From Ice Cave to Submarine: Five Unusual Attractions in Moscow Parks
Greenhouse and Ice Cave in the Heart of Moscow
Zaryadye is a brand new park built near the Kremlin on the site of a demolished Soviet hotel. Its attractions, together with the River Overlook, include the Florarium – a top-notch greenhouse that houses plants and vegetables growing in the air, without soil, and an Ice Cave, where ice crystals grow at 4-9 degrees below freezing. Tickets: River Overlook – free; Florarium – 190 RUB; Ice Cave – 300 RUB.
Flower Clock
Moscow’s biggest and Europe’s second biggest flower clock is located in Victory Park (Park Pobedy), not far from the metro station exit to Park Pobedy. Its diameter is 10 m, the minute hand is 4.5 m long, and the hour hand is 3.5 m long. Every spring, thousands of colourful flowers are planted here. This year, the flower clock includes over 12,000 yellow, red, white and blue violets.
Longest Pedestrian Embankment and Open-Air Museum
The city’s longest pedestrian path along the Moskva River is located in Gorky Park and is 12 km long. At one end you can find Muzeon Park, a big open-air museum of sculpture and monuments. The park’s collection includes Soviet-era figures and contemporary art. Free admission.
Submarine
Severnoe Tushino Park is located away from the city centre, but if you are interested in visiting an authentic submarine that was in operation from 1980 to 1998, it’s definitely worth visiting. Today, this diesel-electric submarine is a museum. Tickets: 300-450 RUB. Location: see the map.
Air Trail
Air Trail at VDNH is the newest Moscow attraction, and has only been open since September 5th. The trail is built on pillars, which are about 6.5 m high, and is about 500 m long. It goes through an oak grove, where the average age of the trees is over 150 years. Free admission. Location: start from Pavilion 27 (see the map).