What's the problem?
Since Russia unleashed its full-scale war against Ukraine, Ukrainians have worked hard as soldiers, workers, and volunteers for the future victory of their country, often denying themselves rest.
We believe that rest is not a luxury but a necessity, even during wartime. Is it appropriate to travel and spend resources on what might seem like non-essential needs? It may not be, but it's like the safety instructions on a plane — put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. Similarly, if you're exhausted, you can't be of much help to anyone and may soon need help yourself.
What are the solutions?
Two experienced travel professionals, Olena Kazmyna, director and co-founder of the travel company Ornament Ukraine, and Anzhela Savchenko, head of the intellectual tourism club Kyiv Frescoes, shared their favorite "places of strength" with Rubryka. These are destinations where you can recharge, even in winter.
So, where should you go to relax? The answer depends on your preferences and current needs.
Recharging in nature
"For many, a 'place of strength' means walking along eco-trails, rivers, canyons, through forests or fields, or going on cycling trips," says Anzhela Savchenko, Kyiv Frescoes leader. "For me personally, a 'place of strength' is being as close to nature as possible, enjoying solitude."
Savchenko explains that rural areas have many в tourist-friendly locations that are being developed, ranging from upscale countryside resorts to more affordable "green homesteads." The charm of such getaways lies in the rural lifestyle, natural surroundings, scenic landscapes, and local culture and architecture. Even the most modest homesteads provide basic amenities like toilets and showers. At the same time, they also offer meals, saunas, hot tubs, guided tours, workshops, and small local museums showcasing village history, traditions, and everyday life.
"Nature truly restores you: fresh air, organic food, and opportunities to engage your senses — touch, hearing, and smell. Plus, it gives your eyes a break from screens. You can be physically active or simply rest and sleep peacefully, then stroll through the surrounding area," says Olena Kazmyna, founder of Ornament Ukraine.
The experts recommend several locations for such retreats:
Tustan is a Medieval cliff-side fortress city in the Skole district of the Lviv region. Photo: Rubryka
1️⃣ Skole is a small town in the western Lviv region, on the banks of the Opir River and at the edge of the Skolivski Beskydy National Park. From here, you can embark on daily mountain hikes along well-marked trails while enjoying stunning views from your window. Skole is a hub of Boiko culture, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration. Nearby, you'll find the Tustan Reserve with its legendary rock fortress.
Verkhovyna in winter. Photo: verkhovyna.life
2️⃣ Located in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, Verkhovyna is the highest-altitude district center in Ukraine. Surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and alpine meadows, it's the heart of the Hutsul region, where locals have preserved authentic traditions. You can meditate by the Cheremosh River, raft its rapids, hike up mountains, or forage for mushrooms and berries. Visit local artisans in Verkhovyna or nearby villages like Kryvorivnia, Kosiv, and Vorokhta.
Fortress in Busha. Photo: dyvakrainy
3️⃣ Busha is a village in the southcentral Vinnytsia region, near the border with Moldova, rich in history and natural beauty. Its tranquility and charm attract artists from across Ukraine, many of whom leave behind stone sculptures as part of annual art residencies. Notable landmarks include the ancient Busha Relief, believed by many to be a mystical "place of strength," as well as the Haidamatsky Ravine, an old cemetery with stunning Cossack crosses, and the nearby Liadova Monastery on the banks of the Dniester River.
Kachanivka. Tarnovsky Palace. Photo: Ornament Ukraine
4️⃣ Kachanivka, a town in the northern Chernihiv region, hosts Ukraine's best-preserved palace and park complex from the nobility era. Visitors can tour the 200-year-old palace, its outbuildings, chapel, and the Glinka Gazebo. The sprawling palace park, beautiful year-round, is ideal for extended strolls. Nearby, you can also visit the Troshchynets Arboretum, once the estate of the Skoropadsky family, and the Galagan Palace Park in Sokyryntsi.
Other notable parks include Sofiyivka Dendropark in Uman, Alexandria Park in Bila Tserkva, Dobropark near Kyiv, and Mezhyhirya Landscape Park.
Motryn Monastery in Kholodnyi Yar. Photo: Kyiv Frescoes
5️⃣ Kholodny Yar is a forested area in the central Cherkasy region steeped in history, from the Haidamaky Rebellion described by Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko to the Kholodny Yar Republic's resistance against Soviet forces in the 1920s. You can even find Scythian-era burial mounds. Beyond its historical significance, it's a relic forest ideal for walking or biking trails. The unique terrain, with its network of ravines and microclimates, inspired the area's name. Nearby are Chyhyryn, the former capital of Hetmans Petro Doroshenko and Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, and the village Subotiv, home to the iconic church featured on Ukraine's five-hryvnia bill.
Bakota. Photo: Kyiv Frescoes
6️⃣ The historical region of Podillia. Kamianets-Podilskyi and the areas further down the Dniester, such as Stara Ushytsia and Nova Ushytsia, are renowned for their stunning meanders of the Dniester River and gorgeous canyons. Today, many eco-friendly guesthouses and resorts have been established here. This warm and sunny region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, incredible views, and welcoming locals. Nearby, in the Bakota Valley, you'll find a 13th-century rock monastery — one of the few remnants of the ancient city of Bakota, most of which is now underwater. Fun fact: Bakota Bay is part of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park, recognized as one of Ukraine's seven natural wonders.
Vyzhnytsia. St. Peter and Paul Church. Photo: Wikipedia
7️⃣ Vyzhnytsia, located in the southwestern Chernivtsi region, marks the gateway to the Carpathian Mountains. This quaint town, often called the jewel of the Precarpathian Bukovyna region, is famous for its 19th-century churches and unique museums. Among them are the Nazar Yaremchuk Museum, nicknamed "Smerikova Khata" (Spruce House), and the Museum of Applied Arts, which celebrates the rich traditions of Bukovynian craftsmanship. You'll find the Vyzhnytsia National Nature Park, which is not far from the town and offers pristine natural beauty.
Kalancha in Oleksandria. Photo: ukrainaincognita
8️⃣ In the central Kirovohrad region, near Oleksandriia, lies a hidden gem for affordable yet delightful vacations. The prices here are much lower than the Carpathians, but the experience is just as memorable. Locals who provide tourist services aim to impress, delivering exceptional hospitality. The region boasts picturesque rivers, ravines, and valleys — ideal for those seeking tranquility and inspiration.
Fragment of the exhibition at the National Museum of Ukrainian Pottery. Photo: museum's Facebook page
9️⃣ For a cultural escape, head toward Opishnia and the Bilske Settlement in the Poltava region. Opishnia, Ukraine's pottery capital, is home to the National Museum of Ukrainian Pottery, which features over 35,000 unique ceramic pieces. In the nearby village of Velyki Budyshcha, the Museum of Ukrainian Wedding has been preserving marriage traditions for 16 years. Visitors can see wedding attire, household items, embroidered towels, and even participate in a theatrical reenactment of a Ukrainian wedding. If relaxation is what you're after, head to the spa town of Myrhorod. With seven resorts surrounded by scenic parks and the Psel River, it's a perfect spot for rejuvenation.
Bohuslav granite outcrop. Photo: kyivmaps
1️⃣0️⃣ Just south of Kyiv lies Bohuslav and Rzhyshchiv — hidden treasures worth exploring. Bohuslav's Granite Outcrop, locally called "the Pit" or "the Granites," is considered a "place of strength" by spiritualists and a geological marvel by scientists, with rock formations dating back two billion years. In Rzhyshchiv, Ivan Hill offers spectacular views and a connection to history, with the first settlements dating back to medieval Ukraine. Visitors often report feeling a unique energy here.
Energy of new impressions
Sometimes, the best way to recharge is by immersing yourself in new experiences. Olena Kazmina offers these cities that promise unforgettable memories:
Christmas tree in 2024 in Lviv. Photo: Ukrainian Content
1️⃣ Lviv is traditionally first on the list. The western Ukrainian city's charm lies in its mix of old-world elegance, numerous museums, and unique cafes and restaurants. Every visit to Lviv brings something new, says tour guide Olena Kazmyina. Sometimes, you just need to let go and wander its streets aimlessly.
Winter Kyiv. Photo: Rubryka
2️⃣ Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, never fails to amaze visitors. The city's rich layers of history create striking juxtapositions that leave a lasting impression, says tour guide Olena. "It's fascinating to see how ancient Kyivan Rus churches coexist with modern glass-and-concrete office and shopping centers. There's a reason why Kyiv is called both old and eternally young," she notes. Add to that the vibrant cultural scene and the opportunity to meet fascinating people, and you're guaranteed a refreshing experience that feels like a complete reset.
Lutsk Klykun. Photo: lutsk-future
3️⃣ Lutsk lives up to its motto, "Your Pleasant Discovery," especially for first-time visitors. The city offers a treasure trove of attractions, including the iconic Lubart's Castle and the recently opened Okolnyi Castle. Explore the monastery's underground tunnels, the whimsical Sculptor's House, and the Korsak Museum of Modern Art, home to Cosmogony, the largest painting in the world. Scattered throughout the city, you'll also find charming figurines of "klykuns," the city's playful mascots. All this is presented with a touch of love and admiration, complemented by the delicious dishes of Volyn cuisine.
Drohobych salt is natural energy. Photo: Drohobych Salt Factory Facebook page
4️⃣ Drohobych, nicknamed "the city of salt," is home to Ukraine's oldest continuously operating enterprise — its saltworks, which have been running for over 600 years. In the past, it was a city of oil magnates, with offices and villas belonging to some of the wealthiest people in Europe and the world at the time. Another city highlight is the wooden St. George's Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And what kind of proper city would it be without a town hall? In Drohobych, you can climb up to it and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the surroundings while also getting a close look at the tower clock mechanism. If you're an art lover, it's worth exploring the works of Bruno Schulz, and don't miss visiting the local synagogue.
Mukachevo Castle Palanok. Photo: Kyiv Frescoes
5️⃣ In Mukachevo, you'll first notice the majestic Palanok Castle towering over the town. Next, you'll come across the town hall, painted in a striking turquoise color, standing almost like elephant legs support it. You'll probably stop by one of the many bakeries where the cakes and pastries look irresistibly tempting. And then you'll realize how convenient it is to explore the Zakarpattia region from Mukachevo: you can easily visit nearby farms, like those raising buffaloes, deer, snails, and other local specialties. The area is also known for its many wineries. Plus, there are the thermal springs in Kosino and Berehove, as well as the mineral waters of Poliana. If you're into nature, you can head to the mountains to see the stunning Synevyr Lake or the unique Narcissus Valley.
This list could go on endlessly because Ukraine is vast and diverse. Ukraine has something for everyone, from the snowy Carpathians to cozy towns steeped in history, from peaceful villages to dynamic cities. Explore, recharge, and let the energy of this land fill you with inspiration and strength to keep moving forward.
We created this article as part of the Recovery Window Network. For more information on the recovery of war-affected regions in Ukraine, visit recovery.win
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