Where are the Carpathians: countries, highest peak, interesting facts. Open left menu Ukrainian Carpathians Coordinates of the Carpathians mountains

It would be unfair to associate the Carpathians only with Bukovel, Dragobrat, Hoverla and tourists. We talk about the tourist background of the region and 15 original mountainous places near Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv, where in addition to skiing you can try hiking, rafting and even zip lining, ride a mountain bike, learn how to make vurda and Hutsul “lyzhniki”, see mountain lakes, Austrian architecture, viaducts and wooden churches. And breathe in freedom, of course.

The Carpathians and Transcarpathia are a tourist region with a European background. Until the end of the Second World War, it developed in the context of the Austrian, Czech and Polish economy and culture, which undoubtedly benefited it. In 1895, the first tourist train departed from Lviv to Skole, and tourist shelters began to appear on the mountain slopes of the Carpathians - a kind of “hostels” where travelers could take a breather during mountain hikes, warm up and sleep for free. In the main tourist cities- Uzhgorod, Mukachevo, Beregov, Vinogradov, Rakhiv, Khust - the first hotels opened. By 1939 there were at least 20 of them. The entire tourist infrastructure of Transcarpathia at that time was built thanks to the activities of the Czechoslovak Tourists Club. The club developed and labeled tourist routes, opened tourist houses, shelters, hotels, restaurants and even a boat station, released travel guides in several foreign languages. About the same thing happened on Polish territory - in Galicia.

Tourists came to the Carpathians to look at castles or their ruins, monasteries, Dacian and Roman settlements near Velikie and Maly Kopani, study folk crafts, ride a narrow-gauge railway and rest on some mountain slope in a tent. But suddenly the Czechoslovak Republic collapsed, the Second World War happened world war, the territory of Transcarpathia was captured by the Hungarians, and later by the Soviets. During this period, much of the tourism infrastructure was destroyed. Soviet power turned the Carpathians into a sanatorium and resort paradise.

Over the past 25 years, the tourism sector of Transcarpathia has been developing spontaneously and chaotically, mainly thanks to the activity of caring people, the innate entrepreneurship of the locals and the capital of some oligarchs, of course.

Today's Carpathians are a cocktail of European charm, original Hutsul culture and Radiana relics. Immediately buy a ticket to Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk or Lviv to drink it as quickly as possible.

Vizhnitsa - Hasidim, rocks and mushroom paradise

If the train brought you to Chernivtsi, and your soul craves the mountains, go to Vizhnitsa (75 km from Chernivtsi) - The Carpathians begin from here.

In the 18th century, the main attraction of Vizhnitsa was the Hasidim - the founder of Hasidism, Rabbi Israel, lived there. During the Austrian period, Vizhnitsa was a famous ski center. And during the Romanian occupation, the name of this village was associated with the famous cabaret. Today in Vizhnitsa you will find both - colorful culture and good tourist infrastructure.

Things to do

View Austrian and Romanian architecture

Vyzhnitsa resembles a museum under open air: a typical provincial European town of the early 20th century. Many Austrian and Romanian buildings have been preserved here in fairly good condition. Be sure to take a look at railway station, the town hall, the main synagogue, the gymnasium building, the district hospital building and the college of applied arts - all these buildings have stood here for more than 100 years. On Ukrainskaya Street, look at the building of a once popular cabaret (now a children's art house), and near the market, do not pass by the former Romanian border outpost.

Conquer rocks and huge boulders

If you feel like a confident rock climber, then don’t forget to take the necessary equipment on your trip, because in the vicinity of Vyzhnytsia there are several huge rocks and boulders (30-40 m): Sokilska Skele (village Tyudiv), rock massif “Protyate Kaminnya” (near the Nemchich pass), “Dovbush Pechera” (next to Nemchich). These rocks are also quite suitable hiking targets. They stand in a beech forest on a low mountain, from where you can see the Carpathians in all their glory. You can pitch a tent in the forest. The climb is not difficult - it is possible with children.

Rafting down the Cheremosh mountain river

The Cheremosh River was once the border between Romania and Poland, and now separates the Chernivtsi region from the Ivano-Frankivsk region. This is the most popular river in the Carpathians among lovers. By googling, you can easily find about 10 companies that organize not only rafting, but also a comprehensive adventure program with rafting and mountain climbing.

Pick mushrooms

Bukovyna is a region of beech forests in which giant boletus mushrooms grow. If you are planning an autumn trip to the Carpathians and want to join the sacred action of mushroom picking, go from Vyzhnytsia to Vyzhenka (6.5 km) - there are the most mushroom places and you can find a guide from local seasoned mushroom pickers.

Go skiing

Near Vizhnitsa there are two ski resorts at once - the modest Nemchich Pass and the reputable Migovo.

"Nemchich Pass" is a small tourist complex, which includes a hotel, restaurant, ski slopes, 2 rope tows and a rental point. You can go skiing here on an extremely low budget: € 0.15 for a one-time lift, from € 3 for a subscription, from € 2 per day for ski/snowboard rental.

"Migovo"- solid ski resort with a hostel, several hotels, restaurants, clubs, a spa center. Some people call Migovo the main competitor of Bukovel, but the prices here are incomparably lower: from € 1 - one-time lift, from € 16 - a day pass, from € 3 per day - ski/snowboard rental.

Where to stay

The best way to choose accommodation in Vyzhnytsia, Vyzhenka and Migov is on the website hotels24.ua. Unlike Booking, you can find accommodation options there in estates, guest houses and mini-hotels. Prices in Vyzhenka and Vizhnitsa start from € 14 for a double room, in Migov - from € 30, and in Nemchich for € 30 you can rent a double room with two meals a day.

Where to eat

The largest and most popular restaurant in Vyzhnytsia - "Kupalska Nich"(O. Dovbusha vul., 1a) . Try here “trout in sour cream”, “deruni in glechika” and draft beer, and for dessert have dumplings with cherries. Just get ready for the fact that you will find yourself in a traditional Hutsul establishment, where service and speed of service are not the strongest points.

How to get there

From Minsk: by plane to Chernivtsi (UIA - from € 84). By train or bus via Kyiv, Lviv or Kovel (from € 25) to Chernivtsi. From Chernivtsi - by minibus to Vyzhnytsia. Next - hitch a ride/taxi.

From Brest: by bus Brest-Kovel (from € 4), from Kovel by train to Chernivtsi (from € 3.5). From Chernivtsi - by minibus to Vyzhnytsia. Next - hitch a ride/taxi.

From Kyiv: by train to Chernivtsi (from € 6), by plane to Chernivtsi (UIA - from € 38). From Chernivtsi - by minibus to Vyzhnytsia. Next - hitch a ride/taxi.

Verkhovyshchyna - two-thousand-meter mountains, waterfalls and a cultural reserve

High mountain city Verkhovyna (Ivano-Farankovsk region) and its satellite villages are considered the center of the ancient Hutsul region, this is true Western Ukraine, surrounded by two-thousand-meter mountains. In Verkhovyna itself, be sure to visit the private museum Roman Kumlika (I. Franka vul., 35) , where, in addition to authentic Hutsul household items, he collected a rich collection of musical instruments.

Things to do

Recharge your creativity and get acquainted with the Hutsul culture in Kryvorivna (Kryvorivnya)

Hutsul is a Ukrainian highlander, a free-lover who loves to dress himself and his home in order to appear before his neighbors in all its glory. Therefore, the jacket of a normal Hutsul is embroidered with gold and decorated with pom-poms, and his house is decorated with carpets, embroidered towels and intricate carvings. You can see all these cultural artifacts in the village Kryvorivnya(7 km from Verkhovyna), where there are 14 (!) museums. The “Hutsul hut-grazhda” and the historical and cultural museum in the school building are an obligatory part of the program of every decent tourist.

Kryvorivnya is not only a terry Hutsul region, but also a once bohemian center, a fashionable resort, where the cultural elite gathered - writers and public figures - Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka with her friend Olga Kobylyanska, Osip Makovey, Vasyl Stefanik and Mykhailo Kotsyubinsky. And Sergei Parajanov filmed “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” here. In general, Krivorivnya is full of creativity. To get into the atmosphere, go to the “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” museum and the Ivan Franko Literary and Memorial Museum.

The cultural program can be diversified by hiking. In the vicinity of Krivorivnya begin walking routes to the rocks of Pisany Kamen and to the peak of Igrets (1,311 m).

Look at the waterfalls and climb to the mountain observatory

If the main purpose of your trip to the Carpathians is hiking, head to Dzembronya - a high-mountain village where no more than 300 mountaineers live. From here it is most convenient to climb Mount Pop-Ivan and, in general, begin the ascent to the Montenegrin ridge.

You can climb Pop-Ivan in different ways, but to see the cascades of Smotritsky waterfalls along the way, head towards Mount Ushasty Kamen. From this point it’s just a stone’s throw to the top of Pop Ivan and the old observatory.

The stone observatory - the White Elephant - on Mount Pop Ivan was built by the University of Warsaw in the late 30s. last century for observing stars and weather. The building was abandoned for several decades. Recently, in a small part of it, volunteers set up a tourist shelter where rescuers live and tourists exhausted from mountain climbs stay.

Try vurda, try on Hutsul embroidered shirt and see the Carpathian two-thousanders in Iltsy

In the Carpathian dreams of seasoned tourists - the conquest of the Montenegrin ridge - six two-thousand-meter mountains. If you are a beginner and spend more time in the office than in the gym and on the treadmill, we advise you to start with the Kostrych ridge. Climb Mount Kostrych (1586 m), which is located directly opposite the Montenegrin ridge, and watch how powerful two-thousanders support the clouds with their snow caps. You won’t see such a picture from any other point in the Carpathians! And here’s another pleasant bonus: the slopes of Kostrych are strewn with blueberries in summer, and porcini mushrooms in autumn.

Take some cash with you on your hike and don’t pass by the kolybas - small wooden houses, there are several of them on the ridge. In the summer, Hutsul shepherds live in the kolybas, who graze cows, sheep and goats in the surrounding area and immediately prepare cheeses - feta cheese, budz and vurda. From late autumn until April, no one lives in the kolybas, and tourists use them for overnight stays.

You can climb Kostrych from the village of Iltsy or from the Krivopolsky pass, which can be reached from Verkhovyna. In Iltsy, don’t forget to look into museum-estate of the poetess Galinka Verkhovinka(village Iltsi, settlement Velikiy Grabovets) to learn everything about Hutsul embroidery and try on the image of a Hutsul. In winter you can go skiing in Iltsy. To do this, there are three slopes of medium difficulty (length - 700 m), two rope tows and an equipment rental point.

See how the Hutsul “lizhniki” are made and grill your own trout in Yavorov

In the village Yavorov(Yavoriv) in many houses they still create “lizhniks” - woven blankets made of sheep wool. The ability to weave here is inherited. Until recently, children studied lizhnikarism at school and even took a compulsory test in it. Today, wicker bedspreads are used less and less in everyday life, but local craftswomen have updated their product and began to sew raincoats, coats and jackets from it. Go to Yavorov (21 km from Verkhovyna, there is a bus) to become familiar with the ancient Hutsul art. At the Hutsulska Grazhda folk art center you can take part in a master class.

If you like to fish, here’s another reason for you to be in Yavorov - trout farming "Eco-trout", where you can catch a few fish and then place an order for them to be cooked. Be sure to try the trout in sour cream sauce and banosh. While your fish is cooking, go see the local waterfall, which is modestly called Yavorskaya Niagara.

Where to stay

A double junior suite in a private estate in Verkhovyna can be rented for €15-20, although finding a room for two is not so easy - most cottage owners rent them out entirely. Find a suitable option on the website hotels24.ua or booking.karpaty.ua. Pay attention to the private estate of the Djurak family, especially if you are planning mountain hikes. The owners of the estate promise to help with an instructor.

If you are traveling with a large group, take a closer look at the cottage "Trembita" 8 with a sauna, fireplace, gazebos and barbecue.

There is a cozy guest house in the village of Krivopilya "FIREPLACE" with a beautiful terrace, fireplace room and large windows in the rooms that look at the mountains. You can order food from the owners.

Where to eat

To a restaurant with panoramic windows "Panorama Verhovel" (Ivana-Franka st., 1, Verkhovyna village) go for a comprehensive aesthetic pleasure. Unlike many other Hutsul establishments, they worry about beautiful presentation of dishes. Panorama Verhovel serves excellent bograch, trout in sour cream sauce and banush with porcini mushrooms. Don't forget to try the liqueurs here.

If you go to Yavorov, go to a colorful restaurant for lunch "Babay" (Rivni settlement, on the Kosiv-Verkhovyna highway) . Try the signature dish “Babay in Glechika”, Hutsul cabbage rolls and banosh, and for dessert - tea with mountain herbs and pancakes with cottage cheese. The restaurant has a good selection of wines.

How to get there

From Minsk: by bus to Ivano-Frankovsk (from € 30), by plane to Ivano-Frankovsk (UIA - from € 70). From Ivano-Franovsk by minibus to Verkhovyna, Iltsov.

From Kyiv: by train to Ivano-Frankivsk (from € 4), by plane to Ivano-Frankivsk (from € 47.5). From Ivano-Franovsk by minibus to Verkhovyna, Iltsov.

Vorokhta - 100-year-old viaduct, zipline and mountain lake

Yaremcha, together with Bukovel and Dragobrat, is one of the three most famous ski resorts Carpathians Life in these villages revolves around tourists. They built a good tourist infrastructure here, sacrificing their authenticity and sincerity for this. Therefore, we advise you to choose Yaremcha or Bukovel, only as a last resort - if your main interest is a good ski slope and comfort. And for lively culture, hiking, (cheap living) and rural romance, it is better to go to the neighboring high-mountainous Vorokhta or Mykulychyn, making forays from there into the surrounding area, including Bukovel or Yaremcha.

Things to do

Take a walk under the arches of the century-old viaduct in Vorokhta

The two longest viaducts in Ukraine (100 and 130 meters) appeared in Vorokhta in Austro-Hungarian times. Despite their advanced age, they still help trains climb the slopes of the mountain. And they still amaze with their greatness.

Climb to a mountain lake

The tourist base "Zaroslyak" in Vorokhta is the starting point for mountain hikes to the nearby mountains of Spitz and Kukul, and to main mountain Chernogorsky ridge - Hoverle. If the body requires hiking, but the soul beautiful views, but multi-day hikes are not included in your plans, choose Mount Spitz (1863 m) with Lake Nesamovite (1750 m) and/or Kukul as your goal. One day is enough to conquer these peaks. The route to the lake is well marked, so you are unlikely to get lost. There are many legends associated with Lake Nesamovite, each of them hinting that you should not swim in the icy (even in summer) waters of the high-mountain reservoir. But this does not stop most frost-resistant tourists.

If you are an advanced skier and like to freeride, the western and northeastern slopes of Mount Kukul are the right place for this. The other slopes of this mountain are quite gentle, so climbing to the top will not take much effort. And if you suddenly go on a walk until it gets dark, you can spend the night in one of the Hutsul kolybas. Look for them in the mountain valley. If you find yourself in Vorokhta in the spring (April), be sure to climb Kukul to see the purple slopes strewn with crocuses.

Go down the 720-meter zipline in Vorokhta

The first one in Ukraine appeared in Vorokhta (B. Khmelnytsky St., at the beginning of the forest) . The descent is divided into two sections: 550 and 170 meters. The height difference is 18 meters.

Climb an abandoned ski jump in Vorokhta

A ninety-meter springboard for extreme training appeared here in the 30s of the last century, when Vorokhta was part of Poland. For the last 20 years it has been idle, despite periodic attempts to “restart” it. If you come here to take some interesting photos, check out the Hutsul market next to the ski jump, where everything that warms the soul of a Belarusian tourist is sold: traditional cheeses, honey, mushrooms, berries and woolen socks.

Try craft beer in Mykulychyn

In a small Hutsul brewery "Mykulychyn" (Mykulychyn village, Grushevkogo street, 68b) They have been brewing beer for 15 years: light, dark, honey, wheat and rye. In addition, here you can try real Carpathian honey, homemade cheeses and buy natural “beer” cosmetics. A visit to the brewery can be combined with a walk to the 15-meter Zhenetsky (Guk) waterfall, which does not dry out even in summer.

Where to stay

Vorokhta welcomes tourists to several dozen cottages, private estates and mini-hotels. Prices for double rooms start from € 10. It’s better to look for options at booking.karpaty.ua or hotels24.ua. If you want to live higher from the highway and look out of your window at Hoverla, take a closer look at a private hotel "Huts on stumps" (Mikhaila Grushevsky St., 5) , run by the good-natured Orestes. There is a bathhouse with two swimming pools, a vat, a trout pond where you can go fishing, your own small restaurant and a rooster that won’t let you sleep through all the fun.

Where to eat

The main (by local standards and the most expensive) restaurant in Vorokhta is "Stara Vorokhta"(Danila Galitsky vul., 66) with typical Western Ukrainian cuisine. Try trout on herbs, porcini mushrooms and liqueurs here.

If you want to have dinner in a real Carpathian kolyba, go to Yaremcha in "Red Manor" (vul. V. Ivasyuka, 6) . Feel free to order potato pancakes in glacek, veal cheeks with pea puree and shish kebab, which will be cooked for you on the grill right in the center of the hall. Rumor has it that they serve the most delicious horseradish in the Carpathians.

How to get there

From Minsk: by bus to Ivano-Frankovsk (from € 30), by plane to Ivano-Frankovsk (UIA - from € 70). From Ivano-Franovsk by minibus to Vorokhta. Or by plane to Kyiv (UIA - from € 65), by train to Kyiv (from € 35). From Kyiv by train to Vorokhta (from € 4.5) or Yaremche (from € 8.5).

From Kyiv: by train to Vorokhta (from € 4.5) or Yaremche (from € 8.5).

Synevyr park to climb to the mountain lake of the same name. See brown bears who received new life V Rehabilitation Center(Sinevirskaya Polyana village) , is no less worthy reason to come this long way. Most of the residents of the Rehabilitation Center are former “workers” of circuses and entertainment venues. Almost all bears end up in this shelter with psychological trauma and a bunch of diseases. The owners give up some emaciated animals voluntarily, while others are won back by the Rehabilitation Center employees through the courts. In their new home, the bears are treated, restored and learn to live in natural conditions (they even have dens here!).

Ogutsulitsya

Synevyrska Polyana is an excellent location for relaxation in the off-season (spring, autumn), if you want to breathe in some fresh air, take a break from people and get around a little. At the market in Mizhhirya you can buy everything you need for this - Transcarpathian wine, homemade milk and eggs, feta cheese and meat. And then settle in one of the cottages of Synevyr Glade, spend days walking by the mountain lake, conquering local peaks (several marked routes start from Synevyr), and in the evening barbecue on the grill, drink wine and listen to the stories of local Hutsuls.

Visit the village-museum of Kolachava

The village of Kolochava, which at different times belonged to Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania, is a mix of languages ​​and cultures. A textbook on express immersion in Carpathian culture. There are 10 museums here and 20 unusual monuments, including one to a teacher from Vkrajina and a shepherd. Here you will see the most picturesque scansen in Ukraine “Old Village” (from March 20 to April 20 it turns into a valley of blooming crocuses) and a train that once traveled on a narrow-gauge railway, you will walk along the corridors of a Czech and Soviet school.

When you're walking around "Old village" don't pass by the kryivka "Steer's Bunker"(headquarters of the Kolochava rebels) and Jewish "Wolf's Tavern", where you can look through the debt book with the names of villagers who drank in the establishment on credit.

Another feature of Kolochava is the shepherding school - together with an instructor you can walk to the slope of Mount Strimba, where sheep graze from May to November, see how vurda is cooked, try the miraculous “zhentitsa” and listen to trembita.

Conquer Gymba in Pylypets

The mountains in the area of ​​Volovets, Podobovets and Pylypets are called Borzhavskaya Polonina - they are not very high (up to 1500 m), but very picturesque. From above they look like a restless sea, playing with blue-green colors. To see them, climb Mount Gymba (1491 m), which even children can easily conquer. And all because a chairlift takes tourists from Pylypets to an altitude of 1100 m (it works even in summer). If after conquering Gymba you are still cheerful, cheerful and full of desire to see more - take a walk to the neighboring mountains Stand (1681 m), Great Top (1598 m), Mount Play ( 1330 m) and Temnatik (1343 m). After this you can go down to Volovets.

In winter, Pylypets turns into a ski resort - the second highest after Dragobrat - with the longest ski slope in Ukraine (20 km). The cost of one chairlift ride starts from € 2, a day pass - from € 17, ski/snowboard rental - from € 2.5. There is a professional ski school where, for € 5/hour, an instructor will teach you how to be handsome on the slopes.

Ride a bike through the mountains in Pylypets

In the village of Pylypets there is

We’ve all heard about holidays in Crimea: it was believed that “everyone should” relax there, but about the Carpathians – a place that is becoming popular destination international tourism, the majority of Russian residents have fragmentary knowledge, although holidays in these parts today are very attractive and inexpensive.

Where are they located?

The Carpathians are an ancient mountain system, which is “shared” by many countries on the map of Europe, and, of course, in these territories there are many resort areas created specifically for active recreation. The ski and health resorts of the Carpathians attract tourists first of all: the nature here is amazingly beautiful, the level of service is close to Western European, but the holiday in general is much cheaper. The Carpathians are located on the territory of several countries: Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary; to a lesser extent – ​​Serbia and Austria

The places here are incredibly beautiful, there are many natural and cultural attractions, and you can come to the Carpathians all year round, but first, let’s talk about the climate.

Climate Features

The climate of the Carpathians can be called both temperate and mountainous: it is humid, but winters are not very cold. The sun shines often, the temperature is slightly below zero, and there are thaws - even in January. High in the mountains it is colder - up to -15°C, and sometimes -30°C, but this is rare. Most high mountain Gerlachovsky Štit is considered to be in Slovakia - 2655 m, and on the territory of Ukraine - Hoverla, 2061 m high - in the summer, ascents to this mountain are organized even for unprepared tourists.

From May to October the region is warm and sunny - 20-25°C, but there are also heavy rains - more often in the mountains. In summer, when going to the mountains, it is worth remembering the temperature difference: at night it gets cold there - about 0°C and colder. In winter, you can relax in comfort: there is a lot of snow - from November to May, although the ski season is considered to be from mid-December to March. It is in the Carpathians that ecotourism is now actively “gaining momentum”: nature here is little affected, and therefore the landscapes are amazingly beautiful - tourists have an unforgettable experience.

As for the cultural and historical attractions of the Carpathians, you can’t talk about them briefly: on the territory of Ukraine alone - not to mention Romania and other countries of south-eastern Europe - there are dozens of ancient castles and temples built back in the Middle Ages. But we will try to briefly talk about some of the resorts of the Carpathians, where you can relax, see the sights and beautiful places, have fun and restore your health: in every country that is lucky enough to own at least a “piece” of the Carpathians, their territory is used to build resorts, sanatoriums, parks and reserves.

Sunny glade of Romania

The Romanian Carpathians rank second in size among European mountain ranges, and “cover” 1/3 of the country’s territory. IN majestic mountains, rich in volcanoes and minerals, glaciers and caves, there are modern ski resorts.

The most famous resort is Poiana Brasov, located in a convenient valley where there are many sunny days. It appeared at the end of the 19th century as a place for recreation and entertainment: then you could walk here, play sports, ride horseback and ski. At the beginning of the 20th century, Poiana Brasov became very famous among locals and foreigners; it does not lose popularity even now, and is generally considered elite.

Summer here is cool due to the mountain climate, but there are many opportunities for recreation: there are swimming pools and gyms, national restaurants, bars and discos; you can play bowling, ride a horse and go to the skating rink with artificial ice. In winter, ski lovers can be completely happy here: in Poiana Brasov 10 ski slopes, and everyone is different - even beginner skiers and snowboarders will find many great opportunities for themselves. The hotels are located right in the coniferous forests: cars are not allowed - horses are used, so the air is always transparent and clean.

Polish Beskids - rivals of the Alps

Part of the Western Carpathians “enters” the territory of Poland – here they are called the Beskids. The famous Polish resort of Szczyrk is located at the foot of two high mountains - Skrzyczne and Klimczok: they say that it is not inferior in terms of service and development to the most famous European resorts, and even surpasses them in the beauty of the landscapes. Tourists, and especially skiers, have long appreciated the mild climate here: there is almost no strong wind, and winter temperatures seem very comfortable for residents of various regions - the thermometer usually shows just below 0°C.

Tatra Mountains of Slovakia

The Slovak Carpathians are called by a sonorous word - Tatras, and the High Tatras are really the highest part Carpathians The climate is reminiscent of the Alpine, but many mountains are covered with green spruce forests, so the air here is surprisingly clean and healthy. About 50 years ago, these places were declared protected areas, and the main resorts are Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica and Strbske Pleso. It’s convenient to come here: the resorts are connected railway, and not only European tourists like to relax in the High Tatras.

The oldest resort in the country is called Smokovec, which is divided into several ski regions. The local hotels and guesthouses seem to be built into the mountain landscapes: classic buildings in the local style look natural on the slopes covered with coniferous forests. Here, if you wish, you can climb with a guide to the highest peak of the Carpathians - Gerlachovsky Shtit.

Tatranska Lomnica has the “glory” of a youth resort: you can ski until May, and the network of nightlife and other entertainment venues is well developed. Several trails are designed only for professionals - they are dangerous for beginners, but beginners can ski at the foot of Mount Lomnicky Štit, on gentle slopes. Not far from the resort there are ancient castles, a water park and other local attractions, so your vacation can not be limited to skiing and visiting entertainment venues.

The resort of Strbske Pleso is popular among those who like to relax with families: there are many trails for beginners and for children. There are ski schools, so those who are trying to ski for the first time can come here; gear and equipment can be rented at numerous rental centers.

White Carpathians – flower paradise

This is a landmark of the Czech Republic - the most beautiful national park, on the territory of which there are resort cities that receive many guests for recreation and treatment. There are many interesting routes in the mountains: you can walk, ride a horse or bike, or raft along rivers. In winter, excellent conditions are created for skiers and snowboarders - from November to April, and those who do not like to ski on the slopes can enjoy skiing on the adjacent plains - routes are also laid there. The White Carpathians are rich in rare trees, flowers and herbs: there are about 2000 high-mountain plant species alone - flowering in the mountains begins in early spring and continues until late autumn. Magnificent beauty, it is a must see.

A great Hungarian holiday for the whole family

There are not many resorts in the Hungarian (Western) Carpathians, but in recent years they have become increasingly lively: people come here not only from European countries, and our compatriots also rate holidays in Hungary very highly.

About 100 km from Budapest there is a recreation area called Matra - in the mountain range of the same name. The mountains here are overgrown with forests of oaks and beeches - the air is clean and healthy, and in the summer a lot of fruits ripen in the surrounding gardens. The vineyards of these places are a special topic: the best wine in Hungary is made here, and it is known far beyond the country’s borders - vacationers have a great opportunity to try many varieties “in the original”.

In winter, the resort creates excellent conditions for relaxation with the whole family: the slopes of the Hungarian mountains are quite gentle, so beginners and amateurs often ski on them; It’s true that professionals also like to come here, but they skate more often in the evening and at night, when the powerful lamps come on - it’s more interesting for them.

There is also a toboggan run, as well as a ski school: in a few days, experienced instructors help even those who are skiing for the first time in their lives - both children and adults - learn how to ski well on gentle slopes. Ski slopes on Mátra they are now called the best in Hungary and one of the best in Europe: they stretch and meander through the mountains for almost 3500 m, and there is snow here for more than 3 months a year, from December to the end of March. However, if there is a need to “add” it, modern snow cannons start working - everyone has time to ride.

A little to the northeast is the Bükk resort - it is considered the largest ski park in the country. More precisely, the park is called Bükkom, and the ski resort itself is called Bankut. There are also trails for beginners here, but there are more opportunities for experienced skiers. Not far away, in a separate complex, you can not only relax and have fun, but also receive treatment in thermal springs, healing pools and baths; Local water is also taken orally for medicinal purposes.

In addition, the territory of Bükka is very beautiful and attractive for lovers of unusual beauty: there are at least a thousand natural caves with unique natural decorations.

Serbian Carpathians – beautiful places

Among the resorts in Serbia, Kopaonik is considered the best, but it is located in a different mountain range.

In the Carpathians there is another famous ski and climatic resort country - Stara Planina. Here is also the highest mountain in Serbia - Mizdor, the peak of which is called Babin's Tooth - a protected reserve has been established there. There has been snow for almost 5 months, and winter sports are actively developing - the area is considered very promising.

A few years ago they opened the Academy of Winter Sports, and now anyone can become a real professional if they have enough patience and perseverance to practice. The Academy trains athletes and coaches, but amateurs can also study if they wish. You can learn to ride alpine skiing and snowboards, improve your skills or become an instructor yourself.

During the warm season, ascents are organized to Mount Babin Zub: it is better to go there from June to September. The level of difficulty may vary, but you don’t need to be an experienced climber to climb to the top: complex equipment is not needed in most cases, and any “conditionally healthy” tourist can test his endurance.

Sights of Ukrainian places

There are a lot of resorts and attractions in the Ukrainian Carpathians, so it is better to briefly talk about recreation opportunities in general. Even if you come here every year, it is unlikely that you will be able to see at least half of the beautiful places and wonders.

To begin with, the local nature amazes with its preserved richness and diversity: mountain lakes with the purest water are home to trout and other valuable fish, many species of local animals are considered rare, and many plants are endemic. There are very beautiful places here, the Carpathians in Ukraine are just a fairy tale.

About one thing most beautiful place nevertheless, it is worth mentioning separately - about Lake Synevyr, located almost a kilometer above sea level, and considered the most beautiful and largest in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The water in it is clear, but from a bird's eye view it looks blue; the lake is framed by the bright greenery of forests - they say that the reservoir is more than 10,000 years old. It cannot be called very deep, but the depth is impressive - up to 22 m; the water is cold - no higher than 11°C even in summer, and you cannot swim in Synevyr. However, you can relax here for a nominal fee, although vacationers are strictly monitored: there is a lot of trout in the lake, but catching it is strictly prohibited, as is hunting local animals - deer, roe deer and predators.

The deep Carpathian rivers are used for timber rafting, but this is also monitored - the ecological balance should not be disturbed. There are no rocks in these places, the relief is calm and smooth - they say that in this sense the Carpathians have an even character.

There are many hundreds of different mineral springs in the Ukrainian Carpathians, so there are many health resorts and sanatoriums: almost every region has its own types of medicinal waters. So, everyone knows the water from Truskavets - Naftusya, which has practically no analogues in the world. Naftusya is universal: it is used to treat various inflammations and pains, diseases of the kidneys, liver and biliary tract, gastrointestinal tract, nervous and endocrine systems. In many sanatoriums, patients are literally treated with air saturated with phytoncides of coniferous trees, and the properties of water complement its effect: other medications become unnecessary.

The main ski resorts have mild winters - 6°C below zero is considered severe frost - and a lot of snow, so their popularity is growing every year. Infrastructure and services are developing accordingly: local authorities have been actively using all opportunities for growth and development in recent years. Set up everywhere ski schools, the slopes are well maintained, the ski lifts are working, and renting equipment has become as easy as in European resorts.

When the ski season ends, “land” tourism begins: you can choose routes for every taste and age - walking, horseback riding or cycling. The local Carpathians are full of not only natural beauty, but also cultural and historical attractions - for example, castles and colorful mountain villages with unique customs and traditions.

Modern entertainment also allows you to relax and have fun from the heart: there are enough entertainment venues, cafes and restaurants, but Carpathian cuisine needs to be discussed separately.

There are many advantages to vacationing in the Carpathians, but the hospitality of the locals is called “unlimited”: most tourists who come here retain pleasant memories of their vacation and only positive emotions for a long time.

Is it worth going to the Carpathians?

There are wonderful mountain climatic resorts in the southern part of the Western Carpathians - in Hungary; and in the Serbian Carpathians, where there are dozens of mineral springs; and, of course, in Ukraine, where Bukovel alone receives hundreds of thousands of tourists a year - a couple of years ago it was named the world's fastest growing ski resort.

They say that in the Carpathians residents find a second wind major cities, exhausted by the accelerated pace of life, constant noise and polluted atmosphere. They also say that in these mountains everything is real: nature, food, fun, and people, so there’s hardly any point in thinking about it – you should definitely go to the Carpathians.

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Without a doubt, the most famous and popular mountains in Europe are the Alps. But in this part of the world there is another mountain system that is inferior to the Alps in height, but superior to them in size. And it also attracts great attention from tourists and lovers winter holiday. Where are the Carpathians? In which countries are they located? When were these mountains formed, and why are they interesting?

"Stone Mountains"

The word “Carpathians” evokes approximately the same images and scenes in everyone: a dark forest, thick fog creeping along the slopes, molfar sorcerers and, of course, the castle of the famous Count Dracula. These mountains are truly shrouded in a certain aura of mysticism and mystery. But not everyone knows exactly where the Carpathians are and when they were formed.

The name of this mountain system was first used by Claudius Ptolemy in the second century AD. It is also found in the works of Herodotus. In particular, the “father of history” mentions the Karpis River. It is believed that this tributary of the Danube took its name from the mountains from whose slopes it flows.

The word “Carpathians” itself, according to some researchers, comes from the name of the Thracian tribe “Carps”, who lived in this territory in the 3rd-4th centuries. Other scholars associate it with the Proto-European word kar, which translates as “stone.” True, it’s a stretch to call the Carpathians “stone mountains.” After all, most of the mountain system is represented by gentle valleys and peaks with smooth outlines, where rocky ledges and pointed peaks are extremely rare.

However, there is a third version that connects the origin of the toponym with the Slavic word “khrb”, which means “ridge”. Considering where the Carpathians are located, this version looks quite plausible. After all, it was the Slavic tribes and peoples who developed and populated this area for many centuries.

Where are the Carpathians: countries and major cities

The total area of ​​the mountain system is 190 thousand square kilometers, its length is 1,500 kilometers. Where are the Carpathian Mountains? They are located in the eastern part of Central Europe. On the map they form an arc, which in geological terms is a branch of the Alpine-Himalayan folded region.

In which states are the Carpathians located? Where are their natural boundaries? The mountain system covers the territories of eight European countries. This:

1. Czech Republic.
2. Poland.
3. Slovakia.
4. Ukraine.
5. Hungary.
6. Romania.
7. Serbia.
8. Austria.

About 70% of total area Carpathian mountainous country accounts for two states – Romania and Ukraine. But only its extreme western spurs enter Austria. The most major cities located within the Carpathian Mountains:

1. Bielsko-Biala (Poland).
2. Zakopane (Poland).
3. Banska Bystrica (Slovakia).
4. Kosice (Slovakia).
5. Zilina (Slovakia).
6. Cluj-Napoca (Romania).
7. Brasov (Romania).
8. Oradea (Romania).
9. Sibiu (Romania).
10. Uzhgorod (Ukraine).
11. Kolomyia (Ukraine).
12. Vršac (Serbia).

This is where the Carpathians are located. It remains to find out what parts this mountain system consists of.

Structure of the Carpathians

The Carpathian Mountains consist of eight orographic parts (see map below):

1. Outer Western Carpathians.
2. Inner Western Carpathians.
3. Outer Eastern Carpathians.
4. Inner Eastern Carpathians.
5. Southern Carpathians.
6. Western Romanian Carpathians.
7. Transylvanian plateau.
8. Serbian Carpathians.

In addition, within the mountain system there are a number of separate massifs: Beskydy, Ore Mountains, Tatras (the most high part Carpathians), Gorgany, Rodna, Pieniny, Fagarash and others. The average heights of the Carpathian Mountains range from 800-1200 meters. Highest point– Mount Gerlachovski-Stit.

Carpathian Mountains: main features and interesting facts

Here are some of them:

1. Despite their low heights and gentle shapes, the Carpathians are young mountains. They arose at approximately the same time (by geological standards, of course) as the Alps and Himalayas.
2. Mountain building processes in the Carpathians continue to this day. This is evidenced by earthquakes that are regularly recorded here. The strength of individual shocks reaches 5-7 points on the Richter scale.
3. The Carpathians were once characterized by active volcanic activity. Cones of extinct volcanoes can be seen in the vicinity of Uzhgorod, Mukachevo and Khust.
4. The Carpathian subsoil is rich in numerous minerals. The main mineral wealth of the mountain system is oil, gas, ozokerite, marble and gold.
5. The width of the Carpathian Mountains in some places reaches 450 kilometers.
6. The Alps are separated from the Carpathians by only 14 kilometers. The border between the two largest mountain systems in Europe lies precisely between Vienna and Bratislava.
7. At the beginning of the twentieth century, numerous remains of prehistoric animals were discovered in the mountainous country - mammoths, huge deer and various birds.
8. The Carpathians are considered the birthplace of the world's largest musical instrument– trembita. The length of this wooden tube is 4 meters. It is capable of spreading sound over 10-20 kilometers.

Origin and age of the Carpathian Mountains

Long before the formation of the modern mountain system, in its place there was a chain of ridges connecting the Sudetenland with Dobruja (a hill in Romania). Geologists call it Prakarpaty. Subsequently, these mountains were destroyed by powerful movements of the earth's crust, and in their place by the beginning of the Mesozoic, an almost flat plain formed.

The age of the Carpathian geosyncline is quite “young” - only 25 million years. The process of formation of the mountainous country began at the end of the Paleogene period and occurred gradually. The structures of the Outer Carpathians were the first to emerge. For quite a long time, the sea splashed between the outer and inner ridges of the Carpathian Mountains. During its existence, thick layers of sand deposits have accumulated here.

Climate and flora of the Carpathians

The climate of the territory is moderate continental and quite humid. Average temperatures in July are +17…20 °C, in January from –2 to –5 °C. Precipitation ranges from 600 to 2000 mm per year.

In the Carpathians, the altitudinal zonation of the landscapes is clearly visible. Broad-leaved and mixed forests grow up to a height of 600 meters, from 600 to 1500 meters there are dark coniferous forests, and even higher there are low-growing shrubs. The peaks of many Carpathian mountains are covered with subalpine meadows. In the Ukrainian Carpathians they came up with their own name - “poloniny”.

In the Carpathian forests you can most often find Norway spruce, fir and beech. Also common are oak, hornbeam, pine, alder, birch and larch. The lower tier is occupied by thickets of raspberries, blackberries, lingonberries and blueberries.

The main resorts of the Carpathians

Where are the most popular ski resorts in the Carpathians located and what are their names? And what are they? The most famous Carpathian resorts usually include Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske (Ukraine); Zakopane, Szczyrk, Karpacz, Krynica (Poland), Poianu Brasov, Sinaia, Predeal (Romania), Jasnu (Slovakia).

Zakopane is perhaps the best ski resort in the Carpathians. Where are its tracks? The resort is located in the southern part of Poland, in a small town with the same name. The total length of its routes is 60 kilometers. They are designed for all categories of skiers - from beginners to professionals. The ski season lasts from late October to mid-April.

Bukovel is the main Ukrainian ski resort, which is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. It features quality trails and excellent infrastructure. Ideal snow cover persists here from the beginning of December until the end of April.

Famous peaks

Gerlachovski-Štit (2654 m) – the most high mountain in the Carpathians. It is located on the territory of Slovakia, near the city of Gerlachov. Today the mountain is very popular among tourists. However, climbing to its peak requires serious preparation and is only allowed with an experienced guide.

Hoverla (2061 m) is the highest point of the Ukrainian Carpathians, located within the Montenegrin ridge. Climbing this mountain is relatively easy, so in the summer dozens of tourists conquer its peak every day. Hoverla is famous for the fact that the largest river in Eastern Europe, the Prut, originates from its slopes.

Moldoveanu (2544 m) is the highest peak in Romania. Located in the heart of the country, within the Fagaras mountain range. Climbing Moldoviana is a little more difficult than Hoverla, but its conquest does not cause any particular difficulties for experienced tourists.

The Carpathians are European mountains famous all over the world, people strive to go there large number tourists. Resorts are open here both in summer and winter; the mountainous expanses amaze with stunning landscapes and unique nature.

The Carpathian mountain system is located in eastern Europe, its peaks adorn the landscape of several countries at once:

1. Czech Republic
2. Ukraine
3. Slovakia
4. Poland
5. Hungary
6. Serbia
7. Romania
8. Austria.

The Carpathians are partially located in the last state on the list. But the main part of the Carpathians is located in two states - Ukraine and Romania.

The Carpathian Mountains are very beautiful and picturesque

The Carpathians, along with the Alps, are the most popular mountains in Europe. But the Carpathian mountain system surpasses the Alpine in size. The Carpathians amaze with their beauty and are a wonderful place to relax. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy clean air, nature, and active recreation, mountaineering, relaxing at ski resorts, mountain biking. Interesting events are constantly organized in the Carpathians hiking trips, excursions during which you can experience all the beauty of the Carpathian mountain system.

Coordinates and location of the Carpathian mountain system

The system originates near Bratislava, Slovakia, ending in the southeastern part of Romania, close to the Iron Gate. The Carpathians are located in Ukraine in the western part of the state, where the border with the countries passes:

• Romania
• Slovakia
• Hungary
• Poland.

Location of the Carpathian mountain system on the map

Carpathian coordinates:

• 47° 0’ 0" (47° 0’ 0) north latitude;
• 25° 30’ 0" (25° 30’ 0) east longitude.

The mountain system is divided into Southern, Western and Eastern Carpathians, depending on the characteristics of the location. The first are in Romania, the second are in Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary (partially), the latter are in Ukraine. The entire mountain system has a large number of peaks, massifs and peaks of varying heights.

The Carpathians, located in Ukraine, can be reached from Kyiv, where the airport is located. A train runs from Kyiv to Rakhiv (a city right in the mountains). In addition to this flight, direct trains from other countries go to Rakhiv: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary. There are trains and buses from Lviv. There are trains from Romania, the city of Brasov, to the Carpathians; you can also get there by car or taxi. To the Czech Carpathians you first need to fly from Prague by plane or arrive by bus international route. Buses travel from the capital to cities and villages near the mountain ranges, and you can also get there by car.

Education and age of the array

Previously, long before the Carpathians themselves were formed, in their place there were ridges that connected Dobrudja with the Sudetes. Geologists also call Dobrudzha Procarpathians. These peaks were destroyed due to powerful movements of the earth's crust. At the beginning of the Mesozoic period, an almost flat plain formed in their place. The age of the ongoing tectonic processes in the Carpathians is considered quite young in the field of geology and is only 25 million years. The mountains began to form gradually, at the end of the Paleogene. The Outer Carpathians were the first to form; for quite a long time there was a sea between the outer and inner ridges, during the period of which a rather thick layer of sand deposits formed.

Description, brief information and characteristics of the Carpathians

The length of the mountain system reaches 1,500 kilometers; on three sides, in the form of an arc, mountain ranges encircle the territory of the Central European Plain. In the southwest, the width of the Carpathians is 340 km, in the northwest - 240 km, in the northeast, already in Ukraine, - from 100 to 120 km. The height of the mountains located on Ukrainian territory is 1,000 m, highest peak The Carpathians in this state are Hoverla, with a height of 2,061 m. In Ukraine, the Carpathians are divided into 3 categories:

1. Domestic
2. External
3. Central

The Carpathians in Ukraine are divided into three categories

The total area of ​​the system is 190,000 km². In Ukraine, the mountain range runs from the northwestern side to the southeastern side, with an average width of 100 to 280 km.

Even in ancient times, according to the chronicles of the Romans of the 1st century AD, people lived in these territories - representatives of the Dacian carp tribe. Linguists and historians are considering options for the origin of the mountain range from the name of the tribe or vice versa. But the most common version is the origin of the Carpathians from Proto-Indo-European, from which the word is translated as “rocks, rocky mountainous terrain.”

In modern languages, equivalents from Albanian from the word karpe - stone, mountain are considered. The most suitable Armenian origin is from the word qaripat - stone wall. There is also a Turkic version, which translates as “overflowing, overflowing the banks.” In ancient and medieval times, the Carpathians had a different name - the Hungarian or Ugric, Sarmatian mountains.

Discovery and first exploration of the Carpathian mountain range

The Austrian G. Buchholz was the first to study these mountains; he went to the mountains with his sons, and then published a book where he described his journey. After him, the Carpathians were explored in more detail by I. Fichtel, a former lawyer who retrained as a mountain explorer. He devoted 19 years of his life to this important matter. The Western Carpathians attracted his attention most of all. Breton B. Akke went on a trip to the Carpathians 4 times to study this mountain range. He studied the Eastern Carpathians, traveled to Moldova, and studied the Carpathian rivers and lakes.

Relief of the Carpathian mountain system

The Eastern Outer Carpathians are one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Europe. Seismic activity was observed by the ancient Romans, who recorded data on earthquakes in the 2nd-3rd centuries. Since in the 18th century the population in these places was actively growing due to urbanization and birth rates, humanity greatly felt the damage from the seismic activity of the Carpathians. The epicenter of activity is located in the Vrancea zone, Romania. It is located at the junction of the Eastern Carpathians of Ukraine with the Southern Carpathians in Romania, in Vrancea County. The magnitude of earthquakes in this zone is very high, up to 8.3. The magnitude and depth of earthquakes is large, which is why seismic activity is clearly felt over a vast area, from the south of Greece to the north of Finland. Strong earthquakes with catastrophic consequences for humans in the Vrancea zone occurred twice:

• 1940 - magnitude 8.3;
• 1977 - magnitude 7.2.

The Eastern Outer Carpathians are a dangerous zone where earthquakes occur regularly

There were also volcanoes in the Carpathians, but they have not made themselves felt for 5 million years and, fortunately, their activity is not expected. Today, only a mud volcano is active here near the village of Starunya. The settlement was formed in 1977 after the last earthquake; there was previously an ozokerite mine in its place. Previously, the volcano had 4 vents with different diameters from 10 to 50 cm, the height of the cone was 3 meters. Today it is flat, has 8 permanent craters and 12 small ones that are not permanent. Oil, gas, and water of varying degrees of mineralization are constantly emitted from each crater at different times.

Three ethnic groups live on the territory of the mountain range:

• Hutsuls
• Lemki
• strikers.

The Hutsuls are a real mountain people. It was in the highlands that their culture, traditions, and way of life were formed. The ethnic group lives in Transcarpathia, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions. He is engaged in wood processing and sheep breeding. The Hutsuls differ from other ethnic groups in their bright clothing, unusual architectural and craft elements, and even their dialect is different.

The Hutsuls are a true mountain people of the Carpathians

The Lemkos were once a mountain people, but deportation and repression under the USSR led to them losing their homeland. Today they live in scattered groups throughout Ukraine. In recent years, the ethnic group has been actively restoring its history and trying to preserve its heritage. There are Lemko villages in the Carpathian foothills, where they were resettled after World War II. The people stand out from the rest with their way of life and dialect.

The Boyki are represented in Ukraine by a huge community of several thousand people. They differ in traditions, culture, dialect. Scientists identify 14 more subethnic groups in the Boyko ethnic group. The people inhabit the Lviv region of the Carpathians, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Transcarpathia.

The highest Carpathian peak

The highest point of the Carpathian mountain system is Gerlachovsky Štit. The peak is located in Slovakia, its height is 2,654 m. This is the main part of the High Tatras massif. The peak is climbed by climbers from different countries. The name translates as “shield” from Slovak. The name of the peak was changed several times, the very first name was Gerlach, then it was renamed several times in honor of the rulers. Shtit even bore the name Stalin's Shtit. The Slovaks gave this name to the mountain in gratitude to Stalin for liberation from the Nazis.

Climate, altitudinal zones of the Carpathians and their influence on flora and fauna

Climatic conditions Here they belong to the temperate continental type, the humidity is quite high. In mid-summer the temperature is +17-20°C, in winter it drops from -2°C to -5°C. There is a lot of precipitation in the Carpathians per year, up to 2,000 mm. In the highlands it rains three times more often than at the foot. There is also a lot of snowfall in winter, from 30 cm. Avalanches often occur in the Carpathians, there are many places with high avalanche danger, especially in mountain peaks where there is no forest.

There are five altitude zones in the Carpathians

The altitudinal zonation of the Carpathians classifies them as a forest-steppe type. In the Carpathian Mountains there is a significant difference in altitude, a change natural conditions vertical. The massif is divided into several altitudinal zones:

• foothill - extends to a height of 600 m, forests and meadows of coniferous and broad-leaved species are common here. The soils in this belt are soddy-podzolic, there are many already plowed areas developed by humans;
• the lower one is a belt of mountain-forest type, stretches to a height of 1,100 m. The forests here are beech, mixed, there is spruce and fir;
• The upper mountain forest belt is covered with spruce and fir forests of mixed type. The upper altitudinal zone goes up to an altitude of 1,500 m. Here, as in the lower one, the soils are mainly of the mountain-forest type, brown;
• subalpine - located at an altitude of 1,500–1,800 m, the forests here are sparse, consisting mainly of low-growing pine, juniper, alder, mixed meadows - mixed herbs, cereals;
• alpine - stretches over 1,800 m, the soils here, as in the subalpine zone, belong to mountain meadows. In the alpine belt, grass meadows and low shrubs are common. The vegetation here is even more sparse than in the subalpine zone.

The Carpathians are the habitat of many representatives of the fauna, of which there are more than 400 species in the mountainous areas and Transcarpathia. Roe deer, red deer, European eels and marsh turtles live here. Even those animals that are characterized by a Mediterranean climate, for example, green frogs and spotted salamanders, feel great here. Black grouse and wood grouse live in the vastness of Transcarpathia and the Carpathians. Representatives of the fauna live here that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth: the Carpathian squirrel and the Carpathian newt. Snow voles and alpine newts have settled well here. Representatives of birds, bats, bats and rabbits are also found in the Carpathian forests.

Brown bears live in the Carpathians

Animals are found from the foothills at an altitude of 200 m, then at the beginning of alpine bushes at an altitude of 1,800 m. Altitudes from 2,000 m are home to rodents: snow vole, alpine shrew. It is noteworthy that in part of the Ukrainian Carpathians there are many wild pigs. In the forests of the Carpathian massifs live foxes, badgers, many representatives of mustelids, there are minks, otters and ferrets. Thickets and gorges can be dangerous for people; wolves live here. There are protected animals listed in the Red Book: wild cats, brown bears, lynxes. Unfortunately, the population of deer and roe deer in the area has become smaller; hunting them is prohibited by the strictest laws. Recently, new residents have appeared in these places: a raccoon dog, most likely brought here by people who want to replenish the animal population of the Carpathians. The homeland of the raccoon dog is China and Japan.

In terms of the amount of greenery, no other area can compare with the Carpathians. More than 2,000 species grow here, 44 of which are critically endangered. Forests occupy 45% of the entire Transcarpathian region; beech, spruce, and oak species grow most of all. There are larch, birch, alder, ash, pine, yew and maple trees. More than 3,000 exotic plants in the Carpathians, all of them bloom from early spring to last days autumn, so the scenery here is stunning all year round. Some types of apple trees, Japanese sakura, cypress, and even magnolia grow.

Sights of the Carpathian Mountains and surrounding area

A huge number of places of interest are concentrated on the territory of the mountain system. Some of them deserve special attention; they are very popular among tourists.

• Yaremche;
• Hoverla;
• Arch bridge;
• Prut River valley;
• Trufanets waterfall;
• Black Church (Brasov);
• Mount Tampa;
• Dracula's castle;
• Poiana Brasov.

Yaremche is a beautiful town where you can have a good rest surrounded by nature. Nearby is the Yaremchansky waterfall - a gift of nature and beauty. This is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Ukraine. The waterfall has a height difference of 12 m, a very strong flow of water. When it falls, the sounds can be heard over great distances. There is a bridge over the waterfall that you can cross or jump straight into the waterfall stream. These places have very picturesque landscapes, they attract a large number of tourists from all over the world.

Mount Hoverla is the highest Carpathian peak in Ukraine. From Romanian the name means “difficult hill”. The height of the peak is 2,061 m. The first ascent to the peak took place in 1880. Climbers, athletes, and amateur tourists regularly climb Hoverla. The border with Romania is located 17 km from the mountain. The peak is part of the Chornohora ridge, Carpathians. In clear weather, stunning views of the city open from the top, you can see the White Elephant Observatory and Mount Pop-Ivan. The Prut River flows next to Goverla, and here you can see cascading waterfalls.

Hoverla - the highest peak of the Carpathians in Ukraine

The Arch Bridge is built entirely of stone; it is an ancient railway bridge connecting the banks of the Prut. Below the building there is a highway. The bridge was erected in 1895, its length is more than 100 meters. The building is still used for its intended purpose today. Nearby there is another old Austrian bridge, 130 meters long, one of the longest stone railway bridges in Europe.

The Prut Valley is a left tributary of the Danube River - amazing picturesque place in the Carpathians. The climate here is surprisingly mild, with a wide variety of fauna and flora. In the valley there are rivers and lakes with clear water, waterfalls, the air here is clean and fresh. All conditions for a healthy holiday have been created. In the valley there is the resort town of Yaremche, where there are many cafes and hotels, and the Bukovel resort is nearby. Tourists love to visit the valley and the villages and towns located in its vicinity. Local residents are always happy to have guests; guides conduct interesting excursions, tourists have an excellent opportunity to pick mushrooms and berries.

Trufanets Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Transcarpathia with a height of 36 m. This miracle of nature is located on the slopes of the Svydovetsky ridge. The waterfall begins at an altitude of 1,720 m in the subalpine zone, at the foot of the Bliznitsa peak. The total length of the stream is 2,830 m. It has created several cascades and in some places flows underground in the forest. Near the waterfall there are steps and a gazebo, from where you can see it clearly and up close. Trufanets is a natural hydrological monument.

Beautiful views open from the gazebo above the Trufanets waterfall

The Black Church, or Biserica Neagra, is located in Romania. Another name for religious architectural monument- Church of St. Mary. It is one of the oldest Lutheran churches in Transylvania. A popular and famous landmark of Brasov and the Carpathians. The construction of the temple took place in the 14th century; it was built by the Transylvanian Saxons. The style of the church is Gothic, height 65 m. During the Great Turkish War there was a fire here, the walls turned black, hence the name of the church. The architecture of the building is very beautiful and unusual; inside there is a museum where ancient frescoes and a large collection of carpets are kept.

Mount Tampa is a high peak in the Southern Carpathians, completely covered with forests. At the foot of the mountain is the city of Brasov, whose symbol it is. The height of Tampa is 995 m, from the peak in favorable weather they open beautiful landscapes. There are 25 paths for tourists to the top itself, but the main part of the mountain is a protected area, home to rare birds and animals.

Mount Tampa - symbol of Brasov

A popular entertainment is climbing the mountain; Tampa has cozy restaurants; on the way to the peak you can see the ruins of fortresses, ancient forts that used to protect Brasov from the enemy.

Dracula's Castle, or Bran Castle, is perhaps one of the most popular attractions in all of Romania. It was erected in the 14th century, and it was built local residents at your own expense. For this, the state freed people from taxes for several centuries. Two more defensive towers were erected later, in 1622–1625. The castle is located on the top of a rock, its shape is unusual in the form of a trapezoid. The corridors with halls are located in a mysterious labyrinth. In the courtyard belonging to the castle there is a well; according to legend, it leads to the dungeon. Count Dracula - Vlad the Impaler, stayed overnight here when he went on campaigns. There is a version that talks about the torture of Tepes by the Turks in the basement of the castle. That's why it is also called Dracula's Castle.

Poiana Brasov is a ski resort in Romania, today it is a very popular tourist destination. The resort was founded back in the 19th century, located at an altitude of 1030 m, in a coniferous forest. The infrastructure of Poiana Brasov provides vacationers with maximum comfort.

• 20% of all forests in Ukraine are located in the Carpathians;
• Lake Synevyr is located in the Carpathians at an altitude of 989 m. It is the most beautiful body of water and the largest in the Carpathian Mountains;
• Europe's largest rehabilitation center for brown bears is located near the lake;
• the highest city of Ukraine, Rakhiv, is located in the mountains, at an altitude of 820 m. locality large difference between streets - from 400 to 1000 meters;
• the village of Vypchina is even higher - 1,100 m above sea level. The difference between the streets here is 600–1000 m;
• geologists claim that the Carpathians arose almost at the same time as the Himalayas and the Alps;
• the formation of mountain systems still continues in the Carpathians. Confirmation of this is frequent earthquakes;
• Previously, there were volcanoes in the Carpathians that erupted. There are cones of extinct volcanoes in the vicinity of Mukachevo, Khust, Uzhgorod;
• the depths of the mountain system are rich in minerals, including gold, oil, ozokerite, gas, marble;
• in some places the width of the mountains is 450 km;
• the distance from the Alps to the Carpathian peaks is 14 km;
• in the 20th century, scientists discovered in the Carpathians many remains of animals that lived in prehistoric times: mammoths, birds, huge deer;
• The Carpathian peaks are the birthplace of the musical instrument trembita. The length of this horn, made of wood, is 4 meters, the sounds it makes can be heard at a distance of 20 km.

Tourism in the Carpathians

There are many routes in the Carpathians and interesting resorts. Tourists climb the peaks of the Carpathians: Mount Hoverla, Petros and Gerlakhovsky Shtit. The first peak is reached from the Ukrainian village of Lazeshchyna, located in the Transcarpathian region, to the Kozmeschik tract, from there the path goes to the Gropa meadow, to Hoverla.

There are many excursions in the Carpathians, there are routes for tourists

Petros, although lower than Hoverla, is more interesting and difficult to climb. It is not recommended to come here in winter, in bad weather. The path to the peak lies through Lazeshchyna and Kozmeschik, then the direction leads through the Kiyanets stream, the Chernogorsky ridge. The route to Gerlachovský Štit in Slovakia starts from Sklabina.

Ski resorts of the Carpathians:

1. Bukovel
2. Yablunitsa
3. Betony
4. Dragobrat
5. Volovets
6. Podobovets
7. Pylypets
8. Krasiya
9. Slavskoe
10. Zhdenievo
11. "Zakhar Berkut"

Bukovel is very popular resort, where a huge number of tourists come every year. It is located near the village of Polyanitsa, at an altitude of 920 m above sea level. The skiing season is open from November to mid-April. Here tourists are offered various types of trails, the infrastructure is well developed. You can admire the peaks of the mountain ranges by riding the ski lifts. You can also have a wonderful vacation in Bukovel in the summer; in 2014, the country’s largest artificial lake, surrounded by a beach, opened here. People come to Bukovel to improve and improve their health.

Bukovel is one of best resorts Ukraine and Europe

Dragobrat is the highest ski resort in the country. The snow here sometimes lies on the slopes until mid-May, thus extending the season of ski resorts. The resort is located at an altitude of 1,400 m, near the foot of the Stog peak. Vacationers have everything they need, many trails of varying difficulty, and freeride slopes. You don’t have to live at the resort itself; there are also options in nearby villages.

In addition to skiing activities, the resort has lakes, waterfalls, mineral springs, climbing routes to local peaks. Many people come to see the Dragobratsky waterfall - an amazing natural phenomenon. The waterfall is cascading, its height is more than 7 meters.

Natural objects of the Carpathian mountain system and minerals

On the territory of the Carpathian massif there are zones where some mineral deposits are concentrated. Gas, oil, native sulfur, ozokerite, rock and potassium salt are extracted here. There are deposits of zeolites, brown coal, gold, dolomites, limestone and marble in the mountains. There are many rivers flowing here, and there is the Watershed Range. It is in this place that the border between the huge river basins: the Danube and the Dniester is located. All mountain rivers flowing from the peaks of the Carpathians fall into them. There is no exact information about the number of rivers in the mountains; the known figure is 28,000. The largest Carpathian rivers are:

• Dniester
• Stryi
• Latoritsa.

The picturesque island of Naslavche on the Dniester River

The Prut River is very long, stretches for 967 km, its sources come from Karat, Mount Goverla. The Prut has various banks, the upper reaches are rocky and steep coastlines, in the lower ones they are gentle. In the area of ​​the north of the Prut Valley, the river is very close to the Danube, the distance between them is only 34 km. Like an object water tourism The Prut is very popular, especially its upper reaches. Extreme river rafting is held here in the Yaremche and Vorokhta zones. This is a real blessing for extreme sports lovers, a 34 km section with a large number of stone ledges and rapids. Located on the Prut beautiful waterfall, not far from the Zaroslyak tourist center. The waterfall includes several cascading powerful streams, whose total height is 80 m. Downstream there is also a waterfall called Probiy, 8 meters high, located on the territory resort town Yaremche. There is a bridge over the waterfall for tourists and observation deck. On the territory of Moldova, in the place where the Prut flows, there is a landmark - the Valley of the Hundred Hills. There are approximately 3,000 hills here, and their origin has not yet been fully studied by scientists. One version says that the hills are the result of a coral reef.

Anything to add?

The Carpathians are a mountain system in eastern Central Europe, in Ukraine, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia and Austria. It extends from the outskirts of Bratislava to the Iron Gate for 1500 km, forming a convex arc, closing the Middle Danube Plain.

The Carpathians are one of the main watersheds in Europe between the Baltic and Black Seas. They are divided into two subprovinces - the Outer Carpathians (Western and Eastern) and the Inner Carpathians (Western and Eastern). Orographically, the Western Carpathians, the Eastern Carpathians (part of which are the so-called Ukrainian Carpathians), the Southern Carpathians, the Western Romanian Mountains and the Transylvanian Plateau are distinguished.

The predominant heights of the Carpathians are 800-1200 m, the highest height is 2655 m (Mount Gerlakhovsky Shtit in the Tatras), in Ukraine - Mount Hoverla (2061 m). Maximum width- 430 km. The area of ​​this mountain system is 24,000 km². The Carpathians contain up to 20% of all forests in Ukraine. The Carpathian Mountains are relatively young, formed during the Alpine era of mountain building and are more than 25,000,000 years old.

The name “Carpathians” has the same root as the Armenian Քար (Qar) - stone, Պատ (Pat) - wall. The ancient Polish word "karpa" means significant unevenness, pitfalls, significant trunks or roots. From the possible Dacian meaning - "mountains", the name of the tribe - "carps" - "those who live in the mountains" - inhabited the Carpathians during the Roman Empire. The Celtic-Illyrian word "Karn" meant "stone" or "pile of stones". The striking similarity of the name of the mountains can be traced with the name of the island of Karpathos between Cyprus and Rhodes.

Another name - the Sarmatian Mountains - appears in the works of ancient and medieval geographers. In Ptolemy, from the name of the Celtic tribe of Bastarnae, who lived here, the Carpathian mountains were called - lat. Alpes Bastarnidae.

Formation of the Carpathian Mountains

Even before the formation of the Carpathian geosyncline, on the site of the modern mountain structure of the Carpathians and their foothills in the Paleozoic era, there was a strand of mountains connecting the Świętokrzytski and Sudeten Mountains with Dobrudzha. This ancient strand is called Prakarpatamy. Due to the movement of the earth's crust, the Prakarpaty Mountains were destroyed, and at the beginning of the Mesozoic era, an almost flat territory, close to the platform, arose in their place.

The significant accumulation of sedimentary strata within the Carpathian geosyncline is closely related to the activity of the Tethys sea basins, which for a long time separated two ancient continents - Gondwana in the south, and Laurasia in the north.

Only at the end of the Mesozoic era did the ocean recede, and mountains, plains and sea depressions began to appear in its place. It is believed that the pool Mediterranean Sea and the deep waters of the Black and Caspian Seas are its remnants. The remaining territories during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras were covered by the formation of a mountain chain, which includes the Apennines, Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians, Balkans, Crimea, Caucasus, Pamirs, etc. This grandiose mountain range, elongated in the latitudinal direction, makes up the Alpine folded belt . Within its borders, the Carpathians occupy one of the central positions.

The process of formation of the Carpathian mountain structure took place gradually. The intense deflection of the earth's crust within the Carpathian geosyncline was accompanied by the active accumulation of sedimentary strata within its boundaries. Their formation took place due to the destruction of mountain structures in the southwestern part of the Russian Platform, the Kielce-Sandomierz Ridge, the Sudetenland, Prakarpat, Dobrudzha, and the Marmarosh massif.

During the Cenozoic era, the modern territory of the Carpathians was under the reservoirs of the Paleogene sea. Based on the distribution and structure of sedimentary rocks, it is possible to establish geographical features basin, its contours and seabed morphology. In limestone strata there are a large number of remains of marine organisms - corals, sea lilies, various shells and the like. They were deposited at the bottom of warm, open, and shallow pools. These were precisely the conditions that existed at the beginning of the formation of the Paleogene sea. In sandstones, next to fossil marine fauna, there are plant remains that indicate the proximity of land and the coastal nature of sand deposits.

Beginning at the end of the Mesozoic era, the upward movements of the Alpine orogeny developed during the Cenozoic era. At the end of the Paleogene period, the axial parts of the future mountain systems of the Alps, Carpathians, and Caucasus began to form.

At that time, individual islands, and then entire islands, began to protrude from the sea. The largest of them were the modern Chivchin Mountains and the Rakhiv crystalline massif. To the north and northwest of this massif, among the expanses of water, the outlines of the Carpathian Mountains became increasingly clear. They were constantly subject to erosion, but mountain-building processes were active. Therefore, at the end of the Paleogene period, two mountain ranges were clearly formed in place of the geosyncline, which correspond to the current Outer Carpathians.

At that time there was sea on both sides of the Outer Carpathians. Here the mountain range passed within the framework of the modern Beskids, Gorgany and Bukovinian Carpathians. To the northeast of the Outer Carpathians, in the territory of the Carpathian region, the sea basin raged further. Thick sedimentary strata were deposited at its bottom due to the erosion of the southwestern wing of the Russian Platform and increased mountain range Outer Carpathians.

The Inner Carpathians were represented by the Pieniny and Maramory cliffs. To the southwest of them passed the Transcarpathian internal trough with the Virgolat-Gutyn volcanic ridge. Even further south, in the area of ​​the Beregovo lowlands, the Pripanonsky deep connector lies, separating the Carpathians from the Hungarian intermountain basin.

There was a sea basin between the inner and outer Carpathians at the end of the Paleogene period. He was the last one within the Carpathian Mountains. During its existence, significant layers of sand deposits have accumulated here.

Other coatings appear differently. Magursky stretches out in a narrow strip in the upper reaches of the Uzha River basin, Sub-Silesk runs in another strip in the area between the Upper Dniester and Stryi rivers, in the vicinity of the village of Rozluch and south of the city Turks. Here is the low-mountain central part of the Carpathian Mountains, dominated by dome-shaped peaks and gentle slopes suitable for agricultural use. This part of the mountains is called Verkhovyna.

To the south of the Silesian cover is located Duklyansky - the high-mountain Poloninsky part of the Carpathian Mountains. Peculiar covers can be traced in the southwestern part of the Ukrainian Carpathians. They are represented by the Rakhov, Porkulets and Chernogorsk nappes (thrusts). Here are the highest mountains in the Ukrainian Carpathians - Hoverla, Petros, Pop Ivan and others.

During the process of mountain building, the Pre-Carpathian marginal trough, and then the Transcarpathian internal trough, are filled with sedimentary strata. Mountain rivers destroyed weakly stable sediments and continuously transported pebbles, sand, and silt into the basin. The sea within the troughs gradually became shallower, and subsequently retreated completely. In closed basins, intense evaporation of moisture occurred, which led to the precipitation of salts. In the Carpathian region they were mined by two potash plants: Stebnitsky and Kola.

Volcanism

The long process of formation of the Carpathian Mountains was accompanied by new manifestations of volcanism, which continued until the beginning of the Quaternary period (about 1.5-2 million years ago). Traces of recent volcanic activity can still be observed in the area of ​​Vinogradov, Vyshkov, Tyachev, where the Tisza valley crosses the Virgolat-Gutinsky volcanic ridge. In the center of the city of Khust rises the cone of an extinct volcano. On its top, in the first half of the 14th century, a fortified castle was built to keep the salt miners in obedience and to protect the Maramora salt mines. This castle was often attacked by the Tatars. The last time the Crimean Khan Girey reached here was in 1717.

Cones extinct volcanoes There are also in the vicinity of Uzhgorod, Mukachevo, Beregovo. Near Vishkov, volcanic craters are better preserved.

A chain of so-called buried volcanoes is exposed in the area of ​​the villages of Dobroni, Drisina and Shalanok. The volcanic rocks in this chain are mainly andesites. Their exits are known in the area of ​​the villages of Drisiny and Shalanok. Along the southern edge of the Transcarpathian internal trough there are thick layers of liparites. On the surface they are exposed on large area in Beregovsky district. These volcanic eruptions began in the Paleogene and ended at the end of the Miocene (about 15,000,000 years ago). Therefore, a significant part of them is covered by sedimentary rocks of the Pliocene.

The recent volcanic activity of the Virgolat-Gutin volcanic ridge is evidenced by mineral springs, and in the Kaliman-Harghita mountains, including hot springs.

Active processes in the upper mantle of the Earth near the Carpathians are evidenced by earthquakes, the last of which took place on March 4, 1977 in the Vrancea mountains on the territory of the then Socialist Republic Romania.

Glaciations

During the Quaternary period, the Carpathians underwent partial glaciation. It covered the high mountain ranges of Chernogora and Svydovets, Pop Ivan Maramorshsky. Its relics can be traced in the form of cars, glacial cirques, and moraine deposits in the valleys of mountain streams.

Within the middle mountains, there was no glaciation, but frosty weathering of rocks occurred. Weathered stone placers can be observed on the slopes of Gorgana.

Geological structure and minerals

The Carpathians form the northeastern branch of the Alpine folded geosynclinal region of Europe. There are a number of large structural elements of northwest-southeast strike, separated by thrusts: the Pre-Carpathian foredeep, the Outer Carpathians, the Inner Carpathians, the Transcarpathian back trough.

In the Inner Carpathians on the territory of Ukraine, the Marmarosh crystalline massif and the Podhale zone are distinguished. According to the strike of the main structural elements of the Carpathians, zones with a specific set of minerals are distinguished.

In the Cis-Carpathian trough - native sulfur, gas (Dashavskoye, Kosovskoye and other deposits), oil (Boryslavskoye, or Babchenkivskoye deposits), ozokerite (Borislavskoye deposit), rock and potassium salts (Kalush-Golinskoye, Stebnitskoye and other deposits) . It is estimated that there are about 35 billion tons of salt deposits in the Carpathian region.

In the Transcarpathian trough - rock salt (Solotvyno deposit), gas, brown coal (Ilnitsky, Krivsky deposits), zeolites. Neogene volcanism is associated with mercury (Bolshoy Shayan, Borkut), vein gold-polymetallic and barite (Begansky deposit) ores, alunite, kaolins, perlite, bentonite clays (Gorbske deposit).

In the front part, the Outer Carpathians are known for oil deposits, in the Marmaro massif - deposits of dolomite, limestone, marble, and raw materials for stone casting. In the metamorphic complex, manifestations of stratiform pyrite-polymetallic, copper-pyrite, barite and ferromanganese ores are known.

Common in the Carpathians mineral waters, on the southwestern slopes of the Carpathians and in Transcarpathia - carbon dioxide (Svalyava, Polyana-Kvasova deposits). In the zone of junction of the Cis-Carpathian trough with the East European Platform there are deposits of nitrogen sulfate waters.

In the Inner Zone of the Cis-Carpathian Trough, brines of chloride (sulfate-chloride) composition (Morshin) and a special, rare type of slightly mineralized water with a high content of organic substances (Truskavets) are common.
In the Transcarpathian trough, thermal and subthermal waters of high mineralization are common and are used for medicinal and thermal energy purposes.

Gold reserves are represented by the Beregovskoye and Muzhievskoye gold-polymetallic deposits. The latter was put into industrial development in 1999, and in the same year, Zakarpatpolymetally LLC was created on the basis of the Muzhievsky State Gold and Polymetallic Combine.

Since ancient times, oil, which was previously called “brine,” was extracted within the Carpathian region. They used it only for lubricating carts with shingles. Subsequently, kerosene, which was used in kerosene lamps (for lighting), began to be removed from brine. Intensive oil production began in mid-19th centuries, when methods for obtaining and using its light fractions were discovered. The first powerful wells appear at the fields near Borislav, Tustanovichi, Mraznitsa, and Bykov.

The most ancient rocks found in the Carpathians originated 1.2 billion years ago.