Khimki Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, and transportation options in Khimki, Russia with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Khimki

Located in North Moscow Oblast, in Central Russia, Khimki is a rapidly developing city known for its modern architecture, cultural landmarks, and beautiful natural landscapes. The city is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of hiking and biking trails, as well as water sports activities on the nearby Moscow Canal.

This comprehensive travel guide includes everything you need to know to plan your trip to Khimki, including the top places to visit, hiking and biking routes, must-try dishes, and recommended accommodations.

List of Places to Visit in Khimki

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Khimki Museum of Local Lore - Discover the history and culture of Khimki through a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents.
  2. Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery - A stunning Orthodox monastery dating back to the 14th century, featuring beautiful frescoes and intricate architectural design.
  3. Memorial Complex on Poklonnaya Hill - Honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the Great Patriotic War, this complex consists of several monuments, a museum, and a panoramic view of Moscow.
  4. Moscow Canal - Located just outside of Khimki, this 128.5 km man-made canal provides a tranquil escape for visitors and locals alike.

Natural Attractions of Khimki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Khimki Reservoir - Also known as Khimki Sea, this artificial lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
  2. Park of the 30th Anniversary of Victory - A peaceful park featuring impressive sculptures, gardens, and tranquil walking paths.
  3. Elk Island National Park - Located just 10 kilometers north of Khimki, this protected area offers hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities to see wildlife such as elk, wild boar, and wolves.
  4. Khimki Forest - A large forested area with several trails for hiking and biking. In the winter, it is popular for skiing and snowboarding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Khimki

  1. Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery Hiking Trail - A 6.5 km trail leading visitors through the stunning monastery and its surrounding forests.
  2. Moscow Canal Hiking and Biking Trail - A 40 km trail stretching from Moscow to Khimki, offering beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
  3. Khimki Forest Hiking and Biking Trail - A 12 km route through the beautiful forest of Khimki, suitable for hikers, walkers, and bikers of various skill levels.

Best Things to Do in Khimki: Activities and Tours

  1. Moscow Canal Boat Tour - See the scenic views of Moscow and Khimki from the water with a guided boat tour of the Moscow Canal.
  2. Khimki Escape Room - A fun and challenging activity for all ages, the Khimki Escape Room offers a chance to test your skills and problem-solving abilities.
  3. City Tour of Khimki - Join a local guide for a tour of Khimki’s most famous landmarks and cultural sites.
  4. Visit the Local Markets - Explore the bustling markets of Khimki, and browse for souvenirs, fresh produce, and local delicacies.

Week-Long Itinerary for Khimki

Day Activities
1 Visit the Khimki Museum of Local Lore, and take a stroll through Park of the 30th Anniversary of Victory
2 Explore the stunning Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, and hike the nearby trail
3 Go on a boat tour of the Moscow Canal, and explore the nearby Khimki Reservoir
4 Visit the Memorial Complex on Poklonnaya Hill and indulge in the food and drink scene of Khimki
5 Enjoy a day of outdoor adventures in Elk Island National Park
6 Take a city tour of Khimki and shop at the local markets
7 Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Khimki Forest

Food and Drink Scene of Khimki

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pelmeni - Small dumplings filled with minced meat, onions, and spices, usually served with sour cream or butter.
  2. Shashlik - Grilled meat skewers, popular in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe.
  3. Borscht - A hearty soup made with beets, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, and usually served with sour cream.
  4. Blini - Thin Russian pancakes, often served with caviar, smoked salmon, or jam.

Local Beverages

  1. Vodka - Russia’s most famous beverage, served in a variety of flavors and strengths.
  2. Kvass - A traditional Russian beverage made from fermented bread, offering a unique and refreshing taste.
  3. Birch Juice - A sweet and refreshing drink made from the sap of birch trees, popular in Russia and other Northern European countries.

Where to Stay in Khimki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Park Inn by Radisson Sheremetyevo Airport Moscow - A modern and comfortable hotel located just a few minutes from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
  2. Hotel Mon Plaisir - A cozy and affordable hotel located in the heart of Khimki, offering comfortable rooms and friendly service.
  3. Guests Love Hostel - A popular hostel located in the center of Khimki, offering clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Khimki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Matryoshka Dolls - Traditional Russian wooden dolls, usually featuring a set of smaller dolls that fit inside a larger one.
  2. Oreshki - Delicious Russian sweet pastry made from a dough of ground nuts and honey, often filled with caramel or chocolate.
  3. Artisanal Crafts - Khimki is home to several talented artisans, who sell handmade crafts, paintings, and other unique souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Khimki

Russian culture values hospitality, and visitors to Khimki can expect warm and friendly interactions with locals. It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, and to dress conservatively when visiting churches and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Khimki

The best time to visit Khimki is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional rain showers, and should also consider visiting in the winter to take advantage of the city’s winter sports activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Khimki

Do:

  1. Learn a few basic Russian phrases, such as “hello” and “thank you.”
  2. Dress appropriately for the season and the occasion.
  3. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Drink or eat in public places, as it is frowned upon in Russia.
  2. Insult or criticize Russian culture or politics.
  3. Take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Khimki

Khimki is generally a safe city, but visitors should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, may occur in tourist areas and crowded public spaces.

Health in Khimki

Visitors should ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations and medical insurance before traveling to Khimki. It is important to be cautious when eating and drinking in restaurants and marketplaces, and to only drink bottled water.

Getting to Khimki: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Khimki

  1. Sheremetyevo International Airport - Located just 10 kilometers from Khimki, this airport serves a variety of international and domestic flights.
  2. Domodedovo International Airport - Located in southern Moscow, this airport is approximately 50 kilometers from Khimki.
  3. Vnukovo International Airport - Located just 20 kilometers from Moscow, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Khimki

  1. Khimki Bus Terminal - Located in the city center, offering routes to various destinations throughout Russia.
  2. Moscow Central Bus Terminal - Located in the heart of Moscow, offering routes to cities throughout Russia and Eastern Europe.

Other Options

Khimki is well-connected to Moscow’s public transportation system, and visitors can easily take a train or bus from Moscow to Khimki. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available in Moscow.

How to Get Around in Khimki

Khimki is a compact city, and visitors can easily explore the city on foot or by using public transportation. Buses and taxis are readily available, and the city also offers a range of bike rental facilities.

Where to Go Next from Khimki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Moscow - Just a short train ride away, Moscow is home to a wealth of cultural attractions, including the famous Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
  2. Sergiyev Posad - A historic city located approximately 50 kilometers from Khimki, home to several beautiful Orthodox monasteries and churches.
  3. Kaliningrad - Located on the Baltic coast, this Russian enclave offers a unique mix of German and Russian culture, as well as stunning natural landscapes.

Conclusion

With its fascinating cultural attractions, beautiful natural scenery, and warm hospitality, Khimki is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Russia. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make the most out of your visit to this charming city.