20 unknown tourist attractions in Ukraine
The nature of Ukraine is so multifaceted that it will easily surprise the most experienced traveler. To confirm our words, we collected 20 little-known corners of Ukraine that are worth visiting at least once.
Aktivsky Canyon, village Stryi, Mykolayiv region
One of the seven wonders of Ukraine, reminiscent of the famous American canyons. The Mertvovod river carries its waters at the bottom of the grandiose creation of nature. Despite the name, its waters are considered healing, you can swim in them. Aktovsky canyon and waterfalls decorate it. The scenery from any vantage point is breathtaking with its beauty: nature here has been preserved in its wild, pristine state.
Rare animals and plants can be found on the territory of the reserve, including unique mountain tulips. Extreme lovers will find space for rock climbing. The length of the canyon is 7 km, it occupies an area of about 200 hectares, and the depth of the picturesque gorges reaches 50 m.
Bakota, 50 km from Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi region
Lovers of antiquity and exoticism will like it. Located on the territory of the “Podilskyi Tovtry” nature park. Tourists are attracted by the huge number of picturesque corners, rocky terrain, and the wide surface of the reservoir. The best way to see the beauty of nature is during a boat ride. Not far from Bakota is a rock-cave monastery of the 11th-12th centuries, healing springs of “Female”, “Male” and “Family Happiness”, as well as a stone footprint of the Buddha.
Dniester Canyon, not far from Ivano-Frankivsk and Ternopil
The largest canyon in Europe. In 2008, it was recognized as one of the 7 natural wonders of Ukraine. The territory stretched between the borders of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, and Khmelnytskyi regions. Incredible landscapes, 200-year-old oak trees on the banks of the river, waterfalls, caves, and ancient ruins will not let you get bored during the trip. The total length of the Dniester Canyon reaches 250 km, and the stone banks still keep the secrets of the Paleozoic era.
Butsky canyon, village Buky on the border between Cherkasy and Vinnytsia regions
Granite Canyon is often called a small Switzerland. The age of the stones is estimated at 2 billion years. An amazing place is located on the Girsky Tikich River. The low and steep rocks are great for rock climbing, and in the spring the landscape delights the eye with wild flowers and young greenery. The length of the canyon is only 5 km. You can walk it from beginning to end along the left bank.
Landscape park in Buky, village Buky of Skvyr district, Kyiv region
The man-made park was located on the territory of the home of Ukrainian politician Ivan Suslov. Until 1996, the parking area was occupied by a landfill. Nini has an original landscape, a huge fountain, a small zoo, and the Alley of Fairy Tales on its territory. Anyone can walk around the territory freely.
Dzhurynsky waterfall, near the village. Nirkiv Zalishchytsky district, Ternopil region
The multi-stage waterfall is the highest plain waterfall in Europe — its height is 16 m. It is better to ask local residents for directions, as it is not easy to find natural wonders. In addition to the magical beauty, you can admire the ruins of the Chervonograd castle. The ground around the waterfall and the rocks have a red tint.
The waterfall is of artificial origin and appeared during the Turkish wars. In order to leave the inhabitants of the village without water, the Turks diverted the course of the Jury River in another direction.
The city of Zalishchyki, Ternopil Region
The place captivates with its nature and mild climate, which is why it is often called Ukrainian Switzerland. Zalishchiki is surrounded by the waters of the Dniester for almost 360 degrees and is surrounded by high rocks on the perimeter, which protects them from the winds and creates a Mediterranean climate. This made it possible to create a large-scale arboretum on the territory of the peninsula at the beginning of the 19th century. In total, there are 3 other similar places in the world: the town of Saarland in Germany, the horseshoe of the Marble Canyon in the USA, and the Moselle Valley in France.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the island was a favorite vacation spot of the Polish aristocracy. Today, many historical values have been preserved in the city, among them the Branicki Palace and the Church of St. Stanislavov
Shenborn Castle, between the villages of Mukachevo and Svalyava
The architectural pearl of Transcarpathia. Even at the entrance to the village, starting from the railway station, it seems that you are entering a medieval fairy tale. After all, as early as 1840, the miniature house was only a place for rest after hunting for Count Schönborn. In 1890, the hunting estate was reconstructed into a huge castle with towers and a luxurious garden.
The architecture of the building combines Gothic and Romanesque motifs. The interior decoration is no less wonderful — a chapel with stained glass windows, a stone hall, an ancient wooden staircase with a majestic lion at the foot, and a chandelier made of deer horns with a graceful female figure. The castle is like a calendar: it has 365 windows, 12 entrances and 52 rooms.
Lumshory, a village in the Perechyn district of the Transcarpathian region
Lumshor baths are natural open-air saunas. Healing water contains many minerals and was used for healing as early as the 17th century, especially for diseases of the nervous system and musculoskeletal systems. Modern complexes work throughout the year. And in the winter there will be entertainment for skiers — a small 300-meter descent is ideal for beginners. There are 5 waterfalls nearby.
The capacity of one tank is 1000 liters. It can accommodate up to 7 people. A fire burns under the vats: it heats the water to 40-45 degrees. For the best effect, it is recommended to combine the procedures with contrast bathing in a mountain river.
Oleshkivski sands, 30 km from Kherson in Oleshkivski district
There are still disputes about the size of the Ukrainian Sahara: according to some data, it is the largest in Europe. Some scientists put it in the second largest place. The territory is divided into 7 arenas with different climates and terrain. Artificial afforestation along the perimeter of the desert prevents sand from spreading along the coast, but sand storms often occur inside the area. The height of some dunes reaches 5 m, and the temperature of the sand in summer fluctuates around 75 degrees.
Basalt pillars, p. Basalt in the Kostopil district of the Rivne region
The strange natural phenomenon that appeared in the flat area impresses not only with huge basalt polyhedra. Even more incredible: they shoot water! Colossal formations are columns with a height of 2 to 30 meters, they are four-, seven-, and eight-sided in shape. Many minerals are found on the territory of the geological reserve, including gems.
Optimistic Cave, p. Queen of Borshchiv district of Ternopil region
Optimistic Cave is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest gypsum cave. It owes its name to the pioneers who firmly believe in the success of the find. It is a mysteriously illuminated chain of labyrinths, grottoes and galleries of various lengths and shapes. The depth of the passages reaches 80 m. During walks underground, you can see several underground lakes. The cave was formed about 20 million years ago. The length of tunnels explored today is 267 km.
Podilsky tovtry, near Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi region
Since 2017, the National Natural Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Podilsky tovtras are a chain of limestone rocks that were formed 20 million years ago. Then they were a barrier reef. You can explore the area in any convenient way: there are walking routes, horse riding, and car rides. For those who like to calmly admire the natural beauty, it is worth using river or air transport. The uniqueness of the complex lies in the fact that it was formed as a result of the vital activity of microorganisms, and not as a result of tectonic processes.
Cave monastery, village Rozhirche, Lviv region
It has not yet been established exactly when and for what purposes this ancient cave monastery was built. The first historical mention of it dates back to the 15th century, and archaeological excavations revealed traces of an ancient settlement of the 7th-8th centuries BC. e. The monastery consists of two tiers and three caves. Hollow stone stairs to the second floor. From the highest point, a stunning panorama of the Opir mountain river valley opens.
Tarakaniv fortress, near the village Cockroaches of the Duben district of the Rivne region
It is difficult to call this mystical place a fortress or a castle. The dilapidated building was once a defense structure of the late 18th century. The place is not in tourist guides, but it certainly deserves attention. Majestic and monumental wartime buildings will delight lovers of antiquity. When visiting the fort, do not forget to grab a flashlight and warm clothes: you will have to descend into bunkers and various tunnels.
Arch viaduct, p. Vorokhta, Ivano-Frankivsk region
The arched bridge from the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire resembles the bridge that Harry Potter traveled on. The bridge connects the two banks of the Prut River. The Austrian viaduct is one of the oldest in Europe. It was built by captured Italians in 1895 for the purpose of a railway connection across the river. Unfortunately, it is now impossible to see how a train passes through it, and then it seems to hide in the air: the bridge is an open-air museum.
The length of the bridge is 200 m, the length of the central arch is 30 m, and its width is 65 m. Today, in order to preserve it, a double bridge has been built nearby, and the ancient viaduct is an observation deck and a place for photo sessions.
Stone village, near the village Rudnya-Zamyslovytska, Zhytomyr region
The stone village is known as the Ukrainian Stonehenge. Huge boulders are scattered in groups right in the middle of the forest. Apart from wandering around and taking pictures among the quaint stones covered with moss, there is no other entertainment in the stone village. However, some can see houses, a school, and even a church in the outlines of the boulders. Hence the name of the place. On one of the boulders, a small indentation was discovered, called the footprint of God. It is customary to make a wish on it.
Hobbit village “Stilske Gorodishche”, between the villages of Stilsko and Dubrove, Lviv region
This is one of the oldest places in Ukraine, dating back to the 8th-9th centuries. The local scenery and the appearance of the settlement resemble scenes from the movie “The Lord of the Rings”: because of its resemblance to Frodo and Bilbo, it was called the village of the hobbits. Here you can wander through the caves and admire the scenery. Residents adapted to use caves as storehouses.
Lake Lemuria, near the village of Hryhorivka in the Kherson region
The Pink Lake is often compared to the Dead Sea because of the amount of salt. Doctors consider it no less useful for health. The water acquires a pink color due to the vital activity of special algae. Despite the fact that living things usually do not survive in such salty water, this algae has perfectly adapted to the conditions. The size of the lake is only 20 meters. A well with pure artesian water has been drilled nearby. A small strip of sand separates it from Lake Sivash. It is better to visit Lemurian Lake in the middle of summer.
Ukrainian “Venice” Vylkove, 200 km from Odesa
The unique town of Vylkove is located at the mouth of the Danube, almost on the border with Romania. Founded in the 17th century, the settlement of the Old Believers in the marshes turned into a popular resort. There are 46 km of canals, 72 islands, and 1,500 boats in all of Vylkovo. As in Venice, there are no cars or buses.
The place is famous for the best berries and grapes of the Novak variety in the country, imported by local merchants from France. It is grown only here. Therefore, the visit plan includes a tasting of local wine, a Danube herring with potatoes, and various fried fish and soups. And in Vylkovo, you can visit the Danube Biosphere Reserve and the delta, take a boat ride and go fishing.
