Meshchersky Park in the Odintsovo district of Moscow is a huge picturesque recreation area near ponds with developed infrastructure, as well as the Bakovsky Forest Park. Situated on an area of more than 465 hectares, the Meshchersky Natural Park is partially located in Moscow and the Moscow region.
Meshchersky Park - a centuries-old forest and park area near ponds in Moscow
In Meshcherskoye you can see amazingly beautiful lawns, alleys, ponds, many coniferous and larch trees, which have a beneficial effect on the ecological situation in Moscow and the Moscow region. Here you can leisurely spend a couple of hours alone or the whole day with a fun company.
Panda Park Meshchersky
The Panda Park in Meshchersky Park is amazing in its scale. We saw different Panda parks around Moscow - this one is probably the largest of all, at least of the Moscow ones for sure. Eight tracks of varying difficulty levels and a wide variety of stages and challenges.
What we liked most is that the park is located in dense vegetation, among large spruce and pine trees, which adds even more atmosphere. The air is very fresh.
In addition to the air routes, there are also various equipment on the ground, hammocks, a children's labyrinth, and a small cafe. That is why entrance to the park is paid , even if you do not intend to go through the trails.
A ticket costs 500 rubles or 300 rubles if you have a club card - this is if you are not going to go through the trails, but just came for a walk.
Good news for parents with children. If a child runs the trails and you don’t, then you only need to pay for the child. In this case, entry for two parents is free.
If you are without children and one adult is passing the track, and the other is simply “sick”, then in addition to paying for the track, you will need to buy a ticket for admission to the fan.
We have never seen anything like this in other Panda parks where there is an entrance fee. True, they weren’t in all of them, but only in Sokolniki, Filyovsky Park and Mitino. We just warn you to be prepared if you plan to spend time in Panda Park Meshchersky.
Naturally, if you buy the passage of the tracks, then you no longer pay for the entrance. Only for the tracks.
All panda tracks and routes of the park are located in dense forest, the area is very beautiful
The park has a lot of entertainment for very young children
We were lucky, we came to the panda park at closing time, so we got in for free
Panda Park is located next to large ponds, a playground and a football field, there are signs in the forest so you don’t get lost
Panda Park opening hours:
Daily: from 10:00 to 20:00.
The ticket office is open until 19:00.
The last approach to the route is possible at 19:15.
Prices in the panda park:
Prices for entry and passage of the trails (the sign increases with mouse clicks)
History of creation
There have always been forests in the place where Meshchersky Park is now located. This territory was first mentioned in the 13th century. At this time it belonged to Alexander Nevsky.
In the 16th century, Ivan the Terrible himself hunted in the century-old thicket. Falconry was common at that time. His successor, Alexey Mikhailovich, did not change the tradition.
From the 17th to the 18th centuries. here were the possessions of Prince Nikolai Ivanovich Trubetskoy. At that time, on the territory of the current Meshchersky Park, which then belonged to Setunsky district, there were church and noble estates.
These lands remember many famous names that left their mark on the history of Rus'. The Dolgorukovs, Tretyakovs, and Pushkins could boast of forest lands here.
In 1852, it was part of the Setunsky camp of the Moscow district. The word “stan” previously meant a stop on the way and was used in this sense in that distant time, when the princes went to collect tribute, duties and quitrents from the population under their control, simultaneously sorting out troubles and disputes.
In October 1812, Napoleon's army retreated to Kaluga and Maloyaroslavets along the Borovsky tract and the Old Kaluga road. The soldiers of the Little Emperor burned down the local village of Vaulino along with the church: according to Schubert’s map of 1852, it was located on the banks of the Meshchersky pond.
For almost a century after the end of the war, the Vaulin Heath stood untouched. Only in 1903 was the village of Prince-Meshchersky founded on it - named after Prince Sergei Borisovich Meshchersky, the owner of these lands. One by one, houses were built and ponds were developed.
On July 19, 1933, construction began here of a holiday village for Soviet writers called the House of Writers' Creativity "Peredelkino". Today Peredelkino the status of a historical and cultural reserve.
The writers' cottages met their first inhabitants in 1935. At different times, I. Babel, L. Kassil, B. Pasternak, I. Ilf, E. Petrov, V. Kaverin, V. Kataev, A. Fadeev, K. Simonov, E. Evtushenko, A. Voznesensky, B. lived here Okudzhava, B. Akhmadullina, K. Chukovsky, R. Kazakova.
Since 1935, the Bakovsky Forest Park - this is the name these lands had then - was recognized as part of the forest park protective belt of Moscow.
The Great Patriotic War, fortunately, did not devastate these places. During hard times, the territory belonged to the Moscow Military District. Since November 1941 it has been the Moscow defense zone. The first post-war decade was devoted to the restoration of the territory and a return to peaceful life.
In 1957–1961, in the neighborhood of the forest area, in blocks 2 and 4 of the Bakovsky forestry, forest planting was carried out, with the breakdown of a road and path network and the improvement of clearings. Today there is a recreation area. An ideal place to relax and unwind from the bustle of the city. Hollywood guest Quentin Tarantino was imbued with the unique spirit of this place.
Quentin Tarantino at the grave of B. Pasternak
On December 18, 2007, Eco West LLC, owned by Roman Abramovich, acquired the forest from the Mosleskhoz. The transaction amount is 24 million rubles.
In the same year, large-scale work began in the park to clean up the forest and water sources, restore the original landscape, and improve spacious alleys, recreation areas, and picnic areas.
In 2011, it was renamed Meshchersky Natural Park. In the fall of 2011, the landscape was improved, fallen trees were cleared, paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and playgrounds were built.
In 2013, journalist Yulia Latynina commented on the park:
“Roman Abramovich rented 2 giant pieces of forest near Skolkovo, and with his own money he is making a stunning park there. I know that they are also planning to build a hospital there. That’s where the swamp used to be, where mothers with strollers now ride.”
The park began to be put in order: today the paths are paved with gravel, eco-trails are cleared, and benches are installed along the wide alleys.
Landscaping of Meshchersky Park
There are quite a few wide paths in the park, both asphalt and dirt. The vast majority are equipped with lanterns for illumination at dusk. And at the entrance to the park, we actually came across this super-autonomous design, in which the lantern is powered simultaneously by a solar battery and a wind generator.
Lantern powered by wind and sun
It is immediately obvious that the park is very carefully monitored. For example, on the day we visited here, near a small pond there was an active clearing of reeds from the shore.
In the central clearing of the park, fresh plantings are visible - very young trees, trimmed lawns, as well as wooden decking in swampy areas. Numerous fishing bridges, which, among other things, are often used for relaxation, and for taking beautiful photos of yourself against the backdrop of a pond and algae.
Also in the central clearing there is a stage where, apparently, some events are taking place.
Walking alleys in Meshchersky Park (there are a lot of them, some are unpaved and some are paved)
These are small ponds with reeds: there are many fishermen and ducks here
And here are the fishermen. However, we didn’t see the fish we caught.
Rental
Wonderful landscapes, pine air, equipped paths for sports - what could be better for active recreation? At the same time, there is no need to take a bicycle with you, since bike rental in Meshchersky will allow you to easily enjoy a bike ride both alone and in any, even a large company.
Moreover, a child can also find a bicycle here, because they rent a wide selection of sports equipment from popular and well-known brands, and the entire range is in good condition.
For cycling enthusiasts, Meshchersky Park also offers rental:
- children's bicycle seats;
- bicycle trailers (children's bicycle strollers);
- adult tricycles;
- electric bicycles;
- fatbikes.
Cafe "Tea height" in Meshchersky park
This cafe is notable for the fact that water is boiled here in a huge wood-fired samovar. The smell around the cafe is amazing. Apparently, they use coniferous firewood and maybe pine cones. In any case, it creates an amazing atmosphere.
The only negative, perhaps due to the fact that it was Sunday - there was a long line in the cafe that practically did not move. There was no line only for ice cream.
The cafe is easy to find if you walk from the small ponds to the main road up towards Skolkovo (see the map of the park located later in the article).
Below we present the cafe menu. So if you get tired as a result of the walk, there is somewhere atmospheric to sit and relax. And there is plenty of room to get tired – the park occupies a fairly large area.
Prices in the cafe
Large lake with a beach in Meshchersky Park
This is probably the favorite place of many regular visitors to Meshchersky Park - a large lake with a beach. People relax here, barbecue and simply enjoy their time.
The beach, I must say, is well equipped - there are changing cabins. And also a good sandy entry into the water. We didn’t check what was deeper there, because... Walruses don’t swim in the lake in October, but in the summer they definitely swim here.
Along the embankment there are benches, wooden sun loungers, and a wide fence, which is also used as seating. Some come here as if for a picnic.
Water quality in the ponds of Meshchersky Park: near the shore the water is quite clearMeshchersky Park infrastructure: ski and bicycle rental
The park contains several objects that may be of interest to a wide range of people. These are equipped picnic areas, sports facilities and facilities. Namely, a large football field on which people actively kicked the ball, as well as children's playgrounds with various slides, climbing frames, swings and jumping ropes.
Adults won’t be bored either: in the park there are horizontal bars, stairs, and punching bags hanging.
In addition, the park has two rental points for skis, tubing, bicycles, scooters and other recreational vehicles.
We wrote about Panda Park at the beginning of the article.
The park also has trails for cyclists, walking, running and Nordic walking trails. In winter, ski and tubing rentals are available. There is also a ski slope.
Since we're talking about skiing, let's make a short digression with photographs of the park in winter.
Meshchersky Park in winter
In winter, we saw more skiers in the park than regular walkers. Many people come by car with their own equipment or rent skis at rental shops.
Further on the map you can see the location of equipment rental points and parking. We prefer parking on the side of Novomeshchersky Proezd, the parking is large and free for now, there are always free spaces:
Location of parking and ski rentals
Ski rental prices in Meshchersky Park
By the way, rental points operate according to the following schedule:
from Monday to Sunday (7 days a week) from 9.00 to 21.00.
This is what a ski rental station looks like in winter and bicycle rental in summer (located on the side of Novomeshchersky Proezd)
The ski track runs through the entire park on both sides along the alleys
There were a lot of skiers, and it was a normal working day in January
The ski track in the park is smooth and well-rolled
There are also several free toilets scattered throughout the park. And not stinking blue booths, but normal, full-fledged ones, which also seem to be cleaned regularly.
And on this positive note, let’s return to our story about an autumn walk in the park.
Prices for renting bicycles and scooters in the park
The park has a large high-quality football field
A combined children's and sports ground, by the way, we counted 3 playgrounds in Meshchersky Park
And this is perhaps the most interesting children's playground (located near large ponds). There is a giant slingshot from which you can shoot birds from the cartoon Angry birds
There is a stage for relaxation and yoga near the small ponds
Ski base
In Meshchersky Park the ski track is equipped almost on a plane; there are no steep ascents and descents that are interesting for experienced skiers, but dangerous. But this is an advantage for those who want to learn to ski, as well as for children, pensioners or lovers of relaxing ski trips. The length of the routes is from 1 to 5 kilometers. The routes are laid by a special machine. By the way, it is almost impossible to get lost thanks to the ribbons of different colors that Meshchersky Park simplifies navigation for skiers.
The ski slope is available to everyone who wants to take part in an active and healthy winter holiday. Beginners should know that every Saturday and Sunday, children’s and adult training sessions are held in Meshchersky Park. On Saturdays, for example, cross-country skiing classes begin at 12:30, including training and training in classic and skating techniques. And for those who already know how to ride - training that will help improve their sports level. The best part is that these classes are completely free.
How to get to Meshchersky Park
There are four options:
- By private car/taxi
- Electric train
- Metro
- Metro + bus
By personal car: the easiest way is to type “Meshchersky Park” into Yandex Navigator and it will take you where you need to go. At the entrances to the park, you can visually assess the occupancy of the parking lots you encounter and park in the one you like.
Be careful if you decide to stand along the road - there are often “No Stopping” signs and a “Tow Truck Operating” icon. So it is better to give preference to equipped parking, even if it turns out to be paid.
Electric train: If you plan a route using Yandex, it draws the preferred station - Solnechnaya. But you can also go to Skolkovo. The park has many entrances. It seemed to us that it was closer to walk from Skolkovo to the nearest entrance. It is enough to walk a little along the railway away from Moscow. However, decide for yourself.
Metro: We go to the Solntsevo metro station on the Kalininsko-Solntsevskaya line (the yellow one). Or to the Govorovo metro station on the same line. Then walk to the park.
Metro + bus: Solntsevo metro station, take buses No. 689, 695 and go five stops to the Solnechnaya railway station. And then on foot.
Official address of the park:
Moscow region, Odintsovo district.
Map of Meshchersky Park:
“PandaPark”
“PandaPark Meshchersky” is the very first rope park in the country stylized as the “Wild West”, which remains the largest in Moscow. It includes 8 rope routes for visitors of varying levels of physical fitness and almost all ages. A shooting range where you can shoot with bows and crossbows also attracts guests.
The “Prospector” attraction is a stylized mine where you can try to get “magic” stones by playing like a real prospector. You can safely go here with the whole family on a day off. Parents will enjoy the Brave Cowboy and Flying Arrow trails while their kids tackle the Redskin Chief and Prospector Trail. And all this - against the backdrop of natural beauty and fresh fragrant forest air.
Our review of Meshchersky Park
We personally liked the high density of vegetation and the air... the air in the park is simply extraordinary. A large number of paths allow you to comfortably walk around the park, as well as ride bicycles and scooters.
The presence of lanterns allows you to comfortably walk around the park in the evening.
The only thing is that for some reason we didn’t see a single squirrel... Perhaps they just haven’t brought them in yet.
Since the paths have a dense surface, it should be comfortable to walk around the park, even after rain.
Let's go swimming
Among the advantages we highlighted:
1. Accessibility of the park: residents of the Solntsevo and Peredelkino districts are probably the luckiest in this regard - they can walk to the park or just take a bus.
2. Equipped parking lots for cars - also make the trip to the park comfortable, without the need to be nervous, fight for parking spaces, etc.
3. Area of the territory - when we were just planning to go to the park, it seemed small to us on the map, but in reality it turned out to be completely different. In 3 hours we didn’t even manage to cover half of the park. I liked the number of paths, you can walk along the central straight alleys, or you can get lost deep into the forest along narrow paths, and perhaps even find mushrooms.
To summarize, we can confidently give a solid 5 out of 5 points !
