Lakes, Punks, and Bohrach
There is something about the Carpathians: a mix of rustic lifestyle and mountainous paradise set against charming towns and cosy villages
Must Do
Go Rafting
Prut and Cheremosh are the two most popular river destinations among fans of extreme rafting. Local rafting clubs offer tours up to four days long with the necessary guidance and equipment to get through the most challenging thresholds of the Cheremosh River.
Season: April-September
350 UAH/day.
Equipment may cost extra.
Explore VerKhovyna with a Quad Bike
Adrenaline, wind, speed. The routes are designed for beginners and professional drivers, with corresponding complexity levels. The path goes through complicated passageways, mud barriers, and mountain ranges. Fun is guaranteed!
Season: Spring-Summer
800 UAH/day
Go Mountain Hiking
Journeys to the highest Carpathian spots (Hoverla, Pip Ivan, Hutyn Tomnatyk) are the most attractive options for tourists. The most popular route to Hoverla (2061m) starts from Zaroslyak basecamp. It is an eight-hour hike, covering the 7-8km distance in both directions. The first route section is the easiest; the group passes through the forest, crossing the woodland edge to reach splendid meadows. The top of Mount Hoverla is a small flat area offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Tip: even in summer, the mountain climate is unpredictable. Be ready for the weather to change at any moment. Tourists are advised to have sun protection, raincoats, and warm winter clothes for safety reasons.
Season: May-October
250 UAH/person
Relax with a Horse Ride
The Hutsul horse is a local breed popular among shepherds. The breed is a perfect choice for hippotherapy, agro- and mountain tourism. Gallop across the hills of the Carpathian National Park, discover the local lifestyle and just go for a peaceful ride up across the meadows of Verkhovyna.
Tip: The minimum age for riding a horse is 5-6 years.
Season: April-September
200 UAH/hour
Must Eat
Authenticity lies at the heart of traditional Carpathian cooking, which preservs and combines original Hungarian, Czech, Slovakian, and Romanian recipes. Dishes vary between regions and that’s what makes Carpathian food incredibly rich, with so much to uncover. Corn flour, dough and meat spiced with mildly pungent red pepper are all central elements to the cuisine.
Bohrach
This is one of the most popular campfire dishes in the region, although its origins are purely Hungarian. Bohrach consists of smoked ribs, beef, pork, veal and salo; veggies such as carrot, sweet pepper, potato and tomatoes all spiced with pepper, dill, and thyme.
Hombovtsi
Sweet cheese or dough balls coated in breadcrumbs and stuffed with various fruit fillings. Sounds like a dessert, yet it is a recommended dinner for Carpathian tourists.
Banosh
A corn flour dish dressed with sour cream. Banosh is served with brynza (brined cheese), park cracklings, or mushrooms.
Knedlyky
A distinctive speciality of Czech origin, the recipe differs from one place to the next. This is a steamed dough dish dressed with mushroom sauce, fried onion, and sour cream. Knedlyky served with melted chocolate, fruit syrups, and chopped nuts turn into a delicious dessert.
Must Visit
Synevyr
A legendary lake where the events of Mykhailo Kotsubynskiy’s novel take place, it is a mystical spot where local rituals and customs live on. It is little wonder that Synevyr is believed to be a source of rejuvenation for those exhausted by the urban bustle. The road to the lake from the Mizhhirya region is 32km long. Since the location is fairly high up, any kind of transport will come in handy. The locals are always happy to give you a ride, so you’ll get the chance to enjoy the splendid Carpathian views.
Kolochava Village
Kolochava is a small yet unique Carpathian village with a well-preserved culture, mixing ancient and traditional Christian customs. To fully immerse yourself in the genuine lifestyle of the locals, listen to their stories about rebellions against the oppressive Austro-Hungarian rule, and make sure you enjoy those breathtaking mountain views. Stare Selo is a must-visit for those who have Kolochava on their tourist route. This first Carpathian open-air museum of architecture and rural life is a chance to dive into the 300-year history of the local residents.
Valley of Daffodils
Visit the small city of Khust (Zakarpatska oblast) to capture the spectacle of the daffodils in bloom. Protected by UNESCO, this is the largest area of more than 400 species of daffodils in Central Europe. The way the valley is ripe with legends and tales; don’t hesitate to choose a local guide.
Shypit Midsummer Fest
The night of 7 July is the date when the Shypit Waterfall brings together punks, hippies, Rastafari, and Adamites from Ukraine and neighbouring countries. The festival is all about guitar songs around a midsummer bonfire, hanging out, and celebrating a return to nature. Shypit fest visitors have been congregating on the plateau since July 1993, gathering subculture groups from all over the former Soviet Union. Since then, the event has been gaining traction under the motto ‘Love, Peace and Wine’. You might have missed the gig this year, but mark it in your calendar for 2020, and take in the fest that promises “no aggression and no damage to nature”.
