We are going to speak not about overseas distant lands, once discovered by Columbus, but about the western part of Ukraine, rich in mountains, forests and lakes. “Journey to the West” in the winter becomes a very topical tourist route: some go to Lvov for Christmas; some prefer to improve skills on the snowy slopes of the mountains. However, this area attracts many tourists throughout the year – cities of the Western Ukraine with more than rich history, with mineral springs and mountains with fresh air and interesting places. The whole year you can spend time with family or friends in the lap of nature, swimming in lakes and waterfalls, cycling and riding horses, making picnics and hiking in the mountains. Therefore, we have prepared a list of interesting places in the central and western Ukraine, which are recommended for a visit on your way to the destination point.
Mountain Climbing in Denishi
(Zhytomyr region, Denishi village, route H03)
If you would like to try yourself or improve skills in mountaineering, we recommend a stop in the village Denishi to make a work out at the local climbing wall. Sheer granite wall of canyon by the river Teterev rises over the river bank on 20-25 m. At the climbing wall it is always possible to meet climbers and instructors, who are based in the sanatorium “Denishi”, and take a lesson of climbing. On the opposite side of the river – a centuries-old oak grove, preserved after cutting the ship timber. Very picturesque place.
Medzhibozh Castle
(Medzhibozh village, 1st October str., Hmelnitsky region)
Long ago the Medzhibozh castle was a very important defense fortress. The oldest information concerning the fortress in Medzhibozh comes from the days of the fortified Ruricovich city that arose over the Southern Bug around 1146. It was many times rebuilt, restored and survived after attempts of destruction. Today, there are only ruins remaining with the walls of about two meters thickness and four fortress towers (only 3 survived). In the castle you can walk, climb the south tower and make great shots of the opening sites – the fields, rivers and villages surrounding the castle.
Holy Dormition Pochaev Monastery
(The town Pochaev of Kremenets district)
One of the most important shrines of the Orthodox world, it is among the three most beautiful Orthodox monasteries in Eastern Europe. In total, there are 16 temples in the Pochaev Monastery. The main among them is The Cathedral of the Dormition, where the famous miraculous icon of the Mother of God is located. Most tourists and pilgrims, who visit the Monastery, come here for the better health, happiness and good luck.
Olesko Castle
(Olesko village, Zamkovaja str., 34)
One of the famous castles in Ukraine and the place where they filmed the movie “The Three Musketeers”, located in Lvov region for nearly eight centuries. You can take a guided tour of the castle, and then walk around in the patio or in the Italian park with ancient and modern sculptures. There is a restaurant in the castle, so if you are hungry here you can enjoy a complete meal – homemade sausages, gruel with meat, and cheese cakes for dessert (in the restaurant you can also taste the local liqueur).
Crystal cavern
(Kryvche village, Borshevsky district)
The most famous and the most adapted for tourists cavern in Podolye and the largest among the gypsum caverns in Europe. The length is 23 km, but within the walking tour the length of 2.5 km is offered. The walls of the cavern are covered with multi-colored crystals of gypsum, amongst which you can see the silhouettes of animals: buffalo, lizard, elephant, eagle, etc. The constant temperature is 11 degrees, so we recommend taking warm clothes. The cavern is open for visitors all year round; the tour is possible only with a guide.
Waterfall Huk (The Zhenetsky Huk)
(Tatariv village, Ivano-Frankivsk region, not far from Yaremche)
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ukraine. Water of the Zhenets river rushes down from a height of 15 meters, it is possible to come to the foot of the waterfall, or climb to the observation deck. As befits a mountain river, the water is cold even in the summer, and freezes in the winter.
Daffodil valley
(Hust, ur. Kireshi)
An ideal place to spend holidays in May – daffodils blooming is expected at this time of the year. Fields of daffodils, listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, delight thousands of tourists. In the blooming period (from 1st to 25th of May) the area is open daily from 8:00 to 21:00 seven days a week. Entrance fee is 15 UAH for adults, 10 UAH for students, 5 UAH for schoolchildren. Parking at the entrance is free, but its capacity is limited – there are traffic jams during the May holidays at the entrance to the area.
Sika deer farm
(Iza village, Khust district)
One of the most famous tourist sites of Transcarpathia is the unique for the Ukraine sika deer farm in the village of Iza, near Khust. Numerous Ukrainian tourists and visitors from abroad come here to admire the rangy beauties.
Rare deers appeared at the farm back in Soviet times – in 1987. The farm houses more than 150 deers, visitors are allowed to hand-feed the animals and take a picture for memory.
Lake Sinevir
(Transcarpathian region, Mezhigor district, Sinevir village)
The biggest and beautiful lake in the Carpathian Mountains. Sinevir lake was formed 10 thousand years ago and replenishes waters of mountain streams. Sinevir lake is rightly considered to be the most valuable natural treasure of the National Natural Park “Sinevir” and is one of the features of the Ukrainian Carpathians. There are legends of the lake formation, but we recommend to listen to them from local people.
Watching the beauties and attractions, it is important not to forget where, in fact, your destination is – and if it is Yaremche, Beregovo, Mukachevo or Lvov, Dobovo.com offers many excellent accommodation options!
Is there anything we did not mention? Help us make a list of interesting places in Western Ukraine for tourists!