Trade Side, Nature reserve in Veliky Novgorod, Russia
Trade Side is a nature reserve along the Volkhov River in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, covering riverbank zones, woodland patches, and wetland areas. The terrain shifts gradually from open water edges to denser forest cover as you move away from the river.
The area was granted protected status in 1995 as part of a broader Russian push to establish nature reserves in regions with notable natural habitats. The choice of this riverbank site reflected concern for the ecosystems along the Volkhov that had already been altered by centuries of urban activity.
The name Trade Side refers to the historic bank of the Volkhov River, which once served as the commercial quarter of Veliky Novgorod. Walking through the reserve today, visitors can still sense its connection to the old city layout that shaped this part of the riverbank.
The reserve sits close to the center of Veliky Novgorod and can be reached on foot from the main historic area. Paths near the wetland sections can be wet and muddy outside of summer, so sturdy footwear is a good idea year-round.
The reserve sits right next to Yaroslav's Court, a medieval trading yard, so a walk through the protected area offers a direct view of one of Russia's oldest surviving market squares. This side-by-side presence of an old trading ground and a modern nature reserve is rare in Russian cities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
