Transcarpathia, the region where all Ukrainians recuperate, is preparing for the new winter season. Mountain landscapes, thermal springs and incredible local colour will be forever remembered by all guests of our region. So, while you are booking your train tickets, we offer seven of the best ideas for holidays in the Zakarpattia region in winter 2023/2024.
UZHHOROD
The regional centre of Zakarpattia, which celebrated its 1130th anniversary this year, is always ready to surprise with new tourist attractions that continue to appear in the city on the Uzh every year.
When you were last in Uzhhorod, how many mini-sculptures did you count?
During your absence, new compositions dedicated to the Little Mermaid, Motsko the Bear, the Owl and even the Myths of Transcarpathian castles have appeared here. So now you have at least 60 reasons to visit the city again and hear another interesting story about it.
Another tip: come to the regional centre on St Nicholas Day! The military aggression of the Russian Federation could not stop the organisers of the traditional Parade of Mykolaychyks, which continues to be held annually in Uzhhorod and other cities of Transcarpathia. Volunteers also support the tradition by organising charity fairs on this day to raise funds for the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
There is also a place for outdoor enthusiasts. This winter, 2 ice rinks were opened in Uzhhorod - at the Avangard Stadium and in the Bozdosh Park.
PUMPKINS
A unique place for winter holidays in an hour's drive from Uzhhorod. The beech forest and natural springs create ideal conditions for improving the whole body.
The mineral water used to fill the vats in Lumshory strengthens the immune system, rejuvenates the skin and improves the functioning of the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Warm up well in the vat and then plunge into the mountain river for an incredible reboot!
Recreation in Lumshory takes place outdoors and does not depend on the weather. Also this year, a local petting zoo with domesticated animals and a proud American bison was opened here.
CASTLES OF MUKACHEVO REGION
Perhaps nowhere else in Ukraine can you find as many ancient fortresses and palaces within a 20-kilometre radius as around Mukachevo. "The most Instagrammable of them are the famous Palanok, the St. Miklos Castle of Love and the Schönborn Palace.
This year, when you come on an excursion to Mukachevo's Palanok Castle, you have every chance to see the first excavations in the history of the fortress, which are being carried out by archaeologists from Uzhhorod National University together with activists and everyone else. Another highlight of the Palanok is the castle cinema, which shows a multi-part historical cartoon about the fortress.
And we advise all lovers to visit the Chynadiyevo Castle "Saint Miklos". And why not do it on Valentine's Day? A fascinating tour of the fortress awaits guests, during which you will learn the incredible love story of the beautiful Princess Ilona Zrinyi, whose development was followed by all European nobility 300 years ago.
Finally, combine business with pleasure. The former residence of the Counts Schönborn, now the Karpaty sanatorium, will definitely leave you with no emotions. Extremely clean air, mineral water, a unique arboretum park with more than 40 species of rare plants. Zakarpattia recovers all its guests!
POLYANA
If you want to combine winter drive with health improvement, then you should visit the Polyanska hromada. "The "mineral capital" of Zakarpattia invites you to visit the Kryshtaleve Dzherelo, Kvitka Polonyny, Polyana, Sonyachne Zakarpattia sanatoriums and more than 40 private recreational facilities.
Medical procedures, walks in nature and, of course, active recreation!
The ski resort in Polyana is perfect for those who are new to skiing or snowboarding. There are instructors for beginners on the 100-metre slope and a tubing track nearby.
THERMAL BATHS OF BEREHOVE DISTRICT
A warm welcome is guaranteed for all guests of the Berehove district of Zakarpattia. Five thermal complexes - in Berehove (Zhayvoronok, Zakarpattya), Koson (Kosyno, Eco Thermal), and Vynohradiv (Teplytsia) - will ensure complete recovery and heal your body with the healing properties of groundwater, a unique natural resource of our region.
And to fully immerse yourself in the local flavour, combine water recreation with gastronomic tastings. Berehove district is the heart of Transcarpathian winemaking and traditional Hungarian cuisine.
Here you can visit wine cellars with a 400-year history, try sunny drink varieties unique to this region, and finally taste real Transcarpathian bograch!
HUSBAND
An incredible area with a rich history, unique natural areas and real magnets for tourists. It is here that the largest lake in the Ukrainian Carpathians, Synevyr, the legendary Shipot waterfall and the Zakarpattia Sea Coast landscape reserve are located.
In winter, it's hard to take your eyes off these natural wonders!
Khust district is also an active tourism destination, so there is everything you need for skiing enthusiasts. Skiing on the slopes in Izky started last season just before the New Year, despite the shelling of energy facilities by the terrorist state. In addition to the ski slopes, there is also tubing.
And at the end of the weekend in Khust district, be sure to visit Velyatino. Thermal waters are extracted here from a well about 1000 metres deep and have a temperature of over 36°C. Add to this the picturesque landscapes and mountain air and you are guaranteed to regain your strength and energy!
BILLING
It is the heart of winter tourism in Transcarpathia with the highest mountain resort in Ukraine. The ski lifts on Dragobrat operated during the most difficult winter season of 2022-2023, and the snow-capped peaks will be waiting for skiing enthusiasts again this year.
By the way, it is here, above the Dragobrat resort, between the peaks of the Gendarmes and Stig mountains, that the highest vat in Ukraine is located. 1554 metres above sea level. You will definitely not forget this relaxation!
And, of course, Rakhiv region is a gastronomic destination at any time of the year. Be sure to visit the "craft capital" of the region - the village of Kvasy. Here, Hutsul beer is brewed, 15 types of cheese are made, and... ice cream is tasted. And they say that beer ice cream in Kvasy is especially delicious in winter!
The article was prepared by the Department of Tourism and Resorts of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration
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