Top 7 Hidden Lakes in Krasnodar You Have to See to Believe!

Located just 15 km from Novorossiysk, Lake Abrau is known throughout Russia, especially for its scenic beauty and proximity to the famous Abrau-Durso winery. With its turquoise waters and lush surroundings, this lake is the largest freshwater lake in Krasnodar.

Lake Abrau’s area covers two square kilometers, with a depth of around 10 meters. It’s fed by the Abrau River, as well as mountain streams and underwater springs. The limestone-rich water makes it difficult to see deep into the lake, but you can enjoy a scenic boat or catamaran ride across its calm surface. The lake is surrounded by stunning vistas that can be viewed from several lookout points.

In the evening, Lake Abrau has a magical glow thanks to a light and music fountain show, adding to the lake’s mystical ambiance. After a day of sightseeing or a relaxing ride, visitors can grab a bite at one of the nearby restaurants or join a winery tour.

Nestled just two kilometers from the village of Maloye Pseushkho, on the Peus Ridge, Lake Khyzhi is the largest mountain lake in the Tuapse area. In the Adyghe language, Khyzhi means "little sea." Situated at an elevation of 600 meters, it is fairly easy to access.

The lake formed in the late 19th century after a landslide blocked the Maloye Pseushkho River. The result is a picturesque 70-meter-long, 50-meter-wide lake with depths up to 15 meters. The lake’s colors change seasonally, from greenish in summer to deep blue in winter, and tree stumps rising from the water lend it a mysterious feel.

While swimming here is rare due to fallen trees on the lakebed, many enjoy fishing on the lake’s calm surface or taking stunning photos of the reflective water.

Lake Kardyvach, one of the two large lakes in the Caucasian Reserve, sits at an impressive 1,838 meters above sea level near Krasnaya Polyana. This 18.3-square-kilometer lake, with depths reaching 17 meters, was created by ancient glaciers that carved out its basin.

Surrounded by forests and majestic mountains, Lake Kardyvach is like a natural mirror reflecting the sky and the rugged landscape. For nature enthusiasts, this lake is a paradise, though fishing is not an option since no fish inhabit its clear waters. The trail to Kardyvach is popular with both locals and visitors, as well as some curious bears, so it’s worth staying alert on your hike.

In Veselovka, near the coast between Cape Zhelezniy Rog and Bugayskiy Estuary, you’ll find Lake Solenoe, known for its highly salty water and healing mud. This shallow lake has a salt concentration of 400 parts per million—higher than the Dead Sea! Though only knee-deep at most, Lake Solenoe covers an area of 3.1 square kilometers and offers an intriguing visit.

The lake’s mud is believed to have therapeutic benefits, helping with joint pain, skin issues, and even respiratory ailments. In spring, the water here has a pink tint, while in summer, the water may dry up completely, revealing sparkling salt crystals that crunch underfoot like fresh snow.

Khanskoe Lake in Yeisk District is another saltwater lake famous for its medicinal mud, which spans 16 kilometers in length and seven kilometers in width. However, it’s quite shallow, with a maximum depth of just 1.8 meters, and dries up during the summer months, leaving behind a vast mud plain.

This lake is popular with birdwatchers, as it’s home to numerous species, including the Dalmatian pelican and the Caspian tern. Even if you don’t come for mud therapy, the serene environment, rich birdlife, and expansive views make Khanskoe Lake worth visiting.

Cypress Lake near Sukko village is a man-made lake created in 1935, set against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Shiroka. Covering about 8 hectares, the lake’s turquoise waters and its surrounding forests of oak and juniper create a unique scene. The real attraction here, however, is the grove of swamp cypress trees growing straight out of the water.

This sight is especially enchanting in autumn when the cypress leaves turn a vibrant red, creating a stunning contrast with the blue lake. The lake becomes shallower in summer, revealing the cypress trees’ fascinating aerial roots, and in winter, a misty fog envelops the lake, enhancing its mystical aura. Cypress Lake is well-prepared for visitors, offering activities like boat rentals, biking, and beach access.

The Khmelevskie Lakes in Sochi’s Krasnaya Polyana area are a chain of small lakes at 1,750 meters on the Achishkho Ridge. Surrounded by thick beech forests and part of the Sochi National Park, these lakes are quiet and pristine. The main lakes here are Big Lake, East Lake, South Lake, and West Lake, named after a 19th-century Warsaw explorer, Khmelevski, who first studied them.

Reaching the Khmelevskie Lakes is easy, with trails starting from Krasnaya Polyana. Families with children will love spotting the “miracle” creatures, such as the protected newts that live in the lakes and are active in warm weather. During winter, the lakes freeze over, and snow covers the area, transforming it into a winter wonderland popular with cross-country skiers.