The top 5 travel destinations in Ukraine
Ukraine is a relatively unknown travel destination, although it is the largest country in Europe after Russia. It is sparsely populated with a population of 44.39 million people.
The country in Eastern Europe is extremely diverse. Pristine landscapes, raging rivers, historic cities and picturesque wine-growing regions are just as much a part of Ukraine as subtropical regions and deserts.
Particularly noteworthy is the capital Kiev, which is the country's economic and cultural center. It is also a good starting point for trips to other holiday destinations in Ukraine.
Inspiration for your vacation in Ukraine: 5 tips for sights and vacation spots
1. St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv
St. Sophia Cathedral is located right in the center of Kiev. It was built in the 11th century, during the time of the medieval forerunner empires of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
2. Odessa
Odessa is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It has an old town with historical buildings that give it a picturesque appearance. You stroll through its alleys and streets, drink a coffee in modern cafés and enjoy the view of the sea. A walk on the beach is also possible.
3. Chernobyl
Once a symbol of a human and ecological catastrophe, today a scary sight: the ruins of the former reactor city Chernobyl take you to a place of destruction. The nuclear power plant can easily be visited as part of a trip to Kiev, as it is only 100 km from the big city.
4. Pripyat
Pripyat is a ghost town. It was once a model city for the Soviet Union in the Chernobyl exclusion zone. 50,000 workers including their family members lived there before the reactor accident. After the accident it had to be completely evacuated, which is why it is increasingly becoming a ghost town.
5. Lemberg (Lviv)
Lemberg (Lviv) is an extremely picturesque city rich in historical buildings from the 19th century. It is one of the few places in the region where no bombs fell during World War II.
The city now has the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site, which emphasizes its importance. Lviv's magnificent buildings and museums are particularly worth seeing. A walk through the market square and through the old town streets is always an experience.
What happens in the event of illness?
Medical care in Ukraine is satisfactory, but does not come close to Western European standards. This is not the case across the board, especially in the hinterland and in the conflict regions in the east. Doctors and their staff often lack foreign language skills.
If you take medication regularly, you should take it with you on the trip. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to buy them locally.
It is essential that you take out international health insurance for your stay in Ukraine. It will cover any medical costs for you and the costs of transport back to Germany in the event of illness.
