10 places to visit in the Carpathians in spring

04 March 2024

Spring in the Carpathians is a magical time when nature comes to life after hibernation and the mountains bloom with incredible colours. It is an ideal time to relax and enjoy the warm sunshine, lush flowering of grasses and clean mountain air. In addition, spring is a good time to visit interesting places in Transcarpathia and historical monuments. We offer you to get acquainted with the most charming locations that deserve your attention.

Top 10 locations in the Carpathians

If you want to get a real pleasure from travelling, visit:

1. Vorokhta.
2. Lake Synevyr.
3. Shypit waterfall.
4. Huk waterfall.
5. Manyavsky Skit.
6. Palanok Castle.
7. Hoverla mountain.
8. Lake Nesamovyte.
9. Schönborn Palace.
10. Prut waterfall.

Picturesque Vorokhta

In spring, the Carpathians are not only waterfalls and castles, but also a small but very picturesque village of Vorokhta. It is located on the territory of the national park, next to Mount Khomyak. In addition to visiting the mountain itself and walking around the park, you can go to the observation deck on the oldest lift in the region. Here you will find fantastic views.

In addition, the town is known for its arched viaducts, which were built during the Austro-Hungarian rule, and the stone railway bridge over the Prut River. It is an architectural masterpiece. Trains used to run along it, but now it is used by the resort’s guests.

Synevyr

If you don’t know what to see in the Carpathians first, visit the incredible Synevyr Lake. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine. According to scientists, it is 10,000 years old and has a depth of 24 metres. The lake is located at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level. It attracts visitors with its crystal clear water and purity. According to the legend, the lake was formed when a rich man ordered to kill his daughter’s lover, who was an ordinary shepherd. Therefore, on the shores of Synevyr you can see a large wooden sculpture, which is a symbol of love.

Shypit waterfall

In the heart of the Borzhava valley, among the dense forest, there is the Shipit waterfall, one of the most picturesque in the Carpathians. It cascades down from a height of 14 metres. Shypit is fantastically beautiful in any season, but in spring it is especially beautiful and full of water. 

Huk waterfall

If you are planning to visit the Carpathians in spring, visit the Big and Small Huk waterfalls. They are located in Sheshory and fall from a height of 3 and 5 metres. The natural attractions are located in the centre of the village. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they are also known for their healing qualities. Therefore, Sheshory is a popular balneological resort. 

Manyavsky Skit

The location used to be a defensive monastery founded by Job Knyahynytskyi in the 17th century. It is located in the Carpathian village of Manyava. Today, the skete attracts guests with the opportunity to see the ancient walls, a tower with a bell tower, cells, and walk through the dungeon. In addition, the monastery is close to the Blessed Stone, a spring with crystal clear healing water and a dense forest where you can admire the Manyava Waterfall. Its height reaches 20 metres. 

Palanok Castle

When it comes to the top 10 places in the Carpathians, the legendary Palanok Castle is not to be overlooked. It is located in Mukachevo and proudly towers over the city. The architectural monument is built on a 60-metre-high volcanic mountain. It is a powerful fortification with defensive courtyards, towers, bastions, and terraces. This layout ensured reliable protection of the castle. That is why it has never been captured by enemies. The castle withstood the greatest siege in the XVII century. Then Princess Ilona Zrini defended Palanok from the Austrians for three years. There is a monument to the princess and her 10-year-old son on one of the bastions. 

While visiting Palanok, you can go on excursions, buy souvenirs and admire the works of artists in the art gallery. 

Hoverla

Holidays in the Carpathians in spring allow you to conquer the largest mountain in Ukraine – Hoverla. And it’s not just about reaching the 2061-metre mark – that’s how high the mountain is – but also about admiring the fantastic views. From there, you can see coniferous forests, tumultuous waterfalls, flowering meadows and part of the Gorgany Nature Reserve. But tourists are allowed to reach the top from May to September, because even in summer the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Thunderstorms, sleet, and rain can occur even in summer. But conquering Hoverla brings incredible emotions and vivid impressions.

Lake Nesamovyte

Nesamovyte was formed during the Ice Age. It is one of the highest lakes in Ukraine. Therefore, even in summer, its water is icy and very clean. Compared to other lakes, Nesamovyty has a small area of only 0.3 hectares and a depth of no more than 1.5 metres. It is located in the Montenegrin massif at an altitude of about 1750 metres. 

Schönborn Palace

Beregvar is the residence of the Counts of Schönborn. It is a family castle where many generations of the noble family grew up. If you don’t know where to go to the Carpathians in spring, pay attention to the village of Karpaty, near Mukachevo. This is where the castle was built. It has been preserved almost in its original form. Now the Karpaty sanatorium operates on its territory. Therefore, you can not only admire the architectural elements here, but also heal yourself.

Prut waterfall

If you’ve chosen Bukovel for your holiday, spring is a good time to visit the Prut Waterfall. Most often, tourists come here when conquering Hoverla. There is an amazing natural attraction here, which primarily impresses with the height of the fall. It reaches 800 metres. The Prut Waterfall consists of six cascades and is fed by the river of the same name.

Of course, these are not all the interesting locations and activities that the Carpathians have to offer in spring. The Tustan fortress and customs house, the partially restored Chynadiyevo Castle, and the Skole Beskydy National Park with its ancient church are also worthy of your attention. The Dead Lake is striking in its beauty, with its water either completely dark or crystal clear, making it seem mysterious and bizarre. 

Whichever direction you choose when travelling in the Carpathians, they will impress you with their beauty and hospitality.