The highest peaks of the Carpathians

02 February 2022

The majestic beauty of the mountains is breathtaking, so you want to come back here again and again. These peaks are known for their picturesque nature, rich history and cultural heritage. The largest mountains of Ukraine offer fantastic panoramas: in clear weather, you can even see the territory of neighbouring Romania. In this article, we will look at the geographical location of the ranges, the highest peaks of the Carpathians, their impact on culture and tourism, as well as historical and modern aspects of visiting the location.

Geographical location and features of the Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathian Mountains stretch for approximately 1,500 km across eight countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Austria. The highest point of the Carpathians is in Slovakia, but Ukraine has its own outstanding peaks that attract tourists from all over the world. These mountains consist of several ranges, the most famous of which are Chornohora, Gorgany and Marmarosy. Located on the border of Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia regions, the Carpathians are home to many rare species of flora and fauna.

The highest peaks of the Carpathians

1. Hoverla is the highest mountain in Ukraine, rising 2061 metres above sea level. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Hoverla is accessible even for children, provided the weather is warm and dry. Climbing to this peak of the Carpathians often starts from the Zaroslyak sports centre. It is easy to reach from Vorokhta, Verkhovyna or Yaremche. Hoverla is part of the Chornohora range and is located on the border of Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia regions.
2. Brebeneskul is the second highest peak of the Carpathians in Ukraine, rising 2035 metres above sea level. It is known for its picturesque reservoir, which is the highest mountain lake in Ukraine. Brebeneskul is part of the Chornohora Range and is located near the Vuhatyi Kamen and Dzembronski waterfalls. Lake Brebeneskul is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the crystal clear water and beautiful scenery.
3. Pip Ivan Chornohirsky (Black Mountain) is a 2028 m high peak that attracts attention with the dilapidated White Elephant Observatory. It offers beautiful views of the entire Montenegrin ridge. The ascent to the top is often started through Lake Maricheika or from the side of the Eared Stone. This mountain is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Carpathians, and many travellers seek to conquer it to see the picturesque views.
4. Petros is a peak with a steep rocky slope and a height of 2020 m. The mountain is often called “Thunder Mountain” because of the frequent lightning strikes. The climb to Petros is difficult, but the effort is rewarded with magical views of Hoverla and Chorna Hora. Petros is connected to the highest point of the country by a deep saddle, which allows tourists to make combined hikes and see what kind of mountains there are in Ukraine. 
5. Hutyn Tomnatyk is a 2016 m high peak that belongs to the Chornohora range. It is located next to Lake Brebeneskul and is famous for its rare flora. Gutyn Tomnatyk is not part of the standard tourist route, so the ascent to it is more relaxing. Here you can enjoy enchanting views and get acquainted with the rich flora of the Carpathians.
6. Rebra is a 2001 m high peak known for its rocky outcrops resembling ribs. Here you can see the remains of ancient fortifications, including trenches and marked posts. There are five hiking routes to the top, which allows you to choose the most convenient one depending on the main programme of the hike. Riba is also known for its green slopes and spectacular rock formations.
7. Menchul is a mountain with a height of 1998 m, which is just short of the status of a Carpathian two-thousand-year-old mountain. It is a part of the Rozshybenyk ridge. In 2009, it was planned to artificially increase the height of the mountain, but this project was not implemented. The ascent to Menchul often starts from the village of Hoverla or via Brebeneskul. The peak offers quiet routes, allowing you to enjoy the nature of the Carpathians and relax.

The impact of the highest peaks on the culture and tourism of the Carpathians

The highest mountain in Ukraine, Hoverla, is a symbol of national pride and often features in culture and literature. The Carpathian Mountains attract tourists for their natural beauty, clean air and opportunities for outdoor activities. The highest point of Ukraine has become a venue for numerous sporting events, festivals and ethnographic expeditions. Tourism in the Carpathians contributes to the development of the local economy by providing jobs for the region’s residents.

The Carpathian Mountains have a great influence on Ukrainian culture, as many legends and folk tales are associated with them. The highest peak in the Carpathians, Hoverla, is a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people. National holidays and rituals can often be seen in mountain villages. This is a way of preserving ancestral traditions. Local crafts, such as embroidery, ceramics and wood carving, also draw inspiration from the natural landscapes of the Carpathians.

Historical and modern aspects of visiting mountain peaks

The history of visiting the Carpathian Mountains goes back many centuries. As early as the 18th century, explorers and travellers came here, fascinated by the beauty and uniqueness of this region. The first hiking route to Hoverla was laid in 1880. With the development of tourism in the 20th century, the Carpathians became even more accessible to travellers from all over the world. Today, the highest peak in the Carpathians offers well-marked trails and modern tourist facilities.

During the Soviet era, the Carpathians were a popular destination for recreation and health improvement, with numerous sanatoriums and health resorts. Since Ukraine gained independence, the mountains have continued to attract tourists from all over the world. Thanks to modern tourist routes, everyone can see the highest mountains of the Carpathians. They also offer opportunities for mountaineering, trekking and extreme sports.

Tourism in the Carpathians has undergone significant changes and expansion due to infrastructure development. New hotels, campsites and tourist centres are being built to attract even more visitors. The Carpathians are becoming a venue for numerous festivals, such as Sheshory, Polonynske Summer and others. These events help to preserve and promote national culture, traditions and crafts.

Summing up the importance of the highest peaks of the Carpathians

The Carpathian Mountains are of great importance to Ukraine both in terms of natural beauty and cultural and economic value. The mountains not only attract tourists, but also contribute to the preservation of unique natural landscapes and biodiversity. They are a symbol of the resilience and fascination of Ukrainian nature, which has inspired generations of travellers, artists and scientists. In particular, the highest mountain in Ukraine, Hoverla, remains a constant source of pride for everyone who conquers it.