Weekend in Leningrad Region: suburban train, Stroganov palace and a boardwalk over the bog
5 September 2026 · 11 min read
40 kilometres in a day, two eras and one diesel. A suburban train to Ushaki, the landscape park of Maryino estate, the wooden boardwalk of the Lisino-Korpus eco-trail and the return by a non-electrified diesel train. Road conditions, prices, hazardous sections — as they are.
One-day route: two eras in 40 kilometres
The idea is simple: take a morning suburban train with a bicycle, get off at Ushaki platform, ride to Maryino estate — one of the most lavish park ensembles in Leningrad Region — and after the thunderstorm breaks, go into a completely different world: the wooden boardwalk of the eco-trail “The Cradle of Russian Forestry” in Lisino-Korpus. The finish is Lustovka station, from where a diesel goes home: the branch is not electrified.
Ushaki: platform, pond and well
You get off at Ushaki platform — and a couple of minutes later the first photogenic spot: a pond with white openwork railings, from which a stream spills over as a small waterfall. Here too is the White Church with golden domes, a Pyaterochka for provisions and a well-house in the centre of the settlement — water, full independence from civilisation.
Road to Maryino: asphalt without a shoulder
The road is fine, but there is no shoulder. There are few cars, yet twice an oncoming and a passing car went by at the same time — narrow and unpleasant. Rules: ride with the traffic, no headphones, keep speed under control. The wish to get there turned out stronger than the risks, but it is worth saying honestly.
Maryino: a park on the level of grandes parques
Maryino estate — the Stroganov-Golitsyn country seat since 1811, the first palace design was by Voronikhin. Today it is a hotel with restored 19th-century interiors and a huge landscape park: hills, mounds, ponds, a red suspension bridge, granite benches with sphinxes, a marble lion, a turquoise rotunda on a small island. Sheep, geese and horses roam inside — from the horse tracks on the path it is clear that horse riding is a normal thing here.
Entry is paid, around one thousand roubles. Cars are not allowed inside — and rightly so, the park is for feet.
Dirt road and construction of the century
After the downpour that fell during the day with almost a monthly norm, the dirt road towards Lisino turned into sandy mush with ruts. But on the way there is a large-scale construction site: piles are being driven so hard that you stop to watch.
Lisino-Korpus: boardwalk over the bog
The eco-trail “The Cradle of Russian Forestry” — 4.8 km of wooden boardwalks through boggy forest. The place is historic: the first forestry training centre in Russia, the hunting palace was built by Nikolai Benois, Alexander II visited here 86 times. The forest here is different — thickets, windfall, ferns. A complete contrast to the well-kept Maryino.
Finale: diesel from Lustovka station
The branch is not electrified — Lustovka platform is so unpopular that only a diesel runs here. An ideal end to the day: a dirty bicycle, fog over the field, the clatter of a diesel carriage.
What to ride
The whole day — on an electric bicycle: 40+ kilometres, dirt roads, rain. The charge lasts for a day with a margin, assist saves you on sandy climbs after the downpour. An ordinary bicycle will do too — you will just spend more effort. Waterproofing on the bicycle is redone every year — in the rainy season it is a must.
Food on such a trip is a separate article: minced meat on a gas burner in 20 minutes.
FAQ
By suburban train from Moskovsky railway station to Ushaki platform. Then the route Ushaki → Maryino estate → Lisino-Korpus is on foot or by bicycle, back — by diesel from Lustovka station.
About 40 km per day: from Ushaki platform to Maryino estate, then along dirt road and asphalt to Lisino-Korpus and Lustovka station. On an electric bicycle — comfortable, on foot — a two-day option.
Yes. Asphalt without a shoulder requires care, the dirt road after rain is rutted, but passable. Ride with the traffic and without headphones on the roads.
A walk in the park is paid — around 1000 roubles per person. Check the exact price and conditions at usadbamaryino.ru. The eco-trail in Lisino is free.
Personal travel archive: real routes around St Petersburg and Leningrad Region. spbilo.ru
Frequently asked questions
Where to go for a weekend from St Petersburg without a car?
By suburban train from Moskovsky railway station to Ushaki platform. Then the route Ushaki → Maryino estate → Lisino-Korpus is on foot or by bicycle, back — by diesel from Lustovka station.
How many kilometres is the whole route Ushaki — Maryino — Lisino?
About 40 km per day: from Ushaki platform to Maryino estate, then along dirt road and asphalt to Lisino-Korpus and Lustovka station. On an electric bicycle — comfortable, on foot — a two-day option.
Can the route be done on an ordinary bicycle?
Yes. Asphalt without a shoulder requires care, the dirt road after rain is rutted, but passable. Ride with the traffic and without headphones on the roads.
How much does entry to Maryino estate park cost?
A walk in the park is paid — around 1000 roubles per person. Check the exact price and conditions at usadbamaryino.ru. The eco-trail in Lisino is free.