The mountain is sharp in the Carpathians on the map. Carpathian mountains on the map

Where else can be sweeter, freer and more beautiful than in the mountains?! Boundless meadows of fragrant flowers against the background of an incredibly deep and clear sky. Severe stone cliffs harmoniously look against the backdrop of dense emerald forests. Where the winding ribbon of a mountain stream sparkles in the distance, and there the playful water grows into a stormy and unrestrained waterfall. With light gentle touches, the bright sun draws its own pictures with the colors of the rainbow on a transparent water canvas, understandable only to nature. As if harsh guardians surrounded the mountain peaks from all sides. Some of them are cold and covered with a white cap of snow, while others are covered with dense forests, reminiscent of furry bears that have sunk into hibernation. And now the bear does not sleep, he keeps his one eye open, the beast is staring at the order. And just take a closer look - and it immediately becomes clear - this is not the eye of a large beast, but crystal clear Mountain Lake surrounded by dense mountain grasses.

Where else can you touch real clouds?! Just imagine: you are climbing to the top, and a thick white carpet appears in front of you ... and a few more meters - and you seem to rise above the world ... and how can you not feel like a free bird ...

And not only untouched and pure nature attracts thousands of tourists every year. The Carpathian region is a fabulous land! The land of centuries-old traditions, hospitable and sincere people, magical villages and cities that are unlike any other in the world. To get to know this amazing land better, it’s not enough to hear someone’s impressions, it’s worth visiting! Regardless of what time of the year you are going to spend your vacation in the Carpathians, whether it be autumn or even winter, you will fully gain unforgettable impressions and improve your body. Of all the variety of miracles, it is still difficult to choose one single one, so our article will highlight individual places that are worth visiting at the beginning of a trip to the Carpathians.

1. The city of Yaremche - the capital of tourists in the Carpathian region

A small and cozy Carpathian town on the banks of the Prut River is located in a picturesque mountain basin. Although the history of the city is not even three hundred years old, it was Yaremche that became the cradle of Carpathian culture and traditions. Extremely colorful and colorful, it combines rhythmic modernity and wise antiquity. Through hospitality local residents, their love for nature and passing the ancient secret of the old mountains becomes available to every tourist.

Yaremche is especially interesting during the biggest religious holidays. It seems that before you is not an action familiar to the townspeople with traditions that have already been passed through more than once, but a real theater. A variety of colors, a variety of songs and actions will not leave indifferent any of the guests. A real theater with genuine actors against the backdrop of incredible landscapes is able to find an inflammatory Hutsul in the soul of each of us. Rest in Yaremche you will remember for a long time.

What is worth seeing in Yaremche

  • Suspension bridge over the Prut.
  • Reserve with wild animals.
  • Old railway bridge.
  • Ancient wooden temples of the XVII-XVIII centuries, made in the colorful local architectural style.
  • Museum of Ethnography and Ecology.
  • Restaurant "Hutsulshchyna", built without a single nail.
  • Pass "Pereslop".
  • Dovbush rocks.
  • Souvenir market.

Night view of Yaremche (Yaremche) from a bird's eye view

2. Unforgettable vacation in the village of Polyanitsa

The next destination is the village of Polyanitsa, which belongs to the Yaremche city council. The settlement is quite modern and developed. Despite the rather Ukrainian name, the village can easily compete with the most famous ski resorts in Europe. It is near Polyanytsya that the largest ski resort in Ukraine "Bukovel" is located.

Each tourist can be amazed not only by incredible landscapes, but also by the cleanliness of the streets, their orderliness, a large selection of cozy and modern private estates and hotels. Therefore, while relaxing in Polyanytsya, you will collect a full bowl of unforgettable impressions.

  • Ski resort Bukovel.
  • Pedestrian pass "Tables" 1130
  • Upside down house.

3. The picturesque Carpathian village of Yablunytsya

The village with the appetizing name Yablunitsa is located 35 kilometers from the city of Yaremche. Due to the moderately cold winter, the snow cover remains for half a year, and due to the large number of slopes, Yablunytsia is one of the most popular resorts in the Carpathians.

As in a deep cauldron is Yablunytsia, from all its sides are surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. A fabulous time is summer, when the air is filled with sweet herbal aromas and bright juicy flowers. You just want to get into such a natural corner. Yablunitsa - relax and forget about household chores.

Without which it is difficult to imagine Yablunitsa

  • Church of the Assumption Holy Mother of God XVIII century.
  • Mount Khomyak;
  • The most high peak Ukraine Hoverla (2061 m).
  • Mount Petros (2020 m).
  • Yablunitsky pass.

4. City of Ukrainian customs and rituals - Kosiv

According to local legend, Kosiv is part of the heavenly land. And it's hard to disagree with that! The land of horticulture and beekeeping, the world mecca of folk arts and crafts. The entire Carpathian and mountainous region is represented in the works of local masters. Kosiv - the national encyclopedia of the Hutsul region. Visiting and resting in Kosovo is a holiday of body and soul, you can go on forever.
From such pleasure poetic lines are born by themselves:

"The smell of copper and licorice sunits,
Svіtankova dew on the princess - yalitsі,
I healing water of the blue spring,
I will always dream of such Kosiv.”

What else is Kosiv famous for?

  • Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist 20th century
  • Wooden Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
  • National Park "Hutsulshchyna".
  • Strutinsky Museum.
  • Museum of the liberation struggle of the Carpathian region.
  • Kosovo market.
  • Kosovo Museum of Folk Art and Life.
  • Waterfall "Kosovsky Huk".
  • Castle ramparts.

Kyiv Kosiv, panorama from the ridge Sharp

5. Fabulous Hutsul village - Verkhovyna

Singing land with cheerful and friendly people. magical and mysterious place that strikes the most skeptical minds. The region is so picturesque that it has become a favorite among writers and poets. The surrounding beauty and grandeur impressed director Sergei Parajanov so much that it was here that the film “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors”, famous throughout the Soviet Union, was filmed.

Verkhovyna is like a fortress that protects the traditions of the Carpathian region from the south side. Very bright tradition of celebrating the wedding, which takes place here for a whole week. Folk traditional costumes are just the tip of the iceberg, and all other traditions and their diversity are simply difficult to list and understand right away. But the hospitable and sincere Hutsuls want the whole world to know about them. Therefore, there is no need to be shy, everything will be explained to you in the smallest detail - come and have a rest in Verkhovyna!

What is Verkhovyna famous for?

  • Museum of Hutsul life, ethnography and musical instruments. R. Kumlik.
  • Museum of Hutsul magic.
  • House Museum "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors".
  • "Hata-pack".
  • Regional Museum of History and Local Lore of the Hutsulshchyna.
  • Museum of Applied Arts, Iltsy village.
  • Verkhovyna National natural Park.
  • Written stone.

6. Silver resort of the Hutsul region - the village of Sheshory

A rich and luxurious Hutsul village in the Kosovo region. Without a doubt - The best way to relax is to go to the Carpathians. Sheshory is a well-known resort throughout Ukraine and beyond, where pure mountain air with the aroma of real field herbs makes you dizzy. In which you wake up from the sweet singing of birds and a soft ray of sunshine. A resort where you heal with the help of nature, body and soul. A place where you can find inner harmony.

And of course where without skis. Specially equipped ski resorts await real daredevils and extreme sports in Sheshory. And delicious Hutsul cuisine will quickly restore your strength.

What to see in Sheshory

  • Lake Swan.
  • The tract of Petrichila.
  • Waterfalls Big and Small Guk.
  • Alley with American pine from the times of Austria-Hungary.
  • Ridge "Brusny".
  • One of the oldest Hutsul temples is the Upper Church.
  • Festival of ethnic music and land art "Sheshory".

7. Village Skhidnitsa

The settlement in a wide valley on the banks of a small mountain river is located in the Lviv region, Drohobych district. The former all-Union resort is still famous throughout Ukraine thanks to the Naftusya mineral water. Spring water this type helps with liver and kidney disease, anemia, salt diathesis, diabetes mellitus, normalizes the acidity of the stomach, etc. Water helps in cell regeneration, therefore it rightfully deserves the title of "living water".
In total, there are 38 springs and 17 wells on the territory of Skhidnytsia. In addition to water, Skhodnitsa is known for its healing mud.

As for a resort, the village is quite well developed. tourism infrastructure, so the guest does not need to worry about housing and accommodation prices here for any budget. Rest in Skhidnytsia will become a truly curative and interesting pastime in the Carpathians.

What is worth seeing in Skhodnitsa

  • The memorial room is a museum of the discoverer of the Skhodnitsky mineral water deposit E. Stotsky.
  • Route Skhodnitsa-Ugrich (10 km.) State Historical and Cultural Reserve "Tustan".
  • Remains of the Iron Guta blast furnace.
  • System of mountain massifs "Beskydy".
  • Room-museum of folk life.
  • Stone Nicholas Church of the 17th century.
  • Skhodnitskoye oil field.
  • Skhodnitskoye mineral water deposit.
  • Landscape regional park Stuzitsa.

8. City of Skole

A small provincial town of regional significance Skole belongs to the Lviv region. The historical center of Boykivshchyna is included in the List of historical settlements of Ukraine. The settlement has a large number of architectural and natural monuments.

The city of Skole is surrounded on all sides mountain peaks different heights, which makes it cozy and protected from cold winds. Skole is an active holiday for the whole family. The temperate and mild climate allows walking among nature on the banks of a clean river, among green and cozy forests, among fragrant herbs.

  • National natural park "Skole Beskydy".
  • Church of the Seven Sorrows, con. 19th century
  • Dead lake.
  • Palace of the Barons Grödlei.
  • Kinsky Palace.
  • cave monastery XIII-XVI centuries
  • Dovbush rocks.
  • Fortress Tustan;
  • Church of the Great Martyr. Panteleimon (Saint Paraskeva).
  • city ​​of Parashka.

9. Pylypets village

Pylypets is an alpine village, one of the largest in the region. Famous mining ski resort, which belongs to the Transcarpathian region. The most visited Pylypets during the ski season. For lovers winter holiday and extreme here are specially equipped trails with a total length of 20 km, the longest of them has 6 km, and 7 lifts. Also, the village has a well-developed infrastructure: hotels, estates, restaurants, rental offices, etc. For lovers of home comfort, you can rent a room in the private sector.

  • Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin;
  • Mount Gymba.
  • Mount Zhyd Magura.

10. Shayan village

The real pearl of Transcarpathia is the resort village of Shayan, famous for its mineral springs. It was on the basis of these sources that one of the oldest baths of Maramorosh zhupy was founded. Local water is able to cure and cleanse the intestines, cure stomach ulcers, get rid of urological diseases. Shayanskaya mineral water in its properties is equated to the well-known medicinal waters "Borjomi", "Narzan", "Essentuki".

Developed infrastructure will allow the tourist to forget about the problems of arrangement, and the surrounding clean and incredibly picturesque nature will help restore all lost strength. Come to the Carpathians and relax in Shayan.

Sights of the village Shayan

  • healing springs Marmaroshi.
  • Peaks Shayan, Shayanikha, Shayanchik.
  • Vigorlat-Gutinsky ridge.
  • Mount Lopos.
  • With. Velyatino, a unique herd of buffalo, the only one in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Carpathians from A to Z: map of hotels and ski areas, slopes and pistes, lifts and ski passes. Bright photos and videos. Reviews of mountain skiers about the Ukrainian Carpathians.

  • Hot tours around the world

Weather in the Ukrainian Carpathians

From the point of view of ecology, the Carpathians are a powerful climate-forming factor, a source of fresh water and clean air for the region. The climate of the region is temperate continental, in the lowlands winters are short and mild, summers are warm. average temperature+19..+21°C. In the mountains, winters are cold and snowy, summers are short and cool. Snow in the mountains lies from mid-December to early March, and in some places even from November to May.

Nature of the Ukrainian Carpathians

The flora and fauna of the Carpathians is rich and varied, many plants are found only in this region, and some animals are on the list of rare species. A large number of mountain rivers and lakes are full of fish, in particular trout. As you know, this fish is found only in clean water, and its ubiquitous distribution in the Carpathians indicates the purity of the local reservoirs. The most famous of the lakes is Synevyr, it is recognized as the cleanest in the region. Large rivers are suitable for timber rafting. The mountains themselves are flat, full of spacious plateaus, there are no rocks here, so the terrain is distinguished by smooth lines and is very picturesque.

Treatment and sources

The Carpathians are of interest as a region rich in mineral waters all types. Great amount natural sources, there are more than 800 of them, made the region attractive in terms of not only recreation, but also recovery. Almost every region can boast of its own numerous sources of this or that water. Some of its species are known throughout the world: Naftusya, Morshinskaya, Truskavetskaya, Rapa, Polyana-Kvasova. Wide famous resort Truskavets, whose treatment is based on the use of Naftusya water, specializes in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system and kidneys, diabetes. Svalyava region has water sources such as Borjomi and Vichy. The composition of these waters is indicated for the treatment of metabolic diseases, gastrointestinal tract, and tuberculosis. Staying in the fresh air, which is literally saturated with phytoncides of the local coniferous plants, combined with hydrotherapy, gives an amazing long-term effect in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Some sources are associated with ancient touching legends, some of them are revered by the local population as holy sources.

Ski resorts

The Carpathians are well known to amateurs skiing. Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske are the main ski resorts in the region. Snow stays here for a long time, thanks to the mild winter (in the coldest month of January, the temperature rarely drops below -6 degrees), you can ride from the end of December to the end of March. These resorts are becoming more and more popular, they are developing dynamically and in recent years offer a level of service and infrastructure comparable to European ones. Many lifts, schools for beginner skiers, well-groomed slopes, many of which are illuminated in the evening, equipment rentals are waiting for athletes.

You can relax and unwind in numerous entertainment establishments that offer a varied menu and entertainment programs. With the end of the ski season, interest in recreation in the Carpathian Mountains does not subside: numerous routes for horseback riding, hiking and cycling are interesting for lovers active rest all ages.

Maps of the Ukrainian Carpathians

Popular hotels in Ukrainian Carpathians

Entertainment and attractions

There are many interesting towns and villages, castles, natural sights in the Carpathians, so there are all opportunities for implementing an extensive excursion program. The original way of life has been preserved in the mountain villages, and a trip through the Carpathians will clearly show: the higher people live in the mountains, the less fuss there is in their lives. However, civilization is also less. Extremely interesting for their original architecture and rich history of the city, which are located in the Carpathians. First of all, this is Lviv. One of the largest cities in Ukraine and the most beautiful. The central part of the city was included in 1998 in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO. The city was founded in 1256, it was incredibly lucky: it was almost not destroyed during both world wars, so more than 2,000 monuments of history and architecture have been preserved in it.

Some Lviv cafes were opened even before the First World War and have preserved to this day the magical aura of the beginning of the last century.

Ivano-Frankivsk is popular with tourists, one of largest cities Ukraine. It is traditionally considered a city more European than Ukrainian, this can be seen both in architecture and in the way of life. Numerous historical sights of the city speak eloquently of the former Polish rule. Mukachevo, Uzhgorod, Ternopil, Truskavets are unusually cozy and attractive, and their sights can compete with what can be seen in recognized European tourist centers.

The Carpathian mountains are a whole country in Central Europe. The area of ​​the array is 188 thousand square meters. meters, which is 4 times more than Slovakia, 2 times more than Hungary and makes up about half of the territory of Poland. The countries where the Carpathian mountains are located are Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Austria, Serbia. The highest point of the Carpathians - Gerlakhovsky Shtit (2654), is located on the High Tatras in Slovenia.

The closest to Central Russia are the Ukrainian Carpathians or, as they are also called, the Hutsulshchyna (according to the people inhabiting them - the Hutsuls), a piece of the inner and outer Eastern Carpathians. Despite the fact that these regions seem fabulous and very distant to many of us, they can be reached from Moscow or St. Petersburg by train or bus in a little more than a day.

The Ukrainian Carpathians are amazing in different ways both in winter and in summer. With unusually picturesque nature, which changes along the way. The height gained has a great influence on the surrounding landscape: the Carpathian mountains are either buried in mighty pines and spruces of dense forests, or they are replaced by an impenetrable slate on steep meadows ( alpine meadows) or dangerous loose slopes and rocks.

Carpathian mountains: how to get to the highest peaks of Ukraine

The highest peak of the Ukrainian Carpathians - Hoverla (2061), grew on the Chernogora ridge, Mount Petros (2020), which stands separately next to it, is the third highest.

In order to get as close as possible to them, you need to get to the villages of Kozmeshchik, Yasinya or the railway station Rakhiv, where the Carpathians are located. Buses run quite often to the first two from Ivano-Frankivsk. The third starting point of the route can be reached from Lviv by diesel train, but since it rarely runs, this route is less preferable.

From Kozmeshchik you can climb Petros and Hoverla, as well as go to the Chernogorsky ridge. From Yasin it is more convenient to go to Petros, as well as make a ring trip along the Svidovets ridge, highest point which is Mount Bliznitsa (1881). The mountains of this ridge, although inferior in height to the Montenegrin, are no less beautiful. On this you can build your trip to the Carpathians.

In winter, it is very severe on the Carpathian peaks, their icy and avalanche-prone slopes do not allow long traverses of the ridges. Hiking through the passes is preferable. One of the most suitable and interesting for ski tourism in the Carpathians is the Svidovets ridge: snow, frost, spruces wrapped in hoarfrost and bare peaks sparkling in the winter sun.

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One of the options for both winter and summer travel to these places is a separate climbing ascent to the main peaks. It makes sense to arrange a base camp at the Edelweiss camp site, in the village. Yasinya - the capital of the Hutsul region, founded in 1583.

From here you can go to all the highest points of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It is necessary to walk from Yasin along the road to the village of Kvasy (famous for its mineral springs). Then, along the forest road, go up the Kevele River to the bridge to its other bank and still up through the Menchul valley to the peak of Petrosul (1848), and from it already to the peak of Petros (2020).

Trekking in the Carpathians: along the Montenegrin ridge

Now the whole Chernogorsky ridge is in line. First, carefully, on the ground, study the Ukrainian Carpathians, the mountains on the map, at first glance, look “homely”, because the highest of them, Hoverla, has slightly outgrown 2000 m.

Nevertheless, it is very dangerous to go to their peaks in rainy weather, strong thunderstorms rage here, there were cases when travelers were killed by lightning.

Hoverla Peak

Start from the main, dominant peak - Goverla (2061). Carefully slide down a very steep descent to the saddle to the Skopeska Pass (1615). Here you can camp for the night. Further, the trail leads through the hillock and the checkpoint (15 hryvnia for a pass to national park"Ukraine, Carpathian mountains") to the Khlozeshchinzha pass. From here begins the ascent to Hoverla. From its top you can go down to the north and finish the hike in Kozmeshchik, or to the south, where you can continue your hike to the Carpathians.

Here tourists are waiting for the most beautiful peaks of the Chernogorsky Range: Breskul (1950), Pozhizhevskaya (1822), Dantsin (1855), Turkul (1933), Ribs, Munchel, Dzembranya, Chernogorsky Pop Ivan (2028) aka Black Mountain. The latter got its name due to a cartographic error, but its real name is Popivan (in Hutsul - wind). But there is also a legend that claims that this is not an accidental name. Like, the rocks on top of this mountain look like a priest in a cassock. Although this, of course, is a matter of personal imagination of everyone.

White elephant. Observatory ruins

The ruins on its top are definitely not imaginable - these are the remains of the Polish meteorological observatory "White Elephant".

You can finish the hike above the clouds by descending from the Black Mountain in the village. Dzhembronya (Berestechko) is the highest mountain village in the Ukrainian Carpathians with a preserved national flavor.. From there on foot or by private trader (15 km) to the village. Verkhovyna, where there is already a regular bus service with Ivano-Frankivsk.

The Carpathians are an ancient mountain system, but few people know where the Carpathians are. The mountain system is located in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in countries such as Hungary, Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania, Czech Republic, Poland. The mountains have a great length - about 1500 kilometers and have the shape of an arc.

On the map, the mountains are divided into western and eastern. By the way, it is in the western part of this system that the most high mountain, about 2600 meters. The places in these parts are incredibly beautiful; The Carpathians are very popular in the field of world tourism, besides they are famous for affordable prices.

The mountain system occupies more than 70% of the territory of Romania, which is why ski tourism has gained immense popularity here. The mountains here are not as high as the Alps, but they are no less picturesque and attractive for tourists.

Carpathians on the world map.

As the map shows, in the western part mountain system there is a famous thousand-year-old glacier, as well as many unusual and interesting caves.

In the eastern part of the state, the Carpathians form the longest volcanic chain in Europe, and the southern part, in turn, is famous for its high mountains - more than 2500 meters.

Ski slopes on the territory of the Romanian Carpathians are very diverse and unusual: they have different lengths - from 5 to 35 kilometers, slope and difficulty level, which is suitable for both ordinary tourists and athletes.

The Carpathians in these places attract not only skiers, but also lovers of history and architecture. Here, surrounded by coniferous forests and meadows, there are the most beautiful medieval castles, which were built by the first Romanian king for summer holidays.

Hungarian Carpathians

Until recently, the Carpathians in Hungary were not very popular, but now the resort is gaining great popularity, and the level of recreation is rated very high. E

then the state is in the western part mountain range and is famous for a huge number of natural caves that amaze with their beauty even tourists who have seen a lot.

There are several famous recreation areas in Hungary:

  1. Matra - this resort has gained popularity due to the huge beech forests, clean air and mild climate.
    Huge vineyards grow here, the place is famous for quality wines of various varieties. In winter, the resort turns into a home for skiers, both beginners and professionals. There is also a track for sledges, it is a pleasure to be there.
  2. Bukk - is considered the largest ski park in Hungary due to the huge selection of slopes for professionals.
    In addition, the Carpathians are famous for their huge number of geothermal springs, which is a popular recreational resource.

Ukrainian Carpathians

The Carpathians on the map of Ukraine occupy a vast territory - as many as 4 regions, and are conditionally divided into 2 parts - Transcarpathia and Prykarpattya.

The Carpathians of Ukraine are famous for their medieval castles, wonderful views, original villages, which allows you to choose something interesting for everyone. excursion program. The most famous among tourists are Uzhgorod, Lviv, Ternopil and many others.

The most popular castles in the mountains and foothills of the Carpathians are…

Castle in Mukachevo

The castle in Mukachevo is located on high mountain and refers to Transcarpathia.
According to scientists, the castle arose in the 10th-11th centuries in order to monitor the trade caravans passing through these places.

The look to which tourists are accustomed, the castle acquired in the 17th century through a thorough architectural reconstruction of the French. Him rich story, because the castle went through many wars and served as a defensive point. A separate attraction is the famous well, almost 90 meters deep, which was used for many hundreds of years, until the beginning of the 20th century.

But, the most interesting for tourists is the story of Princess Bathory, who ruled in these parts and for 20 years drank the blood of innocent people, and also bathed in it. The story received a lot of publicity and became the plot for books, films, legends.

Ruins of the Templar castle

On the territory of the Carpathian Mountains, namely in the Carpathian region, there are the ruins of the Templar castle, which was built in the 12th century in a pronounced Romanesque style.

The castle has always been surrounded by legends, because it passed from one sacred order to another, which gave it even more mystery. By the way, in this village, which is called

Average, very mild and humid climate, which favorably affects the growth of various grape varieties, which is why the local wine is unusually famous all over the world. Khust Castle is located in the city of the same name, surrounded by high mountains, the slopes are completely covered with grass and other greenery of the Carpathians and swift turbulent rivers.

Castle in Nevitsky

The castle in Nevitsky is located on a ledge of a high mountain, a winding and dangerous serpentine leads to it.
At the end of the 12th century, the castle was of great importance in controlling trade routes, but 100 years later it was destroyed by Batu Khan during the Mongol-Tatar raid. Later the fortress was restored.

These places have an incredible number of legends, all of which are related to love stories. These places are unusually romantic and filled with love, there are remarkable views for every tourist.

Polish Carpathians

The Tatras are the highest part of the Carpathian Mountains, which are on the map in Poland. Not only ski resorts are famous here, but also vast valleys, such as Khokholovskaya, the Fish Stream Valley.

most high mountain The Carpathian mountain range is the mountain Tatra-Genlach.

In the area of ​​the High Tatras there are many reservoirs, lakes, mountain landscapes formed by stone ledges, abysses, sharp rocks.

In the region of the Western Tatras is great amount various caves, the relief here is softer.

Without a doubt, the most famous and popular mountains in Europe are the Alps. But in this part of the world there is another mountain system that is inferior to the Alps in height, but surpasses them in size. And it also attracts great attention of tourists and lovers of winter recreation. Where are the Carpathians? In which countries are they located? When were these mountains formed, and why are they interesting?

"Stone Mountains"

The word "Carpathians" evokes approximately the same images and plots for everyone: a dark forest, thick fog creeping along the slopes, molfar sorcerers and, of course, the castle of the famous Count Dracula. These mountains are indeed shrouded in a certain halo of mysticism and mystery. But not everyone knows exactly where the Carpathians are and when they were formed.

The name of this mountain system was first used by Claudius Ptolemy in the second century AD. It also occurs in the works of Herodotus. In particular, the "father of history" mentions the river Karpis. It is believed that this tributary of the Danube borrowed its name from the mountains from the slopes of which it flows.

The very word "Carpathians", according to some researchers, comes from the name of the Thracian tribe "Karpov", who lived in this territory in the III-IV centuries. Other scholars associate it with the Proto-European word kar, which translates as "stone". True, the "stone mountains" of the Carpathians can be called a stretch. After all, most of the mountain system is represented by gentle valleys and peaks with smooth outlines, where rocky ledges and pointed peaks are extremely rare.

However, there is a third version that connects the origin of the toponym with the Slavic word "khrb", which means "ridge". Given where the Carpathians are located, this version looks quite plausible. After all, it was the Slavic tribes and peoples who for many centuries mastered and settled this area.

Where are the Carpathians: countries and major cities

The total area of ​​the mountain system is 190 thousand square kilometers, the length is 1500 kilometers. Where are the Carpathian Mountains located? They are located in the eastern part of Central Europe. On the map, they form an arc, which in geological terms is an offshoot of the Alpine-Himalayan folded region.


In which states are the Carpathians located? Where are their natural boundaries? The mountain system covers the territories of eight European countries. It:

  1. Czech.
  2. Poland.
  3. Slovakia.
  4. Ukraine.
  5. Hungary.
  6. Romania.
  7. Serbia.
  8. Austria.

About 70% of the total area of ​​the Carpathian mountainous country falls on two states - Romania and Ukraine. But only its extreme western spurs enter Austria. Most big cities located within the Carpathian Mountains:

  1. Bielsko-Biala (Poland).
  2. Zakopane (Poland).
  3. Banska Bystrica (Slovakia).
  4. Kosice (Slovakia).
  5. Zilina (Slovakia).
  6. Cluj-Napoca (Romania).
  7. Brasov (Romania).
  8. Oradea (Romania).
  9. Sibiu (Romania).
  10. Uzhgorod (Ukraine).
  11. Kolomyia (Ukraine).
  12. Vrsac (Serbia).

That's where the Carpathians are. It remains to find out what parts this mountain system consists of.

Structure of the Carpathians

The Carpathian Mountains consist of eight orographic parts (see the map below):

  1. Outer Western Carpathians.
  2. Inner Western Carpathians.
  3. Outer Eastern Carpathians.
  4. Inner Eastern Carpathians.
  5. Southern Carpathians.
  6. Western Romanian Carpathians.
  7. Transylvanian plateau.
  8. Serbian Carpathians.

In addition, a number of separate massifs are distinguished within the mountain system: Beskydy, Ore Mountains, Tatras (the highest part of the Carpathians), Gorgany, Rodna, Peniny, Fagarash and others. The average heights of the Carpathian Mountains range from 800-1200 meters. The highest point is Mount Gerlachowski-Sztit.

Carpathian Mountains: main features and interesting facts

Here is some of them:

  1. Despite insignificant heights and gentle forms, the Carpathians are young mountains. They arose at about the same time (of course, by geological standards) with the Alps and the Himalayas.
  2. Mountain building processes in the Carpathians are still going on. This is evidenced by earthquakes, which are regularly recorded here. The strength of individual shocks reaches 5-7 points on the Richter scale.
  3. The Carpathians were once characterized by active volcanic activity. The cones of extinct volcanoes can be seen in the vicinity of Uzhgorod, Mukachevo and Khust.
  4. The Carpathian subsoil is rich in numerous minerals. The main mineral wealth of the mountain system is oil, gas, ozocerite, marble and gold.
  5. The width of the Carpathian Mountains in some places reaches 450 kilometers.
  6. The Alps are only 14 kilometers from the Carpathians. The border between the two largest mountain systems in Europe passes just between Vienna and Bratislava.
  7. At the beginning of the 20th century, numerous remains of prehistoric animals were discovered on the territory of a mountainous country - mammoths, huge deer and various birds.
  8. The Carpathians are considered the birthplace of the world's largest musical instrument - the trembita. The length of this wooden tube is 4 meters. It is able to propagate sound for 10-20 kilometers.

Origin and age of the Carpathian Mountains

Long before the formation of the modern mountain system, there was a chain of ridges in its place, connecting the Sudetes with the Dobruja (a hill in Romania). Geologists call it Prakarpaty. Subsequently, these mountains were destroyed by powerful movements of the earth's crust, and in their place, by the beginning of the Mesozoic, an almost flat plain was formed.

The age of the Carpathian geosyncline is quite "young" - only 25 million years. The process of formation of a mountainous country began at the end of the Paleogene period and proceeded gradually. The structures of the Outer Carpathians emerged first. For a long time, the sea splashed between the outer and inner ridges of the Carpathian Mountains. During its existence, powerful strata of sandy deposits have accumulated here.

Climate and flora of the Carpathians

The climate of the territory is temperate continental and quite humid. The average temperatures in July are +17…20 °C, in January from -2 to -5 °C. Precipitation falls from 600 to 2000 mm per year.

In the Carpathians, the altitudinal zonality of landscapes is clearly traced. Up to a height of 600 meters, broad-leaved and mixed forests grow, from 600 to 1500 meters - dark coniferous forests, even higher - undersized shrubs. The tops of many Carpathian mountains are covered with subalpine meadows. In the Ukrainian Carpathians, they came up with their own name - "hollowlands".


In the Carpathian forests, most often you can find European spruce, fir and beech. Oak, hornbeam, pine, alder, birch and larch are also common. The lower tier is occupied by thickets of raspberries, blackberries, lingonberries and blueberries.

The main resorts of the Carpathians

Where are the most popular ski resorts in the Carpathians and what are they called? And what are they? Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske (Ukraine) are usually ranked among the most famous Carpathian resorts; Zakopane, Szczyrk, Karpacz, Krynica (Poland), Poianu Brasov, Sinai, Predeal (Romania), Jasna (Slovakia).

Zakopane is perhaps the best ski resort in the Carpathians. Where are its tracks? The resort is located in the southern part of Poland, in a small town with the same name. The total length of its tracks is 60 kilometers. They are designed for all categories of skiers - from beginners to professionals. The skiing season lasts from late October to mid-April.


Bukovel is the main Ukrainian ski resort, which is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. It is distinguished by quality tracks and excellent infrastructure. The ideal snow cover is preserved here from the beginning of December until the end of April.

Notable peaks

Gerlahovski Shtit (2654 m) is the highest mountain in the Carpathians. It is located on the territory of Slovakia, near the town of Gerlachov. Today the mountain is very popular among tourists. However, climbing to its top requires serious preparation and is allowed only with an experienced guide.


Hoverla (2061 m) is the highest point of the Ukrainian Carpathians, located within the Montenegrin ridge. Climbing this mountain is relatively easy, so in the summer, dozens of tourists conquer its summit every day. Hoverla is known for the fact that the largest river originates from its slopes of Eastern Europe- Prut.

Moldoveanu (2544 m) is the highest peak in Romania. It is located in the heart of the country, within the Fagaras mountain range. Climbing Moldovyanu is a little more difficult than climbing Hoverla, but experienced tourists her subjugation does not cause.