Without tourists and hustle and bustle: what surprises does winter Tustan have in store?

During the cold season, famous tourist destinations in Lviv region reveal a completely different side of themselves — without queues, noise, and rush. It is in winter that you can truly appreciate places with a truly impressive atmosphere. Learn more about winter Tustan, its special tranquillity, fairy-tale landscapes, and the challenges of independent travel

Choose a tour in Ukraine for any taste

CHOOSE A TOUR

People are writing more and more about travelling in Ukraine not only in summer but also in winter. This has been mentioned several times in UNIAN Tourism. It is the cold season that reveals familiar places from an unexpected angle. One such location is Tustan — in winter it looks almost unreal, but it also has its nuances.

We will tell you more about the winter atmosphere, the peculiarities of visiting, and the difficulties of getting there in this article.

When rocks become a real fairy tale

In the winter months, Tustan changes dramatically. The stone massifs rising above the forest near Urych are covered with snow and silence. Here, you no longer hear the voices of tour groups, you don't have to wait your turn to take a photo, and you don't have to constantly dodge other tourists on narrow paths. Instead, there is peace, frosty air, and the feeling that you have found yourself in a completely different time.

It is in winter that the scale of the place is best felt: the snow emphasises the shape of the rocks, and the forest around seems endless. In favourable weather, the walk turns into a meditative route, where nature itself becomes the main ‘attraction’.

Photo: Tustan

Unforgettable views of Tustan

Although the wooden fortress has not survived, history can literally be read from the stones here. Information stands have been set up on the territory to help visitors imagine how a fortress city and customs post existed on the rocks in the Middle Ages. In winter, this history is perceived even more deeply — without haste or noise.

For those who want to delve deeper into the past, modern augmented reality tools are available. They allow you to see what Tustan might have looked like a century ago, simply while walking among the snow-covered rocks.

About key tourist locations in Lviv region that are worth visiting in 2026, we told in the previous article.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Winter walk: what to consider?

The cold season requires preparation. Slippery rocks, snow, and wind make the route more difficult than in warm weather. Comfortable warm shoes and clothing are a must. In winter, it is better to plan shorter walks and keep a close eye on the weather, as some routes may be difficult to navigate.

At the same time, even a short stay here leaves a strong impression: the silence, space and lack of hustle and bustle compensate for all the everyday inconveniences.

Photo: Karpatium

The biggest drawback — the road

Getting to Tustan on your own in winter remains a difficult task. There is almost no regular public transport directly to Urych, and seasonal buses run on a limited basis or not at all. Most often, tourists have to combine their trip: first, get to the nearby resort towns, and then take a taxi.

Because of this, Tustan remains almost deserted in winter, as not everyone is willing to spend time and energy on complicated logistics, especially without their own car.

Current prices and opening hours for the Tustan Fortress Reserve can be found on the official website.

If you want to see winter Tustan without the stress of transport and planning, you should consider organised trips around Lviv region. The Visit Ukraine portal offers tours that allow you to comfortably reach the region's iconic locations, enjoy nature and not worry about the way back.

Winter Tustan is ideal for those who appreciate peace and quiet, atmosphere, and the real Carpathians without crowds. If you want to get the most out of your experience without any hassle, choose a tour of Lviv Region on Visit Ukraine and discover this region during the most peaceful time of the year.

Reminder! Bukovel in winter attracts visitors with its variety of slopes, high-quality infrastructure, and the special atmosphere of the Carpathians. Here, it is easy to combine peaceful skiing with exciting adrenaline-filled descents. We tell you about the ski season in Bukovel and how to choose a slope for your level here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.