Glass Bridge in Abkhazia

In Abkhazia, travelers are primarily drawn to ancient temples, picturesque lakes, and thundering waterfalls. Modern architectural landmarks are few here, but one of the most striking and unusual is the glass bridge over the Bzyb River—a structure completed just recently in 2022, which has already become a popular regional attraction.

Address: Gagra District, Bzyb Gorge, 11th kilometer.

There is no comparable structure in Abkhazia—the glass bridge over the Bzyb River is truly one of a kind. It spans 30 meters in length, nearly 2 meters in width, and rises 5 meters above the water level. The bridge’s supports are embedded approximately 3 meters deep into the riverbed, ensuring exceptional stability.

Cutting-edge engineering solutions were employed during construction. To install the supports accurately and safely, workers had to temporarily divert the river’s flow. This meticulous approach resulted in an exceptionally robust structure—builders confirm it can support the weight of a fully loaded truck.

The project was initiated by well-known Abkhaz entrepreneur Dmitry Kokoskeria.

Adding to its charm, the bridge features multicolored lighting. In the evening and at night, it glows softly in various hues, creating a striking visual effect and imbuing the location with warmth, coziness, and a touch of romance.

Walking across the glass bridge over the Bzyb River is completely free—entry is open to all visitors without restrictions.

However, if you wish to relax in the cozy gazebos overlooking the river, situated directly above the water, you will need to place an order at the "Abkhazian Courtyard" restaurant. Access to these seating areas is available only with the purchase of at least one dish or beverage from the establishment’s menu.

To reach the glass bridge over the Bzyb River, turn off the Sukhumi Highway onto the road leading to Lake Ritsa and follow the A-309 highway for approximately 12 kilometers. Then turn right—after just a few dozen meters, you’ll see the “Abkhazian Courtyard” restaurant, with the bridge located immediately behind it.

Exact GPS coordinates for navigation: 43.317491, 40.409819.

The route runs through a popular tourist corridor, so most sightseeing buses heading to Lake Ritsa include a stop at the glass bridge.

We invite you on an unforgettable journey where natural wonders seamlessly intertwine with human ingenuity. Abkhazia will reveal its most impressive landmarks—from ancient monuments to modern marvels crafted at the intersection of tourism, architecture, and cutting-edge technology. This is a unique opportunity to witness how hospitality and innovation meet the untouched beauty of nature.

Mantera Travel offers a ready-made tour—“The Golden Ring of Abkhazia.” You’ll discover both architectural treasures from centuries past and contemporary masterpieces, including the breathtaking Glass Bridge and the famous restaurant built without a single nail. Each site holds its own unique story, which our guide will share with you along the way.

Please note: All travelers—adults and children aged 0 to 14—must have a valid foreign passport to enter Abkhazia.

The "Abkhazian Courtyard" restaurant is a favorite among tourists, renowned for its extensive selection of authentic Abkhazian cuisine. Guests can savor classic local delicacies such as Abkhaz-style khachapuri, fragrant shashlik (grilled skewered meat), cheesy mamalyga (cornmeal porridge), and other traditional dishes prepared according to genuine recipes.

Twice a week—on Tuesdays and Thursdays—visitors are treated to a vibrant cultural program featuring performances by Abkhaz folk artists, including traditional dances, songs, and storytelling about local legends and customs.

In addition to the glass bridge, the restaurant’s grounds boast several other attractions: an open-air museum of Abkhazian everyday life showcasing artifacts of traditional culture, as well as a picturesque gazebo suspended over the Bzyb River—an ideal spot to relax and enjoy scenic views of the water below.

On the way to Lake Ritsa, just a short distance from the glass bridge over the Bzyb River, you’ll find several captivating sites well worth adding to your itinerary.

Bzyb Fortress is an ancient stronghold perched dramatically on a cliff above the Bzyb River. Although its roof has not survived, the fortress still features imposing walls, towers, and a functioning 10th-century Orthodox Church of the Holy Mother of God. Icons are embedded in the altar wall, and the church continues to welcome pilgrims to this day.

Yupshara Canyon, locally known as the “Stone Sack,” was formed by an earthquake. Stretching approximately 8 kilometers in length, it is flanked by sheer cliffs rising up to 400 meters—creating a breathtaking natural amphitheater.

Nearby lies the Blue Lake, famed for its vivid blue waters—a hue caused by lazurite deposits in the surrounding rock. Local legend claims that bathing in the lake has rejuvenating powers. However, few dare to test this myth, as the water temperature rarely exceeds +11 °C.

The area is also home to two picturesque waterfalls with poetic names: “Men’s Tears” and “Maidens’ Tears.” Their delicate streams cascade through lush greenery, adding romance and atmosphere to any journey through this remarkable corner of Abkhazia.

Although the glass bridge over the Bzyb River is a unique attraction in Abkhazia, similar structures have long been popular around the world. China stands out as the true birthplace of glass bridges and walkways, boasting over 2,000 such constructions suspended above gorges, rivers, and precipices.

The most famous of these is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. When it opened in 2016, it immediately set ten world records in engineering and architecture. Spanning 430 meters in length and soaring 230 meters above the ground, it can accommodate up to 800 visitors at once.

Another remarkable example is the “Winding Dragon” Bridge, which clings to a cliffside and leads toward Tianmen Mountain. At 100 meters long, it offers a heart-stopping view straight down into a 1.5-kilometer-deep abyss. For the truly adventurous, China has taken thrills even further—introducing glass slides and sections with a “cracked glass” effect that simulate the sensation of falling through the floor.

Such attractions aren’t limited to Asia. In the French Alps, at an altitude of 3,842 meters, a transparent glass cabin provides panoramic views and the exhilarating feeling of floating above the mountain peaks.

In Los Angeles, on the 70th floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, a glass slide sits approximately 300 meters above ground—one of the most dizzying urban attractions in the United States.

Russia also features its own versions. In Moscow, the “Soaring Bridge” observation deck—shaped like a boomerang and suspended over the Moskva River—offers sweeping views of the Kremlin and the Moskva River embankment.

Additionally, Sochi is home to its own glass bridge: a suspension walkway with transparent panels at the Rosa Khutor resort, which has quickly become a local landmark and a must-visit for thrill-seekers and photographers alike.