Blue Lake in Abkhazia

The Blue Lake is located in Abkhazia, within the Ritsa Relic National Park, along the right bank of the Bzyb River. Its water is distinguished by an intense blue hue and maintains this condition year-round—even during the harshest winters, the lake never freezes. Local legends further fuel tourist interest in this natural site. Those who favor a more practical approach come here to wash their faces with the lake’s water, as folklore holds that this ritual promotes rejuvenation and restores vitality.

The Blue Lake lies on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, resembling a precious sapphire set within a natural frame of cliffs and ancient rock formations. Though its surface spans only 180 square meters, the lake plunges to an impressive depth of 76 meters, making it one of the deepest of its kind in Abkhazia. Formed through karst processes, the lake owes its vivid, almost otherworldly blue hue to lapis lazuli deposits in the surrounding rock strata.

The lake is fed by an underground river originating from Mount Akhtsykh and supplemented by atmospheric precipitation. Excess water does not accumulate but naturally drains through the rocky lakebed and fissures, flowing into the Bzyb River. This self-contained yet dynamic hydrological system ensures a stable water level and exceptional clarity year-round.

The Blue Lake is rightly regarded as one of Abkhazia’s most enigmatic natural wonders—often described as a miracle of nature. Over the years, numerous surprising observations have accumulated around it, reinforcing its uniqueness:

1. Perpetual Chill, Never Frozen: The lake’s water remains icy even in the height of summer, never warming above +10 °C. Paradoxically, despite these frigid temperatures, its surface never freezes in winter. Although a powerful subterranean mountain river flows into the lake—complete with a noticeable current and audible rush—the lake’s surface remains eerily calm and mirror-smooth, as if no underwater movement existed at all.
2. A “Lifeless” Lake: The Blue Lake is often called “dead”: it contains no fish, plankton, or aquatic vegetation. Its ecosystem is nearly sterile, which only deepens the aura of mystery surrounding the site.
3. Unchanging Azure Hue: The water retains its intense blue color regardless of season or weather. Yet, despite its crystalline purity, the water can sometimes appear murky or dark—an optical illusion caused by the lake’s unique geometry. With a diameter of only about 20 meters and a depth of 76 meters, sunlight striking the surface at an angle cannot reach the bottom. As a result, the perfectly clear water is perceived by the human eye as impenetrably dark.
4. Cinematic Fame: The lake also holds a place in film history. Its striking landscape was featured in the Soviet-era adventure film Sannikov Land ("Zemlya Sannikova"), where it served as the natural filming location for the whirlpool scene that swallowed the protagonists’ raft.

The mystical aura surrounding the Blue Lake is vividly reflected in local folklore. Two legends, in particular, are widely known and frequently recounted by guides to visitors: one tells of a noble hermit with sky-blue eyes, while the other speaks of Dzydzlan, a powerful and cunning water mistress. Both tales are deeply rooted in Abkhaz folklore and profoundly enhance the sense of mystery that envelops this remarkable site.

According to an ancient legend, a deep cave once gaped where the Blue Lake now lies. Inside dwelled an old hermit who had already lived a hundred years. He wore a long white beard, and his eyes held an extraordinary blue hue—the very same shade as the lake’s water today. In his youth, he had been a skilled hunter, but with age he abandoned that way of life, retreating into solitude to spend his remaining days in quiet contemplation of nature and spiritual reflection.

Young hunters frequently sought him out for advice. The hermit generously shared his knowledge of animal trails, the habits of wild game, and mountain survival secrets. He never turned anyone away, and in gratitude, visitors brought him gifts—pieces of meat and valuable furs.

One stormy day, strangers arrived at the cave. Following the sacred Abkhaz tradition of hospitality, the old man sheltered them from the rain and offered them food. That night, he prepared beds for his guests using the finest furs he owned. Seeing such wealth, the visitors succumbed to greed. In the dead of night, they murdered the hermit and began gathering the furs to steal.

But the moment they started carrying their loot out of the cave, a powerful torrent of water burst forth from deep within the earth, sealing the entrance. The cave swiftly filled, swallowing both the murderers and everything inside.

Ever since, the Blue Lake has existed in that very spot. Locals say its waters still carry the glimmer of the hermit’s eyes, and at the very bottom rests his body—wrapped in eternal silence and honored by the enduring memory of the noble recluse.

Another legend tied to the Blue Lake transports listeners to a mystical underwater realm inhabited by spirits and enchantment. Its central figure is Dzydzlan—a radiant water sovereign who dwelled in the depths of subterranean springs. She possessed not only unmatched beauty and eternal youth but also vast treasures amassed over centuries.

Her greatest power came from a magical mirror that allowed her to see any corner of the earth and any person upon it. With this mirror, Dzydzlan would choose the most handsome and courageous young men, lure them to her realm, grant them fleeting encounters, and then send them back to the world above laden with rich gifts. These meetings brought no harm—until one day a shepherd crossed her path.

The young man grazed his flock on the slopes of Mount Mamdzyshkha. Upon hearing tales of the miraculous Dzydzlan, he immediately decided that he, above all others, deserved her love. Yet he was far from ideal: plain in appearance and notoriously lazy. Nevertheless, convinced of his own charm, he began visiting a meadow by a stream that flowed from a cave near the Bzyb River. There, beneath the shade of ancient boxwood trees, he would fall asleep, hoping the enchantress would appear to him in a dream.

Dzydzlan, observing the stranger through her magical mirror, grew curious: who dared seek her out? Rising to the surface, she saw the sleeping shepherd—and was seized by fury. How dare this insolent herdsman dream of closeness with the sovereign of the waters? In a rage, she seized him and hurled him to the ground with such force that the vault of the underground cavern beneath the meadow collapsed.

Over time, the resulting crater filled with water, and right where the shepherd had dared to woo the divine beauty, the Blue Lake was formed—cold, deep, and eternal, just like the legend itself.

A visit to the Blue Lake pairs perfectly with exploring other iconic sites in Abkhazia. The most renowned attraction in the region is Lake Ritsa—a stunning alpine lake celebrated far beyond the republic’s borders. For this reason, most guided tours include both lakes on a single itinerary: the Blue Lake lies directly en route to Ritsa, allowing visitors to experience two of Abkhazia’s natural gems in one efficient journey. This route is especially appreciated for the striking contrast between Ritsa’s vast, panoramic vistas and the intimate, almost mystical atmosphere of the small yet profoundly deep Blue Lake.

Along the way to the Blue Lake and Lake Ritsa, travelers are encouraged to stop at the picturesque waterfalls “Maiden’s Tears” and “Man’s Tears.” Though modest in size, these expressive cascades are seamlessly woven into the dense forest landscape, creating a sense of secluded tranquility. If time permits, it’s well worth extending the route to include Gegsky Waterfall—one of Abkhazia’s most powerful and dramatic cascades, located slightly off the main path.

Another highlight is the view from Yupsara Canyon. From its observation platform, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of a deep gorge carved by a river and framed by rugged cliffs—offering some of the most atmospheric and dramatic photographs that capture the grandeur of Abkhazian nature.

The excursion is often fittingly concluded with a visit to Joseph Stalin’s Dacha, a historic site nestled in the scenic surroundings near Lake Ritsa. This blend of natural splendor and historical heritage adds depth and richness to the journey, making it truly memorable and multifaceted.

1. The Blue Lake is located within the Ritsa Relic National Park, access to which is regulated by an environmental fee. Young children are admitted to the reserve free of charge. When booking a guided tour, this fee is usually included in the total tour price.
2. The viewing platform by the lake is relatively small. During peak season, this often leads to congestion—both among visitors eager to reach the water’s edge and vehicles waiting in line. It’s advisable to allocate extra time for your visit to avoid rushing and to fully appreciate the scenery at a relaxed pace.
3. Small retail stands are situated near the lake. Food kiosks offer light snacks, beverages, and local treats, while souvenir stalls sell keepsakes featuring Abkhazian motifs and symbols.
4. On a small artificial islet near the shore, a mini-exhibition area has been set up. Visitors can see live peacocks, a decorative palm tree, and a taxidermied bear. An owl is occasionally brought here as well. For a small fee, guests—especially families with children—can take commemorative photos with these attractions, making it a popular highlight of the visit.

The Blue Lake is located at the 13th kilometer of the highway leading to Lake Ritsa. It sits just off the roadside—on the left side of the road—so there’s no need to make long detours or search for complicated access routes.

You can reach the lake in several ways:

• By private or rental car
• By taxi or local private shuttle services
• As part of an organized guided tour from nearby Abkhazian resort towns

From Gagra: The drive takes approximately 40 minutes. Head southeast along Sukhum Highway (European route E60) toward Sukhumi. After passing the village of Bzyphta, turn onto road SH11, which leads directly to Ritsa. The total distance is about 30 kilometers.

From Pitsunda: The journey takes slightly longer—around 50 to 60 minutes. Begin by joining the E60 highway heading northeast, then follow the signs toward Ritsa.

For visitors traveling from Sochi or Adler: Note that you must cross the Russian–Abkhaz border. Border formalities can take considerable time, especially during peak season. It’s advisable to depart early in the morning and allocate a full day for the round trip—from the border crossing to the Blue Lake and back—to comfortably explore the site and nearby attractions without rushing.

The Blue Lake is a unique natural wonder and one of Abkhazia’s true gems—an essential stop for every traveler exploring this captivating region. Despite its modest surface area, the lake astonishes with its remarkable depth, crystal-clear icy waters, and an intensely vivid blue hue that remains unchanged regardless of weather or season.

Its appeal to tourists is no coincidence: visitors from around the world come to witness this mirror-like expanse, which—thanks to its geological setting and the mineral composition of surrounding rocks—shimmers in sunlight like a precious sapphire. Scientists continue to study the lake’s mysteries, including the absence of fish and aquatic vegetation, as well as its consistently low water temperature, which rarely exceeds +10°C.

Located within the Ritsa Relic National Park, the Blue Lake is conveniently situated along the main route to other major Abkhazian landmarks, making it an ideal addition to any sightseeing itinerary. Roads to the lake are well-maintained and accessible year-round, except during periods of heavy rain when temporary closures may occur.

Swimming in the Blue Lake is strictly prohibited—both to protect its fragile ecosystem and for safety reasons due to the extreme cold of the water. Yet even standing at its edge and taking in the view leaves a powerful impression. It is precisely this enigmatic beauty that ensures the Blue Lake remains etched in memory long after the journey ends.