Traveling by bicycle we can see various landscapes and visit a load of interesting places in a short period of time. Unlike travelling in a vehicle, a cyclist has a direct contact with the environment and gets a complete experience of the locations, becoming a part of the landscapes. Many European countries have developed networks of bicycle tracks, making it possible to cruise easily across towns and countryside on a citybike.Ukaine is comparatively savage in this respect. Most of the country roads here are suitable for mountain bikes or hybrids only. But the good news is that with all those bumps, the cars on these roads are not so numerous and not that fast 

In this article, we have selected and shortly described the best destinations and routes for one and several days trips in Western Ukraine. Some routes include a train ride, which allows to reach further destinations in a shorter time.

We start from Lviv as it is situated so near to the EU border and has a new international airport.

1. Green ring of Lviv (20 km in 5 hours)

This remarkable ride through the parks of Lviv will save you from the noise of the streets and open a different perspective on the city. Passing beautiful groves, pounds, monuments one can observe the life of common Lviv residents. Our city has more than 30 parks, each with its particularities. One has the castle hill, another one hosts a scansen with an ethnography museum, one more has mineral springs and a botanical garden in it.

2. Royal Zhovkva town and Krehiv monastery (50 km in 1 day)

The district of Zhovkva is reach in historic and architectural sights. Renaissance town with its medieval castle of Zolkiewski (1594), which was the residence of the Polish King Jan III Sobieski, cathedral, gallery and Town Hall tower all have been well preserved and recently renovated. You may take a regional diesel train to Zhovkva and come back by bike via the pine tree forests of Briuhovychy, benefiting from the new bike track to Lviv.

3. “Golden horseshoe” (200 km in 3 days)

Castles are one of the main tourist destinations around Lviv. Their majestic architecture, mystical history and scenic landscapes have always attracted people. The route “Golden Horseshoe of Lviv Region” was created for the popularization of the castle heritage of Galicia. The whole itinerary to all 5 fortresses is over 200 km and we suggest dividing it in 3 days. It is possible to stay overnight in the hotels next to the castles. The roads are all paved and well indicated. Guided tours can be ordered in situ.

All the following routes will be in the Carpathian Mountains, which stretch across 4 regions of Western Ukraine. They are known for many national parks and natural wonders. The highlanders living there preserve their particular culture and traditions. Nature of the Carpathians is harsh but generous in wonders.

4. Waterfalls of the Precarpathians and Dovbush rocks (80 km in 1 day)

We begin our trip from the gate to the highlands – the authentic town of Skole. It is easy to reach it both by car/bus and by train, as the European transport communications pass across Skole: Kyiv-Chop railway, highway E50 and E471 (Mukacheve-Lviv). Kamyanka waterfall is located some 8 km outside of the town, on the rocks at the edge of the forest.

On the hill over the cascades there is a cute lake surrounded by the amphitheatre of peaks. A larger part of the lake is covered with a mossy tapestry. The name of the lake is Zhuravlyne, meaning cranberry. In autumn berries are really plentiful here, as well as mushrooms. In other seasons you can try them along with soups and jams, all homemade by the locals at the small fair next to Kamyanka waterfall. Further, we will go deeper into the wild. The road becomes narrow and steep, feasible only for jeeps and our mountain bikes :). After a challenging uphill and joyful downhill we reach a small traditional village with 3 hidden and rarely frequented waterfalls, where brave hearts can take a dip.

Next, we head to the Dovbush rocks famous primarily among the climbers. But you don’t need any special equipment to reach the top of the highest rock and to enjoy the panorama. Dovbush himself is a Carpathian hero, who struggled for the rights of his people, kind of Ukrainian Robin Hood. On the way to Stryj we reach some more old and authentic villages and a wild boar sanctuary.

5. Skole, Tustan, balneological resorts Skhidnytsia & Truskavets (70 km in 1 day)

This tour will take place in the national park Skole Beskids. It begins in Skole, just like the previous one, but this time we are heading north. Recently the road was renovated, so the ride will be pleasant and not so challenging. However, an off-road deviation of 6 km to Hurkalo waterfall can be done. The villages on both sides are characteristic for Boyky – the local ethnicity of highlanders. Some wooden and cob houses are few centuries old.

Soon we reach Glyboke village with a new museum in one of the oldest huts that have survived till nowadays. Here you can learn about the life, household and traditions of Boyky. A bit further we come across Tustan museum, where, owing to the 3D-models and artefacts, we will find out how did the unique multistoried wooden cliff-side fortress-city and customs site of the 9^th-16^th centuries look like. The site itself is half a kilometre behind, along with the replicas of the entrance gate and arms from the times of glory of the fortress. There is also a small market of local goods and souvenirs nearby.

Upon having climbed the top of the rock and having seen the landscapes, seen by the princes and knights of the Ancient Rus, we continue our journey over the steep mountain pass to Skhidnytsia and Truskavets. They both are famous for curative mineral waters, used in the treatment of digestive system. Here there are many spa resorts for any budget, where one can stay for the night, otherwise, it is possible to take an evening train to Lviv or Kyiv.

6. Slavske – Shypit (Whisper) waterfall – Volovets (80km in 2 days)

Slavske is one of the biggest Ukrainian winter sports centers, but it is good in the summertime either. There are ski lifts running all year round as well as in our next “checkpoint” Volosyanka. These villages along our itinerary maintain their authenticity, nonetheless their fame and popularity among the tourists. The further we ride, the more savage will be the localities. On the first day, we shall have a good workout while going up the pass, which is at the same time a frontier between Lviv and Transcarpathian regions. But the view from the top is worth the effort. Behind the pass the country road will bring us all the way down to the famous and magnificent Shypit waterfall.

It is truly impressive when it’s full and truly refreshing when the weather is hot. This spot is famous for its festivals on the biggest national holidays and get-togethers of hippies. Locals offer fantastic accommodation in their homestays in the villages surrounding the waterfall.

 Carpathian cuisine is particular and delicious. In the morning next day, we can take a ski lift to go up the Borzhava mountain range and come back by walking. In August-October these mountains are full of blueberries. Otherwise, we can ride direct to Volovets. It will be predominantly downhill with only one peak. So the ride is going to be relaxing. In Volovets there is a train station from which we take a train either back to Slavske or to Mukachevo.