I learned that there is a cable car in the sunny city of Gelendzhik from friends who once vacationed in those parts. According to their stories, it was one of the most interesting attractions in the vicinity of this city. Being partial to this kind of entertainment, I decided that when I was in the Krasnodar Territory, I would need to go and personally ride this attraction. I didn’t specifically read anything online about the cable car, and I didn’t ask my friends for details, so as not to spoil the impression and see everything for myself. And then in the summer of 2015 such an opportunity arose. While in the village of Blagoveshchenskaya, near Anapa, we took the cable car to Gelendzhik.
The road itself did not take much time and I will not describe it in detail here. I will only note that the entire journey took about 2 hours (during rush hour).
About the cable car
As it turned out, “Olympus” is a whole entertainment complex that includes a cable car.
The road turned out to be not such a large-scale structure as I expected. But this did not spoil the overall impression. A few words about the technical side:
- The length of the cable car is 1150 meters, the ascent time is about 20 minutes
- 120 “booths” move at a speed of approximately 1 m/s
- Hourly passenger flow 750 people
- The number of seats is 240. The seats are simple double chairs, almost like on a regular funicular. Feet can be placed on supports, in front of the roll bar
- The distance between the “booths” is about 10 meters, clearly visible to those sitting in front
- The final point of the ascent is the top of the Markhot ridge
- The height of the cable car above ground level is approximately 5-7 meters
- There are no proposties
Summary - which road is better suited for what, their comparison, pros and cons
The Gelendzhik cable cars are no different in their structure and appearance; they are both suspended and 2-chair, the only differences are in their length and lift height.
The Safari Park cable car is 450 meters longer and rises 80 meters higher than the Olympus Park cable car. At the same time, the view of the sea bay and the city from above in both parks is equally beautiful. But from the observation deck of the Safari Park, unlike the Olympus Park, a wonderful panorama of the Caucasus Mountains also opens up. Another advantage of the Safari Park is the zoo with a wide variety of exotic animals and birds.
The advantages of the park and the Olympus cable car include a lower price for visiting - 630 rubles per person cheaper, the opportunity to ride a Ferris wheel on the top of the mountain, see the evening panorama of the city in lights, since the cable car is open until 23-00, as well as easy to reach the Cross and the inscriptions "Gelendzhik".
Have a nice ride on the cable car and have a great experience!
There is no bad weather
But the cable car is quite sensitive to it. Gelendzhik (reviews from tourists emphasize this advantage of the resort every time) is located in a very mild climate. There are no sudden temperature changes here; precipitation occurs quite rarely in the summer. However, if it is going to rain, it is better to postpone your trip. The view of the mountain slopes itself will not be so bright, and riding in the rain in an open seat may not be so attractive. A thunderstorm with thunder and lightning at such a height looks threatening. And gusts of wind will scare even the bravest tourist. However, in extreme heat, the trip can also be deprived of its charm, so if it is hot outside, it is better to choose the evening or morning time, or stock up on hats and sunscreen.
And, of course, don’t forget to take a picture of yourself so that the magnificent cable car (Gelendzhik) will forever remain in your album. Photos may seem difficult to take if you are traveling for the first time, so leave this mission to more experienced travelers who will go with you. Even if you don't like taking pictures, the views captured from such a height will definitely decorate your album.
Prices
So, before you go on the cable car, you should know that you won’t be able to purchase a separate ticket for the ride. It is mandatory to purchase a ticket to the Safari Park, the price of which is 1070-1250 rubles. When you have a ticket to the park in hand, then you can already purchase an additional ticket for the cable car, the approximate cost of which will be 510-600 rubles. It is also possible to purchase a general ticket, which gives you the opportunity to visit the park and ride the cable car.
Entertainment park Olympus in Gelendzhik: review, photos
Gelendzhik is one of the most popular Black Sea resorts. Gelendzhik can attract tourists not only with its sea, many beaches, but also with a variety of entertainment. One of the most popular entertainments is the cable cars. There are two of them in Gelendzhik: one is in the Safari Park, the second is in the Olympus entertainment complex of the same name. The ticket for both cable cars is comprehensive, that is, it includes not only travel on the cable car, but also visits to all other sites. Tickets for the cable car are not sold separately.
cable car in Safari Park
In Safari Park, a ticket costs 1650 for adults and children (children under 5 years old are free), in Olimp it is 900 rubles for adults, 500 for children (up to 12 years old), and children under 5 years old are also free (prices for July-August 2021).
cable car in Safari Park
We were already at the first one several years ago during a visit to Safari - a park that is a complex of a large zoo (initially it was a zoo for predatory animals that ended their careers in the circus, but then it expanded, there were many more animals), children's attractions, a cafe, a terrarium and an observation deck at the top. Therefore, we decided to tickle our nerves on the Olympus cable car, especially since since our last trip to Gelendzhik a new attraction has appeared here - the Worship Cross.
cable car
Finding the Olympus cable car is quite simple - it is located half a kilometer from the bus station; The landmark is the inscription “Gelendzhik” and the Worship Cross, which are visible from almost anywhere in the city: the cable car is located between them. I heard that you can get from the city to Olympus Park by a special free bus. We stopped at the Olympus cable car on the way home, when we were leaving the city. What did we get for 900 rubles? The main thing, in fact, for which we spent money, was the ascent by cable car, which was more than a kilometer long. It is a little shorter than in the Safari Park, so the ascent time is 5 minutes shorter. There is a photo point at the lift stop; you can receive a photo immediately or by email.
Olympus cable car
The views that open up after the climb are incomparable: almost the entire city is in full view, the entire Gelendzhik Bay, mountains, and sea are visible. At the top there is a small amusement park, at the bottom there is an exotarium and a petting zoo. Their visit is already included in the 900 rubles paid.
Views from the cable car
First of all, we headed to the observation deck, from where a wide panorama of the city and the bay opens, and from here you can also see the Worship Cross, which we also went to a little later.
Gelendzhik observation deck
Observation deck in Gelendzhik
Then we went to the amusement park, where we were attracted by the Ferris wheel - the height of the mountains themselves was not enough for us, so we decided to climb a little higher. I definitely recommend it, especially since everything is already included in the price. You get the impression that you are soaring high in the mountains – it’s no joke, 640 meters above sea level. I really liked it. Moreover, this is the only Ferris wheel in the country at such a height.
Ferris Wheel in Gelendzhik
Ferris Wheel in Gelendzhik
You can also go to two popular “business cards” of Gelendzhik – the “Gelendzhik” inscription located in the mountains (following the example of HOLLYWOOD), or in the other direction – to the Worship Cross. We went to take a closer look at the Cross. The cross is a relatively new attraction in Gelendzhik. Among the people, the name “Rio de Gelendzhik” has already been assigned to it, since it slightly resembles the famous statue of Christ the Savior towering over Rio de Janeiro.
The idea of building the Cross arose back in 2015, having received the approval of the Patriarch. Two years later, a chapel appeared here in honor of Seraphim of Sarov, which became the foundation of the Cross. And already in 2018, an openwork metal structure in the shape of an Orthodox cross was erected and consecrated over the chapel, and over the entire city. At night the cross is illuminated. Of course, the cross, despite its recent appearance, has already become a popular and recognizable landmark of the resort.
Cross in Gelendzhik
You can walk from the cable car to the Cross - it’s very close, or you can take a minibus (travel is also included in the price). You can also climb to the cross on foot, and visiting it is also included in the jeep tour route. There is also an observation deck here.
Observation deck in Gelendzhik
Below the cable car there is a petting zoo and an exotarium. In the petting zoo, which is quite small, you can look at goats, raccoons, various exotic chickens and ducks, pelicans and pheasants, cranes and peacocks; there are owls, parrots, horses, ponies, ostriches, deer, etc. Children like the incredibly funny rabbits and guinea pigs, a very sociable raccoon who always tried to grab visitors by the hands or clothes.
Animals can be fed - a package of food for each type of animal costs 50 rubles (this can be an apple, a carrot, a mixture of grains, etc.).
The exotarium traditionally displays a variety of reptiles - lizards, crocodiles, snakes. There are several monkeys and very funny surricats.
There are also ATVs on the territory of the park (I can’t say whether their rental is included in the price, most likely not), there is a cafe, and a restaurant upstairs. Overall a pretty good place to spend a few hours during a beach break. It is also worth noting the very friendly staff - girls in uniform walk around the park, telling everything and giving advice. In the evening, various events are also held here - concerts, discos, shows. For this purpose, a stage in the form of an amphitheater was built on one of the slopes. Evening beer parties are very popular, but there is a decent queue at the lift, since the capacity of the cable car is not very large, and there are many people who want to go to such parties.
The cable car operates during the holiday season from 10.00 to 22.00, the opening hours of the petting zoo and exotarium are from 10.00 to 20.00, the Ferris wheel is open until 21.00.
Description
The Olympus cable car in Gelendzhik is one of the most interesting attractions. Many compare it with a similar one in Sochi, which leads to Krasnaya Polyana. Let's say right away that it is shorter, but the views that open to tourists are hardly less picturesque.
The Olympus cable car in Gelendzhik is a kind of funicular. Only here are open benches with iron restraints and a footrest. From the outside it looks quite scary when people are soaring over an abyss, without any visible insurance. In fact, it is almost impossible to fall out of the chairs, even if you try hard. The speed of movement is low, no swinging is provided. Judging by the reviews, even tourists with a fear of heights and those who got on the funicular in bad weather do not refuse to visit again. While looking at the views, it’s hard not to forget about all these little things.
Animals of Gelendzhik Safari Park
Wildlife in the park includes Ussuri tigers, lions, leopards, pumas, chimpanzees, wolves, bears, wild boar, foxes, raccoons, lemurs, and parrots.
In the photo there is a leopard
Bear
Intriguing title
As we all remember from mythology, this is the mountain on which the gods lived. The Olympus cable car in Gelendzhik is a half-hour flight above the clouds and stunning views, after which tourists find themselves in an unforgettable amusement park. What is described immediately echoes in the mind the picture of paradise, and the name becomes quite understandable. The cable car is just the first stage of the adventure. An unforgettable day awaits you. Plan more free time in advance; you can stay here until the evening and you definitely won’t get bored.
Specifications
The cable car (city of Gelendzhik) is aimed at a large flow of visitors. Its capacity is 750 people per hour. The number of seats is 120. That is, simple mathematics allows us to conclude that the trip does not take more than 20 minutes. However, for those who are very afraid of heights, this time can drag on endlessly. However, do not be discouraged, in the Olympus park there is another cable car, a complete analogue of the first, with the only difference that it lifts tourists to a lower height. But it is open until 02:00. It is in the evening and at night that this road receives the greatest attention from tourists. The views of the sun setting over the sea and the city illuminated by lights at night are so stunning that they simply take your breath away. The lights come on in the city, the light from ships and steamers is visible on the sea, the moonlit path crosses the bay - this is the best time to declare your love. It should be borne in mind that this entertainment is not the cheapest: an adult ticket costs 600 rubles, and a child ticket costs 300, so a family trip is quite expensive. Delivery of tourists to Olympus Park from anywhere in the city is carried out by free express trains. In addition to the cable car, this park includes a huge number of entertainment options. This includes a bowling alley and a network of cafes, a Ferris wheel, a walking park area with a trout lake, a disco and attractions.
Climbing and sights
Not every tourist and vacationer decides to ride the cable car, and not because it is unsafe or there are any risks, it’s all because of the appearance. The fact is that the booths are completely open booths, which are similar to ordinary benches. Not everyone can sit motionless for 20 minutes when there is an abyss underfoot, at a great height in open cabins.
In addition, due to the fact that the cabins are completely open, and temperature changes at altitude can be quite impressive, this is another test. We must not forget about precipitation, which sometimes cannot be foreseen. When there is strong wind, the cable car stops operating. If you decide to go for a ride, but the weather suddenly changes, it’s not a problem at all. For an additional fee, depending on the weather, you may be given a blanket or raincoat.
But despite all the difficulties and fear, it is definitely worth it, because from here you can see a stunning view of the city, the sea, and the park. At the top there are must-see attractions. For example, a zoo, a terrarium, an arboretum, a maritime museum, Medieval Towers, Jurassic Park, and many others. It will be interesting for both adults and children.
Regarding how to get down from the top, you can use the cable car; a ticket is not required for this trip. In cases where a person cannot or does not want to descend using a cable car, a dirt road can be used. It is worth saying that this is also extreme and time consuming.
Popular mode of transport – cable car
This cable car is located along the entire slope. Therefore, using a cable car you can climb to the very top, which is located at an altitude of 640 meters. There is also an observation deck there. Travel time along the entire route is approximately 20 minutes. The length of the cable car is 1600 meters. This cable car was the first to be built in the Krasnodar Territory, and it is also the longest.
Dolmen in Safari Park Gelendzhik
Walking further from the observation deck, deeper into the park, we are greeted by sculptures of dinosaurs and animals
Here, walking along the path, there is a Dolmen. They say that if you touch this dolmen and at the same time make a wish, your wish will definitely come true. Let's check, check!!!
Bear Cave Safari Park in Gelendzhik
Taking the cable car back to the center of the Safari Park, we came straight to the Bear Cave.
The bear cave is not real, it is artificial. However, once you get into it, there is no feeling that you have been “deceived” at all. Everything in the cave is done so naturally that it feels like you are in a real natural cave. And we have something to compare with; we have visited more than one cave.
This is the first fake cave in Russia and, according to the park employees, it is the pearl of the Safari Park.
Terrarium and butterfly exhibition in Gelendzhik Safari Park
In the same building as the cafe there is a terrarium and a butterfly exhibition.
The terrarium is home to snakes, crocodiles, frogs, chameleons, mollusks, turtles, lizards, scorpions and other arachnids.
In the hall with a collection of butterflies, various types of insects are presented: butterflies, beetles, and various arachnids. All of them are collected from all continents of the world. It’s just a pity that they’re not alive...
The adventure begins
The cable car in Gelendzhik is known to everyone, you can ask any passerby and you will get an answer. Exact address: Kupriyanova Shchel, building 1. A magnificent park awaits you at the top, but tourists begin to be surprised at the foot of the mountain. There is a bowling club here so that you can have a fun and interesting time while waiting for your trip. The cost of the game is relatively low, so you can easily afford it. There is also a health and entertainment attraction located here. Tourists can drink mineral water for free and even swim in it. The stocked pool will provide an opportunity for those who like to sit with a fishing rod. Or you can go to a crocodile farm and look at the reptiles up close.
Photos with a beautiful view
This is a pressing question for every tourist, since many want to preserve a good memory. It’s not surprising, because before you is the dream of a Russian tourist, magnificent Gelendzhik, the Olympus cable car. A photo taken by yourself at a bird's eye view can be successful and even beautiful, but it is difficult to capture yourself in the frame. However, a professional photographer works here for these purposes. He will catch a good shot in the most beautiful place, and after the client’s approval, he will place the photo in a frame and put it on a flash drive. All you have to do at home is print it out and put it in a visible place.
Maritime Museum of Safari Park Gelendzhik
The Maritime Museum is an exhibition complex called “From the depths of centuries and waters.” Today, this is the only object in the south of Russia where you can get acquainted with the Ocean in various manifestations, from the life of its inhabitants to the history of navigation.
The entrance to the museum is designed in the style of the seabed. You can feel like a diver and plunge into the depths of the sea
The museum presents collections of sea fish, strange shells, corals and, of course, ships of the Black Sea Fleet
There is also a pirate section. This is what attracts children so much.
The museum has a hall designed as Captain Nemo's salon on the Nautilus submarine. This hall attracts almost all tourists. Here, at the helm of a ship, you can find yourself in a fairy tale and feel like the brave Captain Nemo, plowing the sea.
When visiting the Safari Park, we did not find any significant disadvantages. Of course, all this would still be a little refined, expanded and brought as close as possible to living conditions in the natural environment of animal enclosures. And so, in general, it was nothing at all; we really enjoyed visiting the park.
How else to entertain yourself in Gelendzhik? You can go off-road jeeping in the Caucasus Mountains, visit the largest freshwater lake in the Krasnodar Territory and the champagne wine factory in Abrau-Dyurso, or go to the largest water park in Russia, Golden Bay. With children, a great idea would be to visit a show program with marine life at the Utrish Dolphinarium.
Reviews from tourists
It's impossible not to fall in love with the cable car at first sight. Despite the fact that the first trip tickles your nerves, the impressions from it, based on the reviews of tourists, are so amazing that you want to come here again and again. It's impossible to forget the magnificent views that unfold before you as you soar in your chair above the mountain peaks. It's practically a flight, completely safe and infinitely beautiful. Even better than a camera, a video camera can capture the entire trip. Although no shooting can replace your own impressions that you will experience from the trip. If you are planning a vacation in Gelendzhik, do not deny yourself the pleasure. A day spent at the top of the Caucasus Mountains will remain in your memory for a lifetime.
Lower platform
Bowling Club
An excellent place for active recreation. 6 play tracks (with sides for children), sports cafe, bar, broadcasts of significant sporting events on the big screen, billiards, cinema hall.
Concert hall
The largest open-air hall on the Black Sea coast! At the same time, the hall, designed in the form of an amphitheater, can accommodate 3,500 spectators.
Call of the Jungle Petting Zoo
Museum of Paleontological Finds and Terrarium
The Golden Fish cafe is located on the shore of a trout lake. Here you can have a barbecue or rent fishing rods (the catch will be prepared right there!).
Cafe "Golden Fish"
Trout fishing
Excursion to ancient cultural monuments full of mysteries and mystical properties: the stone of love and fulfillment of desires, brought from the “Valley of Silence”, and a dolmen - the same age as the Egyptian pyramids.
Reconstruction of the dolmen
Springs with “living” and “dead” water - a real miracle of nature - form Lake Aya.
The ruins of the old fortress in the depths of the Kupriyanov Gorge will tell about the times of the Caucasian wars.
Life-size puppets greet all guests. Take a photo with them as a souvenir so you can come back here again and again!
Photo with tiger
