Unique wildlife sanctuaries and reserves of Ukraine: where to go in the off-season

Are you planning a vacation among the yellow and crimson landscapes but don't know where to go? Or do you just want to escape from the gray everyday life and the hustle and bustle of the city? Today we are going to tell you about the most interesting natural attractions of our country. Here you can enjoy the unique flora and fauna and recuperate. Read below to find out which destination to choose.

Zhorany Lakes

The reserve is located within the Kovel district of the Volyn region. The center consists of water bodies of karst origin. It is also surrounded by forests and swamps.

There is a legend that once upon a time, lightning struck here, and all the trees burned down. A reservoir was formed in their place.

Here you can go hiking, cycling, or quiet hunting. There is also a boat rental service.

The village of the same name has many estates and cottages where you can stay for a few days.

By the way, another nature reserve, Moshne, is located 10 kilometers away. There is a pier here with benches and a table.

Inhulets steppe zone

It is located within the Kryvyi Rih district of Dnipropetrovsk region. It is dominated by steppe slopes and rocky banks of the Inhulets River.

On the territory of the natural complex, you can see many species of plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. In particular, Stipa ucrainica, Tulipa hypanica, pasque flower, and pheasant's eye grow here, and various species of insects, birds and reptiles live here.

Interesting fact: there is a little-explored sanctuary here, which was formed in the Iron Age.

Fishing enthusiasts are advised to go to Lozuvatka, which is 15 kilometers away. There are specially equipped areas for fishing.

By the way, the nearest apartments can be found in Chkalovka or Marianivka.

Kaniv

One of the oldest and most famous nature reserves in Ukraine. It is located on the banks of the Dnipro River, near the city of Kaniv in Cherkasy region.

The reserve borders on Chernecha Mountain, where Taras Shevchenko is buried.

There are several islands here: Shelestiv, Kruhlyk, and Zmiini. The latter are home to centuries-old oaks and pines.

You can also find chamois, wild pigs, foxes, hares, and badgers here.

Be sure to visit the museum located on the territory. It was founded in 1969 in the old memorial house of academician Mykola Biliashivskyi. Two rooms dedicated to his work were arranged here.

There are also more than two thousand exhibits here. In particular, new species of fossil plants for science. They were found at the Great Scythian settlement.

Medobory

A protected area in the Ternopil region. It is part of the Podilski Tovtry, a mountain range formed by coral reefs of the ancient sea. Today it is a picturesque gorge and canyon.

Rare, endemic and relict plant species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine grow here. Among them are burning bush, wild garlic, Turk's cap lily, European yellow lady's slipper, etc.

One of the highest points of the reserve is the Hostra Mountain. It offers a view of the Tovtora chain. You can also see the peaks of Dziurava, Lebedyha and Liubovnia.

We advise you to go to the Satanivskyi Museum, which is located 8 kilometers away. It is believed that the fortification was built in the second half of the XV - early XVI century. Also, be sure to visit the local synagogue. It is considered one of the oldest surviving Jewish religious buildings in our country.

Polissia

Located in the Zhytomyr region. The reserve was established in 1968 on the basis of three forestries to preserve the natural complexes of Polissia.

The territory of the center is rich in coniferous forests, numerous reservoirs and streams. It is home to large mammals such as elk and lynx.

Be sure to visit the open-air ethnographic museum Drevlianske Selo. Here tourists can learn more about the life of the ancient tribe. You can also spend the night in a log cabin with a stove and learn the blacksmith's craft.

The complex also houses a collection of ancient stones: throne, chest, with a shoe and handprint, and tears of the Virgin Mary.

Explore new places, breathe fresh air and be inspired by beauty!

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