10 Best Tourist Routes for a Road Trip Across Ukraine

Traveling by car has many advantages, especially for those planning to spend their holiday in our rather large country. So for those who want to spend their time well, but cannot build a route that will be as interesting and varied as possible, we offer a selection of 10 best tourist routes for traveling by car across Ukraine.

Stone Beauty
Main route cities: Lviv — Urych (118 km — about 2 hours), Urych — Rozgirche (65 km — about 1 hour), Rozgirche — Bubnyshche (43 km — about 1 hour).

If you enjoy admiring the beauty and grandeur of mountains and rocks, then the tourist route “Stone Beauty” is ideal for you. The amazing journey will begin at Devil's Rocks, near Lviv, where there is a rock complex of the 19th-20th centuries. Its stone was used to build Lviv roads and houses. According to legend, the rocks were formed from the stone the devil was carrying to destroy St. George's Cathedral. But the morning crowing of roosters stopped him on the way, forcing the evil spirit to suddenly drop this stone just outside Lviv. 
A two-hour drive from Lviv is the village of Urych, where the ancient Tustan Fort was built. Historians believe that there was once a checkpoint between principalities here during the time of Kyivan Rus. The remains of the fort have no analogues in Europe, which is why Tustan was included in the State Historical and Cultural Reserve. 
In the village of Rozgirche, you will get acquainted with ancient caves that were built before our era. The caves contain a monastic complex dated to the 13th-16th centuries. One version holds that this territory was used by pagans, and the monastery itself was founded by Kyiv monks. 
Not far from the settlement of Bubnyshche are the famous Dovbush Rocks — a place of energy, where anyone who wishes can not only look at the towering stone blocks but also change their destiny. According to legend, Dovbush's treasures are hidden here, and touching the Stone of Eternity gives a person Dovbush's courage. Anyone who can pass through Devil's Crack, 22 cm wide, has a chance to be cleansed of sins. It is truly an unusual place and ideal for morning meditations or rock climbing. 

Mysterious Vinnytsia Region
Main route cities: Vinnytsia-Tulchyn (84 km — 1 hour 15 minutes), Tulchyn — Busha (100 km — about 2 hours), Busha — Nahoriany (70 km — 90 minutes).

We suggest creating a tourist route past the most mysterious cities of Ukraine. Cozy and beautiful Vinnytsia stands out not only for its sights and the country's largest light-and-music fountain, but also for the huge number of legends and mysteries connected with the place where Pirogov worked and lived. The famous surgeon lived in the Vyshnia estate. Many stories testify to his talent. Perhaps because of the special energy, Pirogov's body still looks well preserved despite how long ago he died. You can see Pirogov himself in the Mykolaiv Church-Necropolis, located next to his estate. 
One of Tulchyn's famous sights tells the story of how and where Count Potocki invested his money. His estate still impresses with its grandeur, emphasized by a facade decorated with a colonnade of towering columns. However, not only the history of the 18th-century estate is interesting, but also the system of underground passages built beneath the palace. It is rumored that monks-alchemists who produced gold for Potocki lived here. Whether this was really the count's secret to wealth or not is worth finding out in person.
One of Vinnytsia Region's picturesque villages — Busha — will turn your view of the world upside down and give you much new knowledge, ideas and strength. This is a place where the cultures of different eras and centuries intertwine, where remains of the ancient Rus', Scythian, Trypillian and Chernyakhiv cultures have been found. Yet it is especially striking for the largest cave temple in Europe, rock frescoes and inscriptions that speak of the culture of past times.
In the village of Nahoriany, you will see limestone caves. Their age is not known for certain, but historians say that they will be the “grandfather” of Stonehenge and the only Celtic megalithic structure in all of Eastern Europe.

Ancient Castles of Zakarpattia
Main route cities: Uzhhorod — Nevytske (11 km — 13 min), Nevytske — Mukachevo (48 km — 40 min), Mukachevo — Chynadiieve (10 km — 13 min), Chynadiieve — Karpaty (8 km — 10 min).

Ancient Castles Zakarpattia is one of the popular car routes, attracting visitors with the chance to learn the secrets of the most famous castles of Western Ukraine. In Uzhhorod, you will get acquainted with a 11th-century fortress. It has a tragic history that has become a magnet for most tourists.
Right beyond the village of Nevytske rise the ruins of Anna Ruhet's castle, of which only parts of the fortifications and towers remain. It is said that the owner had the nickname the Cruel Maiden, which is associated with her cruel treatment of young girls.
Palanok Castle is not only the oldest building, but also the main tourist site in Mukachevo. The majestic structure rises on a volcano-origin hill, is surrounded by a deep moat and has 15 bastions and towers. In the castle, sharp logs — palanky — were driven into the ground, giving this 14th-17th-century historical monument its unusual name. There are many legends about Palanok Castle that tell of its tragic history.
The next stop on the route is the favorite village of newlyweds, the village of Chynadiieve. Here, in one of Ukraine’s romantic fortresses called Saint Miklosh, wedding ceremonies are held regularly. The two-story building is built of white stone, and its red roof stands out among the greenery, drawing travelers’ attention. And although the fortress changed many owners over the years, it managed to preserve its appearance well.
The final part of the journey is a trip along the Latorytsia River into the very heart of the Carpathians. After crossing the Matekova River, you will find yourself among the dense green spruce trees, where you can enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes and feel the energy of the Carpathian Mountains. 

Amazing Places of Western Ukraine
Main route cities: Kamianets-Podilskyi — Khotyn (27 km — 30 min), Khotyn — Krychve (47 km — 50 min).

This tourist route will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. A short car trip will make it possible to get acquainted with many interesting locations.
In Kamianets-Podilskyi, an enormous number of monuments from the XIV-XVI centuries await you, among which the city’s symbol deserves attention — Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress, where the film Taras Bulba was shot. Getting to know the beautiful historical monuments that have been preserved to our time will be no less interesting: the triumphal arch, old mansions, cathedrals, the Turkish bastion, and churches.
The next stop on the route is the city of Khotyn, home to one of the seven wonders of the world — Khotyn Fortress, dated to the VI century. This is a unique place where one cannot help but feel the strength of spirit of the Ukrainian lands and the grandeur of ancient Kyivan Rus.
The small village of Krychve became known thanks to one of the longest and deepest caves in Ukraine — Crystal Cave. Its length reaches 23 km, and its depth is 40 m. The cave walls are covered with crystal of natural origin, which is why the cave got this name.

European Charm of Prykarpattia
Main route cities: Chernivtsi-Zalishchyky (48 km — 50 min), Zalishchyky-Nyrkiv (28 km — 35 min).

For those who want a trip around Ukraine that is not too long, yet as interesting as possible, the route from Chernivtsi to Nyrkiv is ideal. Such a journey will allow you to feel the distinctive European charm of Prykarpattia, get better acquainted with one of the most popular tourist cities in Ukraine, and see the luxurious former residence of the metropolitans. 
In Chernivtsi, you will encounter old landmarks, have the chance to visit churches and cathedrals, see the first stone house, and simply stroll along cozy streets paved with cobblestones.
The next location on the route is Zalishchyky — a peninsula city, wrapped by the course of the Dnister River. It was once a well-known Polish resort where trade and crafts flourished. Today, Zalishchyky is a developed district center of Ternopil Oblast, with many interesting 19th-century architectural landmarks: the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, the Brunicki Barons’ Palace, the synagogue, the People’s House, and others. 
Getting acquainted with the village of Nyrkiv will be no less interesting. In Ternopil Oblast, it is known for the healing waters of the largest lowland waterfall in Ukraine. In the XIX century, there was a mill here, and later a hydroelectric power plant, which has not survived to this day. However, its absence allows tourists to confidently take baths or arrange an imaginary hydromassage while standing under the rushing waterfall stream. Near this location are the Hermit’s Cave and the Maiden’s Tears waterfall. Those who want to admire the beauty of the Middle Ages should drive to Chervonohorod Castle, built in the Gothic style, to see the remains of the Dominican church and admire the captivating views.

Architectural Gems of Chernihiv Oblast

Main route cities: Baturyn — Trostianets (229 km — 3 h 30 min), Trostianets — Sokyryntsi (207 km — about 3 h), Sokyryntsi — Kachanivka (40 km — 45 min).

The town of Baturyn in Chernihiv Oblast is famous for its beautiful views, but many people remember it thanks to the Hetman’s Capital National Preserve. Here you can get acquainted with the palace of Hetman Kyrylo Rozumovskyi, visit the archaeology museum, or learn the secrets of Kochubeivskyi Park.
The castle-like Round Courtyard is the hallmark of the town of Trostianets. It impresses not only with its age, but also with its unique architecture. There are no similar buildings in Ukraine among 18th-century structures. Nearby is the Prince’s Palace of Vasyl Golitsyn, where music once rang out several centuries ago and the owners entertained guests in the dance hall. A true work of architecture is the Annunciation Church, built using shaped brick and various decorative elements.
The luxurious two-story palace in the Empire style is the main landmark of the small and cozy town of Sokyryntsi. The building impresses with its grandeur and beauty. The main facade is decorated with arched openings and a columnade of the Ionic order, and the rear facade has a ramp leading from the second floor to an enormous English-style landscape park. Among the preserved structures of the park are a cozy gazebo and an unusual Gothic bridge.
In the town of Kachanivka is the eponymous historical and cultural reserve, which became a place where well-known Ukrainian figures stayed. Nearby is a cascade of 12 lakes and a large park where tourists are allowed not only to walk, but also to have picnics.

Along the Paths of History
Main route cities: Korosten-Novograd-Volynskyi (101 km — 1 h 45 min), Novograd-Volynskyi — Korets (37 km — 37 min).

Have you ever been to the land of porcelain? If not, the ready-made “Historical Paths” tourist route will let you see not only the city where porcelain was once made, but also the largest monument to the potato pancake in Ukraine. 
The must-see places in Korosten are Ostrozkyi Park, which lies on the slope of a granite cliff; the secretive oldest structure, “Skelia”; the monument to the trident, and many other interesting historical monuments. 
It is best to view Novograd-Volynskyi from the platform of Zviahil Fortress of the 16th century. We recommend checking the time with the sundial on the square in front of the city council, and having a picnic on the bank of the Sluch River.
The unique city of Korets will introduce you to the ruins of Korets Castle, built back in 1386. Here you can walk through the corners of the underground passages and imagine what the majestic structure looked like several centuries ago. Worth noting is the Holy Trinity Convent for Women, which, despite the Soviet authorities’ ban, still operated during the harsh Soviet years. A striking example of decommunization is the monument to T. Shevchenko. In fact, it is the former monument to Lenin, in which the head was replaced with the head of the Kobzar.

Pearls of Central Ukraine
Main cities on the route: Kyiv — Buki (110 km — about 2 hr), Buki — Uman (150 km — about 2 hr).

The capital of Ukraine — is one of the few cities that will impress you both with its size and with the pace of life. But Kyiv is interesting not only for its busy life, but also for its historical and architectural sights. Here it is worth seeing the spiritual center of Ukraine — the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, strolling down Andriivskyi Descent, and looking at the city from the height of the tallest monument in Ukraine — Motherland. You can learn a great deal from excursions to numerous museums or treat yourself to an action-packed vacation with all-terrain vehicles, aquasurfing, and many other forms of entertainment.
We suggest continuing the trip by car to the splendid town of Buki. Here is a beautiful landscape park, created in 1996 by entrepreneur I. Suslov. The park is an example of how, on the site of a large landfill, one can create one of the most beautiful parks in Ukraine. Here you will find a variety of rare plant species, a mini-zoo, fountains, places to relax, and a chapel. 
Want to see what people are capable of for the sake of their loved ones? Continue the trip to Uman. This city is known not only for the annual gatherings of Hasidim, but also for the incredibly beautiful dendrological park Sofiivka, whose area is almost 180 ha. It was designed at Count Potocki’s wish, when in 1796 he decided to make a gift for his beloved wife Sofia. Diverse landscapes, numerous cozy places, beautiful views, sweet scents of blooming flowers — this place leaves no visitor indifferent. 

Lviv and its surroundings
Main cities on the route: Lviv — Zhovkva (30 km — 40 min), Zhovkva — Krekhiv (12 km — 14 min), Krekhiv - Stare Selo (64 km — about 1 hr).

Zhovkva is a small town near Lviv, surpassed by it only in size and number of tourists. In fact, Zhovkva also has plenty of historical sights, castles, and monasteries. It has an equally romantic atmosphere, ideal for leisurely romantic walks.
Just 3 km from the village of Krekhiv there is an ancient monastery of the defensive type. This is a unique structure that has preserved its original beauty and uniqueness for hundreds of years. 
Stare Selo is a place that knows how to surprise. It was here that one of the largest castles in the Lviv region, Stare Selo Castle, was built. And although the building has a partly ruined appearance, it still impresses with the beauty and harmony of the architectural features of Eastern European Renaissance. If you want striking photos, then definitely by Stare Selo Castle!

Carpathian beauty

Main cities on the route: Skole — Bubnyshche (29 km — about 80 min), Bubnyshche — Starunia (117 km — 2 hr), Starunia — Synevyr (194 km — 3 hr 30 min).

Near the picturesque town of Skole, located in Lviv Oblast, there is one of the most beautiful national nature parks, “Skolivski Beskydy.” The area impresses with its beauty. Here you can look from Mount Parashka (1268 m) at the nearest villages and even at Lviv. You can get acquainted with endangered plant species already listed in the Red Book and swim in the “bowl of youth” at the foot of the Hurkalo Waterfall. 
The next stop on our ready-made tourist route is the Dovbush Rocks. Around this place, many stories and legends circulate. One of them says the place is endowed with extraordinary power. Everyone who comes here can cleanse themselves of sins and gain the spirit of Dovbush himself. 
In the small village of Starunia there is Ukraine’s unique active volcano — the Starunia mud volcano. It reacts to any seismic activity, which activates it and causes violent emissions of gas, mud, and oil. Starunia’s “eternal fire” is the work of local residents, who set fire to the volcano crater to avoid excessive gas pollution in the region.
The decoration of Western Ukraine — Synevyr Lake. It impresses with its size and crystal-clear water, which reflects the surrounding nature like a mirror. The lake’s name is linked to the love story of Count Syn’s daughter and the poor shepherd Vir. You can learn more from local residents, who can offer accommodation so you can stay longer in this beautiful place.