The Ukrainian Carpathians form the easternmost arc of the Carpathian mountain range, running through the western oblasts of Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, and Chernivtsi. They are lower and gentler than the Alps — the highest peak, Mount Hoverla, reaches only 2,061 metres — but they are beautifully forested, sparsely populated, and refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
The landscape is a mix of beech and coniferous forests, alpine meadows (polonyny), fast-flowing rivers, and scattered Hutsul villages where traditional wooden architecture and folk culture survive. The Hutsul people, the mountain-dwelling Ukrainians of this region, maintain distinct traditions in music, woodcarving, embroidery, and cuisine. Mineral springs are abundant, and several small spa resorts dot the valleys.
Vorokhta is a popular base for hiking Mount Hoverla. The mountains offer skiing in winter (basic by Alpine standards but improving), and the countryside is idyllic for walking in summer and autumn. Getting around is easiest by bus or minibus — local trains exist but are slow.
