The Samara Territory is not in vain famous throughout Russia not only for the fact that the Soviet government found refuge there in difficult times, but also for its majestic natural monuments. On its territory there is a unique reserve, which carefully protects its wards. Connoisseurs and admirers of their native land are striving for the Samara land in an endless stream. Recently, fortunately, it has become popular to travel to their native places. There are many positive aspects to this. Firstly, there is no change in the climatic zone, which is easier to tolerate by the body. Secondly, there are so many interesting places in our native land that have long been famous. And we must appreciate and love our country. Thirdly, "domestic" trips do not require the collection of various documents and papers.
Zhemchuzhina Zhiguli
One of the most magnificent places in Zhiguli due to its unusual location and rich nature is Strelnaya Gora. The site offers a beautiful view of the Volga, the nature around, the Volga distance. The view of the wild nature awakens thoughts about the distant past of this region.
Then the platform narrows, forming a narrowridge, which is popularly called the Devil's Bridge, leading to the top of the mountain. A small grotto of stone blocks is formed here. According to legend, it served as a refuge for "free people", whose chieftain was Stenka Razin, and the Volga River is visible from here for forty miles. This is what Mount Strelnaya is remarkable for. The Zhiguli Nature Reserve is proud of its sights and strictly guards them from uninvited guests.
On the map of the region
The richest flora and fauna of this region is represented by 158 species of birds and more than 800 species of plants, which attracts many tourists who want to visit a place like Strelnaya Gora. The Samara Region is located in the southeast of the East European Plain and along the course of the great Russian river Volga forms a large bend - Samarskaya Luka. The nature of this region has created a landmark that is known outside the region. In the people it is called Mount Strelnaya. This is the territory of the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve, which was organized in 1966 and bears the name of I. I. Sprygin, its first leader. Mount Strelnaya is the highest peak of the Zhiguli, which reaches 375 m above sea level. From its main massif, the ridge of the mountain first goes down, and then, quite unexpectedly, slightly up and forms a small platform.
How to get to your destination
Visiting these places is strictly regulated. There are only two routes: on foot and by car. A visit to the protected area costs 500rubles per person. The car route is paved and passes through the mountain serpentine, which makes the trip special.
By the way, it is known for certain that the road was built by captured Germans who ended up on the territory of the Samara region during the Great Patriotic War. So here you can ride on the "foreign" motorway. Some notice that even in this case, German pedantry and accuracy were manifested: the forced laborers performed their work with exceptional quality. Here's what else Strelnaya Mountain can boast of. How to get to these protected places, we will describe below.
Road route
The tourist route called "Mountain Strelnaya" is unusual in that it is the only mountain route. The pedestrian part has two viewing platforms with information boards. The age of visitors to the reserve is not limited, and the tour lasts 3.5 hours. To get to your destination, you need to turn from the M5 highway onto the Zhigulevsk - Shiryaevo road and drive 35 km to the village of Zolnoye to the Strelnaya Gora sign. Then drive 400 m, also on asph alt, to the checkpoint of the Zolnensky forestry. At the checkpoint on duty, you must register and purchase an entrance ticket there. Then you need to climb to the parking lot for cars, it's about 12 km. The walking part of the route is 700 m.
Mount Strelnaya, the Zhigulevsky Reserve, the beauty of the Samara Territory leave vivid impressions on tourists. Remember, the administration strictly monitors order and protects its peaceinhabitants. On the territory of the Strelnaya Gora reserve, photos and videos are prohibited, because the flash can interfere with the "owners".
Hiking route
You can get differently to the reserved place Mount Strelnaya. Tolyatti is located 12 km from the city of Zhigulevsk. With the latter, you need to start the journey. Bus number 9 regularly runs from the city bus station, which carries passengers to Shiryaevo. You need to get off at the Zolnoye stop. And further - to the forestry checkpoint. Then follow the instructions above.
This route is independent, which is very interesting, because this way you can see more color and special life of the province.
Along Mother Volga
Residents and guests of the city of Samara have a unique opportunity to get to the reserved place not only conveniently, but also beautifully. From the pier of the capital of the province, from May to October, the passenger ship "Om", in common parlance "Omik", regularly sails. For a small fee, you can enjoy the beauty of the Samara Territory, the great Volga River, the Zhiguli Mountains for several hours. You need to get off at the pier of the village of Zolnoe, then along the well-known route you can get to the reserved place.
Rules of conduct for visitors to the reserve
There are rules of conduct on the territory of the reserve, which must be strictly followed by every visitor. They are:
- For sightseeing routes through the reserve, a special permit or a touristvoucher from the administration.
- It is forbidden to go off the trail during the excursion, make fires, arrange h alts, leave garbage, make loud noises.
- Stay in the protected area - no more than 4 hours.
- Sights can be photographed only on the path of the excursion route.
It is necessary to observe sanitary rules, as the territory of the reserve belongs to natural foci of tick-borne encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, borreliosis. If you plan to visit the unique place Mount Strelnaya with a large group, you must first contact its administration for a pass.
Unforgettable trip
Having visited the Zhiguli Nature Reserve and touching its nature, you will get emotional relief, get acquainted with unique plant communities, see the panorama of the Zhiguli Mountains. You will definitely feel the greatness of the Volga River with its numerous green islands and enjoy the view of wild nature. The dam of the Zhigulevskaya hydroelectric power station and settlements on the banks are clearly visible here. Everything you see will leave vivid impressions and charge you with positive emotions for a long time.
