Reserves, lakes, parks
Getting out of the noisy, polluted capital into nature is a great idea. Where can you go for one day or a couple of days?
Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve
Distance from MKAD: 90 km
Photo: © Nomad
The only nature reserve in the Moscow region is located on the terraces of the left bank of the Oka River, surrounded by pine and mixed forests. This is one of the smallest nature reserves in Russia, yet it is home to 153 species of birds and 57 species of wild mammals. The main attraction of the reserve is the bison nursery. Where else, an hour's drive from the capital, can you easily see a bison in the forest?
Read more: Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Reserve
Oryol Polesie
Distance from MKAD: 370 km
Photo: © Oryol Polesie
People go to Oryol Polesie, which is famous for its picturesque landscapes of the Central Russian Upland, to walk along eco-trails, gain strength on the banks of the Vytebet River and watch large animals feeding. The local zoo contains deer, wolves, bears, bison, Przewalski's horse, lynxes, etc. The largest free population of bison in Central Russia lives in the Oryol Polesie under natural conditions.
Read more: Oryol Polesie National Park
Those looking for peace and solitude should leave the capital, somewhere on the banks of a river or lake, where they can rent a separate house so that no one will disturb them. Read more - “Recreation centers with separate houses in the Moscow region.”
Bird Park "Sparrows"
Distance from MKAD: 75 km
Photo: © Marina2506
The largest bird park in Russia, where more than 2 thousand animals, birds, reptiles and fish from different parts of the world live. What to do in such a vast area? For example, ride in a carriage, visit an ostrich farm or take part in a master class. "Sparrows" is a great place for a family vacation.
Read more: Bird Park “Sparrows”
Sumarokovskaya moose farm
Distance from MKAD: 340 km
Photo: © Alexandra Lebedeva
Near Kostroma there is the Sumarokovsky State Nature Reserve, the main attraction of which is the elk farm.
Here you can see moose, learn the peculiarities of their behavior, even pet and feed them, and at the same time try moose milk.
Read more: Sumarokovskaya elk farm
Senezhskoye Lake
Distance from MKAD: 50 km
Photo: © Tatyana Kvichanskaya
Literally half an hour’s drive from the capital is Lake Senezh, on the shore of which Solnechnogorsk stands. This is one of the most popular holiday destinations. Here you can fish, swim and sunbathe on the beach, windsurf and kitesurf, relax in a tent on the shore or in a house at the camp site.
Read more: Lake Senezh
Where else near the capital can you rent a house on the shore of a reservoir? Read more - “Hotels and recreation centers near the water in the Moscow region.”
Lake Pleshcheyevo
Distance from MKAD: 130 km
Photo: © Lyudmila_Klyopova
A walk through the territory of the national park can be combined with a visit to Pereslavl-Zalessky, which is located on the shore of the lake. The fauna of the lake is very diverse: about 60 species of mammals, 210 species of birds, 10 species of reptiles and amphibians, 109 species of insects and 19 species of fish live here. Many of them are listed in the Red Book.
In the park you can pitch a tent, swim, ride a boat, or wander around the surrounding area. The best viewing point is the top of Alexander Mountain, which offers stunning views of the lake.
Read more: Pleshcheyevo Lake National Park
You can swim to your heart's content not only in the summer and not only on the lake, but also in a hotel complex not far from Moscow. Read more - “Moscow Region Hotels with an Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool.”
