Kamyani hryby

Фото: Ysjyd · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone mushrooms are natural rock remains, the shape of which really resembles mushrooms: a thin stone leg and a heavy cap-boulder on top. They stand in the valley of the Sotera River on the southern shore of Crimea, not far from Alushta, near the Alushta-Sudak highway.

These are the so-called earthen pyramids: rain flows have washed away the slope for centuries, and solid blocks above covered the soil below them from erosion - that's what remains of the columns with caps, the largest of which are about 5 and 7 meters long. The Sotera Valley has had the status of a natural monument since 1980, so mushrooms not only grow here, but are also under protection.

There are enough reasons to stop nearby: the Geyser and Jurla waterfalls, rare freshwater crabs in the lower reaches of the river, and once even the remains of a mammoth were found here. It is most convenient to orient yourself on the track that crosses the Sotera, further to the mushrooms there are paths through the valley - in places along the riverbed, so comfortable shoes will not hurt.

FAQFrequently asked questions

What are stone mushrooms and where are they?

These are natural rock pillars-remnants, whose shape really resembles mushrooms: a thin stone leg and a heavy cap-boulder on top. They stand in the valley of the Sotera River on the southern coast of Crimea, near Alushta, near the Alushta-Sudak highway.

Where did such mushrooms come from?

These are the so-called earthen pyramids: for centuries, rainwater eroded the slope, and the solid blocks above covered the soil below from erosion, so the columns with caps remained. The two most famous mushrooms have a height of about 5 and 7 meters.

What is interesting to see nearby?

In the same valley there are Geyser and Jurla waterfalls, and rare freshwater crabs still live in the lower reaches of the river. By the way, in 1893, the remains of a mammoth were found here, so the place has a lot to surprise, besides mushrooms.

Is this an officially protected site?

Yes, since 1980, the Sotera valley has had the status of a natural monument of local importance, so mushrooms not only grow here, but are also protected.

How to get there?

It is most convenient to orient yourself on the Alushta-Sudak route, which is crossed by the Sotera River, then the paths through the valley lead to the mushrooms. Comfortable shoes will not hurt - part of the path goes along the riverbed.