Ukraine

Overview

Ukraine ( Ukrainian : Україна , Ukraïna ) is a country in Eastern Europe , the largest country entirely within Europe, with a very rich culture and history. Ukraine has a range of great attractions to offer. The country's main draws include some great and quintessentially Slavic cities, impressive cultural heritage, and, of course, top-class natural areas.

With a land area of 603,550 square kilometres (233,030 sq mi), Ukraine is one of Europe's largest countries (although only 45th globally). It is much larger than metropolitan France . The country has borders with 7 countries ― Russia , Belarus , Moldova , Romania , Hungary , Slovakia , and Poland .

Ukrainian history is long and proud, with the inception of Kyivan Rus (possibly founded by Swedish Vikings ) as one of the most powerful countries in medieval Europe. This state shaped the cultural and religious foundations of modern-day Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It fell prey to Mongol conquest , and the western half of Ukraine was subsequently conquered from the Mongols by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 12th century. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania merged with the Kingdom of Poland to form the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569, and Kyiv remained part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until the 18th century. The Russian Empire absorbed much of Ukraine in the 18th century to the detriment of its culture and identity. Western Ukraine, notably including Lviv , was for some time part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire , and part of Poland in the years between two World Wars; the area is still home to long-established ethnic Hungarian and Romanian minorities.

Sights and landscapes

Head to the historic city of Lviv , listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but still a bustling place and a true centre for learning and culture in the country. Its cobblestoned streets are packed with monuments going back to Medieval times, seemingly untouched by the destructive force of wars that have changed some of Ukraine's other cities so thoroughly. Even the extensive Soviet planning that has shaped many other places on the far east side of Europe have left only a minimal mark on the colourful mix of building styles. Highlights include the Korniakt Palace (right on the market square) and several beautiful churches. For an even more sophisticated taste of culture, try the fine collection of the Lviv National Art Gallery .

Then there's the must-sees of Kyiv , a colourful place where the golden roofs of the Unesco World Heritage sites Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Pechersk Lavra make for some excellent highlights. Take an afternoon stroll through Andriyivsky Uzviz , the Montmartre of Kyiv, where you'll find a bustling mix of artist and souvenir sellers. Follow in the footsteps of Apostle Andrew, who – according to legend – climbed the steep stairs of this bohemian neighbourhood two thousand years ago, to the top where you'll now find a church with his name. Don't miss the excellent Pyrohovo Museum of Folk Architecture . Last but not least, Kyiv is one of the best spots to visit Ukraine's lively markets (but Odesa or Kharkiv have good ones too). Also, consider a trip to the Residence of Bukovinian and the Dalmatian Metropolitans in Chernivtsi .

Culture and food

Traditional Ukrainian cuisine is quite tasty, with some similarities to Polish and other Eastern European and Central European cuisines. It uses a lot of fat ingredients, especially in festive dishes. Traditional dishes include "salo" (salted lard) and soups like "solianka" ( солянка in Ukrainian, meat soup) or "borshch" ( борщ in Ukrainian) a soup made of red beets and typically garnished with some sour cream. Western Ukraine also has a green version of borshch, with greens and boiled eggs. The first, salo, is perhaps something you might not make yourself try – however is a delicious side dish, as for the soups being a must-have dish.

If you are outside a big city or in doubt about food, exercise caution and common sense about where you buy food. Try to buy groceries only in supermarkets or large grocery stores, check the expiration date if buying of a Mom and Pop shop, and never buy meat or dairy products on the street (you can buy them at the market but not near the market).

Planning your route

The quickest way to get around big cities is the so-called marshrutka : the minibuses which follow routes much like the regular buses do. You can generally flag them down or ask them to stop at places other than the specified bus stops. The fare is paid as soon as you get in (except in Odesa, where you pay upon exiting), and is fixed no matter how far you want to go. This is the same for the conventional buses, tram, trolley-buses and the Metro. Tell the driver that you want to get off when you are approaching the destination.

Ukraine is well mapped in most of usual online services. Especially eastern areas are well mapped in the open source OpenStreetMap (OSM), which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd (complex with many add-ons) and MAPS.ME (easy but limited). OSM is well supported due to voluntary work during the ongoing conflict. Download the maps, as trains in rural areas are often uncovered by mobile data connection.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.