Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia is a popular place for outdoor activities and noisy entertainment. The natural riches of the region, untouched for centuries, attract vacationers from all corners of Russia. The road to the famous reservoir is one of the most picturesque in the country.
How Lake Ritsa appeared
The natural reservoir has a basin formed in local conditions under the influence of tectonic activity. Mount Przechishkha disintegrated into layers as a result of displacement, blocking the mouth of the Lashingse.
The water was gradually desalinized under the influence of atmospheric precipitation. The natural basin is filled with rivers Atsetuka, Turbaza, Vodopadnaya, as well as constant springs and shallow streams.
Characteristics of Lake Ritsa
The geographic description of a closed natural water body includes the following categories:
- the area where the lake is located;
- the origin of the basin;
- water salinity;
- availability of runoff;
- form;
- use in the national economy;
- protection measures.
Ritsa is a popular place to improve health, relax with children, and is located in the Gudautsky district. The natural pool has a slightly elongated shape. Water temperature does not exceed +10 ° C (from August to November), in winter ranges from +3 … +5 ° C.
The depth of the picturesque lake is 150 m. The water regime is effluent. The amount of oxygen at the bottom is 60% of that at the surface of the pool.
The natural water body is inhabited by members of the family Ceratopogonidae (41.2%), leeches, larvae of chironomid mosquitoes and louseflies.
In the fall season, water quality class 1-2, no pollution. The ecological condition of the natural basin using the oligochaete index (OI) is characterized as “clean”.
The nature monument is protected by the municipality of Abkhazia AR.
Where is Lake Ritsa
During the tour, the guide tells tourists where the picturesque body of water is located, informs about the duration of the trip and the cost of the trip. The lake is located in the mountains near the Ritza Highway.
Having studied the map beforehand, tourists take the E-60 highway and turn to the SH11 highway. In 1 hour they will see the unique corners near the lake and the beauty of a relic national park.
How does Ritsa look like in Abkhazia, photos of the lake
The natural body of water has made the republic famous all over the world, its surroundings fascinate travelers at first sight. Ultramarine water changes color from bright azure to rich emerald. The fluid is crystal clear.
The reservoir is located at an altitude of 950 meters above sea level.
The lake is protected on all sides by mountain ledges, long sandy beach – a cozy corner, giving vacationers peace and tranquility.
There is a dead silence in the beech forest in all kinds of weather. Tourists take selfies in front of the serene smooth surface, but no picture captures the charm of a beautiful lake with a powerful energy.
Weather conditions in Abkhazia
Abkhazia is located on the Black Sea coast, between the rivers Psou and Ingur. The hot sun stands over the republic, creating an average annual air temperature of +15 ° C.
There are four climate zones in the republic:
- humid subtropical in flowering valleys and on the coast;
- moderate in the vicinity of the 2-kilometer heights;
- cold (3 km above sea level);
- the realm of eternal snow (over 4 km).
The annual precipitation rate is 2,400 mm. High-mountain meadows are characterized by a humid climate with temperatures dropping to 0°C at night. The mountain arctic wilderness, or perpetual glacier zone, cools to +5°C in the summer months.
Stories and Legends of Lake Ritsa
There are several legends about the beautiful and most visited sights of Abkhazia:
- the tale of the affable old woman;
- the myth of the young Ritz;
- other popular folklore works.
The legends about the origin of the famous reservoir are closely associated with the high mountain ranges of Arihua, Przechishkha, and Atsetuk.
The Legend of the Hospitable Granny
In the old days, there was an immense plain in the place of a beautiful body of water. The locals were known for their generosity and hospitality. However, the evil sorcerer sowed hatred among the friendly people.
A holy angel came down from heaven to reconcile the villagers. But no one gave him shelter or food. Only an ancient skinny old woman let the traveler in.
She was so poor that she could not feed the wanderer. The grandmother offered the guest only a handful of stones. The good angel ennobled the cobblestones, turning them into bread. He advised the old lady to leave the house. Shortly after she left, a thunderstorm broke out. Two days of bad weather lasted, then the storm subsided, and a blue lake was formed on the site of the settlement.
The Legend of the Girl Rice and Her Brothers
In a small ancient country there lived a friendly family – a girl named Ritsa and her three brothers. They were very friendly and hardworking. One day an accident happened: the beautiful sister was stolen by robbers.
One of the brothers caught up with the enemy and plunged his sword into him. However, the weapon slipped from the wound and fell into the river, blocking it. The newly arriving water formed a deep lake. The girl stumbled on the edge of the ravine, running from her enemies, fell, and the icy current swept the unfortunate girl up. She could not be saved.
The loving brothers could not bear the separation and turned into stone statues. They are on honorary watch around the reservoir, guarding the peace of their beloved sister. And the bright azure lake, changing its color and delighting travelers, became known as Ritza in honor of the dead beauty.
Other Legends
A great interest of travelers in their native land are ancient legends. A heroic legend tells of the elder Zherai. The wise long-lived man lived in an abandoned cave, giving advice to local hunters. He once sheltered strangers.
Evil men killed the old man to take the skins of rare animals. However, the criminals could not get out of the cave. A powerful torrent of icy water blocked their exit, and the killers were trapped.
A lake was formed on the site of the cave. Its water resembles the blue eyes of an Abkhazian elder, and the relics of the saint are at the bottom of a beautiful body of water.
Is Bathing on Lake Ritsa Allowed
A large lake on the territory of Abkhazia is famous for its clean healing water. On the shore of the bay is a cozy beach. Travelers rent beds and sunbathe on the beach. Bathing is prohibited, because the water temperature of +12 ° C has an adverse effect on the heart and blood vessels, even a healthy person.
In addition, various species of zooplankton inhabit the bottom of the reservoir: protozoa, small crustaceans, daphnia, cyclops. The protected area is protected.
Tourists can catch trout and whitefish in the bright turquoise pond. Mountain Lake Malaya Ritsa, 100 meters deep, is also inaccessible for swimming, but it amazes vacationers with its beauty and grandeur.
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Sightseeing of Lake Ritsa
Travelers deserve special attention:
- Church of the times of the Abkhaz kingdom (in the village of Bzypta);
- Source Maiden’s Tears;
- the old buildings of the fortress Hasan Abaa;
- Blue Lake;
- Yupshar river valley;
- Chabgarsky ledge (viewing platform “Farewell, Motherland”);
- the scenic natural site “Men’s Tears”.
Stalin’s Dacha
In Abkhazia, travelers can see the former residence of Stalin, or Site #5. The mansion is located 300 meters above sea level in a pine forest. The two-story, 500-square-foot building is painted green. The main entrance is decorated with a fireplace.
Vacationers explore the room decorations and furnishings: beautiful lighting fixtures hang in the meeting room, the ceilings and walls are paneled with wood.
There is no room for cooking at the dacha, because Stalin did not like the smell of the kitchen. Stalin did not like kitchen smells. The area around the house is well maintained, there are avenues of palm trees and magnolias.
Ritza National Park
The famous relic reserve is popular with travelers. The park is located among the high mountains near the border with Russia. There is an asphalt road leading to Lake Ritsa in the protected area.
During the trip, tourists see the sights:
- Gegsky waterfall;
- Lake Mzy;
- The Valley of the Seven Lakes.
Tourists are allowed group and independent visits to the park. Many vacationers drive up to the lake by car. It is forbidden to swim in the small body of water Tskhina, which is located near Ritsa.
Admission to the national park is free.
Infrastructure of Lake Ritsa
Now individual and group tours from Gagra to the natural reservoir is inexpensive, because the city is 55 km from Lake Ritza. There is a local apiary near the pool. Travelers taste the honey and purchase the delicacy for a small sum.
A beech forest grows on the eastern bank of the Ritza. There is a paid parking lot and a tent camp. Tourists can use the boat or catamaran for a boat trip.
In the cafe vacationers are offered dishes of national Abkhazian cuisine:
- khachapuri boats;
- akurdzu (bean soup);
- chicken on a spit;
- grits;
- abaklajanchapa appetizer;
- pâté of by-products;
- lamb with spices.
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How to get to Lake Ritsa
Travellers have popular routes to Ritza from Sochi, Adler, and Gagra. At the Psou checkpoint, cars and jeeps are subjected to border control.
You can get to Gagra by bus or private car. The distance from the resort to the lake Ritsa is 55 km. Tourists prefer to get to the reserve by cab, private car along the E-60 or sightseeing bus.
Flight transport does not transport travelers to the natural reservoir, so tourists book special tours. Their price includes transfers and the environmental fee.
From Gagra
The route starts from the city bus station. You can go on your own by bus number 3 to the village of Bzypta (Gudautsky district). There is a cab rank near the settlement. The driver within 1 hour delivers vacationers to the natural pool.
If time is short, you can get to the pond in a private car, making the trip in advance. Travelers often book an excursion to Ritza with a visit to the Gegsky waterfall. The start of the trip is at 10 a.m. The road goes through Yupshar Canyon, Bird’s and Milky Beak, past waterfalls Men’s and Women’s Tears.
From Pitsunda
To Lake Ritsa vacationers leave the hotel by cab or sightseeing bus. Often the individual tour is available in the organizer’s own car. In this case, the duration of the trip is 5 hours.
Tourists visit the famous Ritza on an off-road vehicle, the duration of the tour – 8 hours. They get acquainted with the Abkhazian villages, eco-farm, the old suspension bridge, the observation platform “Farewell, Motherland”.
By jeep from Pitsunda (Georgia) move towards the T-junction and turn right. After 5.8 km you will see a beautiful body of water.
From Sochi and Adler
The journey begins at the border between Russia and Abkhazia. Tourists get to the checkpoint on their own. Passing on the highway E-60, make a right turn to the pond, located at a distance of 37 km. The distance from Adler to the famous reservoir is 93 km.
There must be at least 4 people in the group taking part in the tour. Organized car rides are held daily, their duration is 10 hours.
Tourists visit the Ritza Relict National Park and explore the Yupshar Canyon.
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Hotels on Lake Ritsa
Rest on a beautiful body of water in Abkhazia is available to travelers from May to September.
It offers tourists hotels and guest houses:
- “Aguchi” (Leselidze village);
- “Coral Sea” and Abkhazia (Tsandrypsh);
- “Alexandria”, Palma (Sukhum);
- Cuest House u Antoniny (Gagra) and others.
In Pitsunda, travel lovers stay in hotels:
- “Barzitz;
- “Golden Gagra;
- Comfort House, etc.
Excursions to Lake Ritsa
Tourists visit the attractions of picturesque Abkhazia on their own:
- Stone Sack Canyon;
- Blue Lake;
- Stalin’s summer estate;
- Leonid Brezhnev’s residence.
In summer, on the way to the reservoir, an experienced guide introduces travelers to bright orange citrus plantations and orchards near Sukhumi between the Gumistaya and Kelasuri rivers.
A great pleasure tourists get from the excursion to Lake Ritsa. They explore the Yupshara Canyon and waterfalls on the Bzyb River.
The tour from Gagra lasts for 5 hours. Car-walking and individual tours are available. There are stops at lookouts, at the Men’s Tears waterfall.
Entrance to the territory of Stalin’s former dacha is paid and includes a toll and the cost of tickets. Tourists popular with tourists jeep tour to the Gegsky waterfall and the natural reservoir in Abkhazia. Travelers explore the suspension bridge over the river Bzyb, climb to the observation deck “Farewell, Motherland.
Interesting facts about Lake Ritsa
Interesting facts about the picturesque body of water:
- The color of the water in the natural pool changes 4 times every 365 days. Phytoplankton in the lake affects the transparency of the lake.
- The discoverer of the picturesque place is G. M. Morozova-Popova, a member of the Caucasus Mountain Club. In 1913, she visited Bolshaya Ritsa and mapped the alpine meadows near the reservoir.
- After 1953 at the state house № 5 rested Khrushchev, F. Castro and other foreign guests.
- 13 bridges over the lake and the road to it were built by members of the secret Nazi organization “Anenerbe”, who came to Abkhazia under the guise of builders. When the work was finished, all the secret data carriers were destroyed. The entrance to the former base to the small subway communications is marked by a deep crater formed after the tornado.
Not all the exciting mysteries of this beautiful healing body of water are known to historians and travelers. The mysterious lake and its mysteries still excite the imagination of romantics, scientists and adventurers.
