Visit Ukraine - Dovbush's Rocks: Are you ready to find the opryshky's treasure?

en

ru
UA
de

en

ru
UA
de

3 min

09 Oct. 2024

683

Dovbush's Rocks: Are you ready to find the opryshky's treasure?

Explore Ukraine

Popular

Travel

Tourists in Ukraine

Ukraine

Table of contents

What do you know about the geography of Dovbush Rocks?
Interesting facts about the Dovbush rocks
What is known about the history of the Dovbush rocks?
What are the most famous hiking routes to the Dovbush cliffs?
How much does it cost to visit the Dovbush Rocks Reserve?
How to get to Dovbush's Rocks?

Share:

Dovbush's Rocks: Are you ready to find the opryshky's treasure?

The Bubnyshche tract in Ivano-Frankivsk region is home to a unique natural, historical and mythological landmark - the Dovbush Rocks. Named in honour of the Ukrainian rebel leader Oleksa Dovbush, the waterfalls still hold many secrets and mysteries. Find out about the structure and origin of the rock and cave complex, what historical periods it remembers, and what routes you can take to get there

Tours to unbreakable Ukraine. Find out more on the website

Tours to unbreakable Ukraine. Find out more on the website

CHOOSE A TOUR

In spring and summer (and beyond!), the Carpathian forests attract Ukrainian and foreign tourists. One of the locations that remains popular is Dovbush's rocks in the Bubnyshche tract in Ivano-Frankivsk region. Every Ukrainian has heard of Oleksa Dovbush, although not many people have visited the site of his headquarters.

Today, on the rocks, you can touch the sun signs that have remained here since pre-Christian times, see hand and footprints that are said to be Dovbush's own, listen to legends about the Oprishkos' treasure and even try to guess its location. Read more about the mysterious place of the Beskydy in Visit Ukraine's article.

What do you know about the geography of Dovbush Rocks?

Dovbush Rocks is a unique complex of rocks and caves located in Ivano-Frankivsk region in the Bubnyshche tract on the territory of the Polianytsia Regional Park (established in 1996). The rocks belong to the Skole Beskydy (Ukrainian Carpathians) mountain system, stretch over an area of 100 hectares and rise to a height of 80 metres.

The rocks were formed more than 70 million years ago. The stone labyrinth is 200 metres wide and about 1 kilometre long. Most of the rocks here are beeches and spruces, which create unique landscapes and purify the air, so visitors are guaranteed health and aesthetic pleasure. In the second half of the last century, a recreational area was created here, and in 1981, the Rocks... were granted the status of a natural monument of republican significance.

The rock complex is unique, and the reason is not only its age. The piles of rocks look like fantastic creatures that have frozen forever among the Carpathian forests.

Interesting facts about the Dovbush rocks

1. According to legend, there was a camp of Oprishka rebels who fought against the lord's slavery, led by the legendary Oleksa Dovbush. The rock complex is named after him.

2. The first explorer of the rocks was Ivan Vahylevych, a famous Ukrainian poet and folklorist of the 19th century.

3. Ivan Franko repeatedly visited the ‘place of power’ and described Dovbush's rocks in his philosophical poem ‘Bubnyshche’.

4. The famous Ukrainian historian Mykhailo Hrushevsky reported that the rock and cave complex is of defensive importance.

5. On the Polish military map of 1935, the complex is marked as the Rocky Reserve Bubnyshche, which means that the reserve existed here even then.

6. The Dovbush Rocks have ‘twins’ near Yaremche, so you need to be careful when planning your route.

7. Each of Dovbush's rocks is amazing, which is reflected in the variety of their names: Kolobok, Tulip, Doll, Book, Witch's Massif, and others.

8. The dramatic story of Oleksa Dovbush's love and death, as it turns out, has no folk-poetic origin at all: the story of the love between Oleksa and Dzvinka, whose husband killed the prominent opryshok, was invented by the Polish poet Franciszek Karpinski. However, the story has become so popular that no one will ever find the truth.

9. On Dovbush's rocks, you can get rid of all your sins - of course, if you squeeze into the Devil's Gorge (or Purgatory, as it is also called), which is only 20 cm wide.

What is known about the history of the Dovbush rocks?

A pagan settlement of the 10th century.

Having studied the remains of an ancient settlement on the rocks and caves, scientists have concluded that this place was used as a settlement and as a defence facility. This is evidenced by the processing of the rocks and the even geometric shapes in the construction of the caves.

The research also revealed that there was an observatory here in the 12th and 13th centuries, as evidenced by ancient signs depicting the sun.

Next to the settlement is a large mound consisting of several mounds: their diameter reaches 5 m and height is 1 m.

The movement of the opryshky on Dovbush's rocks

In the Carpathian forests in the 16th-19th centuries, rebel groups were formed that fought against Polish, Hungarian, and Moldovan lords, and later against the Austrian administration. The rebels were called opryshky, and the movement began in Prykarpattia and later spread to Zakarpattia and Bukovyna. Ukrainian insurgents defended the peasants, attacked the lords' estates, ploughed them up, and gave the money to the peasants.

The Oprishky, led by a peasant leader, were particularly active in 1738-1739. The struggle against the Oprishky was unsuccessful, so the Polish authorities took an unprecedented step - they announced that the person who killed Dovbush would receive land and be relieved of all duties for the rest of his life. Such a person was found - in the village of Kosmach, which supported the opryshky, there was a supporter of the Polish gentry, Stefan Dzvinchuk. Dovbush decided to punish the apostate, but the latter shot him at point-blank range. Historians now believe that Oleksa died of blood loss, as the wound was not fatal.

Dovbush's legendary treasure

According to legend, Oleksa Dovbush hid countless treasures somewhere that he had taken from the Polish gentry. Some say that they are on the top of the Velykyi Odynets, one of the rocks, others simply mention Chornohora. According to eyewitness accounts of Dovbush's death, when the opryshko was questioned about the treasure, he replied: ‘I hid it on the Chornohora mountain, and I know where exactly, and God knows. Only this treasure will serve the earth, not people.’ So the treasure has not yet been found (if it exists), and the legends wander between the rocks.

Find out more mysterious stories and legends of the Carpathian forests in the special route from Visit Ukraine ‘Dovbush Trails and Mount Makovytsia’.

Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

What are the most famous hiking routes to the Dovbush cliffs?

- "Polianytsia Village - Dovbush Rocks ’ along the Sukel River to the Polianytsia Waterfall, where the entrance to the Dovbush Rocks Nature Park is located.

- "Trukhaniv Village - Dovbush Rocks ’ from the end of Oleksa Dovbush Street in Trukhaniv through the forest to the rock and cave complex.

How much does it cost to visit the Dovbush Rocks Reserve?

In 2020, the State Agency of Forest Resources approved the procedure for visiting the Dovbush Rocks monument of national importance. Since then, the cost of entry for a lego car to the territory is UAH 30.

How to get to Dovbush's Rocks?

The most convenient way to get to the cliffs from the city of Bolekhiv is by taxi or bus. Part of the route to the rocks will have to be walked.

Bus timetable from Bolekhiv to Dovbush Rocks:

09:01 - 12:37

12:31 - 16:17

16:01 - 19:57

Bus timetable from Ivano-Frankivsk to Bolekhiv

12:50 - 16:18 (from the Main Post Office)

12:50 - 16:16 (from Bastion)

13:55 - 18:17 (from the railway station)

14:01 - 18:01 (from Bastion)

18:55 - 22:40 (from the railway station)

Train schedule from Lviv to Bolekhiv

The train in the direction of Cherkasy - Ivano-Frankivsk runs daily. Departure from Lviv is at 06:00 and arrival in Bolekhiv is at 08:00.

Train schedule from Kyiv to Bolekhiv

The train in the direction of Cherkasy - Ivano-Frankivsk runs daily. Departure from Kyiv is at 21:25 - arrival in Bolekhiv is at 08:00.

The necessary tickets for all types of transport can be purchased on the Visit Ukraine portal.

To make your trip interesting and meaningful, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists (Telegram | WhatsApp). We will help you organise and plan your route, book tickets and accommodation at the nearest hotel, provide a guide, etc. The routes include several locations, so your travel experience will be incredible!

Photo: About Ukraine

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 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.

© 2018-2024, 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.

Frequantly

asked questions

Where are the Dovbush rocks located in Ukraine?

Dovbush Rocks is a unique complex of rocks and caves located in Ivano-Frankivsk region in the Bubnyshche tract on the territory of the Polyanitsa Regional Park (established in 1996).

Who first explored the Dovbush rocks?

What poet wrote about the Dovbush rocks?

Who are the opryshky?

How much does it cost to enter Dovbush Rocks?

Recommended articles

3 min

Explore Ukraine

Mukachevo Palanok Castle: a mighty giant of Transcarpathia

Mukachevo Palanok Castle: a mighty giant of Transcarpathia

Western Ukraine is famous for its fortifications. Dozens of castles, both working and ruined, attract tourists from all over the world. Interesting architecture, spooky legends, and historical secrets are all about them. The most famous in Zakarpattia is Mukachevo Castle, also known as Palanok Castle. Find out about its history, interesting places, legends and secrets in the material by Visit Ukraine

01 Oct. 2024

4 min

Explore Ukraine

Is Ukraine a tourist pearl of Europe? Why everyone should come here at least once in their life

Is Ukraine a tourist pearl of Europe? Why everyone should come here at least once in their life

Ukraine is a big, spacious, indomitable, beautiful and simply the best country in the heart of Europe. It is known for its historical heritage and history, which is being created before our eyes; for its unrivaled natural landscapes and unique tourist opportunities that no other country can offer. In times of war, this country is becoming interesting to even more travelers who want to experience something new, real, important and heartfelt while traveling. Find out why Ukraine has every chance to become a tourist leader in Europe and why you should visit it right now

03 Oct. 2024

3 min

Explore Ukraine

Ukrainian Switzerland: what is impressive about the Butsky Canyon?

Ukrainian Switzerland: what is impressive about the Butsky Canyon?

Buky Canyon is deservedly called the Ukrainian Switzerland. High rocks, more than 2 billion years old, form a picturesque place that attracts tourists from Ukraine and the world. Find out why Buky are interesting for tourists, what you can see and taste here, how to get there and what interesting facts you should know

06 Oct. 2024

3 min

Explore Ukraine

Tustan Fortress: a unique archaeological monument, administrative centre, customs office and defence facility

Tustan Fortress: a unique archaeological monument, administrative centre, customs office and defence facility

Dozens of ruined castles have remained on the territory of Ukraine since the last century. The majestic ruins remember history and receive thousands of visitors every year. Tustan is not the only fortress, but it is one of the most famous. It has picturesque Beskydy Mountains, petroglyphs on the walls, the remains of a customs road, and much more. Find out what Tustan is known for and how it lives, what excursions it invites visitors to take, and which routes are best for drivers and those travelling by public transport

07 Oct. 2024

Refund policy

Refund policy

Cooperation

Public offer

Public offer

About us

VisitUkraine.Today is a service portal for tourists traveling to Ukraine and Ukrainians planning a trip abroad.

On the portal you can order the following products/services:
• medical insurance for entry into Ukraine with coverage of military risks;
• travel and health insurance for leaving the country;
• legal advice (professional legal support on visa and migration issues);
• Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad

To order, you need to fill out an electronic form and make a payment, after which the finished insurance document will be sent to the specified e-mail within 30 minutes.

The website also contains the necessary and most up-to-date information on:
• rules of crossing the Ukrainian border by foreign citizens;
• rules of entry of Ukrainians to 200 countries of the world for tourism, work (business), study or immigration purposes;
• visa information.

All information on the website is updated daily and is available in three languages - Ukrainian, English and Russian.

Customer support (English speaking) is available - online chats (around the clock) and a call center (08:00-21:00 Kyiv time) - if you need clarification of the information provided or prompt assistance in resolving problems and misunderstandings related to ordering.

The portal was developed by the Ukrainian organization Visit Ukraine.
VisitUkraine is a public union that, since 2018, has been engaged in the promotion and popularization of Ukrainian tourism on the domestic and foreign markets, but the war made its adjustments. Now we are working on the information front.

In addition to the help portal, we have created several other projects:

Visit Ukraine Tours is the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste.
Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
Cooperation – cooperation and advertising integrations with the Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
Visit Ukraine Tickets- purchase tickets for several types of transport - buses, trains (in Ukraine and Europe) and flights (in Europe)
Visit Ukraine Hotel is a search engine where you can easily and affordably book a hotel in a number of Ukrainian cities.
Visit Ukraine Donate is a charity project that organizes fundraisers to support Ukrainians and the needs of the military. Anyone can donate any amount in a convenient way from anywhere in the world. Let's bring victory closer together!

We transfer 25% of the proceeds from the sale to the Armed Forces and aid to Ukrainian refugees.

PUBLIC ORGANIZATION «VISIT UKRAINE»
01012, Kyiv, Independence Square Street, 2 , office 814-А
01001, Kyiv, Krestovy lane, 8/9
EDRPOU 41805188
Tel: +380939724145
[email protected]

Our partners

Cooperation with guides and tour operators

Visit Ukraine is a service portal where every user can get up-to-date information on entering Ukraine for citizens of 200+ countries, as well as purchase extended war risk insurance, train/bus/plane tickets, branded merchandise and order a safe tour of Ukraine.

Currently, we have the largest bank of tours in Ukraine and we plan to expand it!

We offer cooperation to guides and tour operators who conduct a tour of Ukraine.
Namely, free placement of your tours on our website.

To get additional information about cooperation - please fill out the form and our manager will contact you!

FAQ

- - What COVID documents do I need to have with me when entering Ukraine now?
    On July 1, 2023, the Ukrainian authorities lifted the quarantine and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From now on, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result or wear a protective mask to enter Ukraine.
  - Is it safe to visit Ukraine during the war?
    Recently, the number of foreign travelers has increased in Ukraine. They visit the country for various purposes: volunteering, participating in humanitarian programs, filming reports or documentaries, setting up a business, etc. There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. And although the main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.
  - What are your safety recommendations before traveling to Ukraine?
    Here are some important tips:
    • Make electronic copies of all documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
    • Find out in advance the curfew time in the region where you are going.
    • Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter. You should also do the same if you hear the corresponding signal on the street.
    • When choosing a hotel, consider the availability of bomb shelters.
    • Inform your family and friends about your route and keep in touch with them.
    • Take out health insurance with extended coverage.
    Do foreigners need to register their stay in Ukraine?
    No, if the period of stay in the country is no more than 90 days. If a foreigner arrives for a period longer than 90 days, in this case, he or she needs a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as registration at the place of residence.
    Can I enter Ukraine with an expired residence permit?
    Yes. Foreigners (except for citizens of the Russian Federation) and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit that has expired or is subject to exchange after February 24, 2022.
    How to enter Ukraine with pets?
    Currently, entry to Ukraine with pets is subject to a simplified procedure. Pet owners must provide the following documents to customs:
    • a veterinary passport of the European standard or a certificate of animal health;
    • proof of valid rabies vaccination;
    • a document on the animal's chipping.
    How do I enter Ukraine with my own car with foreign registration?
    Foreign citizens can import cars with foreign license plates into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for their own use. To cross the border in a car with foreign registration, you need the following documents:
    • foreign passport;
    • driver's license;
    • certificate of registration for the car with valid insurance;
    • international automobile insurance card "Green Card".
    Important: foreign nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine may import a car with foreign license plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties.
    What happens to foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine?
    Foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine, when attempting to enter Ukraine at a checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine, do not cross the state border of Ukraine and return as soon as possible to the state from which they came or to the state that issued their passport document. If it is not possible to return a foreigner or stateless person immediately, they stay at the checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine until their return.
    What should I do if I have been banned from entering Ukraine?
    If you become aware of a ban on entry to Ukraine while trying to pass passport control at the border of Ukraine, you should politely ask for a decision to refuse to cross the border, indicating the specific reason for the entry ban. You can appeal the decision to deny entry within 30 days from the date of familiarization with it. It is strictly forbidden to argue with border guards or violate the rules of stay at the checkpoint, otherwise you may be held administratively liable. You should remember the rules of staying at the checkpoint.
  Insurance policy
  Is insurance required to enter Ukraine?
  All foreign citizens are required to have an insurance policy covering the costs of Covid-19 treatment in Ukraine.
  For how long do I have to take out an insurance policy?
  According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1236, an insurance policy must be issued for the entire period of stay in Ukraine. The minimum period is not specified.
  Where can I get acquainted with the terms of the insurance contract?
  You can familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the insurance contract on our website in the section on insurance policy issuance.
  Is it necessary to buy an insurance policy for children?
  Yes, if a child has foreign citizenship, regardless of age, he or she must have an insurance policy for the entire period of stay in Ukraine.
  I am a foreign citizen, can I buy a policy in Ukraine?
  No, the insurance policy must be presented at the border control.
  What is war risk insurance and what war risks does it cover?
  This policy guarantees monetary compensation in the event of an accident as a result of military operations, passive military risks, terrorist acts, including emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and repatriation of the insured person (or his/her body in case of death) from the place of stay to the place of his/her permanent residence.
  Who can take out insurance?
  The insurance policy applies to foreign nationals, citizens of another state and stateless persons. There are no age restrictions: minors and people over 70 can buy insurance. In addition, insurance is mandatory for journalists, reporters, correspondents, opinion leaders, and media representatives. This is enshrined in the Law of Ukraine on Insurance (Article 7).
  What is the territory covered by the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance policy is valid on the territory of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the territories of direct combat operations (front line).
  Are there any restrictions on the validity period of the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance contract comes into force from the moment the insurance premium is paid in full, but not before the date and time of crossing the state border of Ukraine. You choose the duration of the insurance - it depends on the number of days of your stay in Ukraine.
  I can't pay for the insurance, what should I do?
  If your payment fails, we recommend contacting your bank, as they often do not trust payment systems. You need to confirm that it is you who is making the transaction.
  I have taken out insurance, but I have not received a code. What should I do?
  In this case, we advise you to reload the page, clear the cache, change the language on the page, or use a different browser.
  What should I do if the policy does not arrive at the specified mail for more than 30 minutes?
  Please contact the hotline and provide the data that was specified when applying for insurance.
  Do I need to print out the electronic policy?
  You do not need to print out the electronic insurance policy. It is enough to save it to your phone or tablet to always have access to the document and present it to border control representatives.
  What should I do if I have purchased a policy but my trip is canceled?
  Please inform the portal hotline about the reasons for the trip cancellation and we will be happy to reschedule the dates for you.
  What should I do if I provided incorrect data when applying for an insurance policy?
  You can always contact the portal hotline and we will make the necessary changes to the insurance policy free of charge and promptly.