The mountain range Karadag has existed on the Black Sea coast for millions of years. It was once a volcanic complex where earthquakes and eruptions took place regularly. But at the moment it is considered extinct, and the entire site is included in the list of specially protected territories in Russia.
Tourists from different countries come to see the Karadag nature reserve in Crimea. It is so beautiful here that the scientist, physiologist and vivisector Ivan Pavlov was sure: in terms of relief and landscapes, this place can even compete with the famous Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
True, you won’t be able to come here without an excursion. This is due to the safety of guests, and it is much more interesting to walk around the huge territory accompanied by a guide. Do not be afraid, it will not be boring. The Karadag nature reserve in Crimea offers a lot of programs: you can choose either a long route or an express acquaintance.
History of the Karadag nature reserve
At the beginning of the 20th century, Doctor of Medical Sciences Terenty Vyazemsky came to these places. Falling in love with the local nature, he acquired an estate here, and in 1907 founded a station, whose work was devoted to the study of natural sciences. Later, it was headed by many famous academicians of the USSR, and the laboratory itself was named in his honor. For a long time they wanted to make the area around the reserve, but the idea was realized only in 1979. Prior to that, active scientific research was carried out here. There were ideas to start even geological development of the massif, which would mean turning it into a giant mine and the impossibility of preserving the local flora and fauna. However, local residents opposed it.
To this day, the Karadag Natural Reserve in Crimea belongs to the Academy of Sciences: geology, biology and botany are studied here. Many works are devoted to each of the branches. You can learn more about the diversity of flora and fauna of this zone during excursions.
Sights
Ecological trail “Big Karadag” is one of the most complete routes in the territory. The walk lasts 4 hours and covers 7 km. The guides show you the main natural monuments and the best photo spots. Wear comfortable shoes and take water.
For people who have health problems, it is better to sign up for an excursion along the Vyazemsky trail. Its length is only 1.5 km. In 45 minutes, tourists have time to inspect the scientist’s estate, learn about his life and work. You won’t see whimsical mountain peaks here, but you can get an idea of the nature of Karadag.
Visit the museum for photos and geological samples of the local landscape. There are hundreds of stuffed birds and animals in the windows. You can visit without a guided tour, since all halls have information and designations of exhibits.
Want to visit the first dolphinarium in the USSR? It is located in Karadag. In the 60s of the last century, there was a boom in the study of these mammals: they were placed in the pool of a biological station for the purpose of collecting information. Now environmental education lectures are held there.
The Karadag nature reserve in Crimea is also famous for the Vyazemsky estate park. More than a hundred species of plants have been collected there. Many trees were planted during the lifetime of the founder of the biological station. Conifers grow all around, so the air is especially fresh here.
Natural world
Vegetable world
