Guide to Losiny Ostrov: Russia’s Remarkable National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park, often referred to as “Elk Island,” is one of Russia’s oldest and most remarkable nature reserves. Located on the northeastern edge of Moscow, this sprawling expanse of forest, meadows, and wetlands is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Despite its proximity to the capital’s bustling city center, the park offers a pristine natural escape where wildlife thrives and tranquility reigns.

Established as a national park in 1983, Losiny Ostrov has a history that stretches back even further. It was once a royal hunting ground, favored by the tsars for its abundance of elk and deer. Today, it plays a critical role in conserving biodiversity and providing ecological education for the public.

The park’s name, which translates to “Moose Island,” is fitting given that moose still roam freely through its dense birch and pine forests. Here’s our comprehensive guide to Losiny Ostrov National Park;

Please Download Our Mobile App here.

Overview of Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov is a remarkable natural reserve located in the eastern part of Russia, with a portion of its territory falling within the Moscow city limits. Spanning 45 square miles, this vast expanse of wilderness is one of the country’s oldest national parks, alongside Sochinsky National Park. It’s also one of its most unique, given its proximity to a major urban center.

Over 80 percent of the park is densely forested, and impressively, nearly a third of that woodland lies within Moscow itself. This makes Losiny Ostrov the third-largest forested area connected to a city of comparable size. It trails only Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town and Pedra Branca State Park in Rio de Janeiro.

What sets this park apart is the surreal transition from urban sprawl to serene wilderness that visitors can experience in just minutes. Beyond its forested areas, the park is home to diverse landscapes, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands, all contributing to a rich ecosystem. The terrain, ranging from 479 to 574 feet in elevation, acts as a key watershed for both the Moskva and Klyazma rivers.

The park is divided into three zones: a restricted section, an excursion area accessible by guided routes, and a recreational region open for general visitation. This careful zoning allows wildlife to thrive while offering humans a rare opportunity to enjoy nature without straying far from city life.

Wildlife in Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park is a sanctuary for a rich variety of wildlife that thrives within its diverse habitats of forest, wetland, and meadow. Among the most anticipated sightings is the moose, the park’s symbolic resident and a common presence in its dense woodlands. Wild boar also roam freely through the underbrush.

You’ll also glimpse smaller mammals such as stoats, dormice, squirrels, and the European pine marten, a species listed in the Red Book. Red foxes and hares can occasionally be spotted darting through the trees or across open clearings, and aquatic mammals like beavers and muskrats thrive in the marshy areas.

Birdwatchers are especially drawn to Losiny Ostrov, where a remarkable 186 species of birds either nest or pass through during migration. Raptors such as the kestrel, goshawk, hobby falcon, and red-footed falcon are among the standout avian predators. The elusive water rail and large seagull colonies in the Mytishchi floodplains add to the park’s ornithological interest.

Beneath the water’s surface, the rivers and wetlands host a variety of fish, and the ecosystem is further enriched by a mix of amphibians and reptiles. Altogether, the wildlife of Losiny Ostrov creates a dynamic, living landscape just outside the city that continues to surprise and inspire those who explore it.

Best Time to Visit Losiny Ostrov National Park

The ideal time to explore Losiny Ostrov National Park is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is at its most inviting. With average daytime temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, this season provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. The park bursts into life with vibrant greenery, making it a great time for hiking through its trails or rafting along the Yauza River.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) also offer milder temperatures and a quieter experience. However, the weather tends to be less predictable and some activities may not be available. In contrast, winter transforms the park into a serene, snow-covered wonderland where visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and the quiet beauty of the frosted landscape.

Getting to Losiny Ostrov National Park

Reaching Losiny Ostrov National Park from Moscow is relatively straightforward thanks to several convenient transport options. One of the most popular ways is using the metro combined with a tram or bus. You can head to stations like Ulitsa Podbelsky and then catch a tram directly to the park’s Golyanovo-side entrance.

Other means include taking the metro to Preobrazhenskaya Square or VDNKh, followed by a bus or trolleybus to entrances near the Yauza River. If you prefer the suburban train, board from Yaroslavsky Railway Station to either Perlovskaya or Los stations. From Perlovskaya, you can transfer to minibus No. 3 and then walk for about 30 minutes from the 4th Park Street stop.

From Los station, bus No. 547 will take you directly to the park’s final stop. Travelers also have the option of taking the metro to Medvedkovo or Babushkinskaya stations and walking to the park from there. Also, buses No. 172 and 136 from VDNKh offer direct routes to some park entrances.

Taking a taxi or driving is also a viable option. The park is not far from the city center, and parking is available near various access points, making it an accessible green retreat from urban life.

Other Activities in Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov offers a rare opportunity to shed the noise and stress of Moscow life and slip almost instantly into a peaceful natural world. Beyond the immediate sense of escape, the park presents a variety of outdoor activities that engage both body and mind. The Yauza River carves out some of the most scenic landscapes.

The Moscow Little Ring Railway cuts across the park, offering passengers a relaxed way to glimpse its wild heart without stepping off the train. Still, the best way to connect with the park is on foot. A vast network of trails winds through Losiny Ostrov, many with boardwalks to make exploring easier.

Park Fees in Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov charges no admission. However, carry some extra cash for parking if you plan to drive to the park. It typically costs around 250 rubles for the duration of your visit to leave your vehicle in the designated parking areas.

FAQs

Is Losiny Ostrov National Park worth visiting?

Losiny Ostrov National Park is definitely worth a visit, especially for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from the fast pace of Moscow. It offers a refreshing mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a surprising abundance of wildlife just beyond the city limits.

How long to spend in Losiny Ostrov National Park?

The amount of time you should spend in Losiny Ostrov really depends on how deeply you want to explore its natural beauty. If you’re short on time, a leisurely stroll through the areas inside the Moscow Ring Road can be done in a couple of. However, for those interested in a more immersive experience, it’s worth dedicating at least half a day.

Conclusion

Losiny Ostrov is more than just a green space—it’s a living reminder of the natural heritage that has coexisted with human development for centuries. In a city as vast and modern as Moscow, the park stands as a sanctuary where the rhythms of nature remain undisturbed.