The best national parks of Ukraine worth visiting

Out of ideas for a weekend getaway? Don't worry, the untouched nature hides many treasures that it is ready to reveal to tourists. Walks in the woods, swimming in lakes, hiking, and even more. Read below to find out where to spend your time.

Carpathian National Nature Park

It is located in Ivano-Frankivsk region and is one of the first national parks in our country. It was founded in 1980. Its most famous natural object is the Chornohora massif with the highest point of Ukraine - Hoverla.

In addition, the protected area is home to a large number of rare plant species that are included in the European Red List. The heracleum carpaticum, pulmonaria filarszkyana, and the primula poloninensis are under protection.

Hiking enthusiasts are advised to climb several picturesque peaks: Khomiak (1542 m), Malyi Horhan (1592 m), and Shpytsi (1863 m). By the way, at the moment, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has temporarily banned some tourist routes. In particular, Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi (2028 m), Brebeneskul (2038 m) and Breskul (1911 m).

Most of the springs that come across on the way are classified as canteens and are recommended for everyday use. It is also better to take a raincoat with you, as the weather in this region changes every minute.

If you want to relax by the water, we recommend going to the most famous waterfalls Probiy, Divochi Slyozy, Zhenetskyi Huk and the Black Cheremosh River.

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park

Located in the Khmelnytskyi region within the Kamianets-Podilskyi district. In 2008, it was included in the seven natural wonders of Ukraine. Along the reserve there are several recreational areas for recreation on the banks of the Dniester:

Sokil. The area offers accommodation in one- and two-story houses. There is also a volleyball court, toilets, and places for camping and bonfires.

Teremtsi. The forest plantations around this area are striking in their diversity. Travelers here will see not only majestic oaks and maples, but also acacias, viburnum, and thorny thickets. Hiking trails were laid here and conditions for living in tents were created. There are also installed restrooms and trash bins.

By the way, there is a sandy coast, so you can safely come here with children.

Davnia Bakota. A popular place among active tourism enthusiasts. Here you can go SUP-boarding, boating, and catamaran boating. You can also go to the rocky monastery, which was built in the XII-XIII centuries. Nearby, on the Bila Mountain, there is an observation deck from where you can admire the incredible sunsets and sunrises.

There are also springs near the shrine where tourists can get clean drinking water. Locals believe that it has healing properties.

Studenytsia. The site is dotted with trees and bushes of medieval cultures. In particular, European spruce, pine, oak, cherry, hazel, dog rose, etc. grow here. There are separate areas for tents and campfires.

Synevyr National Nature Park

Located in the Ukrainian Carpathians within the Khust district of Zakarpattia region. The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main highlight is the lake of the same name, which was included in the list of 7 Wonders of Ukraine in 2008. It is home to unique rehabilitation centers for brown bears and birds of prey, which are constantly open to visitors. The surrounding forests are home to wolves, lynxes, deer and roe deer.

There are 13 hiking trails in the park. Their total length is 138 kilometers. We advise you not to ignore the picturesque mountains - Strymba (1719 m), Nehrovets (1707 m) and Ozirna (1496 m).

We also recommend visiting the Kolochava Museum of Military History. Here you can find the remains of the defense system from the Second World War: bunkers, earthen trenches and concrete anti-tank pyramids.

Also, be sure to visit the Old Village skansen. Here, tourists can see the architecture and life of Transcarpathians in the early 20th century. There is a village steam room, shepherds' huts, a parochial school, a Jewish tavern, and an exposition of a narrow-gauge railway with a steam locomotive.

Shatsk National Nature Park

Located in the Volyn region, it is one of the largest lake complexes in Europe. There are 30 reservoirs of various origins, the largest of which is Svitiaz.

The central beach is equipped with modern infrastructure. There are cafes, restaurants, changing cabins, wooden walkways, and umbrellas. There are also several recreation centers where you can rent a house.

For those who like to travel with tents, we recommend choosing specially designated campsites such as Zapisochne and Nezabudka. They also have all the amenities.

There is a bicycle and hiking trail in the reserve, which covers several lakes and stretches for 9 kilometers. Start the route in the village of Hayivka.

Travel around your native land! After all, you have not yet had time to explore so many places!

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