Audioguide to the Zacharovanyi Krai National Park in the Kamyanka tract

Greenways Ukraine
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Welcome to Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park. The park protects unique natural heritage, including ancient volcanic landscapes, UNESCO-listed primeval beech forests, the rock formations of the Zacharovanyi Krai Geological Reserve, the high-altitude Black Bog, mountain streams and waterfalls, and rare plants and wildlife. This audio guide will take you through the Kamianka Valley and help you discover more about the park’s nature along the way. The route is an easy 11 km hike that takes around 4 hours and includes 11 themed stops .

Episodes

  1. Oct 2

    INTRO. Get ready for your journey

    Welcome to the Zacharovanyi Krai National Park! Today you’re setting off on a fascinating journey along the ‘Kam’yanka Tract – Mineral Spring – Huchalo Waterfall’ eco-educational trail. This is an easy, circular walking route. The total distance there and back is almost 12 kilometres, with an elevation gain of 240 metres. The total duration of the walk is around four hours. As our route is a circular one, we’ll reach the final destination and then return along the same path. There’s no need to rush, so get ready for a leisurely and informative walk. You’ll visit one of the most precious natural areas in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Here, ancient beech forests, volcanic landscapes, mountain streams, marshes, and rare plants and animals are protected, many of which are listed in Ukraine’s Red Book. Before taking the next step, pause for a moment. Breathe in the fresh Carpathian air. Listen carefully. Can you hear the birdsong, the rustling of the leaves, the murmur of the water? It is these very sounds that have accompanied life in the park for thousands of years. Along the route, you’ll learn about the primeval beech forests, which are among Europe’s most valuable natural ecosystems; how and where mountain rivers are born; why clear water is home to brown trout; and where, hidden amongst the forest, lies the unique Black Bog – a high-altitude bog that preserves the climatic history of the Carpathians in its peat deposits. You’ll encounter the spotted salamander, the black stork, the Carpathian blue slug, nocturnal inhabitants such as bats, and other species for whom the Zacharovanyi Krai has become a safe haven. Look around you. Today, you are not just a tourist. You are a guest of nature. And nature reveals its secrets only to those who know how to slow down, look closely, listen and feel. So let’s set off! Ahead lies a story written over millions of years by volcanoes, forests and water. And today, you will become part of it.

  2. Oct 2

    Stop 1. The secrets of the abandoned mines

    Although our journey is focused on nature, its beginning may seem somewhat unusual. Close your eyes for just a moment. Imagine that the sound of the river has given way to the clang of pickaxes, the screech of mine carts and the rumble of miners at work. It’s hard to believe, but this is exactly how the history of these mines began over a hundred years ago.  You are in the Sheverovo area. To the right of the road, you can see a wayside cross. Right next to it, hidden amongst the trees, lie two old adits – underground tunnels that were dug by hand at the end of the 19th century in search of iron ore. Their history began with the ‘Gamora’ works in the village of Dovhe. When the enterprise was on the verge of closure, its manager, Moritz Prigradni, ordered a search for new iron deposits. Soon, large deposits were discovered near Bilky and Ilnytsia, and production was revived. Hundreds of people worked here, dozens of quarries were in operation, and the railway transported ore to the works every day. This success spurred a search for iron in these mountains too. Three adits were dug, but the expected ore reserves were never found. The mines quickly fell into disuse, and nature gradually reclaimed this corner of the land. Look around you. The forest has almost concealed the traces of human labour, but the story doesn’t end here. The abandoned tunnels have found new masters. People left these tunnels long ago, but nature abhors a vacuum. Today, entirely different masters reign here. Who are they? Approach the entrance to the tunnel and play the next track – it will reveal yet another secret of this underground world.

    Stop 1. The secrets of the abandoned mines

  3. Oct 2

    Stop 2. The Bat Tunnel

    Stop by the entrance to the tunnel. Peer into the darkness. Before you, lies an artificial underground tunnel, once dug to study volcanic rock. Over time, people abandoned it, and nature transformed the tunnel into a safe haven for bats. Today, it serves as their winter ‘hotel’, where, thanks to the constant temperature and humidity, they are able to weather the cold season. In Ukraine, according to scientists, there are 28 species of bats, all of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. Here in the Park, you can encounter 20 species (12 species confirmed by captures, 8-9 species identified through acoustic monitoring). Have you ever wondered why bats sleep upside down? It makes it easier for them to take flight. Unlike birds, bats cannot take off abruptly from the ground, so before flying they simply let go with their claws and immediately spread their wings. Bats are among the most beneficial inhabitants of the forest. In a single night, one bat can eat hundreds of insects, helping nature to maintain its balance. At the Zacharovanyi Krai National Park, scientists are constantly studying bats. To do this, they use batcorders – special devices that record ultrasonic signals. Humans cannot hear these sounds, but it is precisely through them that scientists determine which species inhabit the park and how their numbers are changing. Listen carefully. A bat might be flying right over you at this very moment. You’ll hardly hear it, but it heard you long ago. That’s right – in the silence and darkness, yet another secret of the Zacharovanyi Krai is revealed.

    Stop 2. The Bat Tunnel

  4. Oct 2

    Stop 3. Echoes of an extinct volcano

    It’s hard to believe, but millions of years ago, where today the forest rustles and birds sing, a completely different force of nature raged. It was here that an ancient volcano rose, forever changing this region. Did you know that our Park is the only one in Ukraine situated on extinct volcanoes? The Vygorlat-Hutyn Volcanic Range stretches across the territory of three countries: Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine. The territory of the Zacharovanyi Krai National Park lies at its centre. Mount Buzhora is situated on the Velykyi Dil massif and is the highest peak both in the national park and in the entire Volcanic Range of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The mountain rises to a height of 1,081 metres above sea level.  Look around you; take a look at the stones beneath your feet. Almost every stone you see is a fragment of solidified volcanic rock, preserving the memory of those distant times. Look closely and you will notice that volcanic rocks vary in colour, density and texture. It is these very features that make this landscape so unique. The bedrock of this range consists of extrusive rocks (primarily andesites, basalts and tuffs), formed by lava flows and eruptions that took place 7-15 million years ago, during the Miocene and Pliocene geological periods. Over time, the Synyavka River eroded the inner part of the volcanic crater, forming the valley we see today. The water completed the work that the volcano had once begun. But the volcano left behind another natural gem – the Chorne Bagno marsh. It formed in the crater of the extinct volcano, where impermeable volcanic rocks trap the water. This is precisely why a unique high-altitude bog has formed here, with peat deposits up to 7 metres thick, which have preserved the natural history of the Carpathians for millennia. A striking confirmation of this ecological chronicle came in the form of a unique discovery: whilst work was being carried out to restore the bog’s water regime, beautifully preserved trunks of ancient fallen trees were found here. The peat, deprived of oxygen, acted as a natural preservative, preserving these relics of the forest and capturing the memory of bygone eras. Take another look. Today, this landscape seems peaceful, but it was ancient volcanic activity that laid the foundations for the forests, rivers and marshes that make the ‘Zacharovanyi Krai’ so unique. But the story of Synyavka doesn’t end there. The water will take us further along the route and reveal a new story – about the life of mountain streams and their marvellous inhabitants.

    Stop 3. Echoes of an extinct volcano

  5. Oct 2

    Stop 4. Lichens – the living chronicle of stone

    Take a look at the large boulders along the Sinyavka River. Can you see the grey, greenish, yellow and black patterns on the boulders? It’s neither paint nor moss. What you’re looking at are lichens, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Lichens are an amazing symbiosis of a fungus and microscopic algae. They have no roots and obtain moisture and nutrients directly from the air and river spray. This is precisely why they are extremely sensitive to any pollution and serve as natural indicators of crystal-clear air. Today, there are around 2,200 species of lichens in Ukraine, and you can find nearly 300 of them here, in the Zacharovanyi Krai National Park. Let’s compare how human activity affects these sensitive organisms. Up to 200 species of lichens coexist peacefully in our Park’s primeval forest. However, in areas with heavy tourist traffic, their numbers are significantly lower, ranging from just 30 to 70 species. This ecological impact is even more pronounced in areas where active logging took place prior to the establishment of our national park in 2009. There, only a few species of lichen can now be found on the trees – very often no more than five. This unfortunate effect is directly linked to the consequences of intensive logging, which destroys the old habitat. It will now take many more decades of tranquillity for this vulnerable ecosystem to fully recover. Take a closer look at these rock formations. The lichens you see before you are colonising volcanic rock. By secreting natural acids, they slowly break down the hard rock and create the first thin layer of soil, on which mosses, grasses and, in time, new trees eventually grow. During prolonged droughts, lichens can dry out completely, but after the very first rain they come back to life in just a few minutes! Please take care of these tiny creators of nature. Do not step on rocks covered in lichens, and do not scrape them off. They grow extremely slowly: sometimes it takes nature between 10 and 50 years to form a patch no bigger than a coin. Having enjoyed this living chronicle of the rock, continue your walk along the Synyavka River. Follow the route markers as you go, for the forest ahead has new, unspoiled discoveries in store for us.

    Stop 4. Lichens – the living chronicle of stone

  6. Oct 2

    Stop 5. The living waters of the Zacharovanyi Krai

    Come closer to the water. Listen to its murmur. The mountain stream seems calm, but beneath its surface, life is teeming. The clear, cold and oxygen-rich water is home to the brown trout – one of the most prized fish in the Carpathians. It lives only in clean waters, so its presence is a sign of a healthy river ecosystem.  Take a look at the stone and wooden weirs. The former were created by nature, whilst the latter were built by the Park’s staff. These are trout weirs. They help to slow the current, oxygenate the water, protect the banks from erosion and create hiding places for the fish. It is precisely these nature conservation measures that help to preserve life in the mountain streams. If you look closely at the clear water, you might be lucky enough to spot a trout hiding amongst the rocks or standing against the current. It is a strong and hardy fish that spends its whole life on the move. As well as trout, these swift-flowing waters are teeming with an entire underwater world, notably the European grayling – a rare and incredibly beautiful fish with a large, sail-like dorsal fin, which is listed in Ukraine’s Red Book. Another fascinating inhabitant of our river is the Carpathian lamprey – a unique jawless fish (cyclostome) which is a living fossil, a witness to bygone eras spanning hundreds and millions of years. Its larvae spend years living in the river’s muddy bed, whilst the adult itself requires exceptionally clean water and is listed in Ukraine’s Red Book. Closely associated with the water is a large group of invertebrates – various aquatic insects, crustaceans and molluscs that inhabit streams and peat bogs.  The rare yellow-bellied toad and other frog species live here. If you look down at the damp riverside stones or the moss right by the water’s edge, you may come across unique Carpathian amphibians: The spotted salamander – a legendary black-and-yellow inhabitant of damp beech forests. Its larvae develop right here, in the quiet, shaded backwaters of mountain streams.The Carpathian newt – endemic to the Carpathians (a species found nowhere else in the world) – requires ice-cold, clear water to survive.The European beaver is an amazing natural architect. Its colony lives nearby, in the upper reaches of the Irshava River, in the unique mountain marsh known as ‘Chorne Bagno’. This is a real source of pride for the park, as the presence of beavers at such an altitude is a rare and highly valuable ecological phenomenon. Stay a little longer. Every mountain stream in the Zacharovanyi Krai is a living artery of the park. It is water that unites the forests, plants, animals and people into a single natural system, which is so important to preserve.

    Stop 5. The living waters of the Zacharovanyi Krai

  7. Oct 2

    Stop 6. Primeval beech forests

    Look around you. You are standing in the midst of a young beech forest. It is constantly changing, growing and renewing itself. But very close by, in the protected part of the park, genuine primeval beech forests have been preserved – forests that have remained almost untouched by human hands. Today, these primeval forests remain hidden from most visitors. It is precisely because of this that they have been preserved almost exactly as they were hundreds of years ago. This entire forest can be likened to a large, close-knit family. It is home to an incredible diversity of generations: tiny seeds are sprouting right beneath your feet, young saplings are reaching for the sun nearby, and towering above them are mature and very old ‘patriarch’ trees. And the larger the area of such a primeval forest, the stronger and more resilient this great family is in the face of any storms or diseases. Everyone here protects one another. Artificial forests, created by humans, will never possess such strength. For example, in the vicinity of the unique ‘Chorne Bagno’ marsh, spruce trees were once artificially planted. Historically, they were not native to this area. Today we can see the consequences of this decision – these fir trees are dying off en masse, as artificial plantations lack the resilience that a wild forest has built up over millennia. However, humans no longer need to intervene with axes or new plantings. The best and only correct solution now is simply to wait – with time, nature will heal its own wounds and fully restore itself.  That is precisely why the local protected areas are so valuable. They are recognised as part of UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage. Our ‘Irshavka’ and ‘Velykyi Dil’ sites form part of the pan-European site ‘Primeval and Ancient Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe’. This places them on par with such world wonders as the Galápagos Islands or the Great Barrier Reef. In the primeval forest, trees grow, age and fall naturally. They help to preserve clean water, the richness of wildlife and the natural balance of the Carpathians. Even the dead wood of these primeval forests sustains many other species of flora and fauna. Listen carefully… The rustling of the leaves, the birdsong and the scent of the beech forest are almost indistinguishable from those that prevailed here hundreds of years ago. Today, the young forest you see is gradually becoming part of a great natural history. And whether future generations will be able to see a true primeval forest depends on how we preserve it. Having cleared our minds amongst this friendly beech family, let’s continue on our way. Follow the trail markings as you go. Ahead, we’ll discover the park’s next secret.

    Stop 6. Primeval beech forests

  8. Oct 2

    Stop 7. The Synyavka River

    Come closer to the water. Listen to its murmur. Before you lies the Synyavka River.  According to ancient local legends, the river got its name from a marvellous visual phenomenon. In spring, when the snow melts in the mountains, and also after heavy Carpathian downpours, the swift currents wash away fine particles of local volcanic minerals and clay. On sunny days, the water in the upper reaches takes on a distinctive, deep bluish-silvery hue.  The river’s clear waters originate on the slopes of Mount Buzhora, which serves as the park’s natural catchment area – collecting rainwater and meltwater, which subsequently feed the Synyavka and other mountain streams. As they merge, the small streams form a mountain river that nourishes the forests, provides water for plants and animals, and creates the conditions for many rare species to thrive. Over millennia, the Synyavka’s swift current has acted as a natural sculptor. Together with its smaller tributaries, such as the Sukha Synyavka, it has carved its way through the rocks, washing away the softer strata. It is thanks to water erosion that the famous rock sphinxes and the unique stone figures of the nearby Zacharovana Dolyna were formed. Look at the flow. Every drop of water you see began its journey high up in the Carpathians and continues through the Zacharovanyi Krai. Stay a moment longer. It is from such small mountain springs that the rivers begin, without which life in the Carpathian wilderness would be impossible.

    Stop 7. The Synyavka River

  9. Oct 2

    Stop 8. The flora of the Zacharovanyi Krai National Park

    Take a deep breath. You are now breathing in the scent of one of the richest plant communities in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Look around you. Majestic beech trees form a dense green canopy, thanks to which, even on a hot day, a pleasant coolness, clean air and a unique forest microclimate prevail here. In spring, this forest is covered in a solid carpet of bright green wild garlic. It is said that it is the succulent leaves of this plant that help the Carpathian brown bears regain their strength after a long winter hibernation. By May, the wild garlic bursts into bloom with thousands of tiny white star-shaped flowers. This plant is listed in Ukraine’s Red Book, so picking or plucking it is strictly forbidden. Take a closer look near the stream. Here, the marsh marigold blooms brightly, its golden flowers seeming to have absorbed the first rays of sunlight. It is one of the first to herald the arrival of true spring in the Carpathians. Now cast your gaze down onto the forest floor along the path. Can you see the marvellous evergreen shoots, resembling fluffy spruce twigs, spreading across the ground like long, living threads? This is the river lycopod – a unique relict, a ‘superhero’ plant that lived on Earth long before the dinosaurs appeared! The river lycopod grows incredibly slow, advancing centimetre by centimetre over decades. Due to its rarity, it is strictly protected and listed in Ukraine’s Red Book. Alongside it, in the glades and damp forest meadows, you can spot another protected wonder in early summer – wild Carpathian orchids, of which over 13 species have been recorded in the park, including the spotted orchid and the marsh orchid. They are fussy and grow only where the soil, water and air are absolutely pure. In total, hundreds of plant species are protected in the Zacharovanyi Krai – from delicate early-spring primroses to ancient ferns and emerald mosses. Each of them is an important part of this unique ecosystem and helps maintain the park’s natural balance. Please do not tread on the fluffy threads of the lycopod, do not pick the flowers and do not damage the delicate stems of the orchids. May they continue to adorn this protected forest and share their beauty with everyone who visits our park. Explore this green world simply with your eyes or through your camera lens. And to learn about the plants, make use of specialist apps such as iNaturalist, Seek or PlantNet. Having enjoyed the fresh air and lush greenery, let’s continue on our way. Keep moving along the marked trail in search of new discoveries. Ahead of us lies an encounter with those who have made this forest their home!

    Stop 8. The flora of the Zacharovanyi Krai National Park

  10. Oct 2

    Stop 9. Animals living in the Zacharovanyi Krai

    Stop for a moment. Look around you. The forest seems quiet, but in fact it is teeming with life. It’s just that its inhabitants have learned to remain unnoticed. The Zacharovanyi Krai National Park is home to hundreds of animal species. Ancient forests, clear streams, marshes and volcanic slopes create ideal conditions for rare species, many of which are listed in Ukraine’s Red Book.  Look down at your feet. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a spotted salamander – one of the park’s symbols. Its striking yellow-and-black colouring wards off predators, and it lives only in clean, damp forests. Now look up. Above the canopy of ancient beech trees, you may occasionally spot a black stork – a very cautious and rare bird. It will never settle near noisy cities, choosing only secluded thickets and clear bodies of water. It is this majestic and proud bird that has become the park’s main symbol, and you can see its image on the official emblem of the Zacharovanyi Krai. And amongst the damp leaves and fallen trees lies another natural treasure – the Carpathian blue slug – a rare slug with a bright blue body, found only in the well-preserved Carpathian forests. But this is just a fraction of the park’s rich fauna. The area is home to red deer, roe deer, wild boar, wolves, brown bears, and dozens of species of birds, amphibians and insects. Listen carefully. Every sound in this forest is a sign of life. We are merely guests, and nature reveals its secrets to those who know how to be attentive and do not disturb its tranquillity.

    Stop 9. Animals living in the Zacharovanyi Krai

  11. Oct 2

    Stop 10. The Mineral Waters of Kam’yanka tract

    Come closer to the spring. Watch how the water makes its way through the rocks. Before you lies the natural mineral spring of the Kam’yanka tract. This water travels a long way through layers of ancient volcanic rock, where it is naturally filtered and enriched with beneficial elements. Fill a cup with this water and taste it. You’ll notice a distinctive mineral flavour with a slight hint of iron. The water in the Kamyanka tract is carbonated, ferrous and sodium-calcium bicarbonate, and slightly mineralised. It is precisely thanks to the dissolved carbon dioxide and minerals that it has such a pleasant, refreshing effect. This water is the true elixir of life for the whole park. Interestingly, this spring is the only one within our park’s current boundaries, and local residents affectionately call it ‘kvass water’. Long-time residents here say that on weekends, the area around the spring was always very busy. People from the surrounding villages would flock here with their families. They would collect the healing water, warm it right there over open fires, and take homemade baths to soothe their joints and recharge their energy after a hard week’s work. However, very close by, on the extended lands of the friendly Dovzhanska territorial community, there is its namesake spring in the village of Dovhe. People there also call the water ‘sour’, although its composition is noticeably different – it is chloride, bicarbonate, calcium-sodium, highly mineralised and slightly acidic. Despite their different chemical compositions, both springs offer that same beloved Carpathian ‘sour’ aftertaste. Next to the mineral spring stands an old miner’s trolley – a silent witness to the days when people searched for iron ore in these mountains. It serves as a reminder of the workers who once toiled here, and of the history that has become an integral part of this forest. The presence of iron in the water and the ore deposits in the mountains are links in the same chain. Today, the spring gives life to the forest, the animals and the travellers, whilst the mine cart silently preserves the memory of the past. Here, nature and human history meet in one place, reminding us that everything in the Zacharovanyi Krai is interconnected. Refresh yourself with cool water and take a breather before the final stretch. Ahead lies the last stop on our route – a place where the power of the Carpathian waters reveals itself in all its splendour. Let’s continue along the stream to the Huchalo Waterfall!

    Stop 10. The Mineral Waters of Kam’yanka tract

  12. Oct 2

    Stop 11-12. The Huchalo Waterfall and the end of the journey

    Listen carefully. Can you hear that powerful roar? Right beside you is the Huchalo Waterfall. It didn’t get its name for nothing: you can hear its roar long before you see the stream itself. Look at how the water surges over the rocky ledges. It cascades down in several stages from a height of about six metres. For millennia, the water has been eroding the volcanic rock, gradually forming these hollows and stone basins. What seems unchanging today is, in fact, constantly changing – drop by drop, year by year. Please be very careful: the rocks near the water can be slippery! It is this pure mountain water that sustains the life of forests, plants and animals, and every waterfall serves as a reminder that nature is constantly reshaping the world around us – slowly but surely. It is impossible to imagine the Carpathians without water. It originates high in the mountains, carves its way through the rock, creates waterfalls, nourishes the forests and eventually becomes rivers. And Huchalo is one of the most beautiful chapters in this endless story of water. Stay a little longer. Feel the coolness the water brings, breathe in the scent of the damp forest and simply listen to the water. After all, sometimes it is the sound of the waterfall that tells us more about nature than any words ever could. Conclusion And so we’ve reached the final point of our audio story. Today you’ve immersed yourselves in a marvellous world where time flows quite differently. You’ve learned the fascinating history of the ancient UNESCO beech forests, tasted the unique mineral ‘kvass water’ and witnessed the power of the Carpathian streams. It’s time to head back. Follow the very same route you’ve just taken. On the way back, the forest will reveal itself to you from a completely different perspective, so walk at a leisurely pace and enjoy the silence. Recall once more everything you’ve seen and heard today. You’ve burnt off so much energy on this trip that you can now, with a completely clear conscience and a ravenous appetite, treat yourself to a plate of hot, hearty traditional bograch. You’ve thoroughly earned this Transcarpathian reward! The Zacharovanyi Krai National Park is vast, so do come and visit us again! We highly recommend you visit our other locations – climb up to the unique high-altitude bog Chorne Bagno, visit the famous cliffs of the Zacharovana Dolyna, or hike up to the Borzhava mountain pastures. Thank you for spending the day with us. Please look after nature, and have a safe journey home!

    Stop 11-12. The Huchalo Waterfall and the end of the journey
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park. The park protects unique natural heritage, including ancient volcanic landscapes, UNESCO-listed primeval beech forests, the rock formations of the Zacharovanyi Krai Geological Reserve, the high-altitude Black Bog, mountain streams and waterfalls, and rare plants and wildlife. This audio guide will take you through the Kamianka Valley and help you discover more about the park’s nature along the way. The route is an easy 11 km hike that takes around 4 hours and includes 11 themed stops .

Information