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Lake Nesamovyte. Photo: Taras Kovalchuk
Дорога на полонину Апецька
The road to the Apetska meadow. Photo: Hari Krishnan

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If you have already set yourself up for an incredible trip and are wondering which route to choose – here is a whole list of cool ideas!

The Majestic Uholsko-Shyrokoluzhansky Massif

The heart of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve is the Uholsko-Shyrokoluzhansky massif, spanning 15,580 hectares. It is the largest protected massif in Europe, home to primeval beech forests included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. No industrial activity has ever been carried out here, and the forests have completely preserved their original state.

The massif is characterized by huge blocks of limestone with well-developed karst formations. Some cliffs reach 70 meters in height. There are over 30 caves here, including the longest in the Carpathians — «Druzhba» (Friendship) with a total length of about 1 km. A late Paleolithic settlement was found in the «Molochny Kamin» cave.

The highest peaks of the massif include Uholianka Plesha (1708 m) and other prominent summits.

The fauna of the reserve is equally fascinating: lynx, wolves, brown bears, and foxes live here. Protection of these areas will preserve the ecosystem for future generations.

Угольсько-Широколужанський масив
The Majestic Uholsko-Shyrokoluzhansky Massif
Карстова печера Дружба
Druzhba Karst Cave

Druzhba Karst Cave

On the outskirts of the picturesque village of Mala Uhlya lies the largest cave in the Ukrainian Carpathians — «Druzhba». Formed by karst processes, it is very popular among naturalists and adventure seekers.

Its passages stretch for over a kilometer, with a depth of 46 meters. The temperature inside ranges from 5 to 8 °C year-round.

Inside, visitors discover the mysterious underground world of stalactites and stalagmites. Especially unique are the «helictites» — calcite formations growing in whimsical shapes. Their origin is still a mystery.

Near the cave lies another natural wonder: the Karst Bridge rock.

Karst Bridge

The Karst Bridge is a giant arch in a limestone cliff. This unique natural monument near the village of Mala Uhlya attracts tourists from all over the country.

The rock was formed thousands of years ago when the Carpathians were the bottom of the sea. Karst processes gradually carved a passage 10 m wide and 3 m high. The bridge stands on three «legs», and a person can easily walk under it.

The path starts near the forestry office in Mala Uhlya. The trail runs through an ancient beech forest (UNESCO). From here, there are panoramic views of the Tisza River canyon and the Romanian Carpathians.

The bridge is at the end of the route through the reserve. The elevation gain is about 450 meters, and the walk takes 4–5 hours.

Карстовий міст
Karst Bridge
Високогірне озеро Синевир
Lake Synevyr. Photo: Taras Kovalchuk

High Mountain Lake
Synevyr

Lake Synevyr is the largest and deepest high-altitude lake in Ukraine and a major tourist attraction within the national park of the same name. It is located at an altitude of 989 m.

The lake was formed about 10,000 years ago due to a landslide after an earthquake. It covers an area of 4–5 hectares with a maximum depth of 22 meters.

The slopes covered with century-old spruces give it a majestic look. An island in the middle makes it resemble a pupil, which is why it's called the «Sea Eye». Wooden sculptures tell the tragic legend of Syne and Vyr.

The water is crystal clear but never warms above 13 °C, so swimming is not allowed.

Tereblia-Rika Hydroelectric Dam

The picturesque Vilshany Reservoir is located on the Tereblia River near Kolochava. Emerald water, brought here from Lake Synevyr, shimmers among the wooded mountains.

In 1956, a unique hydroelectric station was launched here. While the reservoir is in Vilshany, the station itself is located across the mountain in Nyzhniy Bystryi.

To build the dam, two villages had to be relocated. Residents were moved according to state plans.

People left their land with sadness, but the project went forward. Today, it is a popular tourist spot.

You can walk along the dam wall, admire the calm surface, and listen to legends about mysterious creatures living at the bottom of the reservoir.

Плотина Теребле-Ріцької ГЕС
Tereblia-Rika Hydroelectric Dam