Cycling across Ukraine is not just about active leisure — it’s about discovering unique places that blend natural beauty, history, and local charm.
From Kyiv’s forests and lakes to the highland meadows of the Carpathians, from the romantic castles of the Lviv region to the picturesque canyons of Cherkasy, every region offers routes that leave a lasting impression. This selection features the most interesting routes for cyclists of varying skill levels — from easy park rides to mountain passes. Each route is described in detail, including road surface, difficulty level, and notable natural and architectural landmarks, to help you choose the adventure that inspires you the most.
Kyiv Region
Mezhyhirya
The best starting point is from Obolon — this district is well connected to the main route. The ride is about 40 km one way, making it suitable for cyclists with intermediate or higher fitness levels.
Obolon — the village of Vyshenky — Vyshhorod — observation deck overlooking the Kyiv Reservoir — Mezhyhirya Park.
Route Options:
- Paved Roads: Longer but more comfortable, ideal for road or city bikes.
- Shortcut Trails: These include dirt roads and forest paths, making them more exciting for those who enjoy a bit of off-road and cross-country riding.
Sights Along the Way:
- Vyshhora Ski Complex: A must-stop offering an impressive panoramic view of the Kyiv Reservoir, also known as the “Kyiv Sea.”
- Natural Landscapes: Pine forests, hills, and open fields — magnificent in spring and autumn.
- Kyiv HPP (Hydroelectric Power Plant): A striking industrial structure worth photographing.
- Mezhyhirya Park: The final destination, rich in landscapes and history.
Difficulty Level:
- Beginners: Might find the route too long, especially in hot weather or without proper conditioning.
- Intermediate: Ideal — experienced cyclists can complete one way in 2–2.5 hours, depending on the chosen path and pace.
Feofaniya Park
For cyclists who appreciate scenic views, tranquility, and good infrastructure, Feofaniya Park is a perfect spot for a relaxed ride or a light workout. The park has an entrance fee. The total length of the cycling paths is about 4–5 km, but thanks to the varied terrain, forest trails, and winding loops, you can create diverse circular routes without repeating the same path.
Main entrance — observation deck — The Theophany Monastery of St. Panteleimon.
Surface: Mostly paved or cobbled paths, ideal for city and hybrid bikes. A few detours into forest trails will appeal to light off-road enthusiasts.
Terrain: Light to moderate — gentle climbs and descents, nothing extreme.
What to See:
- The park spans about 150 hectares, offering plenty of space to ride and spots to stop for photos or a break. Highlights include:
- Five lakes along the central and side alleys, with the largest one deep in the park, are easily reachable by bike via forest paths.
- Wooded areas with shaded trails provide a refreshing escape on hot days.
- Architectural elements like bridges, gazebos, a fountain, and a distant church add to the route’s charm.
Difficulty Level:
- Beginners: Perfect for first-time rides — no traffic, safe routes.
- Intermediate Riders: Can combine routes dynamically and get a workout from the terrain.
Zakarpattia Region
Synevyr
The most convenient starting point for this journey is the town of Volovets, which is well connected by rail and ideal for beginning a mountain route. The total distance is around 70 km, making it best suited for cyclists with intermediate to advanced skill levels.
Volovets — Shypit Waterfall — Polonyna Borzhava Ridge — Mizhhirya — Synevyr Lake — Kamyanetskyi Waterfall — “Valley of Wolves” Eco Park.
Route Segments:
- Paved Roads: Found between populated areas, though relatively limited. They allow you to pick up speed and take short breaks.
- Gravel and Dirt Roads: These make up the majority of the route, leading through alpine meadows, forest trails, and mountain passes. Ideal for individuals who relish challenges and appreciate intimate encounters with the wild.
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Shypit Waterfall: One of Zakarpattia’s most famous natural landmarks, its cascades attract visitors year-round.
- Borzhava Ridge: Expansive mountain landscapes, blooming meadows, and breathtaking panoramas from over 1,000 meters above sea level.
- Mizhhirya: A picturesque village, ideal for a lunch break or overnight stay.
- Lake Synevyr: The legendary “Sea Eye” of the Carpathians, nestled among mountain forests.
- Brown Bear Rehabilitation Center: A rare chance to see wild animals in a semi-natural environment.
- Kamyanetsky Waterfall and the Wolf Valley Ecopark: Additional scenic stops for resting, picnicking, or taking photos.
Difficulty Level:
- Beginners may find this route exhausting due to elevation changes, variable surfaces, and numerous mountainous segments.
- Intermediate to Advanced: Ideal. Experienced cyclists can enjoy the challenge, typically breaking the trip into two days with an overnight in Mizhhirya or on a mountain meadow.
Svaliava – Polyana – Pylypets
The most convenient starting point is Svaliava, offering easy access to the main route and a good place to stock up before a long journey. The total distance is approximately 70 km, so the trip is typically planned over 2–3 days, with overnight stays or extended breaks. It’s a perfect expedition for intermediate cyclists looking to combine physical activity with mountain relaxation.
Svaliava — Polyana — Pylypets — Shypit Waterfall.
Route Options:
- Svaliava – Polyana (10–12 km): Paved rural roads with mild terrain, great for warming up and recharging at the local mineral springs.
- Polyana – Pylypets (approx. 55 km): A more challenging mountain section with climbs, changing surfaces (from pavement to dirt and gravel), beautiful scenery, and several villages along the way for rest.
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Mineral Springs in Polyana: A chance to refresh and energize with natural healing water.
- Carpathian Landscapes: Pine forests, mountain valleys, and flower-filled meadows — changing scenery with every kilometer.
- Pylypets: A popular tourist destination with a variety of accommodations and a relaxing atmosphere after a long ride.
- Shypit Waterfall: A mighty, awe-inspiring natural wonder — a well-earned reward at the end of a demanding route.
Difficulty Level:
- Beginners may find the distance and elevation challenging, particularly in the mountainous sections.
- Intermediate Level: Ideal. Cyclists with some experience can complete the route in 2–3 days, depending on their pace, stops, and overall fitness.
Lviv Region
The Three Castles Route
The most convenient starting point is Zolochiv — a small town with a cozy atmosphere and good access to the main route. The total distance is approximately 60 km, making it suitable for intermediate-level cyclists. It is typically completed in one day, with the option to stay overnight.
Zolochiv — Pidhirtsi Castle — Olesko Castle — the village of Bilyi Kamin — Zolochiv.
Route Sections:
- Asphalt and rural roads — mostly paved, but some gravel sections make a mountain or gravel bike preferable.
- Uphill segments, especially near Pidhirtsi Castle, require a bit more endurance.
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Zolochiv Castle — an open-air museum with a Chinese Palace and strong defensive walls.
- Pidhirtsi Castle — known as the “Ukrainian Versailles” with impressive architecture and scenic valley views.
- Olesko Castle is a historic hilltop fortress with a well-maintained park and museum.
- Bilyi Kamin village — a quiet stop on the return with picturesque fields and old architecture.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner cyclists may find it challenging due to the total distance and climbs near the castles.
Intermediate is optimal — experienced cyclists can complete the route in one day, depending on pace and stops.
Cherkasy Region
Buky Canyon
The best starting point is Zhashkiv — a town with convenient transportation and a comfortable starting point for this cycling trip. The total route length is approximately 1,000 km, making it ideal for intermediate cyclists and typically completed in one day.
Zhashkiv — the village of Vilshanka — Buky — Zhashkiv.
Route Features:
- Mostly paved roads, with occasional hard-packed dirt and gravel sections — best suited for a mountain or gravel bike.
- The terrain is mostly moderate, with a few gentle climbs.
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Buky Canyon — a stunning natural wonder with granite cliffs over 30 meters high, scenic rock pools, and rapids on the Hirskyi Tikych River.
- Vyr Waterfall — a small but picturesque waterfall next to the ruins of a 19th-century watermill.
- Scenic viewpoints — ideal for resting, taking photos, and birdwatching.
Difficulty Level:
Beginners may find the route challenging due to its length and mixed surfaces. Intermediate is optimal — experienced riders can complete the route in a day while enjoying nature and tranquility.
Ternopil Region
Ternopil – Dniester Canyon
The most convenient starting point is Ternopil — a city with reliable transportation and a comfortable base for a multi-day cycling tour. The total distance is about 100 km one way, making it a 2–3 day trip for intermediate-level cyclists.
Ternopil — Vyshnivets — Zbruchanske — Monastyrok — Nyrkiv — Dniester Canyon.
Route Features:
- Paved regional roads with low traffic and some dirt tracks near the canyon — best for a gravel or mountain bike.
- Frequent gentle climbs and descents require moderate physical endurance.
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Vyshnivets Palace — a grand Baroque estate, perfect for a break and photo session.
- Villages like Zbruchanske, Monastyrok, and Nyrkiv are historical gems, boasting wooden churches, stone crosses, and a serene rural ambiance.
- Dniester Canyon — one of the longest and most beautiful canyons in Europe, with high forested banks. You can camp or stay in local guesthouses.
Difficulty Level:
Beginners might find the trip long and physically demanding.
Intermediate is optimal — cyclists with steady endurance can enjoy a route that blends adventure with the peacefulness of nature.
Ternopil — Kremenets Ridge
The most convenient starting point is Ternopil — a city with developed infrastructure, making it a great place to begin your journey. The total route length is about 85 km one way, making it ideal for a two-day trip. The route is suitable for cyclists with intermediate to advanced fitness levels due to the significant elevation changes in the second half of the journey.
Ternopil — Velyka Berezovytsia — Zbarazh — Vyshnivets — Lishnia — Kremenets
Route features:
The roads are mostly paved with moderate car traffic. Short unpaved sections may be encountered near Lishnia and Kremenets. A gravel or touring bike is recommended.
The second part of the route has noticeable elevation changes — the climbs leading up to the Kremenets Ridge are quite steep, so it’s important to pace yourself.
What to see along the way:
Zbarazh Castle — a well-preserved 17th-century fortress with a historical museum inside.
The Vyshnivets Palace — a fine example of palace and park architecture set in a picturesque landscape.
Lishnia Cave Monastery — an ancient holy site carved into the rock, featuring a scenic viewpoint.
Kremenets Botanical Garden and Mount Bona — natural gems of the region with panoramic views over Kremenets and its surroundings. A perfect place to end your trip and spend the night.
Difficulty level:
Intermediate to upper-intermediate.
Podillia Region
Kamianets-Podilskyi – Khotyn
The best starting point is Kamianets-Podilskyi — a city with excellent transport access and a convenient base for a one-day cycling trip. The total distance is about 30 km one way, making this ride ideal for cyclists with beginner or light experience levels.
Kamianets-Podilskyi — the village of Kalachkivtsi — the village of Ataky — Khotyn.
Route Features:
- Paved roads with moderate traffic, though some uneven sections may appear closer to Khotyn.
- Gentle terrain with small rolling hills, easily manageable even without top-level fitness.
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress is a unique architectural landmark, characterized by its imposing walls and towers that overlook the Smotrych River canyon—a perfect starting point for the journey.
- Dniester Canyon — scenic views of winding riverbanks, cliffs, and layered landscapes right along the route.
- Khotyn Fortress — a monumental structure with massive walls and fairytale-like views of the Dniester River.
Difficulty Level:
Easy — ideal for beginners and those looking to spend an active day outdoors without significant physical strain.
Perfect for history lovers wanting to combine a pleasant bike ride with exploring Podillia’s most iconic landmarks.
Podilski Tovtry Nature Reserve
The most convenient starting point is Terebovlia — an ideal launch spot for a route about 200 km long. This journey is designed for 5–7 days and is suitable for cyclists with an intermediate level of experience.
Terebovlia — Buchach — Yazlivets — Nyrkiv — Zalishchyky — Khotyn — Kamianets-Podilskyi.
Route Features:
- The route follows a network of rural roads, paved highways, dirt paths, and forest trails. Smooth asphalt sections alternate with challenging downhill stretches in ravines.
- The terrain is rolling, featuring numerous climbs and descents that require stamina and the ability to handle hills.
- A hybrid or mountain bike (MTB) equipped for multi-day travel is recommended, with panniers, spare tubes, and lights.
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Terebovlia — a medieval fortress on a hill and a cozy historic town center.
- Buchach — a city featuring two castles and Renaissance-era architecture.
- Yazlivets — an old village with historic churches and fortification ruins, radiating an atmosphere of the past.
- Nyrkiv is home to the ruins of Chervonohorod Castle and a scenic waterfall.
Zalishchyky — a unique island-like town with spectacular views of the Dniester River. - Khotyn — a famous fortress with massive walls towering over the river.
- Kamianets-Podilskyi — the highlight of the route: a historic fortress complex, cobbled streets, and a dramatic canyon setting.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate — suitable for cyclists with basic bike touring experience and the ability to plan overnight stays.
Ukraine is an ideal country for bike travel, offering diverse landscapes, a rich history, and accessible routes. Whether you’re looking for a casual park ride or a challenge in the mountain switchbacks, this guide includes a route for you. Cycling opens up freedom, energy, and unforgettable experiences — so choose your direction, prep your bike, and discover a new side of Ukraine.
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