Skole Beskydy National Nature Park

Dark green fir and spruce forests, which are densely surrounded by friendly, sun-drenched lush meadows. Blooming meadows, red lingonberries, a noisy mountain river that beckons you to plunge into its cool waters. And many healing springs that give youth and health. Skole Beskydy is a land of rugged, majestic mountains that proudly stretch over 35 thousand hectares. Waterfalls, an ancient fortress, forest lakes, springs of healing water, blueberries and leisurely pace - it seems that there is everything you could wish for here...

The Skole Beskydy National Park was created in 1999 to preserve the natural complex. It occupies three districts of the Lviv region - Skole, Drohobych and Turka. The main waterway of the park is the Stryi River, and the second largest is its tributary, the mountain river Opir. The park is famous for its centuries-old spruce, beech and fir forests, which have been preserved in their original form. The territory is divided into several zones: a protected area, an economic zone, a regulated zone, and a stationary recreation zone. The park is quite accessible for tourists, as the Kyiv - Chop highway passes through it. Skole Beskydy is located near such well-known resorts as Slavske, Skole, and Skhidnytsia.

You will find large reserves of mineral water in Skhidnytsia - there are more than 40 springs! You can also go to the valley of the Rybnyk River to get some medicinal mineral water. And just walking through the Carpathian forests, you will definitely come across a spring. For example, there are several places near Skole where you can try Naftusia water.

Kamianka Waterfall is located a few kilometers from the Kyiv-Chop highway, not far from the picturesque village of the same name. The water falls from a height of six meters. Although it is a bit cool, you can swim safely. You can even come under the waterfall's jets: swimming in it is absolutely safe and comfortable. This place is very popular among tourists: it is always crowded near the waterfall. Nearby, there are stalls selling Carpathian souvenirs, honey, wine, mushrooms, and more. The entrance to the waterfall is paid - 6 UAH per person.

Ukrainian Niagara is the name given to this natural wonder. Although the height of the water fall is not so high - about 5 meters - Gurkalo is considered a powerful waterfall. It is especially beautiful in spring.

The highest point of the Skole Beskydy is called Parashka. The height of the mountain peak is 1268 meters. It is from here that the most beautiful panoramas open up and climbing the mountain is popular among tourists. It is also a great place to pick blueberries and lingonberries.

The most interesting attraction of the Skole Beskydy is the fortress, which has partially survived to this day. Every year, Tustan welcomes re-enactors from all over Ukraine and abroad who come here for a medieval festival. The location was not chosen by chance, as it used to be the site of an ancient Russian defense complex and a kind of customs office.

Crane Lake is a short walk from the Kamianka waterfall. Its second name is Dead Lake, as no one lives in the reservoir due to the high hydrogen sulfide content. It is believed that this lake will help you rejuvenate and gain strength. But, to tell the truth, it is now drying up, gradually turning into a swamp. But the Zavadkovske swamp in the park is the only example of lowland bogs where Red Data Book animals and birds have been preserved.

The most famous ski resorts in this region are Slavske and Tysovets. The latter is an international winter sports center. Snowboarders, alpine skiers, biathletes, and freeriders come here every year.

There are many routes of different difficulty levels in the Skole Beskydy. There are at least 11 of them! Some can be overcome by bicycle or car. Many routes start from Skole, or include facilities near the city. For example, "Lopata" is a 12 km route that includes a visit to the Kamianka waterfall and Zhuravlyne Lake. You can go on the ecological and educational route "Butyvlia-Maidan" (28 km), "Buchyna" (1.4 km), "Along the Kamianka River Valley" (4 km), and get to the Dovbush Cliffs.

In early spring, the purple flowers of Heifel's saffron appear from under the snow, followed by the spring snowdrop and snow-white snowdrop. In May, it's time for meadow and forest plants, and in summer, lilies, belladonna, arnica bloom... As soon as autumn appears on the horizon, the mountain meadows change, turning purple... The park is home to 30 species of plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

140 species of birds and 50 species of mammals have found refuge in this untouched corner of nature. Among the ungulates, you have the best chance to meet red deer and roe deer. When camping in the mountains, don't forget about wild pigs, which love the remote areas of spruce and beech forests. Among the rare animals are bison, there are about a dozen of them in the park. There are 20-25 bears in the lands of the Maidansky, Krushelnytsky, and Butyliansky forestries. Among the species listed in the Red Book, there are forest cats and lynxes (up to 20 individuals), otters, and ermines.

In the Beskydy you can meet the Red Book salamander - you should look for it near mountain streams. Don't forget that among the local inhabitants there are vipers and copperheads. You can often see a legless snake-like lizard, the spindleback, which is confused with poisonous snakes and destroyed. The rivers are full of fish: perch, carp, and salmon. Locals catch trout in the mountain rivers. Among the species listed in the Red Book, there is grayling.

Part of the park is reserved for hunting. There are hunting lodges located in Zavadivka, Maidan, Skole, and Pidhorodtsi forestries. Out of 34 species of game animals in Ukraine, 16 can be found in the park's lands. For example, deer, roe deer, wild pig, hare, squirrel, fox, and marten.

The center of the park is located in Skole. It is easy to get here because the Kyiv-Chop highway passes through the town. There is also a railroad, which provides connections to Kyiv, Uzhhorod, Odesa, Lviv, Mukachevo, and other cities. In addition, there are buses. For example, it takes 2.5 hours to get from Lviv by public transport.

There are quite a few famous resorts near the Skole Beskydy, such as Slavske, Skole, Skhidnytsia, as well as small, quiet villages. So the choice of housing is wide, from fashionable cottages and resorts to cozy houses in the private sector. In addition, there are many campsites in the park. The approximate cost of parking is 5 UAH.

You can learn more about the park's hiking trails, history, and inhabitants at its central office in Skole. It is located at 3, Knyazia Sviatoslav Street. Contact phone numbers: (03251) 2-14-11 - reception, (03251) 2-15-65 - scientific department.