Until 1962, the village of Verkhovyna in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast was called Zhabie. The centre of Hutsul culture is located on the Black Cheremosh River at an altitude of 620 m above sea level. Find out all about the interesting locations, history, secrets and routes of the world-famous village in the material by Visit Ukraine

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Verkhovyna is a village of warriors, folk art groups and mysterious Hutsul culture. World-famous films are shot here, with local people playing the roles. It has many museums and its own cheese factory. It is the centre of the magic of molfars - powerful Carpathian sorcerers. The village lives and breathes the history of the struggle for independence, traditional culture and ancient customs. Find out about the history of the settlement, what you can see and what interesting things you can hear about in the article on Visit Ukraine.

Verkhovyna - a village of warriors and free people

Verkhovyna residents are best known in history as warriors. Participants of the Oprishkiv movement, the legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen, and numerous uprisings - all of these are about the villagers.

Verkhovyna was first mentioned in the charter of Grand Duke Lev-Svydryhailo on 17 August 1424.

The second time the village went down in history was when its residents joined the Oprishko movement led by Oleksa Dovbush, I. Pisklyvy, Boychuk, Bayiurak, M. Shtoliuk, and others. In this way, the locals protested against the harsh regime of the Rzeczpospolita.

In 1772, Verkhovyna became part of Austria. At that time, the practice of public assemblies - veche - became extremely widespread in this territory.

During the First World War, local residents joined the armed forces of the Austrian army, in particular, the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen legion.

And in 1920, the inhabitants raised an uprising against the Polish authorities, which was suppressed. A memorial sign in their honour was erected in the village.

Interesting facts about the village of Verkhovyna

1. The famous Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko once wrote about the settlement (at that time the village was called Zhabie): ‘Here is Zhabie, the Hutsul capital. They say there is no village higher than Zhabie. And there is no greater disaster to be found’.

2. When the village of Zhabie was being renamed, they first wanted to approve the name Frankivsk in honour of the famous poet.

3. The modern name of the village is due to its geography - the settlement is surrounded by mountain peaks and resembles a large bowl from above.

4. The village is called ‘Hutsul Hollywood’ because it was here that the films Annichka (1968), Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1964), Oleksa Dovbush (1959), and Shadows of Unforgotten Ancestors (2013) were filmed.

5. Local people from generation to generation play roles in cult films.

6. The villagers are known for their active lifestyle, vocal and dance groups - they regularly perform at national and international festivals. The most prominent among them is the Cheremosh ensemble, which has been operating since 1991.

7. Traditional clothes here are called stryi.

What museums are waiting for you in Verkhovyna?

Museum of Hutsul magic

In Verkhovyna, you can see with your own eyes how the Carpathian magicians - molfars - work. Here you can see the equipment used for potion-making and the ‘creative’ works of the famous molfars - Andrii Atamaniuk (Goi) and Mykhailo Nechai. For those who wish, there is a master class on playing the drymba, a visit to the sacred triangle, and a staged meeting with a witch doctor.

Opening hours:

From 11:00 to 16:00

Regional History and Local Lore Museum of the Hutsul Region

The Museum of Hutsul History was opened in 1938 in a two-storey wooden house, where it is still located today. There are a lot of exhibitions in the museum:

- household items;

- paintings by local artists;

- decorative and applied arts (wood and clay products);

- an exhibition of folk clothes and embroidery;

- exposition of the village history (based on the materials of local residents);

- a master class on making Hutsul carpets.

Opening hours:

working days - from Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00

lunch - from 13:00 to 14:00

Monday is a day off

Entrance fees:

30 UAH - for adults;

20 UAH - for students (with supporting documents);

10 UAH - for children

Roman Kumlyk Museum

We have already mentioned Roman Kumlyk. He was the first director of the world-famous Cheremosh ensemble, which originated in Verkhovyna.

In 2000, the musician opened this museum in his family estate on the basis of materials collected over 30 years. Among them are household items, tools, and banknotes of different times.

Tourists should pay special attention to the collection of musical instruments, including ancient ones (for example, the horn) and ceremonial ones (trembita).

The tours are made more attractive by the fact that they are led by Natalia Huzak, Roman Kumlyk's daughter. She has not only continued her father's work in the museum, but also knows how to play many traditional Hutsul instruments herself.

Entrance fees:

25 UAH - for adults;

20 UAH - for children.

How do I get to Verkhovyna in Ivano-Frankivsk region?

There is no railway connection to Verkhovyna district. The nearest railway station is Vorokhta, 32 km from Verkhovyna. Buses depart from the local bus station at 7:30; 8:00; 9:59; 11:07; 12:59; 14:13; 14:50; 15:25; 16:31; 17:10; 18:13; 19:43; 20:51; 23:06. Find the current schedule and buy tickets here.

From Ivano-Frankivsk:

Buses depart from the local bus station at 7:00; 9:07; 9:35; 10:35; 12:00; 12:30; 14:10; 15:00; 15:30; 17:35; 18:40; 19:30.

If you are travelling by car, head south on the P-24 motorway. This road passes through such towns as Nadvirna, Yaremche, Mykulychyn, Tatariv and Vorokhta. After Vorokhta, follow the signs to Verkhovyna.

From Kyiv:

Take a train (or bus) to one of the settlements - Ivano-Frankivsk or Vorokhta. Then follow the route described above.

By car, you can get to Frankivsk via the Kyiv-Chop motorway (M-06). From there, head south to Verkhovyna (see the algorithm above).

From Lviv:

There is no direct bus from Lviv to Verkhovyna, so head to Ivano-Frankivsk and from there to your destination.

Motorists can use the same M-06 motorway.

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Travel to the heart of the Hutsul region and visit Vorokhta and Verkhovyna with Visit Ukraine.