Hello readers!
As I strolled through Moscow, I noticed two rivers that locals know well. The Moscow River is pretty wide and navigable, while the Yauza River is much smaller and narrower. It's not navigable, but I've seen kayakers practicing their skills on it a few times.
My review focuses on one section of the Yauza Park, which is considered the last part and ends at the boundary near Prospect Mira. Here's a map and its positioning in the city.
Yauza Park is a linear park in northeastern Moscow, stretching along the Yauza River. It passes through several districts: Rostokino, Sviyazhsky, Babushkinsky, Medvedkovo, and South Medvedkovo.
Length - approximately 24 km. The main part of the well-maintained territory is located between the MKAD and Prospect Mira.
Area - over 600 hectares. The landscape of the territory is diverse: there are open spaces with manicured lawns as well as areas with wild nature.
The development of Yauza Park as a single recreational route along the Yauza River and its tributaries began in 2016. The main idea is to combine fragmented urban territories into a continuous green route.
In my review, you'll see both summer and winter photos, taken during the current snowy period.
I've noticed that there's no road marking on the paths, but come summer, the asphalt is divided into lanes that help both pedestrians and cyclists navigate - as well as those on other gear like skateboards and scooters.
The park is car-free, which is a huge plus for anyone looking to get some exercise or simply enjoy the scenery without the noise of traffic.
After the recent snowstorm, not all of the bike lanes have been cleared yet. The river that gives the park its name runs along its edge.
It's crossed by a beautiful suspension footbridge, named after the district - Rostokino.
Unfortunately, it's still got a thick layer of snow on it - just like the rest of the park. I love walking through this park when the tulips are in bloom - it's absolutely stunning.
The tramway line along Mir Avenue is a great feature of this park - I love watching the sleek 'Vityaz-M' trams zip by.
And on the other side of the avenue, the two Tricolor skyscrapers really make a statement.
The paths are smooth and well-maintained, which is great for taking photos in the summer.
The tree-lined alleys are really inviting, and they provide plenty of shade in the summer.
I was blown away by how many benches there are, so finding a spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the birdsong isn't a problem.
Even in the winter, you can still sit for a while - the benches are cleared off the snow.
Each bench has a trash can nearby, so the area stays clean.
The park is looking particularly festive right now, with all the decorations and the beautiful Christmas tree.
This section of the park is often referred to as the sports area.
It's especially lively during the summer months, with the basketball court.
And here's a shot of it in the winter - same court, different season.
Football field.
It's got seating areas for spectators and fans - a covered stand.
The pitch is cleared of snow.
In the park, there's a memorial to a footballer. The author called it 'Captain of the backyard football team'.
I was really impressed with the versatility of this sports area - it's not just for playing ball games, but also has a great space for gymnastics and strength training.
One thing I noticed is that the park comes with a stand that outlines the rules for usage and behavior. It's a thoughtful touch that shows the manufacturer cares about safety. The accompanying images show a very nice kids' play area.
They didn't forget about our furry friends either. I mean, where we can take them for a walk off-leash, without worrying they'll attack passersby.
And in the park, there's a huge enclosed area with all sorts of training equipment for dogs.
When I visited the park, I was surprised to find it almost deserted, but that's probably because the snow was so well-packed that it felt like the place wasn't even being used.
As I walked in from the Mira Prospect side, I noticed a map of the entire park, including the MKAD. It showed the directions and distances to nearby attractions.
Summer days are bustling with people relaxing and taking strolls, but in the winter, especially on cold days, it's eerily quiet and not very crowded.
I loved taking a leisurely walk and immersing myself in my thoughts while breathing in the thick, frosty air.
The park is situated in the Rostoki neighborhood.
I'm glad to see a big stand with official info from the local authorities here.
The park is a great spot to spend some free time - it's well-maintained and clean. I highly recommend it!
The entrance to the park is free and open, no fences to worry about.
On the other side of the road, on Prospect Mira, you'll find Park "Akveduk"
This is already the second winter that the Polar Bears Exhibition has been going on here.
In our North-Eastern district of Moscow, there's a Zodiac Signs Square that's always a hit with the kids.
You might be interested in how the city is decorated for the New Year's celebrations:
Winter in Moscow 2025: the main city-wide project of the season
Folks Festival in Sokolniki Park
Winter in Moscow 2026: festival venues
The 'Winter in Moscow' project on Manezhnaya Square