The "Berendeevo Kingdom" in Sochi is the place where Russian fairy tales, myths and legends come to life. 7 km from the village of Lazarevskoye there is a real reserve of fairy tales, part of the Sochi recreational national park.
Where was the kingdom of Berendeevo located?
The nomadic tribes of the Turkic peoples who inhabited the Eastern European steppes were called Berendey. Tribes paid tribute to the Russian princes and participated in internecine wars on the border of Ancient Russia.
In A.N. Ostrovsky’s play “The Snow Maiden”, the Berendey appear to be kind and wise people. The "Kingdom of the Good Berendeys" by A. N. Afanasyev, in his poetic tale, also has little in common with reality.
How to get to the park "Berendeevo kingdom" Sochi
Tourists who decide to visit the gorge can reach the park in several ways:
- from Lazarevsky railway station organized bus service to the national park;
- electric trains regularly go from Sochi to the Lazarevskoye village;
- guided tour buses;
- by personal transport.
Travelers who choose their own vehicle as a means of transportation will be helped by GPS coordinates 43.9480825, 39.3105532 or the address of the Berendey Kingdom: Sochi, 51 quarter, 7th section of the Lazarevskoye lesnichestvo, 2 km of the Lazarevskoye-Tuapse highway.
The main thing is not to miss the sign of the park before the exit from the road: it is difficult to turn around on the track in the summer due to busy traffic. The entrance to the park "Berendeevo kingdom" Sochi is located 100 meters from the sign. There are also ticket offices and a checkpoint at the facility.
The park is a conservation area, and you must pay for visiting it. The prices of the "Berendey kingdom" in Sochi may vary, and it is worthwhile to find out the prices before the trip. All benefits apply upon presentation of supporting documents.
Nature Reserve Routes
There is a cozy cafe in the park at the very beginning of the route. It is proposed to take a walk along an equipped path 1200 m long. The path rises uphill and descends into the gorge. Tourists should take care of comfortable shoes and a supply of drinking water.
The first part of the colorful route runs along the bottom of the gorge along the stream, on the way travelers will see magical waterfalls named after the characters of Ostrovsky's fairy tale "The Snow Maiden".
Probably the most impressive place of the park is the Berendey Beard waterfall, almost 27 m high. Then the route takes the guests of the reserve to the ancient temple - the altar of the goddess Lada, and the natural lake Happiness.
The second part of the route starts from the observation deck in front of the “Beard of Berendey” and leads to the mountain “Nameless”. In the foothills there is a real megalithic complex with menhirs - stone obelisks. On some fragments, ancient petroglyphs are preserved - embossed images of the Bronze Age.
Near the stone "Sanctuary" are located the graves of Shapsugs. Shapsugs are the largest tribe of Circassians who became famous for their struggle with the Crimean Khanate.
It is worth noting that the path is not properly equipped on the entire route. In some places it is necessary to move along the bottom of the gorge, focusing on the red marks on the stones. Camping with young children can be a difficult task.
Landscapes and nature of the park
In the territory of the national park, a relict forest of Colchis boxwood will grow . Thanks to the fabulous scenery in the forest, scenes of many Russian fairy tales were shot.
Fantastic forest with spreading maples and majestic oaks covered with emerald moss and ivy entwined, colorful waterfalls “Snow Maiden Tears”, “Kupava”, “Berendey Beard”, water fonts, loud stream Lel - evoke a fabulous atmosphere of stories known from childhood.
In order to enjoy the waterfalls in all their glory, it is necessary to visit the park after heavy rains. In dry periods, many of them dry completely.
Cafe "Berendey kingdom"
In the park, right in the middle of the forest, there is a cozy cafe "Berendeevo kingdom". The cafe offers national Circassian dishes, barbecue, various wines, local varieties of mountain honey and the famous Lazarev tea. As an entertainment, visitors can watch the program of the Adyghe national ensemble.
Pergolas are taken out into the forest zone, which allows you to retire with a whole company. Children can spend time on a special platform among the sculptures of fairy-tale characters.
The park also has its own small fish farm. Those who wish for a small fee can go fishing at one of the two ponds and catch real trout, which, if desired, is prepared by the cooks of the "Berendey Kingdom".
Photosessions in the "Berendey Kingdom"
The entire territory of the "Berendey Kingdom" is decorated with various carved wooden figures and buildings.
Children really like traveling around the park, because on the way there are always brownies, goblin, cats, mermaids and other characters of fairy tales.
Small houses of old Borovichki old people, souvenir shops and shops in the form of real log cabins, magic bridges and enchanted trees create a truly magical atmosphere of a real reserve of Russian fairy tales, myths and epics.
A large number of souvenirs will allow you to choose a "trinket for memory" for every taste and budget.
You can feel like a real ruler of fabulous lands and take a photo on the throne of Berendey.
A visit to the "Berendey Kingdom" will definitely remain one of the most vivid impressions of the trip.
The Lazarevsky district of Sochi and the surroundings of the national park are known for several more unique tourist sites.
Excursions to the mysterious caves of the Witches or the House of Spirits take place on boats, the views of the Ashe river waterfalls will not leave indifferent couples, and the Dagomys troughs will be struck by stone partitions and huge bowls in the riverbed.