Mountain lake Ritsa in Abkhazia is located in the Gadaut region, east of Gagra. You can get here as part of an excursion program or "on your own" - by car. In any case, having visited here once, you will definitely want to return more than once. We will define all possible routes so that this local landmark of Abkhazia does not go unnoticed.
How to get to the lake Ritsa by car
To enjoy the beauty of the area, there are a number of routes, depending on the point of departure. Let's consider the most common ones:
- From Sukhum... The journey takes 110 km... Head towards the bridge over the river. Bzyb, then turn left and move down the "serpentine".
- From Gagra... The distance is short, only 55 km... Follow the E60 highway to the village. Blaburhva, then turn left and move along the SH11 mountain road until it stops to the reservoir.
- From Sochi... Cover the distance from Sochi to Lake Ritsa in 120 km will be in 3 hours. Drive to the border, go through the checkpoint along Urozhainaya street 101, "Psou border". Further from the checkpoint, move along the E60 highway, then traditionally turn onto the "serpentine".
- From Moscow... Tourists have to drive 1745 km... If without stopping, the path can be covered in 24 hours. We will move through Voronezh, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar. After that, go through the border control in Abkhazia, then along the aforementioned E60 highway to the "serpentine" to Ritsu.
- From Adler. On my way - 89 km... It is necessary to go through border control at the above address in Adler. Then move along the E60 highway to the Blue Lake, then - to Ritsa following the road signs.
The entrance to the reservoir is paid. An adult will have to pay 350 rubles. for 1 person, children under 7 years old admission is free. It is also possible to get to your destination by taxi.
How to get to Lake Ritsa from Sochi, Novy Afon, Adler
To get to Abkhazia, you have to go through border control. This is a must for all visitors. Further, there are several options for how to get to Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia quickly.
For example, several minibuses and regular buses run from the checkpoint to the hospitable Gagra. After disembarking, take a ride or order a taxi to the very reservoir. Let's consider the possible options for visiting the natural pearl of Abkhazia.
If the answer to the question of how to get to Lake Ritsa from Adler is a taxi, it is important to understand that such a trip from the border to the destination will cost a tourist 4,700 rubles. You can bargain with local drivers.
How to get to Lake Ritsa from Sochi
You will have to travel with transfers, direct flights are not provided. Upon arrival at the Sochi railway station, you will have to buy a ticket for bus # 173. First, get to the Adler border, then go through customs and, according to the schedule, take a suburban bus in the given direction of Gagra. You can also get from Sochi to Gagra by high-speed train, then take a taxi or take a ride.
If tourists are on vacation in Sochi, we recommend ordering an excursion program to Ritsu, familiarizing yourself with the history, location, how many kilometers. and the legends of this mountain lake. Transfer and accompaniment of a professional guide are included in the ticket price, as well as a rich program. The average price for travel with a guided tour is from 1250 rubles. from 1 person, varies according to the chosen route.
Prices in Sochi: food, food, housing
The most interesting places in the resort
How to get from Adler
This is another tourist city, a favorite place for tourists. From Adler to the lake. It is possible to get to Ritsa in 60-80 minutes, walk around the surroundings and return back to the so-called civilization. The distance from Adler to Lake Ritsa is 90 km, which can be covered by public transport.
After passing through customs, find the stop "Adler, Psou KPP", where two necessary routes pass - No. 565 from Sukhum, No. 566 from the bus station in the city of Rostov-on-Don. After arriving in Gagra, take a ride or use a paid taxi service.
- Self drive review video and tips
How to get from Gagra
For tourists it has long become a favorite route "Gagra-Lake Ritsa". The journey takes no more than 1 hour, attracts visitors with picturesque landscapes and mountain air. This is a close attraction of the resort, so the rest is not complete without a visit to the mountain reservoir, colorful photos and touching memories.
The distance from Gagra to Ritsa is 50 km. The route starts on the E60 highway, and the turn to the left after the bridge of the Bzyb river goes in the direction of SN 11. At the end, follow the Yupsharsky canyon along a winding "serpentine". The road is branchy and may cause dizziness among tourists.
Prices for holidays in Gagra
How to get from New Athos to Lake Ritsa
Each tourist knows theoretically where Lake Ritsa is located in Abkhazia, but it is not easy to build a route to this natural attraction. For example, from New Athos, you can get to the object exclusively with a guided tour or by private taxi. Other transport in the direction "New Athos - Lake Ritsa" does not run.
You can travel by your own car. The road to Lake Ritsa starts from the E60 highway, near the village. Blaburkhva has to turn left. After that you will have to drive along a narrow "serpentine", the route requires special attention of the driver. Reviews of the trip are positive, the trip will take a little more than 1 hour.
Information on prices and holidays in the resort
How to get from Pitsunda
There is another resort within an hour's drive from the mountain reservoir. The distance from Pitsunda to Lake Ritsa is 80 km, which can be traveled in 1 hour. You can get to your destination as part of a guided tour or by private taxi. In the latter case, the cost of the trip starts at 900 rubles. Regular buses do not go in the given direction.
We advise you to go along the E60 highway until the intersection, then turn left and move along the SH 11. Before turning right, remember about traffic rules, as there is often a traffic police post behind it. Then move along the panoramic "serpentine", which after 200 meters will lead directly to the natural landmark. Rest on Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia will definitely not be forgotten, the beauty of these places is striking.
The road to Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia runs along the coast of the river. Bzyb, a picturesque road in the form of a "serpentine". The places are marvelous, but the path is ornate. Not the best place for two cars to cross.
Material about prices and rest at the resort
- Panorama of the lake on the map:
How to get there by bus?
If you are planning to visit this natural site, it is better to find out in advance how to get to Lake Ritsa. Since the nearest city is Gagra, it is advisable to build a route to this destination, and then act according to the circumstances. Then take a ride, Yandex.Taxi or the services of private taxi drivers. Buses do not run to Ritsa.
If you get to Gagra, go through the control of the border guards, minibuses are regularly sent from the Psou bus station to the nearest resorts - Adler, Gagra, N. Afon, Pitsunda, Sukhumi. Bus fares are lower than minibuses, but you have to spend more time on the road. For example, the distance from Adler to Novy Afon is about 80 km. By bus on the way - 1 hour 30 minutes, by taxi - 1 hour.
It costs 150 rubles to get from Adler to Novy Afon by minibus. or by bus for 100 rubles, but first go through passport control at the border. The schedule is published on the official website, there is a chance to adjust taking into account transfers. There is also a taxi, but this trip will cost more.
Places to sleep on the lake
How to get to Lake Ritsa on your own is not the only question that should bother tourists. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the places of possible accommodation, local attractions in advance. Everything in order.
You can stop for the night at Stalin's dacha. This is not only a museum, but also an operating hotel, designed for 14 guest rooms, in the season the cost of one room is from 3000 rubles. There is also a cozy cafe where you can have a hearty and inexpensive meal. Moreover, on many forums, tourists are sure to recommend ordering Georgian wine "Khvanchkara". Swimming is not recommended, but it is quite possible to set up a tent and spend the night.
If you wish, you can stay in Gagra. There are many more options for overnight stay. And in the morning, on a hitchhike, get to the picturesque reservoir, which is located 15 km from this resort town. In Gagra, the tourist infrastructure is more developed, and a trip along the "serpentine" is one of the many natural attractions. When looking for private accommodation, be sure to check out our selection of apartments and guest houses.
- If you love nature, we advise you to consider inexpensive hotels near the Bzyb River, both options with good reviews and ratings.
The best hotels in Abkhazia
Travel planning tips
So:
- There is a local cafe under the observation deck, where the cost of a complex lunch is up to 400 rubles per person.
- At the entrance to the reservoir there is a traffic police post, so it is better not to violate traffic rules. For example, an inattentive driver will have to pay 2,000 rubles for not wearing a seat belt.
- If you are traveling by your own car, it is advisable to leave it in a paid parking lot. So it is calmer, and it is also inexpensive.
- The observation deck is located higher, it offers a picturesque view of the local beauty.
- It is forbidden to swim in the reservoir itself, but if you go further, you can get to Stalin's dacha and the local beach. Only the most daring enter the water.
- Along the banks there are cozy cafes and shops where you can always buy fresh trout from Ritsa.
- During a leisurely descent along a narrow serpentine in the gorge, you can see many mountain rivers and waterfalls, enjoy the clean air.
If you go on a trip alone, preferably by train or plane to Adler, and after the border - by regular bus to Gagra. Then, hitchhiking to your destination. When a group of friends travels, it is cheaper to travel by private vehicle, without transfers and with comfort. Otherwise, such a trip will leave indelible impressions in your memory! On the mountain Ritsa there is always something to see, and then tell friends and relatives, take pictures.
