Yew-Boxwood Grove

Yew-Boxwood Grove — a unique open-air natural museum in the Khosta district of Sochi, part of the Sochi National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a relic forest preserved from the pre-glacial period, where trees over 1,000 years old grow: ancient yews and boxwoods, covered in moss and vines, create the atmosphere of a fairy-tale enchanted forest. The main feature of the grove is its pristine state and scientific value: here you can see plants that disappeared in Europe millions of years ago. Two well-maintained eco-trails ("Small Loop" and "Large Loop") are laid out for visitors, allowing safe walks among century-old giants while enjoying the silence, coolness, and purest air. An ideal choice for nature lovers, photographers, families with children, and those who want to touch the living history of the planet.

ℹ️Grove Features:

• Relict flora: a unique community of Colchic plants, including yew (lives up to 2,000 years) and Colchic boxwood; tree trunks are densely covered with mosses, ferns, and ivy, creating fantastic landscapes.

• Eco-trails: "Small Loop" (1.6 km) — an easy walk on a paved path, accessible even for strollers and elderly people.
  "Large Loop" (~5 km) — a more difficult route on a dirt trail with views of the Khosta River gorge and the "Devil's Gate" canyon.

• Climate and atmosphere: the grove is always cooler and more humid due to the dense forest canopy; the air is saturated with phytoncides and negative ions, which have a powerful health-promoting effect.

✅Who it is suitable for:

• Nature and botany lovers — the opportunity to see living fossils and unique plant communities in their natural environment.

• Photographers and bloggers — incredible moss textures, play of light through the crowns, fairy-tale atmosphere for atmospheric shots.

• Families with children — a safe and educational walk, an opportunity to tell children about ancient forests and nature conservation.

• Appreciators of silence and meditation — secluded trails, the sound of the river, and bird song.

📝Practical tips:

• How to get there: entrance at 34/2 Samshitovaya Street. It is most convenient to take a bus or minibus to the "Yew-Boxwood Grove" or "Khosta Bridge" stop, then walk 10–15 minutes. By taxi from the center of Khosta ~5–7 minutes.

• Shoes and clothing: any comfortable shoes are suitable for the "Small Loop"; for the "Large Loop", sneakers or hiking boots with good grip are mandatory. Bring water and insect repellent.

• Best time: morning or cloudy day. After rain, the grove is especially beautiful, but the trail may be wet.

• Safety: do not leave the marked trails, do not break branches, and do not collect plants (this is a protected area!)

• Integration into the location: Agura Waterfalls, Eagle Rocks, and Matsesta are nearby. It is convenient to combine a visit here with an ascent to Mount Akhun or a walk along the Khosta embankment. To the center of Sochi ~20–25 minutes by transport.

Opening hours: daily.

Admission: paid. Buy a single-entry pass on the National Park website.