Discover Abakan

The Sady Mechty Landscape Park covers one hectare and is divided into 13 themed areas. The Khakassian National Museum of Local Lore includes ancient Yenisei stone sculptures from the Okunev culture. The Transfiguration Cathedral is a seven-domed Orthodox church in the Russian-Byzantine style. The city’s parks also offer a range of recreational activities.

Sady Mechty brings together different garden styles in a compact space: Japanese, Chinese, European and Russian gardens, as well as a koi pond and a Buddha garden. A replica of the Eiffel Tower stands in the central area. Shrubs, flowers, trees and clay sculptures add to the grounds. If you are visiting with children, you can also see rabbits, ducks and goats there. Children’s birthday parties and graduation celebrations can be arranged in the park; check availability directly with the park before your trip.

Other recreational options offer something different. Orlyonok Children’s Park has rides and playgrounds; the rides may operate seasonally. Abakan’s Culture and Recreation Park has shaded benches and sunny clearings, as well as a beach, a body of water, sports and play areas, and cycling paths. As individual facilities may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information.

The Preobrazhensky Park Complex is located just behind the Transfiguration Cathedral. An artificial lake, a fountain, benches and lawns define the park. This lets you combine a look at the church’s architecture with a visit to the park, while keeping the separate sites distinct. Samokhval Hill is also home to a memorial complex dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland from different eras.

The stone sculptures of the archaeological Okunev culture are a highlight of one of the collections at the Khakassian National Museum of Local Lore. The ancient Yenisei sculptures date from the late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BC and are carved from sandstone and granite. The museum also offers a virtual-reality tour, using VR headsets, of Salbyk Kurgan or Boyarskaya Pisanitsa. Another special option is an evening flashlight tour of the stone sculpture hall. Check the current availability of these activities before making plans.

For groups of up to ten people, the museum offers workshops, quests, museum lessons and visits to the collection storage area. Confirm the details with the museum in advance. The Chabrets ethno-café at the museum hosts tastings of national cuisine; check current availability before visiting.

With its seven domes and Russian-Byzantine style, the Transfiguration Cathedral offers a cultural focus distinct from the museum collection. The Preobrazhensky Park Complex directly behind it provides a clear contrast: sacred architecture on one side, and a lake, fountain and green spaces on the other. The museum’s activities, the cathedral and the memorial complex on Samokhval Hill thus appeal to different interests in history, architecture and public commemoration.

Separate from Abakan’s city attractions, you can also explore other destinations in the Republic of Khakassia. The Tuimsky Quarry was created at the site of an underground mine that closed in 1954; it is about 1.5 kilometres from the village of Tuim. There is an observation platform on the edge of the precipice and a suspension bridge over the hollow. Check whether these facilities are currently operating before making plans.

The Tropa Predkov trail offers a different kind of experience: it is 3.5 kilometres long and follows an out-and-back route to its starting point. A visitor centre opened at the trailhead in 2023, offering information and advice on sights in Khakassia and the trail, and is accessible to people with disabilities. There is a car park and a toilet next to the centre. The routes in the Oglahty protected area, by contrast, have clear visitor requirements: they can be visited from May to October, a permit must be obtained in advance, and entry is only permitted with a guide. Keep these requirements in mind when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Abaza, Zhemchuzhny, Kharkov, Cheryomushki, Shira, Sayanogorsk.

What does Sady Mechty Landscape Park include?

The one-hectare park has 13 themed areas, including Japanese, Chinese, European and Russian gardens, a koi pond, a Buddha garden and a central area with a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Rabbits, ducks and goats also live there.

What special activities does the Khakassian National Museum offer?

Activities include a VR tour of Salbyk Kurgan or Boyarskaya Pisanitsa, an evening flashlight tour and options for groups of up to ten people. Check current availability and details in advance.

What should you know about the routes in Oglahty?

The routes can be visited from May to October. You need a permit obtained in advance, and you may only follow the routes with a guide.

Go to the main travel overview: Republic of Khakassia.