Traveling through small resort villages of Ivano-Frankivsk region: where to stay for the weekend

When it comes to vacationing in western Ukraine, most tourists think of Bukovel, its incredible ski slopes and equally impressive prices. However, this is not the only town in the Carpathians that you can visit this year.

We'll tell you where you can have a great family vacation.

Yaremche

This relatively quiet town is ideal for family leisure. It has a well-developed infrastructure, a large supermarket, small shops, many restaurants and cafes. There are also baths, saunas and vats. As you can see, there is plenty of entertainment.

There are even ski trails, although their number is not so great. This resort is more suitable for beginners and couples with children. Intermediate and advanced skiers will have nothing to do here. Unless you come here to just breathe in the fresh air, hide from the hustle and bustle and plunge into the center of Hutsul culture.

But the town has many other attractions. There are two waterfalls here: Breakdown and Maiden's Tears. Several bridges hang over the first one, allowing you to admire the giant from an eight-meter height. The second is much smaller in size, but just as beautiful. It is located on the Zhonka River. Here you can sit, drink hot coffee and take pictures. You can get to the location on foot or by off-road vehicles, having overcome the several-kilometer route of the same name. It's quite simple, so don't be intimidated.

Don't forget to visit the new Gedzo Park of Legends. The location will appeal to fans of the cult movie The Lord of the Rings. The place is decorated like a small magical village with tiny houses and hobbit holes.

Nearby is the souvenir market, the largest and most popular in the Carpathians. There is a wide variety of things here: embroidered shirts, magnets, delicacies, herbs, ceramics, and much more.

Kolomyia

Another colorful town in the Ivano-Frankivsk region that everyone knows about. However, it is not very popular among tourists in winter. There is only one reason for this: the lack of ski routes. So it will be as cozy and quiet as possible.

First of all, go to the Town Hall. It was built on the site of the former Dominican monastery. The magistrate and the city government used to be located here. Every morning at 6 and every evening at 9 a musician plays the song "When the early stars rise" on the trumpet near the building.

Also visit the Pysanky Museum. It began its activities in 1987, when the first exhibition was opened in the abandoned Annunciation Church. No one could even think that the idea would grow into something bigger. But a few years later, a colorful and extraordinary building was born, and it still impresses with its appearance.

Also, don't forget to visit the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Christ, the Palace of Culture "Narodnyi Dim", the Kolomyia Time Treasury, and the local theater.

Vorokhta

The tourist village is located at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level. It is home to one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, with a complex of four ski jumps, a ski lift, and a cable car.

First of all, you need to go to the viaduct. This giant impresses not only with its scale but also with its beauty. The stone bridge was built in the late 19th century. Nowadays, the crossing is not functioning, so you can only admire it from afar.

Not far from the city is Mount Kukul. It's relatively easy to climb, so even inexperienced beginners can handle the task. From its highest point, you can clearly see Hoverla and the Montenegrin ridge.

Finally, visit the ancient Hutsul churches. They are small and not at all refined, but very unique and beautiful.

Verkhovyna

Another town in Ivano-Frankivsk region worth seeing in winter. The local slopes are suitable for beginners and children. The resort has one piste and a drag lift. For those who want more extreme, we recommend going to the neighboring village of Iltsi. It has a twice as long track with quite steep sections.

We recommend visiting the regional history and local history museum. Be sure to visit the exhibition hall of Hutsul life, ethnography, and musical instruments. There is also a cheese factory "Hata Staya" and a house where Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors was filmed.

In such small towns, you can have a good time, breathe fresh mountain air and enjoy the scenery.