Водоспад Шипіт вважається одним із семи нерукотворних чудес України, адже саме цей водоспад є найкрасивішим і найвідвідуванішим водограєм Закарпаття, милуватися яким можна у будь-яку пору року. Він кожного разу зачаровує своїх відвідувачів неповторними звуками та неймовірно мальовничою навколишньою природою.
The Shypit Waterfall is located on one of the northern slopes of the Borzhava meadow at the foot of Mount Hemba (1491 m) on the Ploshanka River, which originates from underground springs on Mount Velykyi Verkh (1598 m). Starting its journey high in the mountains, the stream flows down a picturesque gorge, merging with other small streams. At one of the steep descents, Ploshanka forms an incredibly beautiful 14-meter waterfall, made up of numerous picturesque cascades.
Every year, a huge number of tourists come to see such a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Although Shypit is beautiful at any time of the year, in the summer, especially during drought, the mighty waterfall turns into a small stream that trickles down over several rock ledges. In winter, the cascade is partially frozen, creating bizarre figures.
However, Shypit is most attractive to tourists in spring, when the snow begins to melt on Borzhava, or in autumn, when the mountains are drenched with heavy autumn rains. It is during this time that the full-flowing handsome waterfall sounds loudly throughout the surroundings, as if telling its listeners an ancient legend, or perhaps a tragic love story...
Waterfall Legend
Long ago, in the village of Pylypets, there lived two families. In the wealthier family, there grew a beautiful daughter, Marichka, the true pride of her parents. Being both noble and kind, the girl attracted many wealthy suitors. However, Marichka loved Ivanko, who came from a poor family. To keep their feelings secret from their parents and prevent them from separating, the lovers decided to meet in secret, and the foot of Mount Velykyi Verkh became the place for their frequent romantic encounters, where only nature could witness their meetings.
However, no matter how much Marichka and Ivanko tried to hide their feelings from outsiders, "you can't hide a needle in a haystack." Their love was discovered by the girl's mother. One day, she followed her daughter when she went to meet Ivanko. In a fit of rage, she began to scold the lovers. During that scolding, the sky thundered, lightning appeared, and a terrible downpour began. The turbulent muddy stream suddenly swept the young man and the girl away into the abyss. At first, Ivanko and Marichka held tightly to each other's hands, but the waterfall forcefully separated their hands and threw them in opposite directions.
Since then, the mother, who witnessed the terrible tragedy, came to the waterfall every day. Until one night, on the eve of Ivan Kupala, she heard her daughter's voice whispering to her beloved. Shocked and overwhelmed with grief, the mother shouted loudly: "Do you hear the whisper? They are whispering to each other!" Since then, the waterfall has been called "Shypit."
However, there is another version of the origin of the waterfall's name, which is not as romantic as the previous one, according to which the name "Shypit" was given to it for its loud voice, which can be heard from a distance like a human whisper.
Shypit Festival
Shypit is also popular due to the namesake subculture festival held in a glade near the waterfall since 1993. Since then, numerous nonconformists from all corners of the world gather for the celebration, which lasts from July 1 to July 7. During the festival, on the night of Ivan Kupala, exciting fairy-tale events with local traditions and special color take place by the waterfall.
The celebrations are very loud, so knowledgeable people say that for those who seek peace and comfort, as well as for families with small children, the beginning of July is not the best time to get acquainted with Shypit, as it is noisy and not always clean, and festival guests love to delight (or not delight, depending on one's perspective :-) ) others by relaxing in Adam and Eve costumes.
