Moskva (river)
River flowing through Moscow, origin of the city's name.
The Moskva is a river in Western Russia that flows through the Smolensk and Moscow Oblasts, passing through central Moscow. It is historically significant as the origin of the name for the city of Moscow and as a waterway that has supported human settlement for thousands of years.
- vertical_drop
- 155 meters (509 ft)
- maximum_depth
- 3 meters (9.8 ft) above Moscow, up to 6 meters (20 ft) below
- mouth
- flows into the Oka at Kolomna
Lore & Background
In addition to Finnic tribes, the Moskva River is also the origin of Slavic tribes such as the Vyatichi.
Reader's Guide
The Moskva River is central to the identity and history of Moscow, as the city's name is thought to derive from the river. The most widely accepted etymology traces the name to a Proto-Balto-Slavic root meaning 'wet,' suggesting a river at a wetland or marsh. The river's significance extends to recreation, with a fleet of river ice-breaker cruisers operating from moorings at the Hotel Ukraine and Gorky Park. The river's maximum depth varies, and it freezes from November–December to late March, though the portion through Moscow only freezes occasionally due to contamination.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Moskva' is thought to derive from a Proto-Balto-Slavic root meaning 'wet.'
- The river freezes around November–December and begins to thaw around late March.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is the Moskva?
Depth changes noticeably along the course: above Moscow the river tops out around 3 meters, while below the city it can reach 6 meters. Across its full length the Moskva sheds 155 meters of elevation from source to mouth.
Why is the Moskva important to the region?
Beyond lending its name to one of Europe's largest capitals, the Moskva has anchored human settlement in the area for thousands of years. It shaped early trade, agriculture, and the gradual growth of towns along its banks.
What is the vertical drop of the Moskva?
From its source to its confluence with the Oka, the river loses 155 meters (about 509 feet) of elevation. That steady, gradual descent helps keep a consistent current flowing through its 473-plus-kilometer path.
More in Rivers Of Europe 1-19
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