Alexandrovskaya Sopka (Ural-Tau)

Mount Alexandrovskaya Sopka, one of the highest points of the Ural Mountains watershed, is located in the Chelyabinsk region near the city of Zlatoust. This ridge separates the continental parts of Europe and Asia. Near the summit of the mountain stands a granite obelisk, erected back in 1892 at the Urzhumka station. The view of the mountain is seen from this obelisk, which is just 3 km away. Mount Alexandrovskaya Sopka is located outside the Taganay National Park, although the park itself adjoins its western ridge.

The height of the hill is 843 meters. At the foot of the mountain, there is a spring. The slopes are covered with stone debris and rocky outcrops, and at the very top stretches a picturesque rocky ridge. Studies have shown that the appearance of the hill has changed over time - its ridge sometimes acquired a semi-circular shape, sometimes became sharp. The slopes of the hill are covered with dark coniferous forests almost to the very top. The path to the summit is quite accessible - a trail for hiking is laid along the slope to the middle of the mountain. However, further ascent is complicated by the steepness of the slope and a large number of stone debris, on which it is easy to slip. From the top, there is a magnificent view of the surroundings, with the cities of Zlatoust and Miass visible, and from the eastern side, one can see the vast expanses of Trans-Urals.

The historical past of this mountain is also interesting. In 1837, the heir to the throne, Alexander Nikolaevich (future Emperor Alexander II), ascended to its summit during his journey across Russia accompanied by the famous poet V.A. Zhukovsky. It was after this event that the mountain received its name. At various times, other members of the imperial family also visited this mountain.

Another interesting point in the history of the mountain was the installation of a powerful radio station here in the early 20th century, intended for transmitting military information. However, the mountain turned out to be a barrier to signals, and the station had to be closed. Now only part of the foundation remains from it, which is difficult to find. In the early 20th century, the sculptor Stepan Erzy planned to carve a portrait of Lenin on the slope of the mountain, but this project was never realized.

Currently, there is an observation pavilion at the top of the mountain, offering a beautiful view of the surroundings. Descending about 1 km to the north along the ridge, you can find a second observation platform.