Welcome Ukraine! Mountain Ivano-Frankivsk region: charm of old Europe, Robin Hood and Hot Chili Peppers
The old name of the town is Stanislav. Now the art crowd calls it in a slang way “Franek” since it is named after prominent Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko. Visit Ivano-Frankivsk – an old cozy town in the Western Ukraine, “the second Lviv” by atmosphere and gastronomic variety. Then travel to the Carpathian Mountains which are a part of the region. Small towns and villages on the way are full of historic and cultural attractions, while nature is really stunning. Travelers from different countries come here to hike, practice active sports, learn bright Hutsul ethnic traditions and crafts or relax in a spa.
Mountains, forests, rivers and local delicious natural food are real tourist magnets of the area. While planning your visit to Ukraine, make sure that you are aware of Covid 19 rules for entering the country and buy health insurance covering emergency cases and coronavirus disease. We advise you to check all the issues on the official website WelcomeUkraine.today to make your future trip safe and pleasant.
Ivano-Frankivsk
What to see?
Start exploring the center of Ivano-Frankivsk from the Rynok Square or Market square. Like in many European countries, it’s the heart of the town, its historical & cultural core. Ratusha or the old Town Hall is the first historical place we recommend to visit. Of course, official meetings are no longer being held there and now the premise hosts the historical museum. Go up to the observation deck to enjoy stunning city views (10.00-20.00 from Tue to Sun). In fact, Ratusha is also the highest building of the town (almost 50 meters).
Then visit Stanislav Bastion that in the 17th century had the fame of one of the most reliable defensive fortifications in Europe. The walls and fragments of the Bastion were renovated in the early 2000s. Today it has an upper promenade gallery with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Here you can buy different souvenirs and exclusive handmade goods such as ethnic clothing, jewelry, paintings, etc. This is also a great place for the atmospheric Insta stories.
Oleksa Dovbush museum is another interesting venue. It is dedicated to Ukrainian Robin Hood of the 18th century. The museum is a very colorful place where you may see many unique national costumes and artefacts while plunging with the help of the guide into a mysterious mountain legend.
The most famous town promenade is Nezalezhnosti Street in the downtown. It consists of a long pedestrian zone which is a favorite vacation spot for tourists. Here you can buy books, souvenirs, sit in cozy cafes or restaurants or just take a walk, looking at the numerous metal sculptures from the annual blacksmith's festival.
Where to eat?
Local Hutsul cuisine is very tasty and rich. The king of any holiday table is a thick banosh (boiled corn crits) with cheese, mushrooms and cream, forest mushroom soup, spicy meat soup bograch, potato pancakes, cheesecakes, liqueurs, delicious seasonal salads, blueberry juice. The town also has a number of spots with a world kitchen, superfood, and international menu.
- Enjoy tasty authentic meals in Hutsulka knajpa Muliarovyh (5 Chornovola Str.) – this is a Ukrainian restaurant serving home food from farmer products.
- Hang on with a beer and local specialties in a trendy spacious Pasage Gartenberg (3 Nezalezhnosti Str.)
- Explore high Ukrainian cuisine in FranKo restaurant (9a Halytska Str) – one of the best places in the region according to TripAdviser.
Carpathian Region and Its Attractions
There are a lot of places to visit and enjoy, so find below some of them. After active time and sightseeing take a break and order something tasty in traditional Hutsul “kolybas” – wooden huts that have open terraces with amazing views.
Bukovel
The best ski resort in Eastern Europe, a cool destination for a bohemian vacation. After the winter season it attracts nature lovers. Here you will find a large artificial lake for leisure and water sports while upper trendy terraces with top notch cafes offer the best refreshments and snacks. Two lifts raise the guests from the lake to the top level. There are many hotels and cottages around – everyone can find a hotel or accommodation, sports & spa upon their requests.
Yaremche
This cozy town is very popular among tourists for its location. Not far away are famous Dovbush rocks where according to the old legend the local Robin Hood of XIX century hid from the authorities. Among other popular places around the town are the powerful Probiy waterfall with a souvenir market and Maiden's Tears waterfall where you can swim in the summer.
"Peppers" Mountain Valley
Just 30 km away from Yaremche a new open-air folklore museum in the style of a Hutsul village is located. There the guests will enjoy folk entertainment and crafts, a music master class and a “fashion house”, where tourists may take pictures in the national Hutsul costumes. Visit also the home of the wise male witch “molfar”, taste farmer cheese and berry liqueurs.
Rey Manor
A palace of the XVIII—XIX centuries in Pryozerne (the old name is Psary) village. This is an estate that belonged to the Rey family, descendants of the old aristocratic Potocki family. The palace or what remained from it is a beautiful building that awaits all lovers of ancient abandoned castles. It’s hidden among the greenwood far away in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
Ancient Arched Viaducts
Located in the mountain village of Vorokhta. They are made of stone over a century ago and look quite stylish. The bridge over the Prut River is one of the oldest and longest in Europe.
Kolomyia
It is a very picturesque old town where you may visit a unique museum with a giant bright eastern egg dedicated to the old Ukrainian tradition of painting eggs for Easter. The museum collection is very impressive and fully represents local folk art.
Active Tourism
Climb the highest mountain of Ukraine Hoverla, experience rafting on the Prut or Black Cheremosh rivers and Dnister canyon, enjoy jeep rides, hiking or cycling. The list of extreme options for restless tourists is just endless. The beauty of the mountains during different routes will impress you for sure!
Planning your vacations to amazing Ukraine and its Carpathian region, please read more information regarding safe travel on the Welcome Ukraine website. On this resource you can also get travel insurance and ask all your questions. Welcome to Ukraine!
