Undiscovered Polissia: top locations in Zhytomyr, Rivne and Chernihiv worth visiting

Probably only foreigners know what this picturesque region of Ukraine is famous for. Before the full-scale invasion, Poles, Slovaks, Czechs, and Germans often traveled through the northern territories of our country. Unfortunately, Ukrainians know little about these beautiful lands. Just think of the sand dunes among the wetlands, or the flooded forest that resembles the Amazon jungle. It's time to correct this unfortunate mistake.

So let us tell you where to go in the spring.

Polissia Nature Reserve (Zhytomyr region)

We recommend starting your exploration of the region with an untouched corner that was formed during the last ice age. It is a center of wild flora and fauna. Due to the abundance of swamps, people have not been able to build up. And this is a good thing.

The natural attraction is located in the Olevsk and Ovruch districts of the Zhytomyr region. It is washed by three rivers: Perha, Ubort, and Bolotnytsia. Such a large number of reservoirs has preserved the identity of the environment. Many rare mammals and birds live here. Among them, you can see grouse and wood grouse.

There are also plenty of unique plants here. For example, fern species that are not typical for our country: ostrich, millipede, and asplenium. Green, diamond, and streptophyta algae grow in the reserve's lakes.

There is also an interesting museum on its territory: the Drevlianske Village. The central estate and other architectural objects are located in the village of Selezivka. Here you can see an old water mill, sacrificial stones, a pagan sanctuary, and more. By the way, you can stay here for a few days and live in a log house with a stone stove.

Antonivka (Rivne region)

The famous Polissia tram, affectionately nicknamed the "cuckoo" by the locals, begins its journey here. The transport got its name because of its characteristic horn. The train has been running through godforsaken places for over 115 years. For the residents of the nearby villages, it is the only connection to the "world".

Today, the "poizdok" (another nickname for the locomotive) serves as intercity buses or minibuses, and also takes tourists to picturesque locations. But in fact, the track was not laid for people. And Antonivka was not originally built as a settlement. It was founded as a strategic object through which coal, wood, tar, potato alcohol, etc. were delivered.

It is not known for certain who was involved in the construction of the town and the railroad. According to one version, the road was opened in 1895 when Volyn and Polissia were part of the Russian Empire. According to another, the work began during the First World War.

The station is unique and inimitable. It is the longest narrow-gauge railway in the whole of Europe. Its line is 750 millimeters wide, while the standard line is 1520. But that's not all. It is the slowest train. It covers only 40 kilometers in an hour. But you can get a good look at the views and admire the scenery. Many lakes, mixed forests and other interesting attractions await tourists on the way.

Oster (Chernihiv region)

The Mizhrichynskyi Regional Landscape Park is located not far from the inconspicuous town. If you're planning a trip to Polissia in the spring, sign up for an excursion now. This is the beginning of the season, and there may not be enough seats. Reservations are scheduled for two months in advance.

This is another unique area where you can find places that are not typical for Ukraine. Here you can see a sandy pine terraced plain, islands with spits, hydrological reserves of local importance, etc. By the way, it is here, in the floodplain of the Desna, that migratory birds stop. Fish also come here to spawn.

The territory of the park is inhabited by animals listed in the Red Book. There are also rare plant species. Among them are the marsh orchid, dark-leaved willow, and the common fern. In addition to flora and fauna specimens, there are also architectural monuments.

Be sure to visit the interactive museum of forest life in Polissia. It even hosts children's lectures. There are master classes on survival in the wild, as well as themed tours where you can observe bird life or greenery flowering. You can sign up for a hike, river rafting, or even volunteer.

If you have time, stop by the village of Morivsk. There is a wooden church here that was built without a single nail. By the way, there are also rare architectural objects in the neighboring villages.

Travel and popularize Ukrainian. Our lands are unique and untouched, undoubtedly worthy of your attention.

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