Top 10 National Parks of Ukraine for Active Tourism

If you’re looking for ideas for an inspiring trip, consider the national parks of Ukraine — unique corners of wild nature with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and incredible biodiversity.

Ukraine’s national parks encompass mountains, river deltas, forests, and steppes, each offering its own unique trails, exploration spots, and unforgettable nature experiences. This guide will help you choose a route that matches your interests — from mountain hikes to kayaking and birdwatching.

Dniester Canyon National Nature Park

One of the largest canyons in Europe, the park spans over 10,000 hectares along the Dniester River. Ukrainian parks like this one are essential centers for preserving biodiversity and natural landscapes.
Rare species of plants and animals are protected here, including the osprey and the giant salamander. The canyon’s territory attracts tourists with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and photo safaris.

What to see:

• Bakota Bay
• Rock Monastery
• Travertine Cliffs
• Dzhuryn Waterfall

Visitors can explore the canyon on foot, go kayaking, camp overnight, join guided tours, and enjoy birdwatching.

Skole Beskids National Nature Park

Covering about 35,200 hectares on the slopes of the Ukrainian Carpathians, the park preserves beech, fir, and spruce forests along with many mountain streams. Ukrainian national parks attract tourists with their natural beauty and unique ecosystems.

What to see:

• Kamianka Waterfall
• Mount Parashka
• Tustan Fortress
• Dead Lake

Visitors can hike mountain trails, cycle, ride horses, and enjoy skiing in winter.

Synevyr National Nature Park

One of the most famous parks in the Carpathians, it spans about 40,000 hectares. It’s renowned for the high-altitude Lake Synevyr and ancient primeval forests. This is an ideal spot for those seeking rest in the mountains.

What to see:

• Lake Synevyr
• Brown Bear Rehabilitation Center
• Mount Ozernaya

You can hike scenic trails, photograph wildlife, and learn about local traditions and ecological education.

Halych National Nature Park

With an area of 14,600 hectares, the park lies at the border of Opillia and the Dniester Canyon. It holds significant cultural and historical value. Rare plant and animal species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine are protected within this area.

What to see:

• Halych Castle
• Nature Museum
• Dniester Landscapes

Excursions, eco-trail walks, kayaking, and visiting wildlife enclosures are available within the park.

Khotyn National Nature Park

Established to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Dniester region, the park spans about 9,400 hectares. It is located near the famous Khotyn Fortress. The park protects over 1,000 plant species and around 300 vertebrate species. Its territory includes river floodplains, forests, steppe areas, and rocky formations.

What to see:

• Dniester Cliffs
• Bakota Area
• Khotyn Fortress

Tourists can enjoy hiking, boat trips, birdwatching, and exploring archaeological sites.

Carpathian National Nature Park

Covering about 50,000 hectares, this park is part of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. It is located within the Gorgany and Chornohora mountain ranges. The park is home to relict and endemic species, such as Carpathian edelweiss and mountain pine, as well as brown bears, lynxes, red deer, and over 100 bird species.

What to see:

• Probiy Waterfall
• Dovbush Rocks
• Wildlife Center in Yaremche

Guests can hike, cycle, join eco-tours, and enjoy winter sports.

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park

The largest national park in Ukraine (over 261,000 hectares), it encompasses the unique limestone ridges known as the Tovtry. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine. More than 1,700 plant species and about 300 vertebrate species are found here. The park also includes nature reserves, archaeological sites, and mineral springs.

What to see:

• Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress
• Tovtry Cliffs
• Bakota Bay

Adventure seekers can go hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, or explore archaeological tourism.

Lower Dniester National Nature Park

The park spans over 21,000 hectares and encompasses the Dniester Delta, featuring numerous branches, wetlands, and lagoons. It is one of the most essential ornithological zones in Europe. Over 230 bird species live here, including the pink pelican, ferruginous duck, and white-tailed eagle. The park plays a vital role in preserving wetland ecosystems and regulating the region’s water regime.

What to see:

• Dniester Estuary
• Wetlands
• Lake Kagul

Activities include kayaking tours, fishing, birdwatching, and photo safaris.

Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park

Spanning more than 28,000 hectares, the park includes over 13 saline lagoons that are part of a major bird migration route. Over 260 bird species have been recorded here, many of which are rare and listed in Ukraine’s Red Book. The lagoon waters are key breeding grounds for fish such as mullet, pilchards, and gobies.

What to see:

• Alibey, Burnas, and Shagany Lagoons
• Sand Spits
• Bird Colonies

Nature lovers can enjoy bird and dolphin watching, eco-trails, and guided thematic tours.

Buzkyi Garden National Nature Park

Covering over 6,000 hectares, the park preserves a section of the unique granite-steppe region of Pobuzhzhia. It is a UNESCO natural heritage site. Rare steppe plants, such as feather grass and arabis, grow here. The park is also an important nesting site for birds of prey such as kites and the steppe eagle.

What to see:

• Granite Canyons
• Waterfalls
• River Rapids

Popular activities include rafting, rock climbing, camping, and exploring historic trails.

Ukrainian national parks are not only natural treasures but also an accessible way to recharge, discover the country from a new perspective, and enjoy quality time outdoors. Each region offers something special: the Carpathians, Podillia, the Black Sea coast — all part of Ukraine’s rich natural heritage. The parks are open to those who value forest silence, mountain peaks, or the clear waters of rivers, and they are ready to inspire again and again.

In the summer, people are especially drawn to water — to move more, feel a sense of freedom, and reconnect with nature.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy active time is renting kayaks and SUP boards. It’s not just about physical activity, but also about new emotions, impressions, and seeing familiar places from a fresh perspective.

If you’re wondering where to go kayaking, this article will help. We’ve gathered the most interesting spots in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia — from the cozy lakes of Pushcha-Vodytsia to the urban landscapes of Rusanivka and the scenic shores of Biryuchyi Lagoon.

In the guide “Active Water Recreation: Where to Rent Kayaks and SUP Boards”, you’ll find all the necessary information — route details, prices, opening hours, and contacts to help you plan your water adventure easily.