Exploring Transcarpathian traditions: where to go to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere

Transcarpathia is a unique region of Ukraine where authentic customs have been formed over the centuries. From bethlehems (Christmas nativity scene) to delicious kutia and from carols to lighted didukh (a decoration made of ears of grain), every corner here breathes with magic. Today we're going to tell you where you can feel the spirit of authentic Ukrainian New Year and Christmas celebrations.

Kolochava

The village is located in the Khust district of Zakarpattia region on the territory of the Synevyr National Nature Park.

We recommend visiting the "Old Village" Open-air Museum. It was opened in 2007.

The complex recreates the village of ancient Verkhovyna. More than 20 huts belonging to shepherds, woodcutters, the poor, and kulaks are located here.

Travelers can take thematic tours to learn more about the customs of the former inhabitants. They can also visit a smithy, a house built in 1856, a sawmill, a parochial school, a Jewish tavern, a synagogue, and more.

We also recommend taking a walk to the Kolochava Narrow-Gauge Railroad. It was laid in the XIX century. There is an old train with a Gr-286 steam locomotive.

Uzhhorod

Located on the Uzh River at the foot of the Ukrainian Carpathians.

First, go to the Museum of Architecture and Life on the southern slope of Castle Hill. It was opened in 1970, covering an area of 5.5 hectares.

The museum's exposition corresponds to the geography of Transcarpathia. From the western to the eastern part, there are houses and farms of the culture of the valley dwellers, as well as ethnic groups such as Lemkos, Boikos, and Hutsuls. In addition, you can see the estates of the Hungarian and Romanian population.

Travelers can visit a smithy, a school, a bell tower, a church dating back to 1777, an inn, and a mill.

Rakhiv

It is located in the Hutsul region (Hutsulshchyna) at an altitude of 430 meters above sea level.

We recommend visiting the Hutsul Bryndzya Museum. Tourists will see a real sheep farm and enjoy a master class on cooking traditional kulish with sheep cheese.

In addition, visitors are offered an interactive tour in virtual reality glasses.

We recommend wearing Transcarpathian clothes and trying to play the trembita.

Also, be sure to visit the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, where Christmas services have been held since 1782. The shrine is considered one of the oldest local buildings.

Polianytsia

Polianytsia is located in Ivano-Frankivsk region, almost on the border of Zakarpattia region.

For a real Christmas atmosphere, head to Hutsul Land, a complex of centuries-old wooden houses with craft workshops.

Tourists will visit a house that is more than 200 years old. Here you can try to grind flour, work on a loom, and see the process of making cheese.

The ethnographic park features unique examples of folk wooden architecture of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Among them, a special place is occupied by one of the oldest monuments - a traditional peasant house from the 1860s and 1880s.

There is also a zoo with rams, sheep, goats, and Highland cows. You can not only feed the animals, but also pet them.

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