The Carpathians in Spring Without the Crowds: What You Need to Know About Polonyna Runa

Spring hiking in the Carpathians is gaining popularity. Hikers are already conquering Polonyna Runa, where incredible panoramic views unfold even when there’s snow on the ground. Find out what makes this route so appealing and how to prepare for the trip

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The active tourist season in the Ukrainian Carpathians is about to begin, but hiking enthusiasts aren’t waiting for summer. They’re already setting out on their first spring hikes, and one of the most popular destinations has become Polonyna Runa—a spacious mountain area that attracts visitors with its combination of accessibility and stunning scenery.

In our previous article, we talked about the best flower locations in Ukraine: where to go to see crocuses, sakura, tulips, and daffodils.

Spring in the Mountains: The Start of the Season

Although there is still some snow on the plateau, the trail is already open to hikers. Thanks to the gentle terrain and lack of steep elevation changes, the ascent remains relatively easy and safe even in early spring.

The Zakarpattia region has also prepared a special map of shelters—places where travelers can wait out bad weather or spend the night during a hike.

What makes Polonyna Runa so appealing?

The main feature of this location is its open space and panoramic views. The highest point of the mountain plateau reaches 1,479 meters, and from the summit, breathtaking views open up of:

Pikuy

Shipit Nature Reserve

the Slovak Beskids

It is precisely thanks to these panoramic views that Polonyna Runa has become popular among photographers and those seeking the “open” Carpathians without dense forests.

Photo: UNIAN, János Nemes

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Natural sites in the area

The Polonyna area is rich in natural landmarks. Here you’ll find:

the Sokolovi Skely ornithological reserve

the Velike Trostya Glacial Lake hydrological landmark

the Tur’ye-Polansky Reserve

the Voevodin Waterfall

the Lumshorski Waterfalls

This makes the route not just a climb to the summit, but a full-fledged journey with diverse natural highlights.

Photo: UNIAN, János Nemes

How to get to Polonyna Runa and the route

The nearest settlements are the villages of Lumshory (about 47 km from Uzhhorod) and Lypovets (14 km from Khust).

The most popular route starts right from Lumshory:

length — about 7 km one way

elevation gain — approximately 640 m

the trail runs along a forest road and past Lake Komsomolskoye

The route is considered accessible even for beginners and is well-suited for day hikes or weekend trips.

In recent years, Polonyna Runa has been in the public spotlight due to plans to build a wind farm. Already, the foundation for a future wind turbine can be seen on the site, sparking lively debate among environmentalists and tourists.

When is the best time to go?

Professional guides recommend planning a hike to Polonyna Runa specifically in the spring or fall. During this period:

the temperature is comfortable for trekking

there are fewer tourists

visibility is best for panoramic views

In summer, however, the open terrain can make it too hot here, which complicates the route.

Polonyna Runa in spring is the perfect option for those who want to kick off the hiking season: with an easy route, incredible views, and the atmosphere of authentic Carpathian nature.

Spring is the perfect time to travel around Ukraine and explore natural locations. If you are planning such a trip, you should choose a route and organize your trip in advance. On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can find current tours of Ukraine that will help you comfortably visit the most beautiful natural places in the country and discover new tourist destinations!

Choose your destination and book tours in Ukraine on the Visit Ukraine portal while there are still places available!

We remind you! Spring is the perfect time to travel, when nature comes to life and the weather becomes comfortable for new discoveries. Where to go in Ukraine in spring, which destinations are worth visiting in 2026, and how ready-made tours can help you easily plan an unforgettable trip around the country — find out more at the link.

Photo: UNIAN, János Nemes

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