Mysterious Ukraine

In recent years, Ukraine has primarily been remembered due to the conflict in the eastern part of the country and the so-called Crimean crisis. However, reducing this country to just the conflict would not do justice to Ukraine. Let me show you the highlights!

There are countries that don't immediately come to mind as travel destinations for most of us. One such country is the diverse Ukraine. Some of you may have visited the country during the European Championship in 2012. What you are offered on a tour through Ukraine is truly breathtaking: untouched nature traversed by roaring rivers, historic cities amidst splendid wine-growing regions, the impressive Carpathians, subtropical areas, and even a desert - that is Ukraine!

A country as large as Ukraine has much to offer. To quickly get you up to speed on all things Ukraine, I've summarized all the important information for you:

Is it actually dangerous to spend your vacation in the second-largest country in Europe? I can't say with certainty when and where you can guarantee a safe stay, but I have some tips on how to travel wisely so that you won't miss the beauty of this country.

Generally speaking, crime in Ukraine is not necessarily higher than elsewhere in Europe, but you should keep a few tips in mind:

The Foreign Office has currently issued a partial travel warning, which does not mean that you cannot travel to Ukraine at all. You can check the relevant website for the current situation and the affected regions.

The capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, is the cultural center of the country. A multitude of museums, churches, synagogues, grand streets, and monuments testify to the rich history of this city. A special highlight is the 62-meter-high Motherland Statue, which seems to dominate the skyline of Kyiv. Colorful houses and magnificent buildings await you here, as well as large squares and extensive parks. Noteworthy sites include St. Andrew's Church, located on the city's oldest street, Andriyivskyy Descent, as well as the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a monastery complex in southern Kyiv.

The city of Lviv, also known as Lwiw in the west of Ukraine, is characterized by the coexistence of various peoples. Poles, Russians, Germans, Armenians, and Ukrainians have lived together here for decades. Just as colorful as its inhabitants is the old town of Lviv, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1998 due to its fusion of different architectural styles.

The port city of Odessa is located in the south of Ukraine and, like Kyiv, boasts many historic buildings, such as its landmark, the Odessa Opera House. After a stroll along the illuminated Primorsky Boulevard, you will certainly feel the magic of this historic city. Grand, colorful, and a bit ostentatious, that is Odessa.

Odessa also has a dark, almost creepy side, as evidenced by the legends surrounding the city's catacombs. Just like in Paris, there is a complex system of tunnels extending for several thousand kilometers beneath the city. Many brave or perhaps reckless souls have lost their way in the dark corridors and winding paths, many of whom have never seen daylight again. Even the bodies of those searching for the exit can no longer be recovered, as the complexity of the Odessa catacombs is so great. Trapped beneath the city, a real nightmare. For those seeking a safer thrill, guided tours through the Odessa catacombs are available.

The city of Prypjat, built for the employees of the disaster-stricken Chernobyl nuclear power plant, has been uninhabited since the nuclear disaster in 1986. There is an eerie atmosphere here, as the city had to be evacuated overnight, leaving the setting looking as if life had been abruptly snuffed out. Books, clothing, children's toys - everything lies scattered in the crumbling buildings of the town. An old, now rusting Ferris wheel is a reminder of better times. Since 2011, the ghost town of Prypjat and the area around Chernobyl have been officially open to tourists. A visit that reminds us never to underestimate the dangers of nuclear power! UNESCO seems to agree since Prypjat is a strong candidate for one of its lists.

Not only the neighboring ghost town has become a destination for many tourists, despite the disaster over 30 years ago, but also the grounds of the nuclear power plant itself. A 4,300 m² exclusion zone surrounds the plant - and it doesn't seem like a restricted area. Every day, people are on the grounds for various reasons. Workers are busy building a new protective cover and dealing with the disposal of radioactive waste, animals that have made parts of the area their new home, and amongst all the already crazy activity - numerous tourists. Chernobyl tours have been offered for some time, giving you the opportunity to explore this impressive area. Is it dangerous? Well, over 8,000 people per year seem not to believe so, as that many visitors have been there recently. I might not claim that such a place is entirely safe, but those who find themselves once in a region with elevated radiation are not in significant danger. Are you brave enough to visit Chernobyl?

Ukraine is a nature-filled beauty with small flaws, wild and vast. Could you imagine taking a round trip through this beautiful country or visiting the capital, Kyiv?