travel trailer breakaway switch

The Trailer Breakaway Kit

What in the world is a Trailer Breakaway Kit?  If you pull a “larger-ish” trailer, you should definitely know, because it’s a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. It’s actually a pretty nifty concept.  However, there are some nuances, and for some in DIY, they are a little intimidating.

The concept of the “Breakaway” is to automatically apply brakes if a trailer comes disconnected from the tow vehicle.  We’ve seen how terrible this is – and even more terrible – it’s not that uncommon for a trailer to unhook.  People forget to tighten the hitch, or don’t get it on totally.  Either way, that’s where the trailer Breakaway Kit comes in.  It applies the trailer brakes if a disconnect does happen.  The idea, I guess, is that (hopefully) stopping a trailer is less of a hazard.  While there are arguments both ways, it’s the law for now, and until we have something better, this is what we do.

In most cases, this applies to trailers of more than 3000 lbs. GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight Rating).  This includes a lot of trailers built from plans we offer .

Please Note:  This article discusses the electrical breakaway, not other systems.

Electrical Actuation

While there are Hydraulic systems that can do this also, this article is for electric brakes.  It works with all Electric brakes and with the Electric over Hydraulic systems.

The concept is simple.  The trailer gets a battery so it has power to apply the brakes if needed.  There is a pin switch that turns the brakes ‘ON’ if the trailer does disconnect.  The switch has a cable that attaches – one end to the tow vehicle, and the other end to the switch – so if the trailer gets too far away from the tow vehicle, it pulls the pin to ‘Flip’ the switch.

Here’s a quick unboxing video to show the parts and give a little more explanation.

OK, that’s the quick overview of the parts.  In reality, the pin pull switch and the cable (which connects the pin to the tow vehicle) are the critical parts.  Pulling the pin connects the battery to the trailer brakes.  So, mounting those parts properly, and connecting them for each trip is critical.  Here’s another image to see the parts.

The battery on the trailer needs power to keep it charged, so it does wire into the trailer electrical system.  If something bad happens and the trailer comes loose, pulling the pin connects the battery to the trailer brakes to hopefully avert disaster.  That’s really it.  The battery in the trailer breakaway kit doesn’t do anything else.

Wiring Up Your Trailer Breakaway Kit

Here is a wiring diagram for your Trailer Breakaway Kit.  This is typical, but check your system to be sure the wires (colors) are the same.  This little bit of schematic attaches into the full trailer wiring diagram from our other article.

Power to charge the battery comes from the “Aux +12V Power” wire (Usually Red, but sometimes black).  The white wire is “Ground” or “Common”, then blue is the “Brakes” wire.  The Red comes in to charge the battery, the Blue powers the brakes if the pull-pin yanks out.  The White provides a return, or ground path for both the battery charger and the brakes.

These are all available with a 7-Pin vehicle connector — which is very standard.  Such connectors are often built-in stock on pickup trucks and large SUV’s intended for pulling a trailer.  You can find a lot more information about connectors and what the wires are for on our Trailer Wiring Diagram page .  Also, for the full picture, superimpose this image over the Trailer Wiring Diagrams on that page.

We suggest a 7-wire system so you have all the right connections.  However, If your system has only a 5 wire plug, you can (in a pinch) wire the breakaway battery charger into the brown “Taillights and Running Lights” wire (instead of the Red) — then always drive with your lights on.  (There are a lot of good arguments for having your lights on when you’re driving anyway.)

Finally, wire it up using tips from the Trailer Lights and Wiring article.

Making Sure It Works

It’s really pretty simple to see that it works.  Once you have it all wired in, simply jack up one side of the trailer, and spin the tire.  It should spin freely if the pin is “IN”.  Pull the breakaway switch Pin out, and the wheel should stop and hold solid.

Specifications say the system must hold the brakes for 15 minutes, so if you’re testing, let it sit for a bit to see.  It’s really a matter of battery size and current draw.  If you have a single axle trailer, it should be no problem for most with a typical trailer breakaway kit.  Tandems draw more, but are usually OK in the standard size kit.  Triple axles often need a larger battery.

Connections

So, where do you connect the trailer Breakaway Kit switch cable?  It attaches to the pull pin on one end, and to the vehicle on the other.  The connection to the pull pin should be semi-permanent, and usually the kit gives you the cable with the pin already attached.  Then, on the vehicle end, use a secure connection like a locking carabiner or screw chain link.  The connection does not have to be super strong, but it does have to be secure.

Now, where does it mount?  This image from RVUpgrades.com shows both the traditional cable, and a coiled upgrade.  It also shows the pull pin switch and how the cable attaches at the hitch on the tow vehicle.  In this case, it’s just clipping a carabiner at the same location as the safety chain.

The coil is nice for a clean look, but it does not address issues of cable length.  They made this image to look bad for the cable because they want to sell you the coil, but if you look past that, it does illustrate the concepts.

The image above shows a reasonable position for mounting the breakaway switch, but I normally like mine a little higher so it does not interfere or tangle with the safety chains.  If chains are correct, it’s usually not a problem, but mounting the switch above the chains does help.  The image above is missing the safety chains , so the coiled cable application is not actually as clean as it looks.  Also, when a side mount tongue jack is there, it’s often a good idea to put the breakaway switch on the other side from the jack — just so they don’t tangle with each other.

Why Have A Trailer Breakaway Kit?

Let’s get into some meat.  If you think about the trailer breakaway kit very long, some important questions arise.  This is a tough issue, so here we go.

First, we have to ask:  When would you actually use the breakaway function?  Yes, when the trailer comes disconnected.  But, don’t we have safety chains for that?  If the safety chains are on correct , then what’s the point of the trailer breakaway kit?

The most likely time for an issue comes when the hitch was not on correctly.  Yes, it happens, and usually it’s human error.  For instance, not properly attaching the hitch.  Anyway, . . . so the hitch bounces off, but the safety chains are there?  Though it’s a scary situation, applying the brakes brings it to a stop (because the trailer still connects with safety chains and hopefully the electrical.)

For the breakaway kit to have value, someone must fumble the hitch as well as forget the safety chains.  Or is it?  But, I always connect the breakaway cable last.  That means if I am distracted from connecting the safety chains, I will also forget the breakaway cable, rendering it useless.  Right?

From a good design standpoint, we already have both belts and suspenders with a good hitch and safety chains.  Those will handle potential troubles for good trailers with good construction.  But, what about the other situations?  Or is there something else that makes the kit valuable?

A Case For The Breakaway Kit

OK, let’s look at this case.  If someone fumbled the hitch (not uncommon);  AND the safety chains are too long (very common);  AND the safety chains are not sufficiently strong (also common);  THEN if the hitch bounces off, and the tongue hits the ground to dig in, the high forces can break the chains.  With safety chains broken, the trailer is free, and the trailer breakaway kit comes into action.

Is that an unreasonable scenario?  Maybe not.  It’s not uncommon for safety chains to be light duty – too light for the situation.  It’s not unusual for the safety chain connections to be just a simple hook (great for light trailers, but not for big ones).  How many times have we seen chain welded directly to the trailer frame?  Welding seriously weakens an otherwise strong chain.  Or how about twisted safety chains (read the article).  And, how about chains that are thin from grinding and dragging on the ground.  You’ve seen them . . . . sparks dancing as they roll down the road.  Finally, if safety chains attach under the tongue, and the tongue drags the ground, it can pretty quickly grind off the attachment, then the trailer is loose.  All of these contribute to a situation where the trailer breakaway kit can have a purpose.

A Case Closer To Home

This kind of thing happens.  If the pin switch cable is short enough (a little shorter than the trailer safety chains), then the breakaway kit puts the trailer brakes on, and you can bring the tow vehicle to a stop without the trailer smashing into the car.

On the other hand, if the cable is too long (like the image above), then the trailer breakaway kit is just a passenger, and cannot help in the moment of distress.

That’s a more practical case, and that one can happen to any of us.

Moving Forward

I’m sure there are other scenarios, too.  Yes, many people think of it as a “protect us from the idiots” law, but if we arrange it right, it can help us too.  For that matter, I’m not immune to being the idiot – Heaven knows I’ve done my share of oops.

If you have better info about the use of breakaway kits, please comment below.

Getting The Right Proportions

So, what are the right proportions for a trailer breakaway kit cable comparing to other items?  These things connect the trailer:

• The Hitch.  A solid point, and this is the baseline.
• Safety Chains.  If the trailer comes off the hitch, then safety chains are next.  We want trailer safety chains as short as practical .
• Electrical Connection.  Wires should be longer than the chains so lights and brakes can still actuate if the hitch comes off.
• Where in this order should the Breakaway Switch pull?

I’ve heard different opinions, but more important, many setups are haphazard.  If the chains come off or break, of course, we want the breakaway pin to pull quickly.  If the trailer is on it’s own, we just want it to stop!  But, what if the hitch comes loose and the chains don’t break or come off?

There are good reasons to make the breakaway cable shorter than the safety chains.  It means the trailer brakes come on before the safety chains disconnect (or snap or whatever).  That’s good, especially going downhill.  This solves one problem.  If the hitch comes off and the trailer is only on by safety chains, when you apply vehicle brakes, the trailer will hit the tow vehicle.  The tongue may hit ( like this image ), or it may dive under.  Depending on your brake balance, applying the vehicle brakes (assuming the electrical connection?), the trailer may or may not slow more than the tow vehicle.  Having the trailer breakaway kit start the job before the safety chains also shred is a big benefit.

I’ll let you decide.  The above is something to think about as you make the decision.  Whatever you decide, make it deliberate, and make sure it will always work for you.

Good Luck With Your Trailer Breakaway Kit

If you don’t have a breakaway system, check to see if you need it in your location, for your size of trailer.  They are not that hard to put in, but it is one more thing you need to maintain.  Hopefully, you’ll never need it.

On the other hand, if you do need it, suddenly it’s priceless.

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What Is a Trailer Breakaway Switch and Do You Need One While Towing?

Unless you use your vehicle to tow often, chances are you know the bare minimum of what your vehicle requires to tow. Generally, you need a tow hitch and a trailer harness that allows you to use brake lights and turn signals. But, if you’re getting into towing more frequently, whether you’re investing in a camper or towing along a boat, you may want to learn more about trailer safety and devices that can improve your towing experience in general, like a trailer breakaway switch.

What is a trailer breakaway switch?

While it doesn’t require a special license to tow something along behind your car, there is a lot of general safety knowledge that drivers don’t learn before getting their driver’s license . Part of that is what tools you need and what tools are available that can make driving with a trailer safer. One of these mechanisms is called a trailer breakaway switch, though not every trailer may be equipped with one to start, or the mechanisms to even use them.

The concept behind the trailer breakaway switch is rather simple: it tells the trailer to engage the electric brakes on the trailer in case it senses that the trailer has been detached from the vehicle. Ever seen those viral YouTube videos of trails detaching from their vehicle and then scooting along in traffic until they inevitably hit something, like another vehicle? The trailer breakaway switch prevents this by telling the trailer to pump the brakes.

Why would you need something like this?

Even if you are confident that you can hook a trailer up properly , there are still several factors that can play into why a trailer would break away from the vehicle it’s being towed with. Structural failures with the safety chains or even the ball hitch, which are often exposed to harsh elements and can rust with time, can cause your trailer to detach.

Some limitations apply

If you’re wondering whether or not investing a small amount into a trailer breakaway switch is a good idea, there are some limitations to keep in mind. Really, the limitation here is whether or not your trailer itself already has electric brakes. Because the trailer breakaway switch only works to engage the electric brakes, it stands to reason that the system would only actually work if the trailer had electric brakes, to begin with. If you don’t currently own a trailer, or you’re looking to upgrade to a newer one, electric brakes may be something to keep an eye out for when purchasing.

RV season is here. What are you towing? #PowerWagon75 ? Stacey P. ? @airstream_inc — Ram Trucks (@RamTrucks) May 23, 2021

According to NAPA , a trailer breakaway switch seems like a small, underrated safety measure, but in case of emergency it can work to save your precious cargo and protect the vehicles and lives of the people around you. While there are some limitations, if you can install a trailer breakaway switch to your trailer, it is worth looking into.

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Gabrielle DeSantis

Gabrielle DeSantis brings her passion for exotic European cars, automotive adventures, and car DIY to our space daily since joining our team in 2020. As an exotic car owner and rebuilder, she finds autos writing inspiration behind the wheel and under the hood of her Lotus.

Gabrielle is a graduate of Florida Tech in Interdisciplinary Sciences and is part-owner of CarFemme, a social automotive group dedicated to promoting women in the industry.

Understanding Your Trailer's Breakaway Switch and Battery

If you have a trailer with brakes, it will be equipped with a breakaway switch. When it comes to the breakaway switch on your trailer, it's essential to understand its intended use and the consequences of misusing it. There are some common misconceptions about breakaway batteries but it's very important to use them properly.

It's vital to understand that the breakaway switch is only designed to be used in emergencies. If your trailer were to unexpectedly detach from your tow vehicle, the switch would activate, pulling a small clip and engaging the trailer’s brakes. The braking slows the trailer down, preventing it from becoming a dangerous hazard on the road. However, many people mistakenly believe that the breakaway switch can be used as a parking brake or to deter theft when unhitched. This is not the case.

When the switch is activated, it's connected to and powered by a small battery. Leaving the switch activated for an extended period can quickly drain the battery, causing potential damage. If you have a trailer with a primary battery, it can also be drained, leaving you with a dead battery when you need it most.

It's important to test your breakaway switch regularly to ensure that it is functioning as intended. Testing the switch is incredibly simple. All you need to do is unplug your trailer from your tow vehicle and pull out the breakaway switch pin. This action should activate the brakes on your trailer. You may need to press the brake pedal on your tow vehicle to ensure that the brakes on the trailer engage fully.

Understanding the proper use of your breakaway switch and battery is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of your trailer. Using the switch improperly can cause damage to the battery or drain the primary battery (if equipped) and potentially damage your trailer. Testing your switch regularly is crucial to ensure that your trailer is always ready for the unexpected. The next time you unhook your trailer, resist the temptation to use the breakaway switch as a makeshift parking brake or theft deterrent and keep your battery charged and maintained properly.

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Trailer break-away switch operation.

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Trailer Breakaway Switch, Briidea 4ft Breakaway Coiled Cable with Electric Brake Switch for RV Towing Trailer

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• RESISTANCE OF RUST AND CORROSION: Replace your trailer breakaway device with this durable switch kit that features a coiled cord. Provides a safer and more effective connection to your trailer, because it doesn't rust, fray or become damaged while towing which keeps you and your trailer safer when towing
• MAINTAIN THE CABLE POSITION WELL ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE: The 4 ft cable extends nicely while you're towing, with the coils keeping enough tension to maintain the cable position well above the road surface, realizing more reliable connection from your tow vehicle to your trailer
• PROTECTS YOUR FINGERS: Coated cable wire eliminated fray and protects your fingers from loose, sharp wire
• WHAT YOU GET: An entire breakaway safety system replacement- include a switch box with the coiled cable. Recommended for bumper pull trailers. Meets or exceeds all dot requirements, easy attachment with included spring clip
• PRODUCT GUARANTEE: You can enjoy our first-class service with free refund without reason, 2-year warranty and 24-hour support for customer service. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

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Product Description

Replace your trailer breakaway device with this durable switch kit that features a coiled cord. No more dragging or fraying. No need to wrap the cable around your trailer frame.

- Breakaway switch wires into your trailer's brake system to provide peace of mind

- If the trailer becomes uncoupled, the cord attached to your tow vehicle will pull the pin from the switch, activating your trailer's brakes

- Coiled cable won't drag on the ground

- No frayed ends

- No need to loop the cable around the trailer tongue

- Included carabiner makes it easy to clip cord to your tow vehicle

- High-strength cable is made of woven steel

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Customers like the ease of installation and performance of the power cord. They mention that it hooks to the truck easier and works beautifully.

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Customers find the installation of the power cord to be easy. They mention that it hooks to the truck easier than the old switch.

"... Went on super easy and works beautifully. Very good product" Read more

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Customers are satisfied with the performance of the power cord. They mention that it works beautifully and is a great product.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Moscow Travel Guide

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Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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