Blog

Tunnel of Love

Tunnel of Love is a beautiful spot in Klevan, Ukraine. A three kilometer railway section leads to the fibreboard factory.

The train goes three times a day and delivers wood to the factory. However, the trees make a green corridor, which attracts many couples, as well as photographers for its eye catching avenue.

It is said that if you and your beloved come to the Tunnel of Love and sincerely make a wish, it will come true. This might be a new romantic place to discover.

Located near the town of Kleven, this luscious green tunnel provides passage for a private train that provides wood to a local factory. Measuring 1.8 miles long, the unusual rail route in Eastern Europe is also a popular spot for lovers’ promises.

We love seeing natural architecture here at Inhabitat, and the leafy green Kleven train tunnel is a beautiful example of what happens when nature is allowed to grow freely around manmade infrastructure.

The tunnel was made over many years as the passing train molded the trees’ lines. The train turned a luscious piece of woodland into a unique passageway as it traveled back and forth 3 times a day over several years.

In addition to serving as a train route, the tunnel is used by lovers to make a wish – it is said that if they are sincere in their love, their wishes will come true. If you are out and about Ukraine, don’t miss this fantastic green passageway – whether you are with a loved one, or on your own.

“Ukrainian Venice”

Vilkovo is a place of merge of waters of Danube and the Black Sea, it is a pearl of Danube lower reaches, Vilkovo is also called “Ukrainian Venice”, which is located directly at the sea and borders with Romania. The unusual feature of the town that its old part is on the water.

There are channels instead of streets, inhabitants use special boats the so called “gondolas” which are made here and motor boats to move from one street to another. A person in the boat moves standing on the aft of the boat and making start a pole. During the moving along the channel you may see white pure small houses, small kitchen gardens which are fertilized by silt, small bridges with the width of 1-2 meters which are made of wood . These channels are called “erilki” and there are beautiful small brigs across these channels. The top of these brigs isn’t fixed. If the bulky goods are transported by a boat, the top of the brig is removed and when the boat passes, the top is installed back. It turns out that these brigs are leaf bridges.

Vilkovo is an original and picturesque place, here you may face with lipovanic settlements with their unusual dialects and the town of fishermen and wine makers. The town stands on the water, therefore all the ground was strewed by inhabitants. The most part of kitchen gardens is on the islands so inhabitants get where by boats. Standing in the water people get silt from the water, then dry it on the coast and then get it to the necessary place by wheelbarrows or stretchers. Fertilizers are almost not used here.

Silt grants force to any plant. Probably therefore the strawberry here is the most tasty and fragrant, but there is also a special kind of grapes which is called “Novak”, it is absolutely unique kind of grapes, it grows only in this place. A wonderful wine is made of this kind of grapes and you also have a chance to buy this wine. Here there is a joke that the drunk inhabitant may be easily recognized by his giant, he is unsteady not from the left to the right side but forward-back side.

In Vilkovo almost in each family there are fishermen, therefore there is a lot of fresh fish. People fish going to Danube or on the islands. Fans of fishing will estimate all advantages of silent coasts of Danube and its channels which have been grown with willows.

You will see lots of exotic birds which live in overflow lands, among them you may see pink pelicans, brents, striped hawks, and well-known sea eagles.

If you come to Vilkovo you will love this place forever! It is the place where the nature and people live absolutely nearby, and you may enjoy your evening just sitting on the river bank with the bottle of wine. It is incomparable feeling when sitting in the garden near the cottage and enjoying tasty home-made wine you hear the sound not after the car or motorcycle, but after the motorboat. Unusual thing for city inhabitant here is to see the way how people of Vilkovo carry the cows by boats to the pasture and in the evenings, they carry them back. It is really exotic!

The visitors of Ukrainian Venice will be pleasing by numerous sights. Here the visitors may see the monument of Lipovan, and three finest churches — Christmas Church, Svjatokolnitskaya Church and Nikolaev Church, and many other things. However, the most popular of Vilkovo sights are the museum of local lore “Fisherman House”, the Danube biosphere Reserve and “Zero” kilometer of Danube.

Tourists may also make an excursion and enjoy the nature of the Danube Biosphere Reserve, one part of which is located on the territory of Rumania, and the other in Ukraine. Just imagine — 276 species of birds, 43 species of mammals, 106 species of fish, 800 species of insects and 11 species of amphibian shape the diversity of the fauna here.

The flora is also varied and includes 1557 species.

A lot of plants and animals are inscribed in the Red Data List of Ukraine and some of them are also inscribed in the Red Data List of EU.

The area of Vilkovo is about 460 hectares. Local residents here speak old Russian language till pre-Petrov times. Nevertheless, Vilkovo still remains silent and lurking place, hidden in Danube cane thickets place.

This town is small. It is very difficult to lose the way here, and there are very benevolent and affable people around. The greatest Christian faith of a city is orthodox Old Believers (lipovans), the others are believers of Ukrainian Orthodox church. In the town, there are three temples: two of them belong to the Old Believers and one of them belong to orthodox.

Tourists may also make an excursion and enjoy the nature of the Danube Biosphere Reserve, one part of which is located on the territory of Rumania, and the other in Ukraine. Just imagine — 276 species of birds, 43 species of mammals, 106 species of fish, 800 species of insects and 11 species of amphibian shape the diversity of the fauna here.

Askania-Nova - one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine!

‘Askania-Nova’ is one of the oldest and largest biosphere reserves in Europe, located in a remote part of the Kherson steppe. Nowadays, this unique island of primordial nature, where live many rare animal species and exotic plants, is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and is a part of the world network of UNESCO’s biosphere reserves.

A lover of nature, baron Friedrich Falz-Fein, established this wildlife preserve at the end of 19th century. He gave up his lands in order to save the unique steppe and its inhabitants. Later, having traveled to zoos and botanical gardens all over the world, the environmentalist began to bring to ‘Askania-Nova’ exotic animals, birds, and plants that seemed unfit to live on a steppe. But some animal species not only adapted to their new habitat, but even began to flourish. Just two years later, almost two thousand species of mammals were living on the reserve.

In 1914, emperor Nicholas II visited these lands. Later, impressed by what he saw, he wrote to his mother: ‘All year ‘round different deer, goats, antelopes, gnus, kangaroos, and ostriches live together under the open sky. It is an amazing sight, a scene from the Bible when all animals left Noah’s ark.’

After the end of the Civil War, during which Cossacks and soldiers saved ‘Askania-Nova’ from destruction, Friedrich Falz-Fein thought of nationalizing the wildlife preserve. So, in 1921, the preserve turned from a private to a state-owned one.

Nowadays, ‘Askania-Nova’ is a real outdoor museum and the gem of the Tavrian steppes. On its territory, which takes up 11,000 hectares, stands a unique arboretum. There, you can find many kinds of trees, numerous ornamental plants from all corners of the world, and over 500 species of plants, many of which are endangered. In the reserve’s zoo live 450 species of exotic animals and birds. By the way, six species are extinct in their homelands and remain only in Askania.

The zoo’s unique collection includes of Indian and African antelopes, zebras, Scottish ponies, wild Przewalski’s horses, saigas, and many more. The variety of birds in ‘Askania-Nova’ is impressive as well: these are white and black swans, cranes, flamingos, bustards, emus, parrots, and many other rare species.

On top of that, you will see many ancient burial mounds, from which one can get a breathtaking view of the steppe, and ancient stone figures, created either by Scythians or by Polovtsians, during your visit.

The best way to enjoy picturesque landscapes of the wildlife preserve and its unique inhabitants is to go on a safari by car or horseback. A horseback safari costs 400 grivnas for a group of four people. Larger groups are offered a trip in a minivan. If you are planning to visit ‘Askania-Nova’ in the summer, you should keep in mind that at this time, the preserve often restricts the number of visitors or even cancels the safari, because of high risk of fires.

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 5p.m. from mid-April until mid-November.

Important! The majority of excursions to ‘Askania-Nova’ from Crimea or Kherson offered by tourist agencies is a standard three-hour walking tour through the zoo and botanical garden and does not include the safari. Therefore, you should be careful when choosing the tour and ask precisely about safari.

Getting here: It is not very easy to get to the preserve on public transport. The best way is to go to Nova Khahovka, which is located 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Askania, and take a taxi from there to the preserve (it will cost 200 grivnas and take one hour). To get to Nova Khahovka, you can take a bus. There are two busses early in the morning and two around afternoon (1.5 hours, 16 grivnas), but the tickets sell out quickly.

There is also a bus between Nova Khahovka and Kyiv (13 hours ride, 130 grivnas) and Kherson (1.5 hours, 22 grivnas).

IN SEARCH OF KYIV’S STREET ART

Some people immediately hit up the must-see tourist sites when they visit a new city, but I enjoy exploring new-to-me cities via aimless wandering.

Even better? Purposeful wandering.

From Basel and Reykjavik to London and Amsterdam, I wander with a purpose to find street art.

In fact, the sides and backs of buildings that most people just walk by are common places for large mural pieces.

So imagine my very pleasant discovery just days after moving to Kyiv that, over the last two years, artists from around the world have been descending on the city in droves to beautify downtown.

Kyiv is a curiously strange but lovely city, with an eclectic mix of intricately detailed, old buildings and Soviet-era blocks standing next to each other street block after street block. Its street art is punctuated throughout the city, blending in seamlessly with this mix of new and old architecture.

With a little research, I was able to uncover a local organization called City Art, which originally initiated the project. For awhile it was looking for investors and international artists to support and create these murals, but it’s hard to tell if City Art still exists – the website is bare bones, at best, with no information, and the organization’s social media accounts appear to have been abandoned.

Nonetheless, the street art lives on in Kyiv. And some of the people I’ve met in our first couple weeks here tell me there are new pieces popping up all the time.

Notice I said first, because my art-hunting buddy and I found several pieces, but there are so many more to discover.

Museum of corruption

The Mezhyhirya Residence is the former residence of Yanukovych, the president at the root of the Euromaidan Revolution. The property, located just a bit outside Kyiv’s city center on the Kyiv Reservoir, is a symbol of Yanukovych’s opulent and extravagant lifestyle for which the people of Ukraine paid, quite literally. Construction began in 2010 and commenced rapidly, resulting in a mind-blowing compound built with excessive detail in only a year’s time.

It is massive property, encompassing about 140 hectares of beautifully manicured grounds and a huge house. At its peak, the residence staffed approximately 2,000 people with daily maintenance costs of around $75,000. Regardless of a country’s prosperity, that is a lot of money, and knowing tax payers funded this without their knowledge is simply maddening.

The house, known as Honka because of the Finnish construction company that built it, is three stories on one side and five stories on the other. It is a testament to detail with luxe chandeliers (some costing more than $10,000), in-laid gold decor at every turn and large rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows where the sun floods in. The wooden mosaic floor and ornamental elevator demonstrate that nothing was overlooked when it came to creating the finest, most excessive home possible.

Yanukovych knew he was swindling the people of Ukraine, so he didn’t tell anyone about this home that he lived in with his mistress.

If asked, he said he lived in a smaller house on the grounds, and no one else ever stepped foot in the palatial estate.

The huge dining room table that would have been suitable for state dinners? Never used for such an event. The fully functioning spa, well-equipped health center and full-sized tennis court? Perhaps used by Yanukovych … but then again, maybe not. The media room with approximately a dozen lounge chairs, and the bowling alley and poker room? Since no more than a few people ever went inside the house, no, no and no.

Beyond the house, the grounds are actually incredibly stunning (in fact, it’s where I took many of my favorite photos from this fall). There are lovely flower beds, man-made lakes, fountains, sculptures and walking paths. Additionally, the Mezhyhirya property houses a zoo, helicopter pad, professional golf course and a large garage, where Yanukovych stored a collection of rare cars and motorcycles he received as gifts.

As such, Mezhyhirya is controversial and currently an active investigation site. Ukraine’s government is hesitant to touch the property so right now a non-profit organization is running the day-to-day operations. Apparently, some items, such as famous artwork and ancient manuscripts that were taken by Yanukovych for himself, have been removed from the residence and returned to their rightful owners. Other than those things, however, it looks like someone could be living in it today.

The compound was very well guarded while Yanukovych lived there, and former staff members have been hesitant to come forward and speak about working on the property. Therefore, much of what is known about the construction, costs and goings-on at Mezhyhirya have been unearthed from piles of documentation.

The grounds at Mezhyhirya are open and available to the public for only a couple dollars, which is fairly accessible for the average person here. Tours of the home and auto collection are available for an additional fee.

But there’s more than enough to do just by visiting the general property. People are welcome to wander the grounds and take advantage of the many walking trails and bike paths. We visited in fall, and there were lots of families out enjoying picnics, reading books by the lakes and just generally enjoying this beautiful place.

Hold fundraisers in the bowling alley. Open the spa to the public. Rent out parts of the building for holiday parties, weddings and reunions.

Let Ukrainians fully use it. They funded it, after all.

For now, though, it remains relatively untouched as Ukraine decides what the next appropriate step is during this tumultuous but hopeful period of time in its history.

The Chernobyl Zone

The events, which had happened on this territory, changed the course of our civilization. In the dark night of April 26, 1986, reactor 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded and fired a scorching-hot fountain of radiation into the environment. In several weeks Chernobyl radiation traveled with the winds all over the world, making the idiocy of then-probable nuclear war plain obvious, and thus leading to the cease of nuclear confrontation of two then-superpowers – the USSR and USA.

Because of radiation contamination a large territory around the nuclear power plant was depopulated, hundreds of thousands of inhabitants left that area – and twice as many people were sent to the Zone to decontaminate it and mitigate the consequences of the explosion. Material signs of this war with radiation are impressive indeed.

Freed in the Zone from human pressure and left to itself, the power and diversity of natural forces is now in full swing.

Abandoned islands of civilization - two towns, settlements and villages, tens of thousands of former human dwellings in total – are engulfed by proliferating vegetation and wildlife.

Radiation makes the Zone particularly interesting. Despite being invisible, the presence of radiation in the central part of the Zone in amounts, exceeding natural background, may be the Zone’s most valuable cultural memorial. Now at the ground level, in thousand times decreased scale, lies the picture of contamination after the vast Chernobyl radiation incident. This picture is extremely intricate, interesting and representative for radiation or chemical accidents – and, fortunately, already safe for visitors.

Where else can one learn what should or shouldn’t be feared in now-quite-probable radiation accidents and terrorist attacks? How to avoid radiation injuries? What is the natural phenomenon of radiation in general, how does it spread in environment?

The Chernobyl Zone– as a site of the important historical event, as an ensemble of hundreds of unique technical and cultural monuments, as a natural phenomenon – rightfully deserves inclusion into the UNESCO list of the world heritage sites and conversion into the national cultural and natural park.

Kamianets-Podilskyi - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No epithet is able to describe fully the splendor of this ancient city, which no other city can match, even in Europe. Founded on an island, which was created by the Smotrych River bend, Kamianets-Podilskyi has a history, which has formed its diverse appearance. An incredible quantity of amazing 11th – 19th centuries’ monuments and landmarks are concentrated on the territory of the Old City. They are a big reason why this city is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For over a thousand years, Kamianets-Podilskyi, located at the crossing of European trade routes and influenced by different cultures, had been a frontier castle, for which the East and the West fought constantly. The first fortification buildings appeared here in times of Kyivan Rus. However, most consider the city to have been founded in 1362 by the Lithuanian Koryatowicz princes. Legend has it that while out hunting, the brothers chased a beautiful deer, which led them to an unusual island surrounded by a deep canyon. In that place, a location saved by nature from outer threats, the Lithuanian princes decided to build a fortress.

The city grew so rapidly, that it soon turned into a large trade and craft center and began to compete with Kyiv and Lviv. But Kamianets-Podilskyi experienced real prosperity in the 15th century, when it passed to Poland. At that time, three ethnic communities lived here - Poles, Armenians and Ukrainians - each of which decorated its neighborhoods with distinct architecture. During the Polish period, Kamianets-Podilskyi became known for its impenetrability. According to legend, a Turkish sultan, who had tried in vain to enter the city, asked the local citizens: “Who built this fort?” “The God himself did!” - was the answer. “So let God conquer it!” - the sultan conceded.

Ironically, in 1672 the fortress surrendered to the Turks, who left a big imprint on the city during their 27 years of governance. Later, in 1699, Kamianets-Podilskyi returned to the guardianship of Poland, and a century later it passed to the Russian Empire.

Despite the twists in history, Kamianets-Podilskyi has managed to preserve its priceless buildings almost unchanged. The main sight is still the Ancient Fortress, considered to be one of the best samples of fortification buildings in Eastern Europe. Massive walls and bastions continue to inspire with their might and majesty. Among the fort towers, the ones that stand out are the Black Tower, which contains a 40-meter well, and the Karmeliukova Tower, which is the tallest tower and was named in the 19th century after its prisoner - Ukrainian national hero Ustym Karmeliuk.

In the towers and dungeons of the fortress are unique exhibitions, which brightly illustrate the pages of Kamianets-Podilskyi’s history: scenes of medieval trials, defenses of the fort, and weapons collections are all depicted. The “Antiquities of Podolia” exposition, describing the past of the region, is especially interesting. The castle bridge that leads to the fortress is separate tourist attraction on its own. It is often called the Turkish bridge, because in 17th century, when the Ottomans ruled the city, the bridge was considerably rebuilt.

The sacral architecture of Kamianets-Podilskyi is no less impressive – it fascinates with its richness and variety of represented cultures. A special place among the treasures of the city belongs to the Armenian Cathedral and to the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, an example of the beauty that combination of two different religious architectures can bring. During the Ottomans’ brief stay, the cathedral was turned into mosque. Since that time, it has been supplemented by a Turkish minaret. The complex of the Dominican Monastery also bears the imprints of different epochs and styles. And St. Nicolas’ Catholic Church, included in the complex, is considered to be one of the most ancient city temples.

Because of so many historic monuments, Kamianets-Podilskyi gives you the opportunity to dive into a truly medieval atmosphere. And in order to get the most out of this wonderful city, you should visit it during a holiday or festival, which take place here almost all year around!

TOP 4 UKRAINE SKIING PLACES

With gorgeous Carpathian Mountains piled up in the western corner of the country, Ukraine has got itself into a great deal with the ski lovers. Famous with local tourists, Ukraine skiing spots are slowly getting onto the radars of more distant travelers. It’s not just the thrill of ski jumps that attracts visitors: cozy tucked away traditional villages, delicious home-made food and plenty of ancient holiday traditions add up to the charm!

If you are interested in testing your skis out in Ukraine, this post will be your ultimate guide to country’s top well-known and hidden ski spots.

BUKOVEL SKI RESORT (IVANO-FRANKIVSK REGION)

Bukovel ski resort

If we have to choose one place that offers excellent service, great slopes and plenty of snow, Bukovel would be it. Easily accessible by regular bus shuttles from Ivano-Frankivsk, this famous ski resort is up and coming place for ski lovers. Keep in mind that Bukovel is the most expensive of all Ukrainian ski resorts, and has been built on bare land: it’s in a way its own compound, with skiing, entertainment and accommodation located in one place. While it might be convenient for many, it is rather commercialized vacation spot and does not have the feeling of authenticity, that many smaller places have.

BUKOVEL SKI RESORT: FACTS SNAPSHOT

Slopes: averaging 900 m to 1370 m height

Number of lifts: 16, almost all are chair lifts

Total length: 50 km

Service quality: high

Accessibility: high

Snow: available November to April, slopes are usually groomed and there are snow-making machines

All categories of difficulty are available for great snowskiing and snowboarding.Beginners can try themselves out on a gradual slope, and kids will love short tows. For more experienced skiers there are several black diamonds. Night skiing is available from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m, on two slopes that are upper intermediate.

Getting there: take a train to Ivano-Frankivsk. Outside of the train station there will be buses running in the direction of TC Bukovel. Expect two hours by bus (110 km)

Staying there: there are plenty of hotels and B&B available around the resort. Make sure you book well in advance, as Ukrainians tend to flock there during high holiday season (December 29th – January 12th). Most of the hotels in Bukovel do not offer one day package, and you have to buy few days accommodation.

SLAVSKE SKI RESORT (LVIV REGION)

Slavske ski resort

This resort is most popular with students, youth and anyone who lives in or around Lviv. It’s located merely 120 km from Lviv, and is easily accessible by public transportation. Four mountains – Trostian, Pohar, Menchur and Politechnik – give plenty of options for skiers. Pohar and Politechnik are favorites of beginners. Mountain Zvynets hosts ‘Zahar Berkut’ ski resort and is great for more advanced skiers. Trostian is the highest, and most of the time has good snow.

SLAVSKE SKI RESORT: FACTS SNAPSHOT

Slopes: averaging 600 m to 1232 m height

Number of lifts: 20, only some are chair lifts

Total length: 12 km

Service quality: medium

Accessibility: high

Snow: available December to March, there are not enough snow-making machines, so check the weather forecast in advance

Staying there: look out for small B&B and rural guesthouses. Some will offer pick up truck transportation all the way to the slopes. Book way in advance, if you want to get the best price and service. Slavske is known for its good food! Lots of options, reasonable prices and fast service. If you don’t want to wait 40 min to get your cup of tea, Slavske is your place!

PYLYPETS AND PODOBOVETS (ZAKARPATTYA REGION)

Pylypets and Podobovets in Transcarpathia

These places are not yet ski resorts in its full sense, however, they are developing rapidly and surprise skiers with good prices. Three mountains (Podobovets, Pylypets and Mahura) are the base, with most services provided by private sector: locals. There’s good selection of ski slopes, however, it does not have yet all the necessary machinery to maintain it. Check the weather forecast to make sure there is enough snow. Most of the slopes are not suitable for beginners. Some have 45 degrees’ angle!

Also, entertainment infrastructure (loud bars and discos) is not developed at all. So, if you are into the local authentic culture, these two villages will be your first choice! Local villagers still keep old traditions of rural Ukraine and are always eager to prepare home-made borshch, teach you how to weave carpets and show you the famous village hospitality. If you are interested in short tours around the area, you will love a trip to Ukraine’s highest mountain lake – Synevyr, or a visit to beautiful Shypit waterfall.

PYLYPETS AND PODOBOVETS FACTS SNAPSHOT

Slopes: averaging 700 m to 1500 m height

Number of lifts: 10

Total length: 25 km

Service quality: medium

Accessibility: medium

Snow: available December to March, there are not enough snow-making machines, so check the weather forecast in advance

Accommodation: very reasonable prices (starting from 6-8 euros per night), mainly locally owned guesthouses.

DRAGOBRAT (ZAKARPATTYA REGION)

Dragobrat - Ukraine’s highest ski resort

This ski resort is the highest in Ukraine (up to 1800 m). It also has no doubt the most beautiful views. While there are not enough snow-making machines, nature fills up the need: snow appears usually around November, and stay all the way till May. Sometimes the snow cover is 5 m high! If you are beginner, then this place is not for you. The slopes are rather tough, and there is barely any entertainment available. Ski resort is also not easily accessible, as there is no yet proper road up to it. If you decide to try out Dragobrat, plan for a fun ride in a local pick-up truck along the bumpy mountainous road! Great experience for those, looking for something off-the-beaten track.

DRAGOBRAT SKI RESORT FACTS SNAPSHOT

Slopes: averaging 1400 m to 1800 m height

Total length: 10 km

Number of lifts: 10

Service quality: medium

Accessibility: poor

Snow: available November to May, there are not enough snow-making machines, so check the weather forecast in advance

If you are not afraid to try out the very local experience, you can do the train. However, if you are looking for more comfort, take a train from Lviv to Ivano-Frankivsk. Then get a bus to Yasinya. From the village of Yasinya one will have to take local public transportation (the famous pick-up trucks) in order to get up to Dragobrat. If you are driving your own car, keep in mind that the road from Yasinya to Dragobrat is actually an absence of one, so don’t event attempt to drive it. It’s safer to park your car in Yasinya, and use the pick-up trucks (One ride will cost you around 2 euros).

Accommodation: very reasonable prices (starting from 8-10 euros per night), mainly locally owned guesthouses.

Top 7 most unusual hotels in Ukraine, where he visited each

Best unusual hotels in Ukraine …

1. Hotel “History”, Polanica

The idea of the hotel 4-storey design hotel is conceptual, as dedicated to the history of Ukraine at different stages. This dark gray building, which in the evening and at night illuminated lanterns and so it becomes like a fairy-tale house.
All rooms have a name of a particular period in the history of Ukrainian and decorated accordingly: Cave, Tripoli, Scythia, Kievan Rus, Serfdom, Princely, Cossacks, UPA and Classic. This is perhaps one of the most interesting hotels in Ukraine.

Where is it and how to get there: Ivano-Frankіvska area with. Polyanicya, tract hearth.

2. Design Hotel "11 Mirrors", Kiev

The idea of the hotel: the Metropolitan Hotel is located in the center of Kiev, close to the Vladimirsky Cathedral and the National Opera. The idea of design hotel - balance of style and beauty, that is rigor and neutral tones, which, according to the creators, promotes well as the maintenance of the working mood, and relaxing. This concept is observed in the exterior and in the interior. All categories of rooms have Internet access, plasma televisions, safes and mini-bars.

Where is it and how to get there: Kyiv, vul. Khmelnytskyi, 34.

3. Art Hotel "Baccarat", Kiev

The idea of the hotel: The hotel was the first experience in the hotel business chain restaurants "Trump Card". Its main difference from the others is that the hotel is located on the water. That is a floating barge converted into a hotel, whose windows you can admire the beautiful panorama of the coast of the Dnieper; the other side of the room overlooks the park. The exterior resembles an ocean liner with a blue roof, and the whole hotel from a distance looks like a multicolored stained glass. The interior is dominated by bright colors, comfortable furniture - vintage style. One can say that this art project is included in the list of the most interesting hotels in Ukraine.

Where is it and how to get there: Kyiv, Venetsіansky ostrіv 1. Nayblizhcha stantsіya metro "Lіvoberezhna"

4. Castle "Radomis", Radomyshl

The idea of the hotel: The hotel is an integral part of the museum complex "Radomysl". The rooms are austere style of early modern and a little reminiscent of monastic cells, but are decorated in warm, bright colors accentuated with brickwork elements. Furniture in the rooms - wooden and wicker, which allows you to fully enjoy themselves in the epoch of 17-18 centuries

Where is and how to get there: Zhitomirska, Radomyshl

5. Hotel "Far Far Away kingdom", Skala Podolskaya

The idea of the hotel: this hotel looks really reminiscent of a fairytale castle, it is also made of stone and wood. Similarity to the ancient home of the Knights and adds a special form of windows, and a small stone wall, which is an element of landscape design

Where is and how to get there: Ternopil region, Barshcheuski district, town Skala Podolskaya.

6. Eco Hotel "Friend House", Kirov

The idea of the hotel: the main highlight is that this eco-friendly hotel is built on a special project with biodegradable materials. Before the construction of a special analysis of information and energy fields was held. This hotel began to look as if it came by itself. The materials from which the building is constructed, extremely environmentally friendly: clay, wood, shell, cane. The width of the window is that allows you to maintain the level of light in the street. Interior rooms in places resembles a cave with numerous holes where sunlight penetrates, creates a special atmosphere in the room.

Where is the Dnipropetrovsk: region, village Kirov

7. Recreation "Sweet", Lomachintsy

The idea of the hotel: this ethno complex, located on the picturesque bank of the Dniester. New unusual services that offer guests - accommodation in small houses on the water. The rooms are literally floating on the waves of the river. The comfortable two-storey houses (separate from each other) are equipped with all the necessary amenities. On the ground floor living area, on the second - a spacious seating area with deck chairs and a place for fishing or diving. At the house there is a possibility to moor your boat or scooter. Panoramic windows allow you to contemplate the scenery and the Dniester Canyon National Park "Podil’s’ki Tovtry", one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine.

Where is the: Chernivtsi region, Sokyryany district, village Lomachintsy.

Tours Tourist Club

Excursions Tourist Club

Sign up for Best Trips News

To subscribe, please, enter your e-mail