Verkhovynskyi NNP is the only park in the Ukrainian Carpathians, where ancient metamorphic rock formations appear on the surface, overlain by Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments. Jurassic limestone blocks, that are scattered on the slopes of the ridges, create exotic landscapes and habitats for a large number of rare plant species. Further outstanding features of the park are its valuable primeval forests and subalpine zones, supporting endemic and relict species and communities, and the springs of White and Black Cheremosh rivers.

Due to the park’s remoteness and its hardly accessible alpine landscape, the untouched nature and the traditional culture of mountain farming still persist in Verkhovynskyi. It is home to a large number of species like brown bear, red deer, roe deer, wild boar, lynx, wolf, forest cat, fox, marten, otter, spotted salamander, golden eagle and grouse. Almost 90 plant and animal species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine (2009) were found here. In addition, the park is rich in exceptional natural and cultural sites, such as the largest dam with floodgate in the Carpathians (Lostun cavil), a group of limestone rocks from the Triassic period called “Stone women”, and the mineral spring “Burkut”, which is the oldest Polish balneotherapy resort.

Verkhovyna district is the center of the Hutsul region, an area of rich historical and cultural heritage with many important monuments and archaeological sites. Various kinds of handicrafts such as weaving and carving are still practiced in the district. The lifestyle and customs of the Hutsuls are of great interest to tourists, therefore stimulating the development of “green tourism”.

All information was provided by the park administration. For more details please visit http://nppver.at.ua/