A tram journey in the Carpathians
This could be a perfect choice for those who like enjoying the scenery from the window of a comfortable coach in the company of friends or with your soul mate. The tram will take you in a journey through the enchanting forests with rapid mountain rivers, to the green mountains towering right over the train.
“You’ll see: mineral springs, waterfalls, hanging swamps and the sea of impressions”
Carpathian Tram is considered one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. Its narrow-gauge railway was built on the territory of Dolynsky district of Ivano-Frankivsk region in 1898 for the transportation of wood. Since 2003, the road is used for tourism purposes too.
You have two options when travelling by Carpathian Tram: a tram car with soft comfortable seats and a car-cabriolet, which has a roof, but the walls are cut at the level of the windows.
“Advice: for best photos, choose the car-cabriolet – it will be windy, but you’ll get sweeping views and beautiful pictures”
Tourists are offered to take one of two tours in the Carpathians. The first route is called a classic one – further we’ll tell about it in details. The second route takes 8 hours and is called mountain one, but it requires a group of 40 persons and more.
Carpathian Tram usually makes the classic four hour tour, which starts every Saturday and Sunday at 11am in the small town of Vyhoda and ends there at 3pm. The route stretches along the pure mountain river Mizunka passing Tserkovyshche Mountain. The first stop is at the monument to the famous Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko, where the guide will tell travellers about local legends and tales.
“Surprise: during the tour you can meet musicians. Be ready to dance Hutsulochka”
Then the road goes in Shyrkovets protected area over bridges and swamps to Monastyr Mountain, which is easily recognised thanks to the large wooden cross on its top. Next stop is Horianka mineral spring, located in Novyi Mizun village. Here travellers can rest and drink crystal clear water from the spring. You may want to visit a local cafe and taste Carpathian delicacies. After a short pause tram runs to the amazing Mizun Waterfalls.
The riverbed of Mizunka is very wide with lots of rapids, which create a series of cascades and waterfalls.
“When to try: Carpathian Tram is available at any time of the year. Winter is coming – you’ll definitely like snowy slopes of the Carpathians Mountains”
Following the classic route of Carpathian Tram its passengers will see picturesque Carpathian tract Dubovyi Kut. Here they will have a half-hour stop, which includes climbing the spacious forest edge and a tour of air bridges. This is the last stop, after which the tram goes back.
“Price: a classic route costs 50 UAH”
The village of Vyhoda is located 125 kilometres from Lviv. Buses depart from the main railway station, journey time – 3 hours. Another way to get to Vyhoda is by minibus from Ivano-Frankivsk, distance – 75 kilometres.
You can also order additional excursion routes on the official website of Carpathian Tram. Organisers are ready to develop a combined program with hiking tour to the Carpathian tops and a trip by the tram. In addition, if desired, after the tour you can go to the famous Ukrainian resorts Truskavets and Morshyn.
