5 Road Trip Routes in Ukraine: From Podillia to Bukovyna

Ukraine is made for road trips. Just a few hundred kilometers — and you find yourself among medieval castles, mountain canyons, or under the highest lowland waterfall in the country. We’ve gathered five road trip routes that combine historical cities, natural wonders, and short distances — perfect for a weekend getaway.

Bakota — Kamianets-Podilskyi — Khotyn

Podillia is a region where nature and history are wonderfully intertwined. A trip here offers both stunning views of the Dniester River and some of the most impressive fortresses in Ukraine.

The journey should begin in Bakota, often referred to as the "Atlantis of Podillia." It used to be a large village, but after the construction of the Dniester hydroelectric power station, most of it was submerged. Today, the area offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding cliffs, and a cave monastery on the hillside adds a special mystical atmosphere. It's worth staying in Bakota for a while: sit on the cliff with a view of the reservoir, watch the sunset, or even spend the night in a tent under the stars.

From here, the road leads to Kamianets-Podilskyi — a city that has preserved a unique medieval atmosphere. The 14th-century Kamianets Fortress rises above the Smotrych River Canyon and is especially impressive in the evening light. A walk through the old town with its cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time, and a descent into the Smotrych Canyon offers a different perspective of the fortress — from here, it appears even more unassailable.

The final point of the route is the Khotyn Fortress. Built back in the 13th century, it was often the site of major battles and sieges. Its massive walls, tall towers, and location on the banks of the Dniester make it one of the most striking castle complexes in the country. Standing on Khotyn’s ramparts, it's easy to imagine the fate of entire nations being decided here.

The road between these points follows highways H03 and H06. The main road surface is fairly good, although access to Bakota can be a bit tricky: some sections are unpaved. Still, even a regular car can easily manage the route. The drive from Kamianets to Khotyn takes only about half an hour, making it convenient to visit both fortresses in one day. The entire journey covers around 200 kilometers and is perfect for a weekend when you crave both nature and history in a single trip.

Ternopil — Zbarazh — Kremenets — Bilokrynytsia

This route is perfect for a short trip when you want to escape the noise of big cities without getting tired on the road. Ternopil welcomes you with the quiet of its pond and a well-kept embankment where you can always find a spot for a leisurely stroll. This cozy Galician town lies just two hours from Lviv and about six from Kyiv. It's worth spending at least a day here to feel the region’s atmosphere: the city is calm, and there’s a unique rhythm of life in which you can easily lose yourself.

The road then leads to Zbarazh. Even as you approach, you’ll encounter Austrian cobblestones — a reminder that time moves differently here. The first landmark you’ll see is the Bernardine church with its baroque towers, adorned with sculptures by Anton Osinskyi. But the main jewel is the Zbarazh Castle, restored and turned into a historical and architectural reserve. Its grounds preserve the spirit of the times when the castle served as a powerful fortress. In Zbarazh, it's also worth visiting the old 16th-century synagogue, as well as churches and monasteries that reveal the city's layered history.

Kremenets opens up with picturesque hills and the ruins of a castle on Mount Bona. This stronghold was built back in the 13th century and was long considered impregnable. But in 1648, the Cossack troops of Maksym Kryvonis stormed it, and the castle was never rebuilt. Today, its romantic ruins have become one of the city’s symbols. Kremenets is also known for its botanical garden — one of the oldest in Ukraine, spread across the surrounding hills.

Just nearby lies Bilokrynytsia. The village is famous for its neo-Gothic palace, built in the mid-19th century on the remains of an older castle. Bilokrynytsia once belonged to the Zbarazky, and later the Vyshnevetsky and Radziwill families — all of whom left their mark here. After a fire and reconstruction, the castle was transformed into a palace, which today houses a forestry college. The atmosphere here is very peaceful: parks, old trees, and small hills offer great views of the estate. At the entrance to the village, travelers are greeted by the stone Church of St. John the Theologian, built in 1890 — another detail that adds a sense of traveling back in time.

The route is compact, convenient for a road trip, but much of it can also be explored on foot. This is a journey where medieval castles, neo-Gothic palaces, and quiet Galician streets create a relaxing atmosphere with a touch of history.

Vinnytsia — Tulchyn — Busha — Nahoryany

Vinnychchyna is a land where grand architecture, mystical legends, and the picturesque nature of Podillia converge. This route is perfect for a weekend: the distances between the main stops are small, yet the impressions last long.

The journey begins in Vinnytsia — a city with centuries of history, first mentioned as early as the 14th century. Today, it is the cultural and scientific center of Podillia. The most famous tourist attraction is the museum-estate of Mykola Pirogov. Here, at the "Vyshnia" estate, the prominent surgeon lived and worked. Also impressive is the Church of St. Nicholas, which serves as a mausoleum and houses the embalmed body of the scholar — a unique example in world medicine.

Next, head to Tulchyn — a town often called the pearl of Podillia. Its main architectural gem is the Potocki Palace, built in the late 18th century by a French architect. It was once compared to Versailles, and to this day, the ensemble impresses with its scale and elegance.

The third stop is Busha, a village with a truly mystical and energetic aura. It is home to a historical and cultural reserve with remnants of an ancient settlement and a rock-hewn church from the 15th–16th centuries. Its cells are carved directly into the stone, and on a wall, a mysterious petroglyph depicting a deer, the sun, and the tree of life is preserved. This is a place where the connection with ancient rituals and beliefs is acutely felt.

The final stop on this route is Nahoryany. The village is known for its limestone caves where archaeologists have discovered traces of Stone Age habitation. Their exact age is still undetermined, adding to the mystery of the area. Nearby stands the Lyadivskyi Rock Monastery of the 11th century, founded by a monk from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. It stands embedded in the rocks above the Dniester River and is one of the oldest shrines in Ukraine.

The Vinnytsia route covers approximately 240 kilometers and is ideal for a road trip. It offers the chance to see historic palaces, sense the breath of medieval mysticism, and touch millennia of Podillia’s history in just one weekend.

Lutsk — Dubno — Klevan — Rivne

This route can be completed over two to three days and offers a true journey through time — from medieval castles to contemporary cultural spaces.

Begin with the ancient city of Lutsk. The town has retained its unique medieval atmosphere: the 14th-century Lubart's Castle towers over the Old Town and looks nearly unchanged from centuries ago. The Chortoryiskyi Tower reminds visitors of the city's ancient defensive system, while a Neo-Gothic Lutheran Church and the Baroque Church of Saints Peter and Paul add architectural variety to the experience.

Next, travel to Dubno. This city, with its thousand-year history, has always been strategic and boasts its own preserved castle. Dubno Castle belonged to the Ostrozhsky and Lubomirsky princes and now operates as a historical and cultural reserve with halls and dungeons. In addition to the castle, visitors are drawn to ancient churches, monuments, and centuries-old oak trees that evoke the peaceful spirit of the past.

The following stop is Klevan. In warmer months, it especially attracts tourists with the “Tunnel of Love”—a green corridor formed by trees enveloping a railway. It is one of the most romantic spots in Ukraine, drawing photographers and lovebirds from around the world. But Klevan is more than just a photo-worthy site: it’s also home to the 15th-century ruins of the Chortoryiskyi Castle and the 17th-century Annunciation Church, which features early Baroque elements.

The final destination of the route is Rivne. Here, you can stroll through the center, visit the historical-cultural complex “Ostvytsia Settlement” by Lake Basiv Kut, which recreates an ancient Rus’ settlement, and relax at the Rivne Zoo, founded in 1982. Today, it is home to over 150 species of animals and is considered one of the best zoos in Ukraine.

The combination of architectural landmarks, romantic landscapes, and contemporary spaces makes the Lutsk — Dubno — Klevan — Rivne route an excellent option for a short car trip over the weekend.

Chernivtsi — Zalishchyky — Nyrkiv

This route is perfect for those who want a short but eventful trip. Just 77 kilometers of road — and you'll find a combination of European architecture, picturesque landscapes, and unique natural wonders.

Start your journey in Chernivtsi, a city often called the "Little Vienna." Here you can feel the spirit of old Europe: narrow cobbled streets, Catholic churches, and Orthodox cathedrals create an unforgettable mosaic of cultures. The symbol of the city is the Residence of the Metropolitans of Bukovina and Dalmatia, a grand 19th-century building included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The road then leads to Zalishchyky. This town has a unique location: the Dniester River forms a bend that almost completely surrounds it, turning it into a natural peninsula. In the interwar period, Zalishchyky was a popular Polish resort, and even today, the streets lined with 19th-century palaces are a reminder of that era. Tourists are drawn to the Brunicki Palace, the Church of the Intercession, the old synagogue, and the Narodnyi Dim — small but very characteristic landmarks.

The final stop on the route is the village of Nyrkiv. This is where the Dzhuryn Waterfall crashes down — the highest plain waterfall in Ukraine at 16 meters tall. A mill once operated beside it, and later a small hydroelectric power plant, but now the area is fully devoted to relaxation and imagination. In the warm season, you can step under the powerful stream and feel a natural hydromassage. Nearby are the Hermit’s Cave and the “Maiden’s Tears” waterfall — small but atmospheric natural spots. You’ll also find the ruins of Chervonohorod Castle with two Gothic towers and remnants of a Dominican church. From here, breathtaking views of the Dniester Valley unfold.

The Chernivtsi — Zalishchyky — Nyrkiv journey is an opportunity to see architectural masterpieces, feel the spirit of an old resort, and find yourself amid the stunning beauty of Podillia — all in one day. The short distance makes this route ideal for a weekend getaway.

Foto: Oleksandr Malyon