In the area around Sosnovka, striking rock formations, a local legend and small bodies of water come together. One particularly distinctive site is the «Kamennye vorota» (Stone Gate) relict rock formation near Kamenushka. A large stone slab once rested on rock pillars, making the structure look like the Cyrillic letter П; this shape gave the Stone Gate its name. From the summit, the view stretches across the Salair Ridge, the town of Salair and the settlement of Sosnovka.
Rock Formations and Legends Near Sosnovka
A local tale is also associated with the Stone Gate: according to legend, walking around the rock formation a hundred times in a row will rid you of all illnesses. The tale should be understood as folklore. Artists often come to the rocks to paint outdoors. Here, an unusual rock formation, a local legend and a recurring artistic activity come together.
Pond and Waterfall Near Kamenushka
At Kamenushka, the now-abandoned village near Sosnovka, a fairly large pond lies on the edge of the settlement and is considered a place for fishing and recreation. A stream flows out of the pond, forming a small waterfall. The waterfall has two tiers and is about three to four metres deep. The rocks, views, pond and waterfall each lend a distinct character to the nearby landscape. If you plan to visit any of these natural attractions, check current access conditions in advance.
More Nature Spots in Kemerovo Oblast
Kemerovo Oblast also has its own natural attractions. In Shorsky National Park, visitors can go rafting on mountain rivers, take motorboat trips and hike along ecological trails. The «Srednyaya Mrassu» route runs from Ust-Kabyrza to Ust-Anzas and takes at least three days, depending on the weather. It is rated Category I in difficulty and is accessible to all age groups. Check the current park rules and route conditions before planning your trip.
In Sheregesh, the eco-trails link a variety of landscape features: along the routes are three land-art installations, a dancing forest, «living stones», boulder fields and the ancient «Verblyudy» rocks. These rock pinnacles are located on the slope of Mount «Kurgan». Sheregesh’s ski runs are between 350 and 3,800 metres long. If you plan to visit these attractions, check the resort’s latest information before your trip.
Cultural History in Kemerovo Oblast
Another highlight is the «Tomskaya Pisanitsa» museum-reserve, a cultural heritage site of federal significance and one of the best-known and most important rock art sites in Western Siberia. It covers 156 hectares of pine forest on the banks of the Tom River. People left 300 rock images at sites considered sacred; the oldest depictions are 4,000 years old. Since its early years, the reserve has hosted historical, ethnographic and folklore events and festivals. The complex also includes a reconstructed homestead belonging to a wealthy Shor. Its buildings are original structures dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In Novokuznetsk, the «Kuznetskaya krepost» is a federal monument to history, military engineering and architecture. It houses a permanent archaeological exhibition on the region’s early history, as well as galleries for temporary exhibitions. Together, these destinations offer a range of experiences, from landscapes and rock art to fortress and regional history.
Discover more destinations: Novokuznetsk, Osinniki, Yurga, Denisovo, Sheregesh, Andreevka, Myski, Silino.
Go to the overview of the wider region: Kemerovo Oblast.
