Locations that are not inferior to Iceland: natural wonders worth seeing in Ukraine

Ukraine in 2025 will amaze with natural wonders that can compete with Iceland. Find out which locations are worth visiting: from the Carpathians and the Dniester Canyon to the Oleshkiv Sands and the Tunnel of Love, and how to plan the perfect trip to Ukraine

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Ukraine has amazing nature and unique locations that can compete with Iceland in terms of beauty and atmosphere. Here you can find mountains with crystal lakes, deep canyons, majestic waterfalls and even a real desert. If you are looking for beautiful places in Ukraine and are interested in what to see in Ukraine in 2025, you should pay attention to the natural wonders of Ukraine, which captivate even the most experienced travelers.

Read about locations in Ukraine that are not inferior in beauty to Iceland in this article.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine in 2025? A detailed guide in this article.

Read about how to travel between major cities in Ukraine in this article.

Ukrainian Carpathians - mountains and waterfalls that resemble Iceland

The Carpathians are the heart of the wild nature of Ukraine. This is where the legendary natural wonders of Ukraine are located:

- Shypit Waterfall – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ukraine (14 m), located near the village of Pylypets. In spring it is full of water, and in winter it freezes, creating an icy fairy tale.

- Lake Synevyr – the largest mountain lake in Ukraine at an altitude of 989 m. It is also called the “Sea Eye of the Carpathians” because of the incredible reflection of the water.

- The foothills and peaks of the Carpathians are ideal for hiking and panoramic photos.

Why it looks like Iceland: harsh mountains, wild forests, foggy mornings and mountain streams create the atmosphere of a “land of the elements”.

How to get to Ukraine from Europe and the most convenient routes – follow the link.

It is convenient to see the Carpathians as part of tours around Ukraine from Visit Ukraine: these can be weekend tours or multi-day routes with visits to the main locations.

Kamianets-Podilskyi Canyon and Bakota - Ukrainian analogue of fjords

One of the most interesting places to travel is Kamianets-Podilskyi Canyon. Its rocky shores and the depth of the river create the atmosphere of real Icelandic fjords. Nearby is Bakota - a flooded village with incredible views of the Dniester.

- The height of the bank of the Smotrych River Canyon in Kamianets-Podilskyi reaches 50 m, add to this the old town surrounding the river and you will get the impression of a real natural fortress.

- The picturesque rocks of Bakota in combination with the cave monastery are truly breathtaking.

Tours to Ukraine from Visit Ukraine include routes to Kamianets-Podilskyi and Bakota. This is a convenient opportunity to combine history and nature in one trip.

Oleshkivskiy Sands – Ukrainian “desert”

Oleshkivskiy Sands is the largest desert in Europe, striking in its scale and contrast with the green steppes. The atmosphere here is truly different – ​​silence, endless sand and the feeling that you have entered another world. What to see:

- Endless dunes stretching for tens of kilometers.

- Unique flora and fauna – wormwood grows here, rare birds and even steppe foxes can be found.

Important! Currently, Oleshkivskiy Sands is not available for visiting, but it remains a symbol of the natural wonders of Ukraine.

In this material we tell you why it is worth visiting Ukraine.

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Dniester Canyon – the grandeur and tranquility of wild nature

Dniester Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of Ukraine. Its deep banks, picturesque cliffs and vast river landscapes are very reminiscent of Icelandic landscapes. This is one of those beautiful places in Ukraine where nature opens up in all its grandeur. What you can see:

- A canyon over 250 km long with cliffs up to 200 m high.

- Picturesque places for camping and kayaking.

- Rock formations, caves and waterfalls along the river.

As part of the thematic weekend tours Ukraine from Visit Ukraine, you can sail along the river, visit observation decks and take hundreds of impressive photos.

Despite the war, Ukraine remains open to travelers – there are safe regions in the country that continue to welcome tourists. Read here about the most common myths about traveling to Ukraine and the truth behind them.

Tunnel of Love – a natural wonder of Rivne Region

A romantic location that is known all over the world. Green arches created from trees and bushes along the railway track look fabulous at any time of the year. This is a unique location in Ukraine that adds variety to the travel route.

Why it looks like Iceland: this is the case when natural magic creates a unique landscape, like the Icelandic moss plains or volcanic arches.

Gypsum caves of Ternopil region – the underground world of Ukraine

Ukraine has some of the largest gypsum caves in the world. Optimistic cave is the longest in the world, with over 250 km of underground passages. The Crystal Cave amazes with its halls and the light reflected from the plaster. These are real natural wonders of Ukraine, which give the feeling of a different reality.

Why is it similar to Iceland: just like in Iceland with its lava caves, here you can experience another dimension of nature - underground.

How to organize a trip to Ukraine without hassle?

Do you dream of an unforgettable trip to Ukraine? Organizing a trip with Visit Ukraine is quick and easy, because we offer a full range of services for a comfortable and unforgettable vacation:

- Transfer from abroad - we will meet you at any convenient checkpoint for you and organize a safe transfer to your destination.

- Individual routes - we will create a unique route for you, taking into account your interests and wishes.

- Hotel and ticket booking - we will take care of everything: we will book comfortable accommodation for you and buy transport tickets.

- Experienced guides – our qualified guides, who speak several foreign languages, will take you to the most interesting places in Ukraine, share little-known facts and show Ukraine from the inside.

- Insurance – we will help you arrange medical insurance with war risk coverage, which is mandatory for entry and guarantees safety in unforeseen situations.

- The largest base of tours in Ukraine – on the Visit Ukraine platform you will find hundreds of ready-made tours to all regions of the country: from short one-day excursions to large-scale trips around Ukraine.

Ready-made tours in Ukraine from Visit Ukraine will help make your trip comfortable: transport and accommodation are already included, professional guides will tell legends and stories, well-thought-out routes cover the most interesting places to travel, there are options for families, couples and groups of friends.

If you are looking for a place to relax in Ukraine in 2025 – choose unique locations in Ukraine. They are not inferior to Iceland in beauty and energy, but are much easier to access.

Plan your trip to Ukraine with Visit Ukraine and discover the natural wonders of Ukraine this year!

Let us remind you! Thanks to cultural tours in Ukraine, you can not only see beautiful places, but also touch the depths of the national culture, immersing yourself in its history and traditions. Visit Ukraine will help you realize these trips as comfortably and interestingly as possible, providing unforgettable impressions from every moment of your tour. We have already told you how to go on cultural tours in Ukraine and explore castles, cathedrals and ancient traditions.

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