“When the summer heat gives way to coolness, and the leaves on the trees light up in all shades of yellow, red and crimson, it is the perfect time to travel through Ukraine. Autumn reveals the beauty of Ukraine from a new, more juicy, calm and even mystical side. Today we offer to forget about template routes and discover real unknown pearls, visiting which you can get completely new ones”, — write on: ua.news
When the summer heat gives way to coolness, and the leaves on the trees light up in all shades of yellow, red and crimson, it is the perfect time to travel through Ukraine. Autumn reveals the beauty of Ukraine from a new, more juicy, calm and even mystical side. Today we suggest you forget about standard routes and discover real unknown pearls, visiting which you can get completely new experiences.
The UA.News publication has prepared for you TOP-5 unusual locations where you can go for the weekend. More details – in our material.
Vinnytsia region: Potocki, Groholsky and von Meck manors
Autumn in Vinnytsia is the gold of ancient parks and the history that lives in the ancient palaces of magnates. This route is ideal for those who value inspiration and a cozy atmosphere.
Key points of the route:
Park-palace in Nemyrov is an architectural gem of neoclassicism at the end of the 19th century with a majestic two-story palace and a luxurious park of 85 hectares. More than 150 types of trees and a picturesque pond create the poetry of an autumn mood. The palace is open for walks as part of the “Avangard” sanatorium.
The Groholski estate in Voronovytsia is an elegant palace in the style of early classicism of the 18th century, surrounded by ancient trees and a picturesque park. Now it is a school, but the atmosphere of history is still felt in every hall.
The von Meck manor in Brailov is a palace and park of the second half of the 19th century on the banks of the Riv River, a museum with period interiors associated with Solomiya Krushelnytska and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. It is an important cultural center of the past region.
Lviv Region: “Golden Horseshoe” castles and coffee streets of Lviv
This route is a real feast for deep feelings. Medieval architecture, the taste of authentic coffee and handmade chocolate in the atmosphere of golden autumn parks are waiting for you.
Key points of the route:
Podhortsi is a 17th-century castle with a unique combination of Italian and Dutch fortifications, a baroque church of the Ascension of St. Joseph in the form of a rotunda, and a picturesque park. This location is especially beautiful in autumn thanks to the rich colors of nature.
Oleski Castle is the residence of the Polish king Jan III Sobieski on a hill, with thick walls and authentic interiors that immerse you in the era of chivalry and royal banquets. The autumn gold palette around only enhances the atmosphere.
Lviv is an autumn evening in the old city, which breathes gothic mixed with baroque, in harmony with numerous coffee shops, where you can warm yourself with a cup of aromatic coffee and enjoy the taste of handmade chocolate.
Ivano-Frankivsk region: Manyavsky hermitage, waterfall and Hutsul village
This route will provide incredible photos for memories and complete immersion in the wild nature. It combines mystical rocks, loud waterfalls and a real Hutsul atmosphere.
Key points of the route:
The Manyava Hermitage is known as the “Ukrainian Athos”. The large monastery, built in the middle of the mountains, is especially impressive in autumn with its pastoral style. Frequent fogs in the valley and golden leaves create a slightly surreal, almost mystical picture.
Manyava Waterfall is one of the largest cascading waterfalls in the Carpathians with a height of about 20 meters. It is located in a granite canyon. After the autumn rains, the waterfall becomes full of water, and Christmas trees and old trees around create a unique color. At the foot of the waterfall there is a reservoir with pure mountain water, which, according to local legends, can even rejuvenate. The hiking trail from Manyava village to the waterfall is about 2.5 km, it is very scenic and easy to walk.
The village of Yamne is an authentic Hutsul settlement with workshops and museums, where you can learn about the traditions, crafts and lifestyle of this original people.
Ternopil region: Khrustalna and Optimistichna caves, monastery and lake
This route is for those who want to combine dungeon exploration with peace of mind and walks through autumn landscapes.
Key points of the route:
The Khrustalna (Kryvche village) and Optimistychna caves are one of the largest karst caves in the world with unique labyrinths and crystal clear stalactites. An excursion here is a vivid experience that will definitely be remembered for a long time. To visit the caves, it is recommended not to forget about warm clothes and strong, reliable shoes.
“Zalissya” cave and monastery Vasiliyan are located in the village of Zalissya of Chortkiv district. Here, the underground passageways are filled with an ancient atmosphere of spiritual purity. The rock monastery in Monastyrk, founded in the 9th century inside a cave, next to the 17th century Basilian monastery, is a place with unique energy and an interesting history.
Ternopil Lake is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll after a tour of the caves. Autumn colors around create an atmosphere of harmony, which will help restore strength.
Cherkasy region: Chigyrin, Subotiv, Moryntsi – along the paths of the Cossacks and Shevchenko
This route reveals the greatness of the Cossack era and immerses you in the atmosphere of the life of Veliky Kobzar through the prism of historical monuments of Cherkasy region.
Key points of the route:
The Chigyrin National Historical and Cultural Reserve is an area with a rich history, which includes the city of Chigyrin, the villages of Subotiv, Stetsivka, Medvedivka, and the natural landscapes of Kholodny Yar and Atamansky Park. The Zamkov and Bohdanov mountains are especially impressive: real places of strength, where incredible panoramas of autumn spaces open up. There are five museums in the reserve, including the Bohdan Khmelnytsky Museum and the Archeology Museum, which deepen the understanding of Cossack history and culture.
The village of Subotiv is home to the Illina Church, built in 1653–1656 by order of Hetman Khmelnytskyi. The Orthodox temple was not only a religious center, but also the ancestral tomb of the Hetman family, structurally similar to a fortress with thick walls and loopholes. This is one of the best examples of Ukrainian Baroque. In 1845, Taras Shevchenko visited this village and dedicated a poem to the Illina Church. The temple still impresses with an atmosphere of national dignity and history.
The village of Moryntsi is the museum-manor of Taras Shevchenko. The house where Velikiy Kobzar was born and spent his childhood is recreated here. The exhibition includes household items of the 19th century and gives an insight into the early life and creative heritage of the poet. The surrounding landscapes will help to better understand Shevchenko’s inspiration.
For complete immersion, it is recommended to take an excursion with a guide who will reveal the intricacies of historical events and tell interesting facts that are not always available to independent visitors.
Anita Violina