Raiskyi Kutochok Buffalo Eco-Farm, Horinchovo

"Raiskyi Kutochok" eco-farm ("Paradise Corner") in Horinchovo near Khust is one of the best-known buffalo farms in Zakarpattia. It grew from a handful of animals into a herd of several dozen Carpathian buffaloes and later added deer, an ostrich, peacocks and other birds. It is a family outing among animals and a food stop at the same time: here you can taste rare products made from buffalo milk and meat.

The Carpathian buffalo — living local history

For centuries buffaloes lived in Transcarpathian villages, kept for their rich, nourishing milk and as draught animals. In Soviet times their numbers collapsed, and today the Carpathian buffalo is a rare local breed being revived by enthusiasts. "Raiskyi Kutochok" is one of the farms where these massive, calm animals graze the meadows again. The biggest bulls weigh over a tonne yet are remarkably peaceful: by day the herd grazes or rests in the shade of an old walnut tree, and in hot weather happily lies in the water.

What to see on the farm

Tours usually start in the tasting hall, after which a local guide takes you around. The programme suits both adults and children:

• the buffalo herd — seen up close and, with the staff's permission, even petted;
• a spotted-deer enclosure;
• an ostrich, peacocks, pheasants, domestic and wild ducks and other birds;
• Mangalica pigs and other residents (the line-up changes over the years).

For children it is a chance to see animals unusual for the Carpathians; for adults, a chance to talk with people who work with buffaloes every day and learn how their milk differs from cow's milk.

Buffalo-milk tasting

The main culinary draw is the buffalo products tasting. The dairy plate usually includes buffalo milk, condensed milk, butter, sour cream, several cheeses, cottage cheese and buffalo brynza. There is also a meat set: basturma, sujuk, homemade sausages, pâté, plus Mangalica lard and sausages. Some products are sold to take away; in season the farm has also sold ostrich eggs. Buffalo milk is noticeably richer and sweeter than cow's milk, and its cheeses have a tender, creamy texture worth trying even if you are not a dairy fan.

Practical information

• Address: Horinchovo, "Na Toku" area (Nezalezhnosti Street), Khust district. Turn off the main road at the village sign.
• Booking phones: +38 067 756 52 44, +38 067 384 22 24.
• Social media: facebook.com/ecoferma.rk, instagram.com/ecoferma.rk.
• Hours: in 2020 the farm welcomed guests daily from morning until late evening; check the current schedule and prices for the tour and tasting sets by phone.

Groups, including school groups, should book ahead. Remember it is a working farm: approach the animals only together with the staff.

Getting there

Horinchovo lies on the road from Khust to Mizhhiria, about 10 km from Khust. By car, head from Khust towards Mizhhiria; the farm is on the edge of the village, with the turn by the village sign. Khust is reachable by train or bus, then by local minibus towards Horinchovo or by taxi.

Website and social media: facebook.com · instagram.com

Photos: huledza.guide; kert.com.ua.