Two distinct natural landscapes take centre stage in Melenkovsky District: the open floodplain of the Oka and the forest types of the Melenkovsky protected area. Oksky Beregovoy extends across Melenkovsky and Muromsky districts. Several viewpoints near the villages by the protected area offer views of the Oka Valley. This makes the natural landscape theme span everything from the river and forests to views across the valley.
Oka floodplain and high bank
Oksky Beregovoy lies in the floodplain and along the Oka’s left high bank. The protected area consists predominantly of the left floodplain; it also includes some sections on the right bank and, in part, the river itself. Today, the floodplain is mostly treeless and largely covered with floodplain meadows. The Melenkovsky District portion of the protected area covers 19,187 hectares. The river, its left and right banks, and the high bank can thus be understood as different components of this protected landscape.
Pine and birch forests
The Melenkovsky protected area offers a different natural focus. Bilberry, green-moss, grass and lichen pine forests dominate there, with birch and spruce in some places. Birch forest predominates in the northern part. Alongside the mostly treeless meadows of the Oka floodplain, this points to a more heavily forested side of the district. The forest information distinguishes between several types of pine forest and the birch forest in the north.
Viewpoints over the Oka Valley
Several viewpoints near the villages by the Oksky Beregovoy protected area offer views of the Oka Valley. These valley views add another landscape perspective to the floodplain and forest. If you take landscapes into account when choosing your excursions, this view can be a natural attraction in its own right in the district.
More nature highlights in Vladimir Oblast
The visitor centre of Meshchera National Park is located in Gus-Khrustalny, in Vladimir Oblast. Its address is 111 Internatsionalnaya Street. An exhibit hall at the centre features a model of the park area, as well as information about nature and tourist attractions. Collections of lichens, beetles and butterflies are on display at the visitor centre. The model provides an overview of the park area, while the collections focus on specific groups of nature.
When visiting the exhibition at the Meshchera National Park visitor centre in Vladimir Oblast, you can explore independently or choose a bookable general or themed guided tour. The exhibition also offers a virtual exploration of the park model and the chance to plan your own route. It provides information about the nature and history of Vladimir Meshchera, tourist attractions and the conditions for visiting them.
Vladimir Oblast has a major ecological educational trail called “Svidanie s Meshcheroy.” It runs from north to south through Meshchera National Park. Check the current visitor conditions when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Vladimir, Alexandrovsky District, Sobinsky District, Kameshkovsky District, Suzdalsky District, Gorokhovetsky District, Aleksandrovsky District, City of Suzdal.
For the regional travel overview: Vladimir Oblast.
