Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6JJ
The Royal Yacht Britannia first launched in 1953 was the official seafaring vessel of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family for over four decades. Used for state visits, royal vacations, and diplomatic trips, the vessel is now a popular tourist attraction moored in Edinburgh where it offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life.
Throughout its working life, the Royal Yacht Britannia was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II during her overseas tours, sailing over one million miles around the world while promoting British interests abroad.
The vessel is now kept in immaculate condition by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is open year-round for visitors to follow in the footsteps of world leaders as they explore the royal’s private quarters and the below-deck rooms. Self-guided audio tours will take you to every nook and cranny of this enormous ship while information panels explain what life would have been like on board the vessel in its heyday.
There’s also an excellent restaurant onboard on the upper deck as well as a gift shop in the visitor centre, and as Britannia is moored alongside Ocean Terminal you can easily visit the restaurants, shops, and cinema that the waterfront shopping complex has to offer.
1: The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the floating residence of the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Exploring this iconic vessel gives you a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating maritime history of the Royal Family and discover the stories behind their voyages and state visits.
2: The Royal Yacht Britannia has been meticulously preserved since its decommissioning in 1997. As you explore the ship, you’ll be able to view the opulent interiors which include the State Apartments, the Royal Bedrooms, and the impressive Royal Deck Tea Room.
3: The Royal Yacht Britannia is located in the historic port of Leith, just a short distance from Edinburgh’s city centre. The yacht is docked permanently, allowing visitors to soak in the waterfront views while they explore the vessel. After your visit, you can take a walk to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Leith with its charming shops and restaurants.
1: Although the tickets are a wee bit pricey there’s a lot to see so you’ll spend a good 2-3 hours on Britannia. While the tickets are expensive if you only make one visit, they allow unlimited re-entry for one year, so keep hold of them in case you decide to return another day.
2: Ocean Terminal is a nice shopping centre with a cinema and several cafes and restaurants. You could easily stretch your Britannia visit to last most of the day if you use those facilities.
3: If you want to explore the city centre after a visit to Britannia take Lothian Bus services 11, 22, 34, 35 and 36. Highlights of Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle (obviously), Calton Hill , The Scott Monument , Holyrood Park and Holyrood Palace .
The ship is entered via the visitor centre in Ocean Terminal which is situated on the top floor of the shopping mall. As you walk around Britannia’s five main decks on a self-guided tour you can listen to an audio guide that explains what life was like on board not only for the royal inhabitants but also for the Royal Navy crew that manned it during its voyages.
Starting at the bridge you pass through the state apartments, the crew quarters, and the engine room before finally reaching the racing yacht Bloodhound which is part of an interesting royal sailing exhibition.
There are many highlights of this ship that all family members will enjoy – including the huge state banquet room with its massive dining table and the gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom that used to travel on the ship along with the Royal Family.
If you fancy a wee treat you can pick up some delicious homemade fudge in the NAAFI sweet shop. but make sure you leave enough room for the Royal Deck Tea Room where you can sample top-notch Scottish cuisine as well as coffee and sandwiches. The entry ticket includes free re-admittance for one year so if you ever go back to Ocean Terminal you could always take another visit just for the restaurant.
Britannia was built at the Clydebank shipyards near Glasgow and successfully launched in 1953, with its maiden voyage to Malta beginning in 1954. During its time at sea, Britannia was manned by volunteers from the Royal Navy, some of whom liked it so much they served onboard for over 20 years.
Whenever royalty was on the vessel a full troop of Royal Marines accompanied them, and during this time they would have sailed around the globe several times as the royal family undertook their ambassadorial duties in almost every nation on earth. Britannia also performed services as an aid ship, evacuating over 1,000 refugees from the civil war in Aden in 1986, and was ready to be converted into a hospital ship at a moment’s notice.
Britannia was eventually decommissioned in 1997 after mounting political pressure regarding the cost of maintenance made its continued use impossible. The ship was finally tied up at Ocean Terminal where The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust was set up to look after it. Today, more than 300,000 people visit the Royal Yacht Britannia each year, making it one of the top five tourist attractions in Scotland.
Check out the Britannia Visitor Centre : Start your visit at the Britannia Visitor Centre located in Ocean Terminal. There, you can discover Britannia’s fascinating history through exhibits and photographs before you step aboard the yacht itself.
Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia : Step aboard the British monarch’s former floating palace and explore the state apartments, crew’s quarters, and engine room. This magnificent ship offers a unique glimpse into royal life at sea thanks to audio guides which are included in the ticket price.
Tea at The Royal Deck Tea Room : After your tour, unwind at the Royal Deck Tea Room. Enjoy traditional teas, delicious cakes, sandwiches, and spectacular views of the docks and the Firth of Forth . It’s a great way to reflect on your visit to Britannia before deciding where to go next.
Attend a Special Event : The Royal Yacht Britannia hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from Hogmanay celebrations to Burn’s Night suppers . To see which events are coming up next, head to the official Royal Yacht Britannia website .
Visit The Gift Shop : You cannot miss Britannia’s gift shop in Ocean Terminal which offers a wide range of exclusive gifts and souvenirs. From royal memorabilia to nautical-themed toys, you’re bound to find the perfect memento for your visit.
Ocean Terminal . 74 Ocean Dr., Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. 2-minute walk. A large shopping centre that’s one of the first arrival points for ships sailing into the Firth of Forth. Ocean Terminal contains a collection of restaurants, coffee shops, and department stores.
Leith . 8-minute walk. A vibrant and historic area of Edinburgh that is renowned for its trendy bars and restaurants. Leith is architecturally significant for the number of restored Victorian warehouses that line Commercial Street and Bernard Street. Some of Scotland’s best restaurants are located in Leith, including The Kitchin and Wishart.
The Water of Leith . Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6HE. 11-minute walk. A walkway that runs for 12 miles from the Colzium Hills outside of Edinburgh to Leith. The majority of the path is set on quiet pavement that runs alongside the river. Much loved by locals for its wildlife.
Leith Links . 4 Links Gardens, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8AA. 18-minute walk. Informal gardens and a play park that was historically a golf course but has been revamped into a recreation area.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society . The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ. 13-minute walk. The Vaults is the main site for the SMWS in Edinburgh. Visitors can sample a range of quality single malt whiskies as well as gins and rums, along with optional expert-led tasting sessions.
Where is the royal yacht britannia berthed.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed at Leith Port in Edinburgh, next to the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. Ocean Terminal is a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, and the Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Centre is on the second floor. Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ.
No, the British Royal Family does not currently have a yacht. The last royal yacht was the HMY Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a museum ship in Edinburgh.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is owned and managed by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.
The Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in 1997 due to maintenance costs and changing politics which meant the yacht was considered unnecessary. It was estimated in 1996 that a refit would cost £17 million and would only prolong the ship’s life for an additional 5 years.
Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .
This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.
Catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth’s preferred room, see the honeymoon bed requested by Charles, and find out why a wombat takes pride of place in a roof fan during this self-guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. After 44 years of royal service, HMY Britannia is berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith and open to visitors who want to learn more about how the royals live.
However, a tour of Britannia is much more than just pulling back the curtains on an episode of The Crown, the tour goes deep into life at sea logistics, touches upon UK history and discusses the engineering of this floating palace.
You’ll get a sneak peek at the bowels of the Britannia as well as its bow. So let’s dive into the Royal Yacht Britannia tour review and photography.
Setting and location.
While there is no shortage of royal attractions in the Old Town, the Royal Yacht Britannia is actually located in the lesser-known, very hip and adored Edinburgh neighbourhood, Leith .
You can get to Leith via public bus, taxi or the hop on/hop off bus tour using the Majestic Tour line .
If you have a car, the Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the very few Edinburgh attractions that you can park at for free.
Parking is available at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre/mall where you will find the entrance of the yacht reception area.
Once you go through reception you will see a number of storyboards and artefacts as you move through to collect your audio guide.
Guest restrooms are located in this area and on the yacht.
The audio guide is narrated by the dreamy BAFTA award winner Mark Bonnar who you may recognise from the outstanding UK TV show, Line of Duty and the Scottish TV series, Shetland.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Bonnar (@mark_bonnar)
Visitors can choose between the sanitised audio device which is held up to the ear or using their own headphones and phone.
At each station, you type in a number to access the corresponding facts and stories about the exhibit.
The audio tour comes in 30 languages and there is a children’s version.
British and American Sign Language tablets are also available.
There are five decks to explore which take around 1.5 hours to walk through.
To access each deck you use the stairs or elevator in Ocean Terminal then walk over a bridge to get to the deck.
You do this each time you move between the decks, starting at the top and working your way down.
You can enjoy coffee and/or lunch at The Royal Deck Tea Room, which is only open to those who have paid to visit HMY Britannia.
Look how lovely and light the tea room is!
Afternoon teas are available, dahlin’.
The tour kicks off among the tempting buttons, teasing dials and shiny plaques of the top deck Bridge.
This is where much of the control took place which was the responsibility of the Britannia’s Admiral or Commodore.
There is only one seat in this room that overlooks the yacht bow reserved for the man in charge.
Next, the tour takes you outside to the bow which is probably one of the most recognisable areas since this is where the royals would wave from when arriving at their destination.
A wooden lip was added to the bow to keep the wind from lifting up a royal skirt!
One of my favourite spots was the two-inch teak Verandah Deck which acted as a games deck, muse for art, hosted private engagements and doubled up as a swimming pool area for the kids!
The deck was cleaned daily before 8am and all work was conducted in silence so as to not disturb the royals as they slept.
The deck is also where the family photos were taken and acted as the pre-reception area for Zara and Mike Tindall’s wedding.
The tour then takes you inside the yacht, through the Queen’s favourite room, the Sun Lounge, which has floor to ceiling windows viewing the Verandah Deck.
Next up is a nosey into the State Apartments which include the separate bedrooms of Queen Elizabeth (first image) and Prince Phillip (second image) and the honeymoon suite (third image) which has a double bed, at Prince Charles request.
Did you know that you can stay in a castle in Scotland?
The tour also has access to The State Drawing Room with its country home feel, piano and games.
This room was used for relaxing and entertaining.
Live music was an important part of HMY Britannia’s life and the Royal Marines Band could switch between a ceilidh and classical song with no hesitation.
They could also play every national anthem of the countries the royal yacht docked at, which is a reminder that this vessel has sailed over one million miles.
The lower you go down the decks, the greater insight you get into the workings of HMY Britannia.
From the pecking order living arrangements, including segregated pubs, to the bedroom dorms, it is evident that life at sea onboard Britannia was not an easy one for workers and sailors.
However, they appeared to create a good balance between work and fun creating games including one with a stuffed wombat, I won’t spoil the surprise!
During the tour, you will learn more than just facts about the royal family but also stories about the seamen, superstition, tradition and logistics.
Along with the original room content, there is lots of artwork and photography that compliment the audio guide.
If you are planning a trip from the States, check out this article on things every North American should know before visiting Scotland .
With GetYourGuide, tours have a 24-hour cancellation guarantee so if you can’t make it, you don’t lose your money.
HMY Britannia was used for royal service from 1954 to 1997.
It was announced on 23 June 1994 that HMY Britannia would not be refitted due to cost.
Yes, over 300,000 people visit the royal yacht each year.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is looked after by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is located in Ocean Terminal which is home to a number of restaurants, a cinema and the cool Leith Collective should which is a great store for local souvenirs.
A five-minute walk from Ocean Terminal is Leith Shore and the independent bars and restaurants that surround it.
Enjoy fine dining at The Kitchen, seafood at The Ship On The Shore, brunch at The Kings Wharf or Nobles, lunch at The Hideout Cafe, afternoon tea at Mimi’s Bakehouse, cocktails at the Roseleaf or a cold pint at Teuchters Landing.
From Leith you can walk up Leith Walk to Princes Street or along the Water of Leith Walkway to Stockbridge where you will find a Sunday market, cafes galore and a path to the historic Dean Village.
Find out more about Stockbridge here .
Food & drink in Edinburgh Best time to visit Edinburgh Things to do in Edinburgh How much does Edinburgh cost? Free 7-day Scotland itinerary
Book accommodation at Booking.com Reserve a skip the line pass or guided tour at GetYourGuide Save money with this Edinburgh Pass
Disclaimer: This guide was written in partnership with GetYourGuide. I, Gemma, have been working alongside GetYourGuide since 2017. Opinions are my own.
Everything Edinburgh is a friendly Edinburgh guide for visitors and locals. From food to festivals, itineraries to interests.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
By departure point
By interest
Exclusive tours
Shore excursions
Can't decide? Why not browse all of our day tours and get some inspiration. Adventure Awaits!
Book with Confidence: 100% refund if you cancel a 1-day tour with more than 24 hours notice.
Accommodation needed for this tour
We highly recommend letting us sort the accommodation for you for an extra cost. But you are more than welcome to book your own accommodation if you wish.
Our one-day Edinburgh shore excursion travels through the ancient capital city of Scotland. Spend time exploring the Royal Yacht Britannia, learn all about the secrets of the Royal Mile, visit the historic Edinburgh Castle, enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City Centre, followed by a photo stop at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Upon leaving the port, our Edinburgh shore excursion will head to the Royal Yacht Britannia*, the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. Board the ship and explore where the Queen and Prince Philip used to spend their voyages. After this, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City Centre; see the city, the Old Town streets and enjoy magnificent views across the city from Arthur's Seat (Mon-Sat only).
Your Edinburgh Shore Excursion will then travel to the Royal Mile to visit historic Edinburgh Castle*, Scotland’s most iconic castle which stands proudly atop Castle Rock which has been occupied since around the Iron Age. Spend time touring the castle, learn all about its centuries of history and even see the famous Stone of Destiny; the traditional crowning seat of the ancient Scottish monarchs.
After a tour of the Castle, enjoy free time for refreshments and explore Castlehill, the city’s oldest street, and discover one of the many atmospheric ‘closes’ or alleys running off the back-bone of the Royal Mile, and attractions such as St Giles Cathedral.
Following this, there will be a photo stop at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland since the 16th Century. It has played host to countless members of the Royal Family and many official events and gatherings have been held here. After this, we will return to the ship, taking in more of Edinburgh's beautiful streets on our way.
*Optional Extra
21/08/2024 Niew Statendam
28/08/2024 Regal Princess
08/09/2024 Caribbean Princess
09/09/2024 Regal Princess
21/09/2024 Regal Princess
01/10/2024 Norwegian Star
03/10/2024 Regal Princess
26/04/2025 Regal Princess
06/05/2025 Regal Princess
10/05/2025 Norwegian Star
18/05/2025 Regal Princess
18/05/2025 Costa Favolosa
30/05/2025 Regal Princess
10/06/2025 Star Legend
11/06/2025 Regal Princess
15/06/2025 Sky Princess
23/06/2025 Regal Princess
01/07/2025 Emerald Princess
05/07/2025 Regal Princess
15/07/2025 Emerald Princess
17/07/2025 Regal Princess
20/07/2025 Norwegian Dawn
20/07/2025 Star Legend
29/07/2025 Regal Princess
03/08/2025 Regal Princess
05/08/2025 Star Legend
10/08/2025 Emerald Princess
15/08/2025 Regal Princess
21/08/2025 Niew Statendam
22/08/2025 Regal Princess
26/08/2025 Marina
31/08/2025 Norwegian Dawn
02/09/2025 Regal Princess
06/09/2025 Regal Princess
25/09/2025 Regal Princess
06/10/2025 Regal Princess
Tour highlight.
60 mins panoramic tour of Edinburgh
Royal Yacht Britannia
Holyrood Palace
Edinburgh Castle
Where is the departure point.
The Driver-Guide for your Edinburgh shore excursion will meet you at the port (see port listing below). We kindly ask all passengers to ensure they are 15 minutes early.
No, optional extras are not included in the tour price. The price of your shore excursion includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide, and transportation on one of our luxury coaches. All optional extras – attraction entrance fees and meals – are not included in the price of your tour and are payable on the day of travel. This is to allow our guests the freedom to choose which optional extras they would like to take part in on the day. Optional extras for your tour are as follows:
Prices valid from April 2023
No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras.
All the optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. We recommend bringing enough cash to pay for your attraction tickets.
If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team on +44 (0)131 226 6066 - open 07.00 - 21.00 daily.
Yes, all of our tours are in English. Your trip to Edinburgh will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking Driver-Guide.
As we like to give you as much time off the coach as possible with the opportunity for walks, we recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun-block or a hat for sunny days. Don't forget your camera to capture all of Edinburgh's stunning scenery to show to all of your friends and loved ones. Since we cannot allow hot food on our buses you could also bring a cold packed lunch with you to make the most of your time at each stop, this would be particularly time-saving in the busier months!
We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate. We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.
We always ensure passengers return back to their port on time, however in the rare case we can't make it, we will transfer you to your next port of call.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, don't worry! Just because it's not here, doesn't mean we can't do it. Have a look at our private tour page or contact us directly, and we will make it happen!
With its many royal family vacations and official tours, the yacht logged over 1 million miles , the equivalent of one trip around the world for each of its 44 years at sea.
The Labour government decommissioned the ship in 1997 due to its high operation cost of £11 million each year, Reuters reported . That's equivalent to about $23 million today.
At the decommissioning ceremony, the Queen shed a rare public tear .
The ship has made several appearances in Netflix's "The Crown," including season five .
On a recent trip to Scotland , I booked a ticket for the Royal Yacht Britannia museum, which costs £18.50 ($23) for adults.
The entrance is located inside the Ocean Terminal shopping center in Edinburgh.
The five-story ship was a royal residence as well as a Royal Navy ship, with a full-time staff of more than 240 royal yachtsmen and officers.
The museum displays photos of the royal family's life aboard the ship, as well as items like crew uniforms.
The ship is docked on the water just outside the shopping center.
There were also separate listening devices available.
Each room of the ship had a number that you could type in and press "play" to hear about your surroundings in an array of languages.
In this small space, officers navigated the seas and recorded data in the ship's logbooks.
Britannia had three masts, and different flags were used to communicate with other ships on the water.
The admiral's accommodations featured a day room, bedroom, bathroom, and pantry. The sofa and armchairs in the dayroom are over 100 years old and came from the previous royal yacht, Victoria and Albert III.
Part of the yacht's royal quarters, the deck was also used for receptions and group photos.
Prince Philip occasionally set up his easel on the deck to paint.
Queen Elizabeth would often take her breakfast and afternoon tea in the Sun Lounge.
The embroidered silk panel above the Queen's bed, commissioned in 1953, cost £450 ($560, or $6,250 in today's money).
Her sheets were embossed with "HM The Queen."
Each room had its own bathroom.
A button next to each of their beds would summon a royal steward.
The double bed was requested by then-Prince Charles when he honeymooned with Princess Diana in 1981.
The room was also used as a nursery when the royal children were young.
Officers would spend their time here listening to the radio and playing board games.
Britannia's 19 officers ate meals here, accompanied by the Royal Marines Band.
The galleys prepare food for the Royal Deck Tea Room and events hosted on the ship.
The royal family once used the space to entertain guests and play deck games.
Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, and many other world leaders dined here with the royal family.
The placement of each utensil was measured with a ruler.
Here, the Queen would meet with her press secretaries and prepare for royal visits.
Both Philip and Charles used the room as a study. Philip kept a model of his first naval command, the HMS Magpie, above his desk.
The telephones connecting the sitting rooms to each other and their private secretaries' offices are identical to the phones used in Buckingham Palace.
The Drawing Room featured an electric fireplace and cozy floral furniture. When it wasn't being used as a reception space during formal events, the royal family used it to relax and play games on the card tables.
Petty officers would occasionally entertain the Queen and other royal family members here.
Each bunk folded up into a seat, and crew members stored their possessions in lockers.
Diana once bought Prince William a Britannia souvenir shirt from the shop. Today, it sells homemade fudge to museum guests.
The ship's doctor attended to crew members, while the Queen's royal surgeon traveled with her on voyages.
The royal family's laundry was done on different days than the crew's laundry.
The clocks are frozen at the time the Queen stepped off the ship for the last time during its decommissioning ceremony in December 1997.
Amid the Britannia-themed mugs, pens, and aprons, the gift shop also sold replicas of royal jewelry.
The tour was full of surprising facts about royal life and travels, and I couldn't believe that we actually got to see inside Queen Elizabeth's bedroom on the ship. It's definitely worth a visit.
The capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria republic .
Nalchik is a resort city located in the south of European Russia, the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, its administrative, cultural, and educational center.
The population of Nalchik is about 239,600 (2022), the area - 67 sq. km.
The phone code - +7 8662, the postal codes - 360000-360904.
Nalchik city coat of arms.
History of nalchik, foundation of nalchik.
The official date of foundation of Nalchik is considered to be 1724 - the time of the foundation of the first settlements on the banks of the mountain river of Nalchik at the foot of the wooded mountains of the Main Caucasian Range, when the auls of Prince Aslanbek Kaitukin moved here from the upper reaches of the Kuma River. From 1724, the auls of the main princes of Kabarda - Aslanbek Kaitukin, Dzhambot Tatarkhanov, Kuchuk Dzhankhotov - were located on the present territory of Nalchik.
The fortress of Nalchik was founded by General Aleksey Yermolov either in 1818 or in 1822, during the Caucasian War (1817-1864). The military settlement at the fortress was founded in 1838. In 1850, its population was 272 people.
In 1871, the military settlement of Nalchik was transformed into a civilian settlement (sloboda). Since that time, the local economy and industry began to develop. In 1884, about 3.5 thousand people lived in Nalchik. There were 13 brick-tile and lime factories, 4 smithies, 4 water mills, 20 inns, more than 50 shops, dozens of taverns and wine cellars.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nalchik began to turn into a resort. Thanks to the mild climate and the presence of mineral waters, it became very famous. By 1913, the population grew to 18,600 people.
More historical facts…
Nalchik sloboda received the status of a city by the decision of the Constituent Congress of Soviets of Kabardian Autonomous Oblast in 1921. At the same time, the decisions were made to build a power plant in Nalchik, as well as a mechanical plant with a foundry (later transformed into a hydro-turbine plant) and a timber mill. In 1923-1928, an elevator, a mechanized mill, and the Nalchik confectionery factory were built.
In 1923, the Lenin Educational Town was established (today’s Kabardino-Balkarian State University - one of the largest universities in the North Caucasus) with pedagogical, agricultural and cooperative technical schools. In 1939 the population of Nalchik was 47,970 people.
During the Second World War, Nalchik was occupied by the Germans from October 28, 1942 to January 3, 1943, the city was largely destroyed. About 9 thousand residents died in the battles.
On March 8, 1944, the forced deportation of the Balkars began. In total, 37,713 people were sent from the Nalchik railway station to permanent exile to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Officially, the deportation was based on the facts of participation of the Balkars in collaborationist formations that sided with Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
Subsequently, by the highest state bodies of the USSR, and later - of Russia, this deportation was declared illegal, criminal, and an act of genocide. In 1957, a massive return of the Balkars to their homeland began. In 1959, the city’s population was 87,600.
In the 1960s-1970s, Nalchik was developed according to a new general plan corresponding to its status of a resort city. A distinctive feature of the urban development was that between the main streets with multi-storey buildings there were whole quarters of “hidden” private houses, many of which were pre-revolutionary buildings.
In the sanatoriums of Nalchik, about 36,000 people rested and were treated in 1958, 80,000 - in 1968, and 100,000 - in 1971. In the late 1980s, the Nalchik resort reached the peak in its development and presented an almost idyllic picture of the prosperity of a socialist state. In 1989, the population of Nalchik was 234,500 people.
In 1991, Nalchik became the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria within the Russian Federation. Just as in all of Russia, the collapse of the USSR and the severance of industrial ties led to the fact that most of the city’s enterprises were closed. By 1995, the situation worsened even more when refugees from Chechnya were accommodated in local sanatoriums and rest homes. The entire resort area and city park fell into disrepair.
1997 was a turning point for Nalchik - the city began to be actively decorated and landscaped again. In 1999, by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Nalchik resort was assigned the status of a resort of federal significance.
In October 2005, the city was attacked by Islamist militants. 14 civilians and 35 police officers and law enforcement officers were killed, more than 240 people were wounded, including 129 law enforcement officers. The number of militants killed according to various sources ranges from 41 to 97 people.
In 2010, Nalchik was awarded the honorary title “City of Military Glory”.
Rainbow in Nalchik
Author: Deni Altmar
The restaurant Sosruko in Nalchik
Author: Vladimir Shelyapin
Nalchik Railway Station
Author: Karolina P.
The Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Russia in terms of natural, historical, and cultural characteristics. Nalchik, the capital of the republic, is located in its center in a picturesque area at the foot of the Main Caucasian Range at an altitude of 512 meters above sea level.
There are several versions of the origin of the city’s name. The most probable is that it got its name from the mountain river of Nalchik, which flows through its territory, and its geographical location in a semicircle of mountains resembles a horseshoe. The name of the city is based on the word “nal” - “horseshoe”, which is used in both the Kabardino-Circassian and Karachai-Balkarian languages. The horseshoe is depicted on the city’s coat of arms along with Mount Elbrus.
The climate of Nalchik is the climate of the foothill zone. The average temperature in July is plus 21 degrees Celsius, in January - minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. The main feature of the local climate is the daily fluctuations in air temperature, especially in summer.
According to the 2010 All-Russian Population Census, the ethnic composition of the population of Nalchik is as follows: Kabardians - 49.25%, Russians - 28.77%, Balkars - 12.16%, Ossetians - 2.04%. The majority of the city’s population are Sunni Muslims.
The federal highway “Caucasus” passes through Nalchik. From the Nalchik railway station, trains leave in the direction of Moscow located about 1,700 km north of it. The airport of Nalchik offers regular flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Minibuses (known as “marshrutka”) form the basis of the city’s public transport.
Nalchik is a fairly large industrial center. The leading branches of industry are non-ferrous metallurgy, light industry, food and pharmaceutical industries. Kabardino-Balkaria and its capital Nalchik are a popular center for tourism, mountaineering and skiing.
Due to the mild natural and climatic conditions, the presence of various mineral waters and therapeutic mud, the balneological resort of Nalchik is on a par with the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters - Kislovodsk, Yessentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk. About a quarter of the city is a resort area. In the resort part of the city and around it, there are about 40 sanatoriums, rest houses, tourist centers, boarding houses. On a relatively small territory of Nalchik, there are 18 mineral springs of various physical and chemical composition.
The valley of the resort is surrounded by mountains in a semicircle protecting this beautiful place from the winds. A magnificent panorama of the majestic peaks of the Greater Caucasus opens from any point.
Atazhukinsky Garden - the largest park in the North Caucasus. Named after the Kabardian prince Atazhuko Atazhukin, it was founded in 1847. The total area is about 250 hectares, the length of the main alley - 1.5 kilometers. The park has over 150 species of plants, a river, lakes, an observation deck, sculptures, a pavilion with mineral water, a zoo, cafes and restaurants, a summer concert hall (Green Theater). In 2002, Atazhukinsky Garden was recognized as the best green park in Russia. Shogentsukova Avenue.
Nalchik Hippodrome . From time immemorial, Kabardino-Balkaria has been famous for its thoroughbred horses. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the main attractions of Nalchik is its hippodrome. The hippodrome was built in the 1930s. In 2006, reconstruction was carried out. Horse races held here are very popular among locals and tourists. Malbakhova Street, 30.
Nalchik Central Mosque (2004) - not only one of the most original architectural objects of the city, but also a unique religious building of Islam. As conceived by the architect Andrey Asanov, not traditional canons were used in the construction of the building, but a modern high-tech style. The height of the mosque is 21 meters, the minarets - 30 meters. Shogentsukova Avenue, 133.
Restaurant “Sosruko” - one of the symbols of Nalchik. In the 1950s, it was decided to build a new restaurant in Nalchik where numerous vacationers could spend their evenings. The winner of the competition was the architect Palagashvili, who proposed to make the building recognizable and unique.
The exterior of the restaurant is stylized as a head dressed in a helmet and a hand with a flaming torch - the hero of the national epic Sosruko, who seems to grow out of a mountain 640 meters high. The helmet has an observation deck, which offers impressive panoramic views.
National Museum of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria . The exposition of the department of nature displays a huge relief map of the republic and samples of minerals extracted in its different parts. Slides and dioramas introduce visitors to the natural monuments, flora and fauna of Kabardino-Balkaria, the uniqueness of which is due to the presence of five climatic zones on the territory of the republic.
The historical part of the exposition tells about the most interesting archaeological finds of Kabardino-Balkaria, about the history of the Kabardians and Balkars (the indigenous inhabitants of the republic) from ancient times to the present day, about their traditions, customs, ethnography, and culture. Gorkogo Street, 62.
Kabardino-Balkarian Museum of Fine Arts named after A.L. Tkachenko . The exhibition halls of this museum showcase works of European, Russian and national artists, sculptors, masters of decorative and applied art created in the 19th-20th centuries. The pride of the museum is the collection of masterpieces created by French watchmakers of the 18th century, antique Japanese, Chinese, European, and Russian porcelain. Lenina Avenue, 35.
Chegem Waterfalls in the Chegem Gorge - a picturesque natural monument, one of the natural tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and one of the most beautiful places in Russia located about 55 km from Nalchik. Here you can also buy wool products, souvenirs, and other Kabardian and Balkar goods. There are several small cafes with national cuisine.
Streets of nalchik.
Nalchik - a city surrounded by mountains
Author: Shlykov Kirill
On the street in Nalchik
Author: Valery Podlesny
Apartment house in Nalchik
Rating: 3.0 /5 (129 votes cast)
If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it! Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities. Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:
Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses. Let’s start with the obvious. You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus. That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia. Here are your travel options:
A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria. MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek. The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus. From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.
That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal. As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able. It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik. You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).
B. Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles. A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus. There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic. From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter, marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic. For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well.
Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices. In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!
C. Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel. Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops. Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik. That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.
This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂 Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:
A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000. Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly. Here are some of our recommendations:
-Modern and comfortable: Azimut , Butik Otel
-Budget with less frills: Hotel Rossia , Korona
You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.
B. Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus. If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears. Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel. Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:
-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish: Azau Star , Kristall 139
-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish: Laguna , Povorot
If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet. The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company. Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:
-Modern and comfortable: Leaprus
-Budget with less frills: Heart of Elbrus Lodge
If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click here to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.
C. Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location. The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.
D. Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik. There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.
E. Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive). There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains. Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley. Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!
Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!” Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town. The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food. Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.
There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:
A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars. It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes. It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂
B. Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus! Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region. Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria.
C. Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love. Kabardino-Balkaria is no different. Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup. Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!
Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note: Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:
-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service. Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂 There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik. Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences. Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3.
-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it! There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered. You can sample local Kabardian dishes here. The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in. Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2.
-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria. Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!
This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)
A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley. Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame. El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums. The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination. The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky. Highly recommend!
B. Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination. First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring. Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side. If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus! Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view. Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village. You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.
C. Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit. It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk). The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu. This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind. There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus. Make sure to check this out!
A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands. At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls. These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface. The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away. Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts. Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!
B. One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side. This is one experience still available, though! From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2). This is an amazing experience if you have the time. It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around. The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era. For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.
C. Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain. Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century. About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations. Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place. This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.
In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards. This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau). These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.
Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:
A. Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers. Many mountain guides go through training in this valley. Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area.
B. Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus. It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain. After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours. This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!
C. Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes. It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers. Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit.
Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas! We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.
Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society. The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.
Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.). There is a large population of Russians in the region as well. Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.
Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land. You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!
***Want to learn more? Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:
– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)
– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)
– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)
– Interview with Local Elbrus guide
– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide
– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)
– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)
– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)
Where to find us.
Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
By Koryo Tours
Nalchik, capital of Kabardino-Balkaria
Yoshkar-ola | cheboksary | astrakhan | elista | stalingrad (volograd) | abakan | nalchik | validkavkaz | makhachkala | grozny.
Nalchik is a small city of around 240,000 people and serves as the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, one of the lesser-known republics spread across the beautiful North Caucasus area of Russia, the mountain range that separates the former soviet states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan from the Russian Federation.
This region has incredible diversity in ethnic groups and is a melting pot at the edge of empire. While there have been civilisations in the Caucasus for millennia Nalchik as a city is only a century old, having been a Russian fort since 1724. Today’s Nalchik is a mostly peaceful and relaxing place, being in the foothills of the mountains it has many areas of great beauty and multiple sanatoria for people looking to take the waters, over the last century it has certainly had its share of turbulence though, being occupied by Romanian troops fighting on the side of the Nazis, who embarked on an effort to exterminate the ancient community of Mountain Jews in the area (unsuccessfully), plus a 2005 Islamic militant attack on Russian security forces.
These days Nalchik is known as a clean city, a place for relaxing, and the starting point of expeditions to summit Mt. Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Europe, which lies within Kabardino-Balkaria.
Kabardians make up the largest ethnic group at just under 50% of the city’s population, followed by Russians, Balkars, other Caucasian nationalities as well as Ukrainians, Mountain Jews still live in the area but in very small numbers now, most having emigrated to Israel.
Nalchik Airport (NAL) is a small one but is fully functional for getting in and out, usually the foreigners arriving here will be mountaineers heading for Elbrus.
The Airport is only 3km from the city centre so you could even walk into town from here, otherwise, there are taxis and marshrutkas waiting for arrivals. Flights arrive only from Moscow and St. Petersburg usually, the Caucasus has other larger airports for other international flights (such as those to Sochi). Nalchik has a railway station, dating from 1915, with links to Moscow and across the Caucasus. A good option for travelling around the region in a relaxing manner (usually slower than taking a marshrutka between cities though) For getting around inside Nalchik there are public buses all over the place, easy to use and very cheap. Otherwise most of the centre is very walkable, the main ‘high street’ is Lenin Avenue, which runs for several km through the centre of the city.
The centre of Nalchik and a good place to start a walking tour of the city, with the Kabardino-Balkaria parliament building on one side and Lenin stands at the other, fountains in the middle and Lenin Avenue cutting through the square
The central buildings of the main religions practised in Nalchik are both fine examples of their respective architectural styles; the Central Mosque and the Cathedral of Mary Magdalene are both worth visiting. Dress codes apply.
Not actually in Nalchik, but only 50km or so away so the city is the ideal base for starting an expedition. This is Europe’s highest mountain and a dormant volcano. There are cable car/chairlift options to get t the top for those who don’t wish to do it the hard way. It is possible to get up and down this mountain n a single day, making it certainly the simplest of the 7 continental highest peaks to climb.
Great for explaining where you are and the history of the area. Mostly in Russian only though and does tend to assume some knowledge in advance. Still a good stop to get some intro into the complex history of this city and area in general.
A large park complex running for more than 2km along the eastern side of the city, alongside the Nalchik River. A very pleasant place with so much to see and do. The basic Nalchik Zoo is here, walking trails, restaurants and cafes, theatres, a very retro funfair, and a rickety but reliable cable car running up to a lovely viewpoint to see over the city and out to Mt. Elbrus.
Topped by a restaurant building built in the shape of a Kabardian warrior. An excellent few hours can be spent exploring this park and mingling with the locals of all ages who do their relaxing here.
Related articles, museums of beijing #42: china fangshan global geopark museum the geological museum of china fangshan branch.
Epic name! - epic museum?
War! what is it good for? Museums
Learn all about Mentougou District
My first morning in Pyongyang? I never heard the early morning broadcast of 'Where are you, dear General?' on the city's loudspeakers.
Remnant of Beijing's City Wall
Reminisces of my grandparents' journey through photos, travel logs, and an old Hungarian guidebook (Part 1)
leaving 2022 and entering 2023 with Koryo Tours
Changes at the Pyongyang-Kaesong Highway Rest stop over the years
Koryo Tours are hiring a social media & marketing intern! Your chance to work with the experts in travel to the world's most unusual destinations.
Museums of Beijing: Guo Moruo Memorial Museum
Museum in a former noodle factory
After suffering the effects of longer than hopped for COVID, Rich thought he would listen to local advice and visit a former Soviet health spa located in the middle of nowhere in central Mongolia.
A hotel for Koreans in Moranbong District
From Pyongyang to Hamhung; Sometimes it rained. Sometimes it poured. Luckily, we were stuck in the bus for most of it!
Massive collection of trains
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544 WhatsApp (message only): +44 7822 014058 Room A409, Jucai Building. No. 76 Caoyuan Hutong. Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100027, PR China
中国北京市东城区草园胡同76号聚才大厦A 座409 室, 邮编:100027 Download contact card
Not registered yet? Register now
Trouble logging in? Reset password
* All fields are mandatory
Got an account already? Let me log in
An amazing journey through the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria.
Together with local tour guide Artyem Babaritsky, we show you why this is one of the most underrated regions of Russia. According to Artem, the nature on the territory of Kabardino Balkaria is more “rigid” and “serious” than in the neighboring republics of the Caucasus. This is comparable to a human face: one moment it is kind and smiling (while we are in the Karachay-Cherkessia) and then suddenly this kind face starts to frown and becomes more severe.
The most famous attraction of the republic – and the Caucasus in general – is Mount Elbrus, the highest peak of the European continent. With a mighty height of 5,642 meters above sea level, Elbrus is actually a dormant volcano. Its permanent icecap feeds 22 glaciers, which, in turn, give rise to the Baksan, Kuban and Malka rivers.
Naturally, if you’re into mountain climbing, this is a peak that you will want to conquer at least once in your lifetime. Here are some detailed accounts of what it entails.
And this is what you’ll see along the way.
Not into mountain climbing? Not to worry! In summer, you can still reach an altitude of 3,658 meters from the bottom of the Azau Valley, thanks to a small network of cable cars and ski lifts. This will give you a bird’s eye view of the entire Main Caucasus Ridge – an extremely impressive sight to behold. And, of course, you’ll be right at the foot of the Elbrus glacier.
In winter, skiers and snowboarders can shred some sweet gnar on 23 kilometers of slopes serviced by 6 ski lifts. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,350 and 3,840 meters. There are plenty of accommodation options for a comfortable stay and a good selection of cafes and restaurants to refuel your energy supplies.
Translated from the local language, “Dzhily-su” means “warm waters”. The Tract is located on the slopes of the heart of the Caucasus at an altitude of about 2,400 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Elbrus on a clear day. On the territory of Dzhily-su, there are many unique mineral springs that aid in healing from various diseases and strengthening the body.
“It’s an amazing sensation when you lie in a warm mineral bath and dozens of small bubbles rise around you. Also, Dzhily-su is the land of waterfalls that bear beautiful male names like Sultan, Emir and Shah. Thanks to the unusual energy, esoterics are particularly fond of this place, because there are natural sand castles, amazing stone mushrooms and the energetic mountains Sirkh and Tuzluk,” Artyem says.
The road to Dzhily-su is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Russia: It’s a serpentine-like asphalt mountain road that follows along a huge cliff, over which you will see many eagles circling. If you decide to do the trip on your own, Artyem warns that you must get hold of an off road vehicle, because many of the roads that you will need to take are dusty gravel roads.
This is one of the main tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and it’s not hard to see why.
“The views that stretch along the Chegem gorge are simply amazing. The Chegem gorge is quite big. You will begin your encounter with this area with the beautiful Chegem waterfalls that cascade down the rocky slope. Right at the foot of the rocks, there is a small market where local women sell various hand woven wool products. There is a ‘ladder of happiness’ consisting of two 222 steps, leading to the source of the waterfalls at the top of the cliff. Climbing it is not at all difficult, the views are amazing and there is a cozy cafe at the top, as well as at the bottom, where you can enjoy dishes of national cuisine,” Artyem says.
In winter, the Chegem waterfalls freeze and have a certain wild beauty to them. Some locals say that, perhaps, they are even more beautiful than in the summer. Ice pillars and columns of frozen jets and streams of water, like giant twisted candles, or stalactites, hang down all the way to the river.
There is no more asphalt road beyond the waterfalls, but you can still continue along the gorge on gravel, along the turbulent Chegem River. The road is very dusty, so Artyem advises visitors to drive along it in a car with closed windows and the air conditioning on. After about 30 kilometers, you will arrive at a paragliding station.
According to Artyem, the Chegem paragliding station is famous for its powerful, ascending wind currents. Thanks to them, paragliders can soar in the sky from morning to evening. On the territory of the station, there is also a zip line and a few other adrenaline-filled activities for those looking for some thrills.
If time permits, you can continue moving along the Chegem gorge and arrive at the village of El-TuByu, a place with enormous history. This mysterious ancient Balkarian village is the focal point of the history of the entire Balkaria. Ancient watchtowers, remains of Greek temples and anomalous phenomena attract both adventure seekers and connoisseurs of beauty. The main highrise, the Balkarukov Tower, is also dubbed the ‘Tower of Love’. Legend has it that Akhtugan Balkarukov built it to defend against the relatives of the beautiful Kerime, stolen by him from Dagestan.
Not far from the village, two ancient defensive Greek stairs go up a rocky wall. They rise to a height of about 30 meters and lead to a small area surrounded by walls up to two meters high and about half a meter thick. A bit above the Greek stairs are the ancient Balkar mausoleums, where local nobility were buried in the VIII-XVIII centuries. Artyem advises to go with a tour guide, because there is just so much incredible history in this village.
The Valley of the Narzans is a balneoclimatic resort area. It is located in the foothills of the northern slope of the Skalisty Ridge of the Greater Caucasus, in the Khasaut River valley, at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level (near the border with Karachay-Cherkessia).
What is Narzan water? It takes six years for the water from the melting snow in the mountains to become Narzan water. It needs this time to find its way through the fissures and cracks in the underground rocks, become enriched by more than 20 minerals and salts, congregate in the underground lakes and then appear on the surface as a spring. In the local language, its name sounds like “Nart-san-e”, which means “a drink of brave warriors”.
Visitors can come with empty bottles and fill them with different kinds of mineral water. The territory of the valley also has cafes with local delicacies and plenty of souvenir stands, where the local women sell traditional knitwear, mountain honey and other arts and crafts and delicacies from the region.
The two lakes - Lower and Upper Shadkhuei - are still little researched. Underwater currents, turmoils and a large network of underwater canals prevent scientists from doing deeper research. The estimated depth of each lake is more than 200 meters, though there is no data yet on the actual depth.
“This is a great place to spend some time, especially during the summer months. The water temperature is kept at the same level all year round – about +15 degrees Celsius. The two lakes are located close to each other and fascinate visitors with their magical colors, luring them into their emerald water,” Artyem says.
In Artyem’s experience, only with rare exceptions, no visitor can resist the urge to plunge into the water. Even without bathing accessories, both ladies and gents make it their priority to jump into the turquoise waters. Around the lakes there are a few gazebos so you can easily stay for the whole day, have a picnic and swim in the lakes to your heart’s content.
A little piece of Europe in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains, Chateau Erken is a majestic pseudo castle in the Romanesque style (it was actually built in the 1990s) surrounded by about 1,000 hectares of vineyards.
“If you want to have a relaxing day, try experiencing the fairy tale that is Chateau Erken. It stands right on the water and is absolutely stunning. There is also the option to do some wine tasting inside,” Artyem says.
These three places make for an easy day trip, because of their proximity to one another. Start your journey at the Blue Lake . The deep blue waters of this stunning lake, hidden in Russia’s Caucasus mountains, are shrouded in mystery. It’s uninhabited by fish and avoided by locals, but, in recent years, it’s become a popular site for tourists.
After soaking in the lake’s beauty, continue onwards to Upper Balkaria, which is just several kilometers away along the Cherek gorge. This is a small ancient village that almost seems like it’s hiding from the outside world. Architectural monuments, defensive towers, graves and ground crypts have been preserved there. Upper Balkaria serves as an excellent example of Balkarian life and culture. You’ll learn a lot about the ancient auls (Caucasian mountain or desert settlements) and Balkarian settlements from different historical periods.
On the left bank of the Cherek River, in the village of Aushiger, there are a few healing hot springs. The territory of the health resort includes a healing lake, an open reservoir and indoor baths.
“This place can be reached by car, mostly by asphalt road. Then, the car drives into a special lift, together with people and climbs up along the cliff. What a sight this is! There is a border control here, so it’s a good idea to have some ID on you,” Artyem cautions.
After driving along a relatively easy dirt road, you will get to a mountain climbing base. From there, you can take part in some light trekking, 4 kilometers there and back. Adventurers also have the opportunity to make a wish in the Valley of Desires, see waterfalls, go to the glacier and the huge, magical mountain Ulu Tau, which means “Mother Mountain”. Finish up the hike at the Silver Spring.
“Here, you can always encounter wild mustangs, they always come to graze on the beautiful meadows of lush grass and drink the healing water from the spring. The spring is the source of incredible strength - locals say that whoever plunges into it three times will be healed of many diseases,” Artyem boasts.
If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.
to our newsletter!
Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox
This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Start your tour at our entrance, currently located on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal. Please note that tickets purchased in person are by card/contactless only. The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 - 10 October for planned building works out with our control. Click on the Visit page for more information before you visit.
A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Now Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction 2023 - 2024, you can discover across five decks stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 ...
The Royal Yacht Britannia has indeed been well preserved, with 95% of the tour being original to Britannia, and kindly on loan from the Royal Collection Trust. Our dedicated Maintenance and Housekeeping teams work hard to keep the Yacht looking shipshape.
Both Morning and Evening tours are available. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 or for more information visit click here. PRESERVING BRITANNIA. Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a self-funding charity registered in Scotland (SC028070).
How to Tour the Royal Yacht Britania. Today the yacht is owned by Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, and all revenue it generates goes to the yacht's maintenance and preservation. Ticketed entry allows you to step into state rooms like the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room and State Drawing Room, in addition to the working side of the ship in the ...
Enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off directly from the cruise port, travel at your own pace, and a fully-customizable itinerary, which can include Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 4 to 5 hours. Free Cancellation. from. $724.40.
Buy your tickets for a tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia Buy Tickets Gift Tickets A Britannia Gift Ticket is the perfect present. Whether it be a birthday, anniversary or thank you,... Buy online Groups Admissions Book your Group tickets to step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia ...
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself. Rated Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction (AGAIN), Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world…Royal Deck Tearoom. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre. Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are - 10, 16, 34 ...
Glimpse into the lifestyle of the Royals with an audio tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia - the floating palace of Her Majesty the Queen for more than 40 years. Independently explore the stately ship's five decks, peeking into elaborately decorated rooms like the State Apartments, the State Drawing Room, the Queen's Bedroom and more. Add to the unique experience with some refreshment in ...
The Royal Yacht Britannia is the former royal yacht of HM Queen Elizabeth II and is located at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre in Edinburgh.The yacht is one of Scotland's premier tourist attractions, and visitors can explore it on a self-guided tour that takes them through the main dining hall, the royal family's private quarters, and the engine room.
However, a tour of Britannia is much more than just pulling back the curtains on an episode of The Crown, the tour goes deep into life at sea logistics, touches upon UK history and discusses the engineering of this floating palace. You'll get a sneak peek at the bowels of the Britannia as well as its bow. So let's dive into the Royal Yacht ...
Spend time exploring the Royal Yacht Britannia, learn all about the secrets of the Royal Mile, visit the historic Edinburgh Castle, enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City Centre, followed by a photo stop at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. ... Optional extras for your tour are as follows: Royal Yacht Britannia: Adult: £16.50, Concession: £14.50 ...
Join me for a private tour of the late Queen's favourite home - The Royal Yacht Britannia. Go beyond the ropes for a look inside the private apartments, incl...
The Royal Yacht Britannia was the royal family's private yacht from 1953 to 1997. The ship is now a museum open to the public in Edinburgh, Scotland. The tour shows the Queen's bedroom, state ...
Take a full tour of the Queen's yacht, Britannia. This magnificent vessel was used by Queen Elizabeth II for over 40 years to travel the world and host stat...
Docked in Leith near Edinburgh (scotland), the Royal Yacht Britannia was the ship the Queen and Royal Family used to tour the world from 1953 to 1997. In 44 ...
Edinburgh: Hop-On Hop-Off Combo City and Britannia Bus Tour. Explore Edinburgh with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus pass. See famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Palace of Holyrood House while learning about their historical significance from the onboard audio commentary.
The clock in the Wardroom Anteroom — and every clock aboard Britannia — is permanently stopped at 3:01, the exact moment the Queen last disembarked the royal yacht on Dec. 11, 1997. David ...
From the towering battlements of Edinburgh Castle to the refined elegance of the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh's royal attractions offer a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's past. ... tour the chambers where Mary Queen of Scots lived in from 1561 to 1567, and see the Throne Room, which continues to be used for receptions and state ...
Nalchik - Overview. Nalchik is a resort city located in the south of European Russia, the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, its administrative, cultural, and educational center. The population of Nalchik is about 239,600 (2022), the area - 67 sq. km. The phone code - +7 8662, the postal codes - 360000-360904.
The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh was The Queen's floating Royal residence for over forty years. Now the UK's no. 1 visitor attraction (TripAdvisor) and exclusive five-star evening events venue.
B. Car/Public Transport - If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles. A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.
Visiting Russia - Nalchik. Nalchik is a small city of around 240,000 people and serves as the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, one of the lesser-known republics spread across the beautiful North Caucasus area of Russia, the mountain range that separates the former soviet states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan from the Russian Federation.
A bit above the Greek stairs are the ancient Balkar mausoleums, where local nobility were buried in the VIII-XVIII centuries. Artyem advises to go with a tour guide, because there is just so much ...