Autumn Escapes: Your Guide to the Perfect Countryside Weekend
As an HSE student, my weeks are a blur of lectures, deadlines, and the relentless rhythm of the city. When the pressure builds, I’ve learned that the best cure isn't always another coffee in the library, but a complete change of scenery. The onset of autumn, with its crisp air and painterly palette, is the perfect invitation to explore. If you, like me, feel the need to swap concrete for golden leaves and traffic noise for beautiful paths, here are three getaways just outside Moscow where you can wander, reflect, and find that perfect cup of coffee amidst the autumn splendor.
Peredelkino: a walk through layers of literary history
What it is: Peredelkino is a legendary writers' village established just outside Moscow in the 1930s. It served as a home and creative sanctuary for many of the 20th century's most prominent literary figures. Today, it continues its legacy as a vibrant creative hub, offering residencies and spaces for work and reflection.
What to see and walk through: your pilgrimage here should be a layered experience. Begin at the Boris Pasternak house museum (open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 - 20:00). Standing in his study, you can almost feel the presence of the writer who worked here on his magnum opus, Doctor Zhivago. A short walk away is the dacha of Korney Chukovsky, a charming museum that reflects his love for children's literature. After immersing yourself in history, step into the serene autumn landscape. The paths winding through the pine forest are tread with the ghosts of genius — from the “Thaw Era” poets like Bella Akhmadulina to the semi-dissident bard Bulat Okudzhava. The golden leaves crunch underfoot, and the quiet, pine-scented air is the same that inspired them all. It’s the perfect setting for a profound conversation or a solitary walk to gather your own thoughts. For a moment of quiet reflection, walk a little further to the Peredelkino cemetery. It is a profoundly moving experience to visit the graves of Boris Pasternak, Korney Chukovsky, Arseniy Tarkovsky, and Yevgeny Yevtushenko, nestled peacefully among the trees.
How to get there & time: take a suburban train from Kiyevsky Railway Station to “Peredelkino” station (approx. 20-25 mins). Plan for a full day to explore the museums, the forest, the park, and the cemetery without rushing.
Meschersky Park: a vast natural playground with a soulful cafe
What it is: this is a massive natural-sports space spanning over 500 hectares of picturesque Russian forest. Located just 30 minutes from the city center, it offers a unique combination of pristine natural landscapes, architectural aesthetics, and modern infrastructure, all in harmony with nature. With 25 km of sports and pedestrian trails, it’s the ultimate escape for an active day out.
Interestingly, Meschersky Park is just a five-minute walk away from our previous getaway “Peredelkino”. You can turn right from Dom Tvorchestva's main entrance, cross Pogodina street, and you're here.
What to see and walk through: the main attraction is the sheer scale of wilderness. You can spend hours walking, cycling, or jogging along the winding paths through pine and mixed forests. In the fall, the ground is a mosaic of fallen leaves, and the air is filled with that distinct, earthy scent. It’s incredibly easy to find a quiet spot to just sit and talk or read. After your walk, the perfect pitstop awaits. Nestled within the PandaPark area is Mátes Pizza, a wooden house with two open verandas that feels like a nostalgic reminder of summer camps and carefree holidays. I’m personally fond of Mátes, because it was born from a desire to create a space where people, not concepts, are the main event, it’s a project “from comrades, for comrades”. With its classic Neapolitan pizza, specialty coffee, and focus on friendship and creative freedom, it has quickly become a favorite haunt for students and a perfect spot to warm up after an autumn walk.
How to get there & time: Meschersky Park has several entrances, but some are much more convenient than others. The easiest route (Entrance 4): Take the metro to Govorovo or Ozernaya and catch bus №883 to the “Meschersky Prud” stop. From there, it's only a 5–10-minute walk to the park entrance. This is the most straightforward way to get directly to the scenic pond area. The trip from the city center is around an hour. You can tailor your visit from a quick 2-hour nature fix to a full day of exploration.
Arkhangelskoye Estate: grandeur amidst the autumn gold
What it is: for a dose of imperial grandeur paired with natural beauty, Arkhangelskoye Estate is unparalleled. This architectural and park ensemble arose during the height of Classicism in Russia, a style that drew its ideals of beauty from ancient art. The park, constantly refined by its owner N.B. Yusupov, is one of the finest examples of Russian garden art from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. Its composition is nearly flawless, blending the strict logic of Italian Renaissance gardens and French formal parks with the picturesque touches of an English landscape architect.
What to see and walk through: the centerpiece is the stunning yellow palace, but the true autumn glory lies in its parks. Stroll through the strict geometry of the French Park, with its statues and fountains framed by fiery trees. Then, lose yourself in the wilder English Park, where the fall colors are even more vibrant. The view from the terraces down to the river, with the forest blazing on the opposite bank, is breathtaking on a sunny autumn day.
Crucial student tip: don't forget your student ID! Entry to the park costs 250 rubles, but with a student discount, it's only 100 rubles. The park is open until 20:00 (ticket office until 19:00). The palace museum and exhibitions require separate tickets, but the park itself is the main attraction for a perfect autumn day.
How to get there & time: the easiest way is to take the metro to Tushinskaya, then catch bus №541 or №549 to the “Arkhangelskoye” stop. The journey from the metro takes about 20-30 minutes. You can easily spend 4-5 hours here exploring the palace grounds and the magnificent parks. The trip from the city center takes about 1-1.5 hours.
In the middle of a busy semester, it’s easy to forget that a perfect escape is just a short trip away. Each offer a unique recipe to feel the autumn vibe: literary history, imperial beauty, and wild forest trails, all crowned with the golden glow of the season. For me, each of these spots fits a different mood and has become a special part of my life outside of HSE. Arkhangelskoye is my go-to for a calm, beautiful reset. It’s turned into a yearly tradition with my family — we walk the park paths under the golden leaves, and it always feels like a peaceful break from everything. Meschersky Park is where I go for fun and energy. I love coming here with friends to bike the long trails, catch up, and always end up at Mates for pizza. It’s less about quiet and more about making great memories together. And when I need to focus or find some inspiration, I head to Peredelkino. I’ll bring my books, find a spot in the library or just wander, and let the quiet creative vibe of the place help me think. A cup of tea here does more to clear my head than any city coffee. So, whether you're looking for a calm walk, an active day with friends, or a quiet place to get inspired — one of these places has you covered.
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