Winter Wonderland in Moscow: Don't Miss the Polar Bears in Rostokino's Akveduk Park
check_circlePros
- The polar bears are the main attraction, and they're absolutely adorable.
- The park is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
- The ice rink is a great place to enjoy some exercise and fresh air.
- The Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding area.
- The food options are plentiful and delicious, with something for every taste and budget.
cancelCons
- The park can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Some of the attractions may be closed due to weather conditions.
- The polar bears may not be as active as you'd like, depending on the weather.
- The park can be expensive, especially if you're traveling with a large group.
- Some of the food options may be overpriced or of poor quality.
Editor's Summary
Get ready to experience the magic of Moscow's Winter Wonderland at Rostokino's Akveduk Park. This enchanting destination is a must-visit during the colder months, especially if you're traveling with kids. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and even polar bears! Yes, you read that right - polar bears! They're the stars of the show, and you'll have the chance to see them up close and personal. But that's not all - the park also features an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and plenty of delicious food options to keep you fueled throughout the day. Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family or a romantic winter date, Rostokino's Akveduk Park has something for everyone.
Specifications
I recently decided to take a trip to check out the polar bears in Rostokino's Akveduk park after buying a yearly pass with a Troika card. I figured I'd test out the pass on various modes of transportation just in case.
Polar bears in Rostokino Polar bearsOn a Friday after work, I hopped on the metro and headed to the VDNKh station. I got out at the fifth exit, and to my surprise, the bus number 33 was already waiting at the stop, heading to the Akveduk park in Rostokino. Two stops later, I was right in front of the glowing polar bear figures.
Polar bears appeared on Moscow streets Light showI'd never been to this installation before. The polar bear figures have been set up in this spot for around three years now. From the photos online, it's hard to gauge the size of the sculptures. When I first saw a photo of the glowing polar bears in Rostokino, I thought there were a few massive bears (over 10 meters tall) in the park.
Bears among ice sculpturesThere are nine polar bear figures in the park, and two of them are real showstoppers – the massive mother bear in the center (over 10 meters tall) and the cub hugging her (around 8 meters tall). The rest of the bears are a bit smaller, about two meters tall. It would be awesome if there were a few more massive figures in the composition.
Giant sculpture Enormous mother bear with cubThe figures look great, and in person, they're even better than in photos. On a chilly, windy Friday evening, there are plenty of people strolling around the bears and taking photos with the Arctic hosts. The polar bears are roaming among the glowing ice sculptures, and the trees behind them are lit up green.
Smaller bears Christmas tree in Akveduk parkI was blown away by the sheer scale of this installation, but it would've been even more immersive with some background music. The cartoonish eyes on the sculptures and the hum of the nearby Mira Prospekt road are the only things that detract from the experience.
Mice in Rostokino Glowing forestThe elegant Christmas tree nearby adds a pop of color to the Arctic-themed installation, and the 2026 countdown display is mesmerizing. I love how the numbers change color, and if you take a closer look, you can spot a 'SOS' signal hidden in the digits.
2026 is coming The other side looks like an SOS signalThe bear installation is just one of the many beautiful things to see in the park. The Yauza River flows elegantly under the arched bridges, and the ancient Akveduk shines with lights in the distance. I was listening to old movie soundtracks from the ice rink in the park, which added to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the Akveduk is closed on weekdays, but you can climb up and explore it on Saturdays and Sundays.
Akveduk You can climb up and explore it on weekendsAkveduk in Rostokino is one of the oldest surviving hydraulic structures in Moscow, built during Catherine the Great's reign to supply water to the city. It's been beautifully restored and surrounded by a cozy park.
Winter's a great time to explore, but I have to say, summer's even more beautifulThere's a huge and gorgeous ice rink right behind the aqueduct. The music's pleasant, the lights on the rink and in the gazebos are lovely, and the sign 'Winter in Moscow' is lit up with a ton of twinkling lights - it's like a winter wonderland. The park's got some cool sculptures and monuments, but it's freezing, so I'll come back in the summer when I can climb up to the aqueduct.
The Akveduk parkWinter in MoscowI headed back to the same bus stop I started at. Within a minute, the 33 bus pulled up. You can catch it to get to Botanichesky Sad metro station or Vladykino. A few stops later, I got off near the Botanichesky Sad metro station - it's really pretty there too. You can take a stroll in the Sad Budushchego park, which has some awesome light installations and decorated trees for the new year. And right across the street is the Huamin Chinese park, which is also beautifully decorated for the new year.
Decorations in the Sad Budushchego parkReindeer in the Sad Budushchego parkThat's my quick but fun winter stroll, and I got to test out my Troika card on different types of transport. Thanks for reading, and happy new year from all of us at irecommend! Wishing you health, happiness, and all the best.
