10 highlights of Transcarpathia (winter version)

Among the picturesque Carpathian mountains, there is one of the most beautiful and romantic palaces of the country. The hunting palace of the Schonborn Counts (1890) invites you into its fairy tale. It looks at you with its 365 windows and welcomes through its 12 entrances into 52 rooms.  A beautiful park with many exotic plants surrounds the palace.

Here on a single volcanic mountain, there is the most powerful fortress in Ukraine – the castle Palanok (XIV century), which was erected by Prince Fedir Koriatovych and covered with heroic glory by Princess Ilona Zrini. If you have free time in Mukachevo, you can see many other attractions: the chapel of St. Martyn (XIV century), the Palace of Rakotsi (1663) and a beautiful green Town Hall (1903).

The capital of Hungarian Ukraine — 'Beregsas' is famous for its pools with unique thermal water that rises from a depth of 1,600 m and treats from 86 diseases; its analogues are found only in New Zealand. The town has also got several architectural highlights: the Gothic Church of All Saints (1370), the Church of Reformers (XV century), the Count's court — the estate of Prince Betleni (1629), the majestic building of the Imperial court (1908) and the casino “Zolota Pava”.

The surroundings of Berehovo have long been known all over the world for their wines, which have a wonderful aroma and rich flavor. This is due to the volcanic rocks on which the grapes grow and the energy of the sun because this place has the largest number of sunny days in Transcarpathia.

The first mention of this eternal border town on the river Uzh dates back to 872; it will fascinate even the most demanding tourist with its charm and flavour. Walk along the historic street of the city — Korzo, see the most famous temple of the city — the Cathedral of the Holy Cross (1841), the Roman Catholic Church of St. George (1775), one of the oldest castles in Ukraine (XIV century) and the Transcarpathian Museum of Folk Architecture and Life (Skansen). And be sure to visit the cult tavern “Detsa U Notaria”.

At the foot of the largest valley of the Ukrainian Carpathians Runa, there is a balneotherapy resort of Lumshory, known since the XVII century. Here Paradise-like beauty of nature and elements of hell closely intertwine.  You will be "boiled" in huge metal vats over low heat in mineral hydrogen sulphide water. For greater enjoyment, you can alternate "boiling" in it with bathing in cold water. Such relaxation except for unforgettable impressions leads to improvement of the musculoskeletal system and rejuvenates the body for ten years.

It is the capital of vine-weaving in Ukraine. In the village, you can buy a variety of souvenirs made of the vine from ordinary applied ones to real works of art. You should also visit the deer farm, where more than a hundred spotted deer bring great joy to visitors.

At the foot of the Carpathians, in a private "Baranovo" dairy everyone can taste and buy different varieties of sheep and cow cheese: budz, bryndza, vurda. Iza is also the capital of willow weaving in Ukraine. Passing through the village you can buy a variety of souvenirs made from vine, from simple everyday objects to real works of art.

In Iza, you can visit a deer farm, with more than three hundred spotted deer live on 57 hectares of pasture. You can feed the deers with special food purchased on site and take photos with these peaceful animals.

It is a picturesque Carpathian town, near which there is the mountain Makovytsia (750m). You can get to its top in a cable car-chair lift. From its top, you can admire magnificent views of the Carpathian ranges Borzhava and Gorgany, as well as meanders of the river Rika.

Here, from a height of 15 meters, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ukraine – the waterfall Shypit – throws its water with many fascinating cascades between the rocks into the picturesque mountain valley. It originates from an immense underground source, so-called “sea eye”, in one of the most beautiful places in the Ukrainian Carpathians – Borzhava meadow. Staying here is a great way to have a break from civilization and get new vitality.