Construction of the Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod railroad didn’t begin until 1857. However, the first proposal had emerged in 1835. Forward-thinking Russians were looking at the incredible achievements of railroad construction in places like England and trying to urge the Tsar that Russia should follow suit. Tsar Nicholas I mulled over engineers’ and intellectuals’ arguments for a railroad in Russia, but it was not in the cards for Russia for two more decades.
When the railway was completed, four passenger trains ran on this line. The 440-km trip lasted between fourteen and fifteen hours. Today, the high-speed Sapsan train makes this trip much faster. Passengers enjoy many creature comforts and can plan extensively their visits to cities along the way.
Sights on the Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod train Line
Vladimir
One of the grand cities of Russia’s Golden Ring, Vladimir dates back to 1108. It was established by Vladimir II Monomakh, Grand Prince of Kievan Rus’. The end of the twelfth century, during Vsevolod III’s reign, was a thriving period. Many of the city’s most historic structures were erected then. The Cathedral of St. Dmitry, the Assumption Cathedral, the Princess Convent are among the religious monuments from the medieval period. Also, Vladimir used to have a circle of architectural gate structures surrounding it, and today only a single Golden Gate remains.
Pavlovsky Posad
Although it has roots back to the 14th century, Pavlovsky Posad was established as a town by Tsar Nicholas in 1844. It’s a port on the Moskva River that’s been connected to Moscow since 1654. Today, it’s full of beautiful religious structures, including the Church of the Ascension, Resurrection Cathedral’s Bell Tower, and Pokrovskoye-Vasilevsky Monastery. It’s also where the quintessential Russian shawls with intricate flower patterns have been made since 1795. The Shawl Manufacturing Company still fabricates Pavlo Posad woolen shawls with their ornate flower patterns.
Nizhny Novgorod
One of Russia’s more populous and sight-filled cities, Nizhny Novgorod has always had a lot to offer. It was established in 1220 and became a trading hub, as it’s situated along the Volga. Today, the famous Chkalov Staircase descends to the Volga with 560 steps. Beautiful promenades are also strewn along the riverbanks. A cable car that Russians use as regular transportation over the Volga makes for a great ride. The Archangel Cathedral and 14th-century monastery and a grand Kremlin also warrant visiting. The Museum House of Gorky was named for the city, as Gorky was its name during the Soviet era. With beautiful streets and green-roofed buildings trimmed in gold, Nizhny Novgorod is not to be missed.
Dzerzhinsk, a city on the Moscow Nizhny Novgorod train, was the former headquarters of the Soviet chemical industry.
When traveling on a Nizhny Novgorod Moscow train or the reverse (the lines can be the same) and stopping to enjoy the sites along the way, it’s hard to have a bad time. It’s also difficult to take in all of the wonderful sights in your allotted time based on your travel itinerary.
Branching out east of Moscow is the next recommended travel path after visiting the two major capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. It’s also a good option in lieu of one of them. Truly, there is a difference in culture the further east you travel in Russia. Departing the country without seeing smaller cities and the medieval sights of the Golden Ring is a shame. Continuing on to, or at some point reaching, Nizhny Novgorod is never regretted, as this city is jam-packed with sights. With beautiful streets, buildings and walkways along the Volga, it’s also great just to stroll around if you cannot absorb any more history-or need to stretch your legs after a train journey.
