CYCLING UKRAINE – TOP 10 CYCLING ROUTES

2018-09-20 15:08:37

Are you looking forward to cycling Ukraine off-the-beaten track? To the places that have not been yet spoiled by a mass of tourists? To the roads that keep the traditions and local charm? Ukraine has plenty of those to offer! If you would like comfort, but still have the thrill of exploring an unknown destination, you can go on cycling tours along the major cities, or take up short cycling tour on Kyiv or long cycling tours in Carpathians. If dirty roads, or no roads at all, is what makes you want to take out your bike, then hit the mountain ranges in Carpathians, old abandoned paths in Crimea, or uninhabited areas of the Northern Ukraine. And if you don't know from where to start, check out our collection of top recommended places for both on-road and off-road biking.

 

 

 

Top On-Road Cycling Tours in Ukraine

1 - Lviv

Photography by Yarko Dukh

In the West, Lviv has plenty of historical attractions that are easily accessible by bikes: Golden Horseshoe of Castles, Zhovkva and Krekhiv. If you are into farms, street wandering cows and wooden horse carts, just take up a road to any of the villages nearby, and you are in for a surprising experience of Ukrainian countryside. Join our Cycling Tour in Lviv and explore the beautiful nature of Roztochya Nature Reserve!

2 – Kyiv


Ukraine's capital is tightly packed with parks, forests and lakes. All those can give you the comfort of shaded woods,  clean air, and great picnic places,  just a metro stop away. One more good piece of news - Kiev is flat. Keep in mind though that, while it is possible to cycle outside the cities, it is not advised to ride your bike on the busy city roads. Only Lviv is starting to build cycling pathways, and still needs long way to go. Kiev, Odessa and other large cities do not have dedicated roads for cyclists, and thus can be dangerous to navigate. Join our Cycling Tour in Kiev and explore the winding pathways in Golosiyivsky National Park!

3 - Carpathian Mountains

Photography by Karsty

 

Carpathians Mountains are a heaven for cyclists. The tourist infrastructure is well-developed compared to the rest of Ukraine, and you can have easy access to quality accommodation every 30-40 km. Small towns like Yaremche, Vorokhta, Kolomyia and Verkhovyna sit amidst the stunning views of the mountains, and have well-marked trails for daily cycling trips around them. Follow one of the routes, and you will discover the magical world of Carpathian countryside, full of Hutsul cultural heritage, traditional wooden churches, home-made brynza cheese, and most welcoming people. Join our easy Cycling Weekend Tour in the Carpathian Mountains and cycle along the stunning views of Carpathian Mountains!

4 - Transcarpathian Region

Photography by Selimar

Bordering three countries (Romania, Hungary and Slovakia), Transcarpathian Region of Ukraine is an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions.  Here you can see signs in five languages, plenty of architectural landmarks, grand peaks of Carpathian Mountains, delightful small towns and always sunny weather! Join our Ultimate Cycling in Carpathian Mountains for two weeks of off-the-beaten track experience in Europe's last frontier!

5 – Southern Tip of Crimea

Photography by Marat Pavlenko

While Crimean Mountains have much more tourists, and are way less of a getaway than Carpathians, they still offer you secluded spots for good cycling. Great starting points are Yalta, Bakhchysaray, Sevastopol and Foros.  You can take up the bigger roads in off-season, when the traffic is low, or follow the less used and maintained roads (e.g. from Foros to Alupka) for a striking mix of mountains, sea, and history.

 

Top Ideas of Mountain Biking in Ukraine

A poor state of Ukrainian roads is bad news for car owners, but a thrilling addition to any addicted off-road biker! Here are our best-recommended places for some wild mountain biking.

 

1 – Arabat Split

Photography by Bookva4ka

On the eastern side of Crimea, Arabat Split is considered Europe's longest beach! The split separates large, marshy and very salty inlets of Syvash from the Sea of Azov. Combine the narrow geometry of the split (270 m to 8 km wide, 112 km long), with its unique natural environment, and you are in for the cycling route,  full of sea, sand, and almost complete absence of crowds. A piece of advice: do not visit it in summer, and opt for spring and autumn to avoid the seasonable tourists.

2 - Cape Tarkhankut

Photography by Vladimir Agafonkin

Far in the West of the peninsula, this place leaves you with breathtaking endless steppes and the cleanest sea in the peninsula.It is rather chill-out in season, and pretty much empty the other times of the year, thus making it a must-do, if you are looking for a solitary, out-of-the-way experience.  Since it is a more deserted area, beware of strong sun and heat during summer months!

3 – Cave cities of Crimea

Photography by Fireman

Scattered around the central part of Crimean Mountains, the cave cities (Chufut Kale, Mangup Kale, Eski Kermen, among others) are long-standing witnesses of the turbulent and diverse history of Crimean Peninsula. Dating back to 6th century, you can reach them from Bakhchisaray –  a great attraction by itself. Beside being the cultural center for Ukrainian Tatar and Muslim population, it is home to Khan's Palace, and  strong Tatar coffee. 

4 – Carpathian Mountains

Photography by Molodtsov Fedor

Carpathians are no doubt the hot spot for mountain biking in Ukraine. With some of the villages accessible only by foot or bike, the area has plenty of well-marked routes, diverse enough to suit cyclists of different fitness levels. If you wish to cycle any part of Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, or simply would like us to suggest you a good route, let us know, and we'd be glad to help out! For a shorter experience in Carpathian Mountains.

5 – Polissiya Nature Reserve

Photography by Coreyblack

Tucked away in the farthest northern corner of Ukraine, this Reserve is disgracefully set aside on all tourists map. This area has tremendous plant and wildlife; is the least uninhabited territory of Ukraine; and boasts gorgeous forests, crystal clear rivers, and remote trails. The downside is an almost complete absence of infrastructure. However, if you don't mind simple accommodation and/or tents, Polissya Nature Reserve is a must. Let us know and we'll arrange your getaway in the most surprising part of Ukraine!

Over to you

Have you ever gone cycling in Ukraine? What was your experience? Which routes did you take and what would you recommend to those who decide to join cycling tours in Ukraine? We'd love to hear your stories!

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