What to do in the Carpathians: the Carpathian Mountains Activity Rating for 2021–2022
01 December 2021
The Carpathians are a great place for an unforgettable vacation at any time of year. People come here for active recreation and solitary meditation, for the crystal clear air, for beautiful scenery and for acquaintance with the unique culture of the region. To make the journey really interesting, it is worth determining in advance the leisure program. It depends on the location where you decide to stay.
Large tourist centers such as Bukovel skiing resort would be the best choice. Here you can find a rich entertainment infrastructure, comfortable hotels, and convenient transportation to the main tourist attractions. You can pick up an accommodation in Polyanitsa or another small town close to the major resort to keep your expenses under control.
So, what to do during your vacation in the Carpathians? We have compiled a rating of entertainment for all tastes!
Snow fun for the whole family
Winter is the peak of the tourist season in the Carpathians. There are a huge number of attractions, among which you will definitely find something to your liking.
- Mountain resorts
Carpathians have a lot of locations with skiing slopes, but the largest resorts are Bukovel, Dragobrat, Play, and Krasiya. They are well equipped and offer equipment rentals and a large range of entertainment options. Here you can go skiing, snowboarding and sledging. Bukovel, for instance, has an additional snow ski jumping park that gives you a chance to practice some stunts and just get a dose of adrenaline. Another advantage of resort facilities is that you can ask for instructors` support if you’re just beginning to master your skiing or snowboarding skills.
- Rink
Ice arenas with skate rental operate only in two places: in Bukovel and in the ski complex in the village of Mygovo (Chernivtsi region). This is a romantic and at the same time fun place, where you can hone your own skating technique or just have a good time. Not only adults, but also little visitors of Carpathian resorts will be glad to spend such leisure time.
- Riding on snowmobiles
Drive fun is available only in winter time. On powerful and reliable snowmobiles you can go on a forest safari or ride on mountain slopes. To make sure you don’t get lost and get maximum positive emotions you will be accompanied by an experienced guide. The attraction is also available for children in case the child sits on the same snowmobile with an adult.
- Dogs and dog sledding
What can be better than communication with active and good-natured animals? For example, in Bukovel there is a station where you can rent sledges pulled by Siberian Huskies. You can try yourself as a musher and pass an exciting trail in the woods. You can also visit the Husky House, where you can spend time with these funny dogs and take photos.
- Snowtubing
In Bukovel and other skiing resorts there are special slopes for snow tubing. This is a high-speed descent on an inflatable “donut” that brings bright impressions and positive emotions. Children from 3 years old accompanied by an adult are allowed on the track.
- Ice Fairy Tale “Ice Land”
There is a unique attraction called “Ice Land” in Bukovel, which is completely made of snow and ice. Filigree sculptures and interior elements combined with colorful illumination turn this place into a real winter fairy tale. Every year this ice palace melts, and with the winter coming it rebuilds. There are spectacular photo areas, a bar (all drinks are served in ice glasses) and a hotel.
Extreme Activities
Here we have compiled a selection of activities, most of which are available all year round. It’s the kind of recreation that tingles in the stomach and takes your breath away!
- Reverse
An unusual swing work on the territory of Bukovel. Two-seater chair is lifted with the help of ropes to the height of 50 meters. At the top point the swing sharply unhooks and flies back to the station on the rope track. The attraction is located on the shore of Lake Molodist.
- The longest trolley in Ukraine
Riding on a trolley is an entertainment for travelers with strong nerves. You will have to ride a lightweight roller on a cable with a steep incline. The longest track in Ukraine starts at the top station of the skiing track 2A. There are three lines, each of which has a length of 1130 meters. You will get over this track in just 100 seconds. Also there is a trolley crossing over the water, its length is 200 m on the shore of Lake Molodist.
- Rope Jumping
The “Adrenaline Tower” station is 28 meters above the ground, which is equivalent to the height of a 9-story house. An elastic rope is strapped to the guest’s waist, which allows you to fully experience the magic of free flight.
Do you like to ride a bike and you are not afraid of heights? Then the Bike zip ride is just for you! Ride the rope road stretched over the Lake Molodist to test the strength of your nerves and get a lot of new emotions.
- All-season Speed Fun toboggan run
Ukraine’s first all-season sledging station “Vihand” is located on the territory of Bukovel. 1.5 km of high-speed slopes, unexpected jumps and turns will impress anyone. The sled is designed for two passengers, but one can ride alone as well. The seat moves on the special metal rails, and it is equipped with a braking system, so you can decide with what speed to pass the track for the maximum safety.
Suspended route is located in the forest at the height of up to 15 meters. The length of the route is up to 500 meters. There are a lot of abrupt turns, ascents and turns, fast downhill and the trees around only add to the excitement.
- The largest swing in the country “Pendulum”
The starting point of the swing is at a height of 28 m! This is an unforgettable experience and a sea of adrenaline. Do you want to share emotions with a loved one? “Pendulum” allows you to jump together.
- Karting “Thirst for Speed”
Is your thirst for speed still not satisfied? Then we invite you to go karting with a track length of about 500 m and an electronic timing system. There are 10 cars with 9 hp engines available for simultaneous rent. The location is open all year round.
- Bike Park for cycling and downhill riding
The bike park operates in the warm season, offering guests several tracks of varying difficulty. These are quite steep slopes, most of which run through the woods. Beginners should choose the blue route, more experienced cyclists can try their strength on the red track, and the real experts in downhill skiing will find the black route.
- Water skiing and wakeboarding, Fly Surf
Carpathians have no large natural reservoirs, so most water sports are possible thanks to the artificial lake Molodist. In summer you can take a jet ski, a wakeboard, a hybrid of surf and snowboard, and classic water skiing. Ride at breakneck speed on the surface of the largest lake of the Carpathians!
Sports and outdoor activities
In this section we will look at less extreme activities that fall into the category of active recreation.
Rafting on the mountain river gives an unforgettable experience. Most of the tours run along the Black Tisa and Cheremosh rivers. You can choose a meditative route on a quiet part of the river or a variant of rafting which is more saturated with turns and drops.
At any Carpathian resort and in almost all comfortable hotels tourists are offered exciting horse riding tours. It can be a quiet ride through the forest trails or conquering small peaks with gentle slopes.
- Trekking
The Carpathians are great for low-level hiking. We recommend choosing routes that include climbing one or more peaks, visiting picturesque waterfalls and high mountain lakes. Thanks to the community “Carpathian Trails” all the main hiking trails are carefully marked, so if you want you can go to the mountains without a guide.
- ATV or Jeep rides
Treat yourself to a fascinating safari on a powerful cross-country vehicle. You will be accompanied by an instructor on the ATV and an experienced driver on the jeep. This is a great opportunity to visit the nearest natural attractions and just enjoy the beauty of Carpathian landscapes.
- Chairlift rides
At large resorts of the Carpathian Mountains there are 1-2 ski elevators at any time of the year. They allow you to admire the mountain beauties from an unusual perspective. Even children would enjoy such a leisurely ride!
- Shopping
Yaremche, Verkhovyna and other tourist places regularly hold theme fairs, festivals, where you can buy beautiful and useful Carpathian souvenirs. Here you can buy authentic wood and wool products, local cheese, wine, honey, herbs.
Spa relaxation and beauty treatments
It’s so nice to leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relax and feel at one with nature. SPA procedures will help to do it!
Any good Carpathian hotel has a classic bath or Finnish sauna. A visit to the steam room will help to remove emotional and physical stress, improve your mood, and get a sense of lightness. Herbal teas and use of brooms will help enhance the effect.
Comfort hotels, such as “Stara Pravda”, offer guests heated pools, Jacuzzis, open to the public in summer and winter. You can also take a dip in the refreshing waters of Lake Molodist during the warm season, and hardened tourists will enjoy swimming in the mountain rivers.
Hotel complexes provide their guests with full-fledged relaxation thanks to professional massage: relaxing, sports, therapeutic, anti-cellulite, cosmetic. Such sessions allow you to improve your well-being quickly and restore a good physical shape.
- Wraps, exfoliators
Crystal clear water and mountain air have a positive effect on the appearance, and special cosmetic procedures help to enhance the effect. Professional cosmetic products, local mineral waters and therapeutic muds are used for these procedures.
Museums and tourist locations
It is a fun location for the whole family. It looks like the house is on the roof and everything inside is upside down! Don’t miss a great opportunity to have a fun photo shoot with kids and adults alike.
- Hobbit Hill
Ukrainian version of the hobbit village from the fantasy works of J. R. Tolkien. This unusual place is located in Verkhovyna. Fascinating tour with the examination of original art expositions, tasting of special dishes and products are waiting for travelers. The whole location is a spectacular photo area.
- Museum of Hutsul Magic
An unusual exhibition works in Verkhovyna. Here you can find traditional shamanic tools, ancient magical artifacts. The guide will tell you about local rituals, omens and other interesting things. Guests of the museum will also be able to talk to a real molfar.
- Ukrainian Antiquity Museum
The museum, which is located in Yaremche, shows tourists the traditional lifestyle of different ethnic groups that make up the Carpathian Mountains: Hutsul, Lemky, and Boyky. There are old musical instruments, books and utensils on display.
- Gamora`s Water Forge
It is the only working smithy in Ukraine, which was built about 300 years ago. Hammers and other heavy equipment are powered by the river. A rich historical and household exposition is exhibited here; blacksmiths are produced for local residents.
- Kumlyk`s Museum of Musical Instruments
There is a magnificent private collection that allows you to see with your own eyes ancient Carpathian trambitas, kobzas, drymbas, cymbals, and even bagpipes. There are also antique household items and traditional clothes in the museum.
There are a lot of thematic museums in the Carpathian Mountains, and even just to count all of them is very difficult. So it’s worth choosing some of the most interesting places that are close to your hotel. If you don’t know what to do in the Carpathian Mountains, go to get some knowledge!
Natural attractions
- Waterfalls
The Carpathians are rich in rivers and springs, so there is no lack of waterfalls here. The most famous and beautiful ones are Trufanets, Zhenetsky Guk, Shypit, Yalinsky, Maniavsky, Luzhkovsky, Lazny, Kapelny, Bukhtyvetsky, Voyevodyn, Gurkalo, Skakalo, Kudrynets, Probiy. You can choose a tour with a visit to the waterfalls in almost every region of the Carpathians.
- Lakes
Beautiful mountain lakes have a special energy. Almost each of them is surrounded by ancient legends and omens. The largest natural lakes are Synevir, Lebedyn, Zhuravlyne, Khashchovanske, Maricheyka, Brebeneskul, Nesamovyte, Geryshaska, Vorozheska, Apshynets. There are numerous hiking trails. There is a possibility of ordering an organized tour.
- Dovbush Rocks
This complex of mysterious caves strikes not only with its beauty, but also with its rich history. In ancient times, a sanctuary was located here, but over time, the complicated terrain was used as natural fortifications during military operations. The complex got its present name in honor of Oleksa Dovbush, a folk hero of these places.
You can list the natural attractions of the Carpathians for a long time, because each peak, waterfall or meadow deserves attention. Before the trip, we recommend choosing and booking 1-2 excursions or make a one-day itinerary for your own walking.
Fun adventures with children
Not only children will enjoy visiting this thematic location. Here you can learn about the culture and traditions of Hutsul, take part in interesting workshops and visit the contact zoo. The decorations here are real old houses, household items, and handicraft tools.
Do you want to feel like a real time traveler? Then visit the Dinosaur Park! There are dynamic sculptures of prehistoric lizards and guests have the opportunity to learn a lot about these giant reptiles.
- Entertainment Center “Leopark”
This is an indoor entertainment center that operates only in winter. There is always a festive atmosphere, which always lifts the children’s spirits. “Leopark” has a dry pool, slides, mazes and trampolines. The children’s safety is monitored by experienced animators, so parents can leave their children here alone for a while.
- Entertainment Center “Buka”
Another family location is in Polyanitsa, where there are machines with exciting games, air hockey. There are also billiards, bowling, disco, DJ performances and theme parties for the whole family.
- Rope Park
“Extreme Park” is located at the upper station of Bukovel ski elevator 2R. This is a real quest that requires inventiveness and endurance from the participants. There are suspended trails with obstacles, bungee cords, bridges and swings at a height of 1.5 to 6 meters above the ground.
- Amusement park “Peppers”
The location is in the village of Yablunytsa. Here you can touch a real sheep, lie in the hayloft and take part in one of the workshops on traditional crafts. There are also great areas for taking pictures and communicating with molfar.
As you can see, Bukovel and other Carpathian localities have a lot to offer you. Everyone can find an activity to his/her liking, so you won’t get bored during the vacation! In order to estimate the rich tourist program firsthand, you just need to book a room at our hotel and go.