In today's world, ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular among those who seek to travel responsibly, preserve nature, and enjoy its untouched beauty. Ukraine is a true treasure trove for fans of such journeys. Our forests, mountains, lakes, and reserves captivate with their diversity and unique atmosphere in every season. Winter is particularly magical, transforming familiar landscapes into fairy-tale scenes.
This article highlights the best eco-routes across Ukraine, perfect for a winter getaway. You’ll discover cozy villages, unique nature reserves, and trails that combine active recreation with inner peace. Ready to embark on a winter adventure? Let’s explore together!
Village of Kryvorivnya and the Hutsulshchyna National Nature Park (Ivano-Frankivsk Region)
This place is called the "Ukrainian Athens." In winter, it offers incredible views of snow-covered mountains, Hutsul authenticity, master classes in folk crafts, and the opportunity to visit famous churches and museums. The park has several skiing and hiking trails, with the popular "Dovbush Trail."
- The "Dovbush Trail" begins near the village of Bystrets. It is about 7 km long and leads through picturesque winter forests and the slopes of the Carpathians to historical sites connected with the legendary outlaw.
Along the trail, tourists can enjoy unique winter panoramas. In the village of Bystrets, there are local homesteads offering accommodation, as well as several small cafes with traditional Hutsul cuisine. Information signs along the trail familiarize tourists with local history and nature. The trail is marked with markers, which helps visitors navigate even in winter.
However, considering the mountainous nature of the trail, it's important to note that remote sections do not have shelters or food points, so tourists are advised to bring food, water, and warm clothing.
Village of Kosmach (Ivano-Frankivsk Region)
One of the largest Hutsul villages is an ideal place for ecotourism. In winter, you can take part in folk celebrations, taste traditional Hutsul dishes, ride sleighs, or visit local markets.
- The trail to Rokyta Pass begins in the center of the village of Kosmach. The trail is 5 km long. It passes through snowy forests and meadows, offering stunning views of the winter Carpathians.
In the village itself, there are several homesteads for accommodation, where you can stay overnight or find a place to rest. There are also small shops where you can buy products and necessary tourist items.
However, the trail itself is not equipped with special shelters or resting spots, so it's important to be prepared for mountain hiking conditions. The lack of large tourist attractions and limited services along the trail may require additional preparation, such as bringing food, water, warm clothing, and navigation tools.
The trail offers beautiful views, but it's important to remember that it passes through wild areas, so visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and be cautious in mountainous terrain.
Village of Dzembronia, Zhenetskyi Waterfall, and the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Ivano-Frankivsk Region)
The highest mountain village in Ukraine, where popular ecotourism trails reveal stunning winter panoramas of the Carpathians.
- The trail to Mount Pip Ivan starts in the village of Dzembronia. Its length is about 15 km one way. The route passes through meadows, snowy forests, and mountain ridges, with impressive views of the winter Carpathians at the summit. The trail has limited infrastructure. In the village of Dzembronia, there are several places to stay and small shops. However, the route to the mountain lacks major shelters or resting places, so tourists should be prepared for mountain conditions.
- The "Zhenetsky" waterfall is nearby and is suitable for a short walk. The trail to the waterfall starts from the village of Tatariv and is about 3 km long. The trail has several informational signs and markers, but the infrastructure is limited to basic paths and observation platforms.
- The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve offers eco-trails that start in the village of Kvasy. The most popular route leads through winter forests to a mountain valley and an observation platform. Basic amenities are available for tourists, such as signs, markers, and small shelters for short breaks, but there is no more developed infrastructure for long treks.
Shatsk Lakes (Volyn Region)
In winter, these lakes transform into a true fairy tale. The most popular route is a walk around Lake Svityaz, which is about 8 km long.
- The hiking trail starts in the village of Svityaz and passes through snow-covered forest areas, offering breathtaking views of the frozen lakes. The route around Lake Svityaz has basic infrastructure for tourists. In the village of Svityaz, there are several resorts, hotels, and cafes where you can stay before or after the walk. The trail around the lake has certain signs and informational boards, but more complex infrastructure, such as shelters or rest stops, is absent. It is mainly a walking path through forested areas, suitable for short winter strolls.
Mezyn National Nature Park (Chernihiv Region)
Mezyn Park enchants with its snow-covered forests, ravines, and the Desna River in winter.
- The "Stone Well" trail starts from the village of Desnyanka. Its length is 10 km. Along the trail, tourists enjoy the snowy hills, historical burial mounds, and the natural landscapes of the winter Desna River. The village of Desnyanka, where the trail begins, has several guest houses and resorts where you can stay before the walk. The trail itself lacks special infrastructure, such as shelters or cafes.
Bakota and Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (Khmelnytskyi Region)
In winter, this area becomes especially magical. The Bakota Bay is a place of strength and peace, where you can enjoy the rocky shores and the silence of the Dniester River.
- The trail to the St. Michael’s Rock Monastery begins from the observation platform at Bakota Bay. Its length is 4 km, and the path leads through picturesque trails to the monastery, where stunning views of the bay surrounded by rocky shores unfold. The trail has minimal infrastructure. The observation platform at Bakota Bay is the main starting point of the route and is often equipped with informational stands. There are no significant infrastructure objects, such as cafes or shelters, along the trail, but the paths are well-marked and easy to follow. The monastery is the final point of the trail, where visitors can enjoy the view of the bay and relax.
Synevyr Lake and Synevyr National Nature Park (Zakarpattia Region)
Synevyr Park is the most popular eco-route in Ukraine. Snow-capped mountains, a majestic lake called the "Eye of the Carpathians," and picturesque winter forests make the park one of the most famous eco-routes in Ukraine.
- The route to Synevyr Lake starts from the village of Synevyrska Polyana, which can be reached by car or bus from Mizhhirya. The route is 4 km long and leads through a picturesque winter forest to the lake, where tourists can enjoy a walk around it. The trail is well-marked and prepared for tourists. There are rest areas at the end of the route, near the lake, where tourists can relax and enjoy the scenery.
- The trail to the Brown Bear Valley is another popular route that starts near the lake. It is about 2 km long, and the final point is a rehabilitation center for bears, where you can see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. This trail is also marked and leads to the rehabilitation center, with observation points and informational boards about the bears.
- The hike to the Ozerny Peak is a route for experienced tourists, approximately 8 km long. The starting point is near the park entrance, and it ends at an observation platform offering stunning winter landscapes. This route is for experienced hikers, with clearly defined paths leading to the observation deck. The infrastructure includes several resting spots, but it is important to check the weather conditions in advance as the route is quite challenging.
Basalt Columns and Derman-Ostroh National Nature Park (Rivne Region)
Basalt Columns is a unique natural landmark, where everything looks like a fairytale in winter. The basalt cliffs, surrounded by forests, create an atmosphere of tranquility and grandeur. Around the cliffs are eco-trails and opportunities for hiking.
- The Basalt Journey eco-trail starts from the village of Basaltove. It is about 3 km long and leads to the main basalt pillar quarry. Tourists can see lakes formed in the quarries and enjoy the snowy landscapes. This trail is well-marked. Along the route, there are several comfortable resting spots and observation platforms offering beautiful views of the lakes and winter landscapes.
- The walking route to the Derma-Ostroh National Nature Park starts from the village of Zelyony Dub. The 5 km route goes through forested areas where you may encounter rare animals and plants typical for Polissya. The trail passes through forested areas, with natural resting stops and the opportunity to learn about the unique flora and fauna. There may be informational boards along the route to help learn more about the park's nature.
- Near the Basalt Columns, you can find the Tarakanyvskyi Fort, which is accessible by car. It combines historical walks with natural beauty. You can reach the fort by car, and the area includes tourist facilities such as observation decks and photo spots. Nearby trails allow you to combine historical walks with scenic views.
Dniester Canyon National Nature Park (Ternopil Region)
This park captivates visitors in winter with its snow-covered cliffs, picturesque Dniester riverbanks, and cozy trails for walks. The winter landscape of the canyon becomes particularly enchanting, inspiring leisurely eco-tours that bring peace and harmony with nature.
- The Along the Dniester Riverbank route begins from the village of Zalishchyky. The trail is 5 km long, passing through wooded trails and observation platforms offering views of the canyon. The route has several observation points with breathtaking views of the canyon. Along the trail, there are resting spots and photo zones where tourists can enjoy nature. There are also markers to help navigate the route.
- The To Bakot Bay trail starts from the village of Lityachi. It is about 7 km long. This route has special stops for tourists with panoramic views of the cliffs and river. At the end of the trail, tourists can rest by the bay and enjoy the scenic landscapes, taking photographs. The trail is well-marked and equipped for walking.
- The Chervonohorod Waterfall route starts near the village of Nyrkiv. It is 3 km long. This path leads through the winter forest to one of the highest waterfalls in Ukraine, which is enchanting even in the cold season. The trail has natural resting stops where you can relax and enjoy the winter landscapes. The route is well-marked, and the endpoint near the waterfall provides tourists with the opportunity to take captivating nature and waterfall photographs.
Opishnya and Dikanka Forest Park (Poltava Region)
Opishnya is the capital of Ukrainian ceramics, where you can combine eco-tourism with cultural discoveries. Nearby is the Dykansky Forest Park, famous for its ancient oak trees and picturesque winter trails.
- The Ceramic Opishnia route begins at the Ukrainian Pottery Museum. The trail is equipped for walks and passes through the workshops of local potters, allowing tourists to learn about the pottery-making process. The trail is well-marked, with resting spots and places for photography.
- The Dykanski Oaks eco-trail starts from the central entrance to Dykansky Forest Park. It is 4 km long. The trail goes through ancient oaks, which are a natural landmark, and ends at an observation platform with views of the surrounding forest in all its winter beauty. The trail features informational signs about the trees, as well as several resting stops and nature observation spots. The trail is well-marked and suitable for winter walks.
- The Mirgorod Road forest trail starts in the village of Petrivka and leads to the famous oak alley. The trail is well-marked, with stops near the oak alley for rest and nature observation. The route is 6 km long.
Ukraine offers countless opportunities for ecotourism, and winter eco-routes are a wonderful way to explore its natural beauty. From the snow-covered Carpathians to the picturesque forests of Polissya and unique reserves, every corner of our country is ready to provide unforgettable experiences to those seeking tranquility, fresh air, and harmony with nature.
If you’re looking for places for winter trekking, the Carpathians have much to impress. Regardless of your skill level, there are hiking trails to suit your preferences and physical abilities. Learn more in the article “Top 5 Winter Trekking Destinations in the Carpathians”.
