West Moscow Oblast Travel Guide

Plan your trip to West Moscow Oblast with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, hiking routes, recommended food and drink, accommodations and safety tips.


Introduction to West Moscow Oblast

West Moscow Oblast is a beautiful region located in central Russia and is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural attractions. This region offers a wide range of activities and experiences, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. In this travel guide, we will take you through the top places to visit, the best things to do, and where to stay while exploring West Moscow Oblast.

List of Places to Visit in West Moscow Oblast

If you are planning to visit West Moscow Oblast, these are the top places you should not miss out on:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sergiev Posad: Known as the “Russian Vatican,” this is a monastery complex and UNESCO world heritage site.
  • The Museum of Cosmonautics: This museum gives you a glimpse of Russia’s space exploration history.
  • The Museum-Estate of A. P. Chekhov: This museum will take you through the life of the famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov.

Natural Attractions of West Moscow Oblast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Zvenigorodskaya Reservoir: This is an ideal spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Moscow Canal: Going for a cruise along the canal is a must-do experience.
  • The Arkhangelskoye estate: This is a beautiful historical estate known for its stunning gardens and scenic views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Moscow Oblast

West Moscow Oblast is home to several picturesque hiking and biking trails. Some of the best routes to explore are:

  • The Tuchkovo-to-Naro-Fominsk hiking trail
  • The Moscow-to-Kalininograd biking trail
  • The Dmitrov-to-Yakhroma hiking trail

Best Things to Do in West Moscow Oblast: Activities and Tours

There are several exciting activities to do in West Moscow Oblast. Here are a few options:

  • Visit the Aleksandrovsky Equestrian School and watch the professional horsebacks riding.
  • Go skiing in the Sorochany ski complex.
  • Visit the Vozdvizhenskoye Estate and attend a masterclass in traditional Russian crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for West Moscow Oblast

If you have a week to explore West Moscow Oblast, here is an itinerary that you can follow:

Day What to do
Day 1 Visit Sergiev Posad
Day 2 Explore the Moscow Canal
Day 3 Visit the Zvenigorodskaya Reservoir
Day 4 Visit the Aleksandrovsky Equestrian School
Day 5 Attend a masterclass at Vozdvizhenskoye Estate
Day 6 Skiing in Sorochany ski complex
Day 7 Relax at Arkhangelskoye estate

Food and Drink Scene of West Moscow Oblast

Russian cuisine is famous around the world, and West Moscow Oblast offers some of the best local dishes and drinks to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Borscht: A flavorful soup made from beetroot, cabbage, and meat.
  • Pelmeni: Dumplings with minced meat filling served with sour cream.
  • Draniki: Fried potato pancakes served with sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Kvass: A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made from rye bread and fermented berries.
  • Chaikhona: A unique tea house, offering a wide variety of teas from all over the world.
  • Vodka: A popular alcoholic drink that is enjoyed with traditional Russian food.

Where to Stay in West Moscow Oblast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

West Moscow Oblast offers a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. Here are some recommendations:

  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport: A luxury hotel located near the airport.
  • Hotel Kalinka: A budget-friendly hotel located in the town of Zvenigorod.
  • Hotel Yakhroma Park: A family-friendly hotel located in the beautiful Yakhroma Park.

What to Buy in West Moscow Oblast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to buy in West Moscow Oblast are:

  • Matryoshka Dolls: Traditional Russian wooden dolls that are painted and stacked inside each other.
  • Zhostovo Trays: Hand-painted trays originating from the village of Zhostovo.
  • Russian Shawls: Traditional Russian shawls made from wool or silk and embroidered with intricate designs.

Local Culture and Customs of West Moscow Oblast

West Moscow Oblast is a culturally rich region with a deep history and unique customs. Some of the customs that are rooted in local culture are:

  • Respect for older people.
  • Love of traditional folk art and music.
  • Love for outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit West Moscow Oblast

The best time to visit West Moscow Oblast is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the outdoors are more enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Moscow Oblast

Do:

  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Learn some basic Russian phrases.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Don’t:

  • Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion or history.
  • Don’t expect everyone to speak fluent English.

Safety and Health

Safety in West Moscow Oblast

West Moscow Oblast is a generally safe place for tourists. However, take some precautions while exploring the region, such as keeping your valuables safe and avoiding visiting shady areas alone at night.

Health in West Moscow Oblast

The healthcare system in West Moscow Oblast is generally good, but it is always recommended to have travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies. Also, carry necessary medications and check with authorities before traveling in the region.

Getting to West Moscow Oblast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near West Moscow Oblast

The Sheremetyevo International Airport is the closest airport to West Moscow Oblast.

Bus Stations Near West Moscow Oblast

There are several bus stations in Moscow, connecting to different regions in Moscow Oblast, including West Moscow Oblast.

Other Options

One can also travel to West Moscow Oblast via train or taxi from Moscow city.

How to Get Around in West Moscow Oblast

One can travel around West Moscow Oblast by bus or taxi.

Where to Go Next from West Moscow Oblast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

West Moscow Oblast is surrounded by several other beautiful destinations that you can explore:

  • Moscow: The capital city of Russia, offering an endless list of attractions to see.
  • Tver Oblast: A historic region located northwest of Moscow, known for its ancient Russian architecture and charming towns.
  • Novgorod Oblast: A region located to the north of Moscow, known for its beautiful countryside and history.

Conclusion

West Moscow Oblast is an exciting destination to experience the unique history and culture of Russia while enjoying the beautiful outdoors and landscapes. Follow our recommendations for top places to visit, activities to do, and food to try, and make the most out of your trip to West Moscow Oblast.



    Istra
    Odintsovo
    Vereya
    Volokolamsk
    Zvenigorod