Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia

Where Lake Ritsa is Located

Lake Ritsa is situated in the picturesque valley of the Lashipse River, within the territory of the Ritsa Relict National Park. This high-altitude lake lies at an elevation of about 950 meters above sea level in the Gudauta district of Abkhazia. It is quite far from the nearest large settlements: about 55 kilometers to Gagra, 59 kilometers to Pitsunda, and 110 kilometers to Sukhum. On the way to Ritsa, tourists can enjoy magnificent mountain landscapes, raging rivers, and scenic waterfalls, making the journey even more exciting. The lake is surrounded by the massifs of Pshegishha, Arihua, and Acyetuk, whose peaks exceed 2000 meters and are even covered with snow caps in summer. Six mountain rivers flow into the lake, and only one river, Ypshara, flows out, which is famous among rafting and fishing enthusiasts.

When is the Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lake Ritsa depends on your preferences, as each season has its own characteristics. In summer, tourists come for the warm and comfortable weather, but during peak season, the shores of the lake can be crowded, and the water sometimes loses its clarity and becomes a bit murky. Spring and autumn are ideal for those who enjoy solitary walks — nature is especially vibrant at this time, but be prepared for rainy and cool weather. In winter, Ritsa enchants with snowy landscapes, but the risk of snow slides from the mountains makes the trip less safe, and roads may be difficult to pass during the off-season. To enjoy the beauty of the lake at any time of the year, it is recommended to bring warm clothing, as the temperature in the mountains is always lower than on the coast. Early mornings and evenings are particularly great for photography and peaceful walks.

What to Do

Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia has long earned a reputation as a popular tourist center, where swimming is prohibited, but relaxation and enjoying nature become the main pleasures. This place is particularly attractive to fishermen — both experienced fishing enthusiasts from all over the world and beginners, who can rent equipment directly from local hotels. Recently, fishing tours have been gaining popularity, allowing visitors to combine relaxation with an exciting activity.

There are many hiking trails around the lake, perfect for exploring the nature of the Caucasus. In spring and summer, regular excursions are held through the surrounding relict forests, where you can see rare plants and endemic species of birds. The eastern shore of the lake is famous for its beech groves, and the nature of the Ritsa Reserve impresses with its diverse beauty — from mountain peaks with snow-capped summits to the roaring mountain rivers and waterfalls. There is a camping site by the shore; however, to preserve nature, lighting fires is prohibited, and the number of visitors is limited.

Many come to the lake to take unique photographs or hold professional photo shoots — the best views are not only from the shore but also from the observation platform near the lake. From there, the transparent smooth water and majestic mountains are especially visible and can be viewed through binoculars. For active recreation, tourists have access to boats and catamarans, which allow them to cruise across the lake. Additionally, visitors can try local delicacies — homemade cheeses and wines, as well as traditional Abkhazian dishes in cozy cafes and buy national products in small shops.

The surroundings of Lake Ritsa are famous not only for their picturesque alpine meadows but also for a number of natural and architectural landmarks that are worth visiting.

One such place is the famous Seven Lakes Valley — a scenic plateau located near Ritsa. This location is easily accessible by car or on foot, and it is especially beautiful in spring due to the blooming vegetation and magnificent panoramic views of the mountain ridges and small lakes scattered across the area.

Another natural gem near Ritsa is Lake Mzy, located at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level. This small mountain lake is distinguished by its unusual shape and transparent water, resembling a topaz-colored dish. Even in the summer months, some areas of the Mzy shore still have snow, which adds a special atmosphere and magic to the place. You can reach the lake on foot via a mountain trail or by off-road vehicles, which adds an adventurous spirit to the journey.

How to Get There

The picturesque Ritsa Highway leads to Lake Ritsa, which, near the village of Bzybta, connects with the Sukhum Highway — the main road leading to the border with Russia. There are several ways to get there:

By car — this is the most convenient and fastest option. A car journey allows you to comfortably reach the lake both from the Russian resort of Sirius (via the border crossing) and from any city in Abkhazia. The key is not to miss the turn from Sukhum Highway to Ritsa Highway, which leads directly to the lake.

By taxi — a more expensive but convenient way. The cost of the trip can vary significantly, especially if you negotiate with a private driver. To reduce costs, you can first take the train to Bzyb station, located about 46 kilometers from the lake, and then take a taxi from there.

With tours from Mantera Travel — the optimal option for those who prefer to travel without worrying about logistics. Mantera Travel organizes various tours to Lake Ritsa, including both group bus tours and private car trips. The tours are available from Sochi and other cities, and include popular routes such as the "Golden Ring of Abkhazia" and the "All of Abkhazia in One Day" tour. This is a great way to combine comfort with a packed itinerary and get to know the nature and history of the region with professional guide assistance.

What to See Along the Way

If you look at the map, it becomes clear that the road to Lake Ritsa passes through many picturesque and interesting places that are definitely worth visiting.

Gegsky Waterfall One of the most impressive natural attractions of Abkhazia, located about halfway to Lake Ritsa, where the Bzybta and Gega rivers meet. The waterfall height ranges from 50 to 70 meters — it is not just a stream of water falling off a cliff, but a real mountain gorge from which powerful streams rapidly descend, breaking on rocks and creating an enchanting sound. Despite the popularity of the place, swimming here is not customary — the water is very cold, even on the hottest days.

Men's Tears Waterfall A romantic place along the Ritsa Highway, shrouded in an ancient legend. According to the legend, the lake of tears was formed here after a lover, who lost his beloved Amra, whose voice enchanted a mermaid. Now, a bridge is set up at the waterfall, and visitors often tie colorful ribbons to special structures while making wishes. This place is especially beloved by couples and tourists who want to touch the unusual atmosphere and make a heartfelt wish.

Chabgarsky Ledge An observation platform located only 4.5 kilometers from Lake Ritsa. It juts out over a steep cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Yupshera Canyon with its high cliffs and the green gorge below. The place is also known as "Goodbye, Homeland" — according to legend, it was here that an Abkhazian driver, transporting German prisoners during the war, drove his vehicle off a cliff to avoid surrender. This dramatic story adds a unique historical atmosphere to the ledge.

Small Ritsa Lake About five kilometers from the Big Ritsa Lake, there is the Small Ritsa — a small but unusual water body. Its maximum depth does not exceed 76 meters. You can reach it via a footpath that rises 360 meters from the main road. Unlike Big Ritsa, Small Ritsa lacks fish — scientists link this to karst processes and the absence of inflowing and outflowing rivers. You can swim here, but the water becomes comfortable only in mid-summer.

Bird's Beak Waterfall Nearby is the impressive Bird’s Beak Waterfall — a cascade where two rocks resemble the shape of a bird's beak, hence the name. The water falls from a height of about 70 meters, creating a mesmerizing sight. Close by is the famous observation platform "Goodbye, Homeland," which offers stunning views of Lake Ritsa from a height of about 300 meters.

Milk Waterfall Also on the way to Ritsa, you can see the famous Milk Waterfall. Its streams fall from numerous rocky ledges, creating a light mist — an effect that resembles a milky fog. The water in this waterfall is considered the purest and most healing — locals believe it helps maintain youth and health.

Stalin's Dacha Not far from Lake Ritsa, there is the historical landmark — Stalin's dacha in the Ritsa Park near Sukhum. This wooden house, surrounded by a pine forest, was one of the five favorite residences of the Soviet leader in Abkhazia. Today, the dacha is open for tours, where you can see the authentic interior, the boat dock, and the park with a fountain — everything is carefully preserved according to historical descriptions.

Yupshera Canyon Locals call this gorge the "stone bag" because of its narrow and deep shape. On the way to Lake Ritsa, every traveler can pass through the famous Yupshera Gates — the narrowest part of the canyon, just about 20 meters wide. Standing inside, it feels like you are in the middle of a giant bag made of high stone walls, providing unforgettable impressions and emotions.

Interesting Facts

Perfect photographs of Lake Ritsa are a great reason to visit, but the true magic of this place lies in its unique history and features. Here are a few interesting facts that will help you look at Ritsa deeper than just through the lens of your camera.

Lake Ritsa is the largest lake in Abkhazia, covering an area of about 1,500 square meters, with a maximum depth of over 115 meters. The water in the lake changes throughout the year — the level can fluctuate by 2-3 meters, which is related to the water supply from rainfall and the melting of mountain snow.

There are several theories about the origin of the lake, but the most popular one suggests that about a thousand years ago, a strong earthquake occurred. As a result, a massive part of the Pshegishha mountain collapsed into the Lashipse River bed, blocking it and creating a natural dam, behind which the water body formed.

Legends also surround the lake. According to one of them, the three brothers — Agepsta, Acyetuk, and Pshegishha — had a beautiful sister named Ritsa. One day, she was kidnapped by robbers, and the brothers hurried to rescue her. Pshegishha threw his hammer, but missed, breaking the riverbed and changing its course. The water began to rapidly fill the valley. Meanwhile, Ritsa escaped from the kidnappers but drowned in the lake. The brothers, unable to bear the grief, turned into mountain peaks that now seemingly guard the lake from the outside world.

Throughout the year, the water in Lake Ritsa changes its shades: in winter and the cold months, it shines in deep blue and blue tones, while in spring and summer, it takes on yellow-green or turquoise-emerald hues. This is due to both the clarity of the water coming from mountain rivers and the active growth of algae and microorganisms in warm weather.

Located high in the mountains, the lake has cold water — the average annual surface water temperature is about +10°C. Despite this, Ritsa rarely freezes in winter, which makes it a unique natural site.

The correct official name is Big Ritsa. Just five kilometers from it is Small Ritsa — a more compact lake with an area of about 200 square meters. Despite its smaller size, Small Ritsa also has its own unique beauty and, along with Big Ritsa, is part of the Ritsa Relict National Park.

On the northern shore of Big Ritsa stands the Green House, built in 1947 — one of Stalin's five dachas in Abkhazia. The house is surrounded by a well-maintained park with a fountain and observation platforms. After the leader's death, this residence passed to Nikita Khrushchev, who added an extension, and later to Leonid Brezhnev. Today, the house has been restored to its original style and is open to visitors, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Soviet era.