An extreme holiday is not just a way to escape from your daily routine, but also an opportunity to test your boundaries, experience adrenaline and renew your mental strength. From rock climbing on inaccessible peaks to rafting on turbulent rivers, extreme recreation options can satisfy any desire. Find out what types of extreme adventures are considered the most popular in Ukraine

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Extreme tourism in Ukraine is quite popular, as the Ukrainian geography offers a variety of outdoor activities, attracting adventure lovers from all over the world. Due to its diversity, the country can offer extreme mountain tours, rafting on turbulent rivers and caving in mysterious caves.

It is noteworthy that extreme tours in Ukraine offer not only unique sports and tourist challenges, but also the opportunity to get to know the country's nature and culture. 

We'll tell you which places to visit and what to do there to experience extreme sports.

Mountain tourism

Mountain tourism in Ukraine is closely linked to the Carpathians, a picturesque mountainous region that stretches across several Eastern European countries, including a large part of Western Ukraine. The Carpathians offer a variety of hiking routes, from easy trails for beginners to challenging tracks for experienced climbers.

Where to go?

🏔 Hoverla: The highest point in Ukraine, Hoverla (2061 metres), is a popular climbing destination. Climbing Hoverla is considered relatively affordable and it attracts both experienced climbers and beginners.

Dragobrat: This is not only a famous ski resort, but also a great place for hiking in the warm season among alpine meadows and picturesque mountain lakes.

🏔 Brebeneskul: Mount Brebeneskul is only 28 metres smaller than Hoverla, with an altitude of 2038 metres. It is also located between the Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. To the west of the mountain's summit is the "Blue Eye of the Carpathians", the eponymous Lake Brebeneskul. A river of the same name flows from it.

🏔 Petros: Another of the highest points in Ukraine is Mount Petros. It is located in the Rakhiv district of the Zakarpattia region. Its height is 2020 metres. Nearest settlements: Lazeshchyna, Yasinia, Kvasy. Petros is considered a dangerous area in winter due to frequent avalanches, so we recommend visiting the area in the warm season.

🏔 Ribs: The mountain is 2001 metres high. The nearest settlement is the village of Bystrets. To the east of its peak in the Glacial Canyon there are small alpine lakes. The mountain itself is home to many rare plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

River rafting and kayaking

The rivers of Ukraine, such as the Dniester, Ros and Cheremosh, are known for their picturesque landscapes and places for extreme water adventures. Kayaking and rafting provide an opportunity not only to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also to feel the adrenaline rush of overcoming rapids and stormy currents. Kayaking is popular with both beginners and experienced athletes, offering routes of varying difficulty.

Where to go kayaking?

🌊Dniester: The river flows through the Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi regions. It surprises with its stone slopes that rise to a height of 300 metres above the water level. Here you will find an exciting adventure on the turbulent rifts, you can enjoy the dynamics of the fast current and admire the endless river surface.

🌊Teteriv: The river with a lively current attracts with its picturesque sandy beaches and monumental granite cliffs, surrounded by pine forest. The route for rafting stretches along a narrow and winding channel, including small rapids and rifts. This type of outdoor activity is perfect for a dynamic weekend.

🌊Cheremosh: Rafting on one of the most exciting Carpathian rivers will offer an unforgettable adventure for those who want to test their strength against the natural elements. You will be fascinated by the pristine nature of the mountains, which captivates with its beauty at first sight. During the trip, you will master the art of paddle control, learn to overcome strong rapids and discover new abilities.

🌊Ros: During the rafting on the Ros River, you will see majestic cliffs and picturesque canyons that fascinate with their mysterious beauty. After the water adventure, you should visit the village of Morintsy, the birthplace of Taras Shevchenko. Here you will find the house where the famous poet was born and can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of his life and work.

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Speleotourism

Ukraine is also known for its caves, which attract cavers from all over the world. One of the most famous speleotourism sites is the Optimistic Cave in the Ternopil region, which is the longest gypsum cave in the world. Cave tours can range from easy walks to challenging descents to great depths, where tourists can appreciate unique stalactites and stalagmites, as well as rare cave flora and fauna.

Which caves to visit?

🗻Ozerna (the village of Strilkivtsi, Ternopil region): The cave has a vertical entrance, and at the bottom of a large sinkhole, 18 m deep, a 130-kilometre-long labyrinth of the Blue Lakes opens.

🗻Khrustalna (Kryvche village, Ternopil region): A feature of the cave is the increased ionisation of air and water, the absolute absence of any viruses.

🗻Optimistic (Korolivka village, Ternopil region): This is the world's longest gypsum cave, which is also listed in the Guinness Book of Records, the longest cave in Eurasia and the second (after Flint Ridge Mammoth Cave in the United States) longest cave in the world. 

🗻Atlantis (Zavallia village, Kamianets-Podilskyi district): The cave is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites that create stunning illumination and sparkle with all kinds of colours.

In general, Ukrainian regions offer a lot of options for having fun and getting an extreme charge. On Visit Ukraine, you can find various offers for outdoor activities. We have about 800 holiday options in our tour bank, so don't waste a second and choose your tour. For foreigners who intend to visit Ukraine for such activities, we advise you to take out an insurance policy that covers military risks. Due to the ongoing war in the country, special attention should be paid to your safety.

Visit Ukraine is an organiser of tours around Ukraine. 800 tours. Choose yours on the website!

We remind you! Earlier we wrote that nature has endowed Ukraine with beautiful terrain and many incredible landscapes - from canyons to the cleanest lakes and rivers. We'll tell you which places you should visit this year to fully enjoy the beauty of Ukraine here.

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