Top 8 best routes in the Carpathians in the summer of 2025

The Carpathians are famous for the wealth of natural landscapes, the cleanest air, ringing waterfalls, mineral water springs and transparent rivers. Fantastic nature and developed infrastructure make it an ideal place for hiking. Find out which routes are the most popular among tourists

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The Ukrainian Carpathians are not just mountains. They are dawns that cut through the misty peaks, clean air that heals, and trails that lead to the real you. If you are looking for a reboot, inspiration, new experiences, or just an escape from the city noise, climbing the most beautiful Carpathian peaks will be the perfect choice. In this selection, we have collected the most interesting routes - from easy to more difficult, but each of them gives unique views, legends, peace, and drive at the same time.

Ascent to Hoverla

- Height: 2061 m.

- Duration: 5-6 hours of active walking.

- Distance: 20 km.

Hoverla is the highest point of Ukraine and one of the most popular peaks of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It is located on the border of Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, on the high-mountainous Black Mountain Carpathian ridge. Tourists who will go on a hike to Hoverla will be able to walk through a zone of forest, alpine meadows, shrubs, see stone outcrops, a variety of rare vegetation, as well as the sources of the Prut River. Also, most travelers are attracted here by fantastic landscapes and mysterious local nature.

Dovbush Trail and Makovitsa Mountain

- Height: 984 m.

- Duration: 4-5 hours.

- Distance: 10 km.

The route to the natural complex of stone caves and the artistic-memorial complex "Trails of Dovbush" is one of the most popular in Yaremcha and has more than a century of history. The path winds up the mountain between the beech-juniper-spruce forest. On the way you will meet the works of local masters dedicated to Dovbush and you will be able to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the distant past and make your vacation in the Carpathians interesting and informative.

Above, a winding stone path climbs over the rocks of Dovbush and goes in a winding serpentine to Mount Makovytsia (984 m), which belongs to the Gorgana mountain massif. The mountain offers a view of villages and towns, Hoverla with Petros, as well as Sinyak and Khomyak. This route is very easy and suitable even for beginners, because it does not require special physical training. You can also visit the Dovbush trails as part of the “Carpathian Relax Tour”.

Shpytsy Mountain and Nesamovyte Lake

- Height of Shpytsy Mountain: 1863 m

- Height of Nesamovyte Lake: 1750 m

- Duration: 1 day

- Distance: about 13 km

This route is ideal for those who want to combine active recreation with enjoyment of picturesque Carpathian landscapes.

Shpytsy Mountain impresses with its rocky ledges, resembling giant spires rising into the sky. These unique geological formations create a unique landscape that leaves unforgettable impressions.

Lake Nesamovyte is one of the highest mountain lakes in the Ukrainian Carpathians, located at an altitude of 1750 m above sea level. The lake is of glacial origin and is fed mainly by atmospheric precipitation.

During the hike, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Chornohirsky Range, see the unique flora and fauna of the Carpathian National Nature Park, and also feel the real atmosphere of mountain nature.

This route is suitable for tourists with an average level of physical fitness and a desire to discover the beauty of the Ukrainian Carpathians.

If you are looking for an idea for your next trip to the Carpathians, pay attention to the author's hiking tours from Visit Ukraine, which combine a safe route, guide support and maximum emotions from wild nature.

Gorgans

- Ridge height: 1500 m.

- Duration: 1 day.

- Distance: 14-24 km.

The Gorgana ski massif is a popular destination for one-day hikes. Tourists are amazed by the amazing landscapes here - massifs with mounds of gray-green stones, which were formed by an ancient glacier. They are covered with thickets of alpine pine and juniper.

However, taking into account the rocky landscape, tourists who decide to go on a hike here should choose trekking shoes and carefully monitor the weather (it is better not to climb in the rain).

Climbing Mount Petros

- Height of the mountain: 2020 m.

- Duration: up to 2 days.

- Distance: 32 km.

Tourists planning a long-term hike in the Carpathians will be interested in climbing to the top of Petros. The local nature surprises with its emerald spruces and pines. In the summer, blueberries grow here in abundance.

In good weather, the ascent will open up wide panoramas of the surrounding mountains: Gorgany, Marmarosi and Svydovetsky ridge. There is a chapel on the top of Petros, which becomes a shelter and salvation for travelers from bad weather (strong winds often blow on the mountain and rain and thunderstorms pour down). From the top of Petros you can see Hoverla and the entire Black Mountain range.

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Climbing Khomyak

- Height: 1542 m

- Duration: 7–8 hours

- Distance: 6–8 km

Mount Khomyak is one of the most popular peaks of the Ukrainian Carpathians among beginners. The hike starts from Tatariv and goes through the forest, meadows and rocky ascent. At the top, a spectacular panorama of Hoverla, Petros and the outskirts of Bukovel opens. There is a statue of the Virgin Mary here, and nearby is the Zhenetsky Guk waterfall.

The tour is ideal for a one-day rest, recharge and first mountain impressions.

Hiking to Voevodyn waterfall

- Height of the waterfall: 24 m.

- Duration: 1 day.

- Distance: approximately 8 km.

Voevodyn waterfall is a hidden gem of Transcarpathia, located 12 km north of the village of Turya Polyana. This multi-cascade waterfall, falling from a height of 24 meters, amazes with its natural beauty and tranquility. The route to the waterfall runs along a picturesque mountain river with rocky banks, which makes the hike especially pleasant and accessible to everyone, regardless of the level of physical fitness.

During the trip, you can enjoy clean air, emerald forests and the opportunity to see rare birds such as the golden eagle or peregrine falcon. Near the waterfall itself there are comfortable places for rest and picnic, where you can have a snack and take unforgettable photos for memory.

This one-day hike is ideal for families with children, couples and anyone who wants to feel harmony with nature and escape from the city bustle.

Lake Synevyr and Shypit Waterfall

- Height: 989 m

- Duration: 1 day

This tour is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Carpathians in one day. You will visit:

- Lake Synevyr – the largest high-altitude lake in Ukraine, known for its crystal clear water and an island in the middle that resembles the “eye of the sea”. The lake is located at an altitude of 989 m above sea level and has a maximum depth of 24 m.

- Shypit Waterfall – a cascading waterfall 14 m high, located at the foot of Mount Gimba. This is one of the most popular places for tourists in Transcarpathia.

- Brown Bear Rehabilitation Center – a unique facility where you can see these majestic animals in natural conditions.

- Mount Makovytsia – an easy climb with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and villages.

Each route in the Carpathians is not just a distance covered, but a story that you write with every step. This is the moment when you stop at the top, look around – and understand: you are exactly where you should be. The Carpathians give a feeling of strength, inner harmony and remind you of how beautiful Ukraine can be.

Don't put off your mountain experience for later!

Book tours to the Carpathians today at Visit Ukraine - we will take care of your safety, comfort and the best impressions.

Choose the route you like: Hoverla, Petros, Shpytsy, Lake Nesamovyte or Synevyr - and go on an adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime!

Let us remind you! If you are looking for peace and nature, the ideal places for this are the Carpathian villages, where you can combine active recreation with relaxation. The choice of routes is wide: from healing thermal waters to excursions to historical places. We have already talked about the best villages in the Carpathians for relaxation in the summer of 2025.

We wish you a good trip!

Photo: Mariya Oliynyk / Unsplash

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