building of the restaurant looks like the head of a hero. Legend has it that a folk hero stole fire from the gods for people. For this he was imprisoned uphill and only his head and hand with a torch remained on the surface. The place was cult during the Soviet years, all tourists considered lunch at Sosruko an important part of the excursion program. The restaurant is currently closed.

National Museum of KBR

The year of opening - 1921. The exposition is divided into two large sections. In the historical one you can learn more about the peoples inhabiting the republic. Interesting archaeological and ethnographic finds are also kept here. The nature department is rich in diagrams and slides. They remind that there are 5 climatic zones in Kabardino-Balkaria. This has led to a variety of flora and fauna in the area.

Museum of Fine Arts A. L. Tkachenko

Founded in 1959. The collection was separated from the collection of the local history museum and subsequently expanded. Among the picturesque masterpieces, the works of Shishkin, Aivazovsky, Bryullov stand out. An exhibition of French watches of the 18th century is available on a permanent basis. The exposition of porcelain antiques presents works of art from the best factories in the country, as well as European and ancient Chinese masters.

Central Cathedral Mosque

The opening took place in 2004. During the construction, it was decided to make the local stone and artificial materials that were similar to it as the main material. In general, the design takes into account many features of the republic and its traditions. On the sides of the main entrance there are 2 30-meter minarets. The total area of ​​the building is 1.7 m². The mosque is surrounded by a city square.

Cathedral of Mary Magdalene

Located in the Shogentsukov Park. The project for the construction of a temple to the glory of St. Mary Magdalene Equal to the Apostles began to be developed in 2003. The lighting of the finished church took place in 2012, although the liturgy was served there before. There are 8 bells installed in the belfry. They bear the names of benefactors, including Muslims. Shrines - lists of especially revered icons and particles of the relics of saints.

Monument "Forever with Russia"

The installation took place in honor of the 400th anniversary of the annexation of the territory of the republic to Russia. The main part of the monument is the sculpture of Maria Temryukovna. She was the daughter of a Kabardian prince and one of the wives of Ivan the Terrible. The bronze queen stands guard over tranquility and peace. The approach to the high pedestal is surrounded by 4 bas-reliefs. They depict important historical milestones - the biography of the peoples of the republic.

Friendship Memorial Arch

The structure resembles a classic triumphal arch and appeared on the Baksanskoe highway in 2007. It is dedicated to the indestructible friendship of peoples. It also bears the name "Forever with Russia", as well as a monument within the boundaries of Nalchik. The reason for the creation of this attraction was the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the annexation of Kabardino-Balkaria to Russia. On both sides, the coats of arms of the country and the republic flaunt.

Nalchik Hippodrome

Since its opening in the 30s of the last century, the hippodrome has become an important part of the life of the townspeople. Local horse breeders have always been famous for their ability to breed hardy, graceful and unpretentious horses. They presented them to the public, competing with each other at the hippodrome. The buildings were reconstructed and the infrastructure was renewed in 2007. Currently, the complex is second only to several similar structures in the country.

Train Station

At the beginning of the last century, a separate railway line was extended to Nalchik. At the same time, the first two-story brick station was built. It turned out to be unusable after the Great Patriotic War. For this reason, in 1948, a new four-story building in the Stalinist Empire style was erected. The facade is decorated with ten columns, and a tower with a clock and a spire rises above the building.

Blue Lakes

Can be found 30 km from Nalchik. Lower Blue Lake is also called Tserik-Kel. It translates as "rotten". This is due to the deposits of hydrogen sulfide at a depth of over 25 m. The legend about the dragon, which lies at the bottom and sheds tears, is associated with the lake. Tserik-Kel is considered one of the deepest among the karst, although the exact data is unknown. And the other 4 lakes are more modest in size. There are tourist centers in the district.

Chegem gorge and waterfalls

The natural monument is located 55 km from Nalchik. Tourists will meet each of the three waterfalls while moving along the Chegem Gorge. Adai-Su, Sakal-Tup, and Kayaarta have distinctive features, but the latter is the most popular. It is named after the river of the same name. Its stream is divided into many small streams and forms an inhomogeneous wall of water. The attraction can be visited at any time of the year.