Losiny Ostrov National Park

Welcome to Losiny Ostrov, a name that translates literally to 'Elk Island.' This is not merely a park; it is an ecological anomaly—a vast, primeval forest that exists almost entirely within the boundaries of a modern megapolis.…

We begin our journey under the canopy of the birch tree, the enduring symbol of the Russian forest. In Losiny Ostrov, these trees are more than just scenery; they are the foundation of the local ecosystem. …

Moving deeper into the park, we encounter the headwaters of the Yauza River. Most Muscovites know the Yauza as a concrete-lined canal in the city center, but here, it is a wild, meandering stream born in the marshes of Losiny…

We are now walking along a path that likely felt the hooves of the horses of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. In the mid-seventeenth century, this area was the site of elaborate royal excursions. …

We have reached one of the most popular and vital parts of the park: the Elk Biological Center, often referred to as the Elk Station. This facility serves as a temporary home for orphaned or injured elk calves from all over…

Heading further north, we enter the most remote part of the park, where the landscape takes on an almost prehistoric quality. This is the Upper Yauza Marsh system. …

As we begin to loop back toward the park’s entrance, we pass through the southern pine groves. Unlike the airy birches, these pines create a dense, dark canopy that stays green all year round. …

Our journey through the 'Elk Island' concludes back at the edge of the city. As we prepare to re-enter the world of metro stations and traffic jams, take one last deep breath of the air purified by these millions of trees. …