Derman-Ostroh National Park

Derman-Ostroh Overview

Derman-Ostroh National Park, known locally as Дермансько-Острозький національний природний парк, is located in the Rivne region of northwestern Ukraine. Established in 2009, the park covers an area of approximately 54.48 square kilometers (21.03 square miles).

It is situated in the southernmost part of Rivne Raion, with the historic city of Ostroh nearby. The park was created to preserve the unique natural landscapes and rich biodiversity of the region, offering visitors a chance to experience Ukraine’s pristine wilderness and cultural heritage.

The terrain of the park is defined by a combination of forests, river valleys, and geological formations. The landscape is characterized by dense pine-oak forests interspersed with marshy lowlands and meandering rivers. The Zbytynka River is the main watercourse, flowing between the Volyn and Podillia Uplands, creating stunning panoramic views.

The Reservoir of Novomalyn, the largest body of water in the park, attracts a variety of bird species. The park is also home to unique geological formations, such as the Zinkiv Stone, a moss-covered boulder steeped in local legend. Another notable feature is “Peklo,” a collection of caves near the village of Bushcha that have revealed historical artifacts, adding an element of cultural intrigue to the park’s natural beauty.

Derman-Ostroh National Park is a haven for biodiversity, hosting more than 1,000 plant species, including 52 that are considered rare or endangered. The forests, meadows, and wetlands support a variety of flora, including 18 species of orchids. The Bushchanske calcareous swamp is an ecologically significant area, home to rare plant species such as Schoenus ferrugineus and Swertia perennis.

The fauna is equally diverse, with over 800 recorded species. Of these, 65 are protected, making the park a critical area for conservation. Mammals such as deer, foxes, wild boars, and European badgers can be found throughout the park. The Zbytenskyi Ornithological Conservation Area is particularly important for bird species, as it provides a crucial habitat for both breeding and migratory birds.

Visitors to the park can explore a variety of outdoor activities that highlight its natural beauty. Hiking and biking trails wind through the forests and river valleys, providing opportunities for adventure and wildlife observation.

Birdwatching is especially popular in the wetland areas, where visitors can spot a variety of native and migratory species. Cultural and historical tours allow guests to learn more about the region’s past, including visits to local landmarks such as the Holy Trinity Monastery in the village of Mezhyrich.

The park has developed a network of travel routes, including a 6.5 km educational ecological trail, a 38 km ecotrail along the Zbytinka River, and a 65 km bicycle trail that circles the park, ensuring a range of options for different levels of exploration.

Conservation efforts in Derman-Ostroh National Park focus on protecting its fragile ecosystems and rare species. Several protected areas within the park, such as the Bushchansky Reserve and the Mizotsky Ridge Geological Reserve, safeguard unique habitats, including forests, wetlands, and geological sites.

Sustainable tourism initiatives have been introduced to balance visitor engagement with environmental protection, ensuring that the park’s natural beauty remains preserved for future generations. These efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the delicate ecological balance while allowing people to appreciate the rich landscapes and wildlife of the park.

Derman-Ostroh National Park provides an exceptional opportunity to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Ukraine. Whether hiking through its vast forests, exploring its cultural landmarks, or observing its rich wildlife, visitors can connect with both nature and history in this remarkable protected area.

Park Map

Derman-Ostroh National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The Derman-Ostroh National Nature Park provides critical nesting and foraging habitats for a variety of bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and forest birds. Its forests, rivers, and meadows support both resident and migratory birds. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
A powerful bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often seen soaring over the park’s rivers and wetlands, hunting fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
A rare and secretive species, the black stork nests in the park’s remote woodlands and feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A majestic and vocal bird, the common crane breeds in the park’s wetlands and performs elaborate courtship dances in the spring.

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
A skilled hunter of wetland areas, the marsh harrier glides over reeds and marshes in search of fish, small mammals, and birds.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A striking white wading bird, the great egret is often seen along the park’s riverbanks and wetlands, where it hunts for fish, amphibians, and insects.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
A brilliant blue and orange bird, the common kingfisher is frequently spotted near the park’s waterways, diving into the water to catch small fish.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
A striking and common bird in the park’s forests, the great spotted woodpecker feeds on insects hidden beneath tree bark and plays a vital role in pest control.

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
A small but agile bird, the Eurasian nuthatch is known for its ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst while searching for insects.

Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
A colorful and stocky finch, the hawfinch has a powerful beak capable of cracking open hard seeds such as cherry pits and acorns.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A large and elegant waterfowl species, the whooper swan breeds in the park’s wetlands and shallow lakes, feeding on aquatic vegetation.

Derman-Ostroh National Nature Park remains one of Ukraine’s most important protected areas, preserving its rich biodiversity while offering a sanctuary for numerous species of wildlife in the forests and wetlands of western Ukraine.

The Derman-Ostroh National Nature Park, located in western Ukraine, is a protected area known for its rolling hills, dense forests, river valleys, and karst landscapes. The park serves as a vital refuge for many species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as a diverse range of bird species. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Derman-Ostroh National Nature Park.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A graceful and adaptable herbivore, the European roe deer is often found grazing in the park’s meadows and forest edges, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and tree shoots.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A stealthy and elusive predator, the Eurasian lynx roams the park’s dense woodlands, hunting hares, deer, and smaller mammals.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A highly adaptable and resilient species, the wild boar forages in the park’s woodlands, searching for roots, berries, nuts, and small animals.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A cunning and opportunistic predator, the red fox hunts small mammals, birds, and insects while also scavenging in the park’s open areas.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal burrowing mammal, the European badger digs extensive tunnel systems in the park’s forests and feeds on earthworms, insects, small rodents, and berries.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
A crucial species in the park’s wetland ecosystems, the Eurasian beaver builds dams and lodges along rivers, creating habitats for many other species.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
Originally from East Asia, the raccoon dog thrives in the park’s forests and wetlands, scavenging for fruits, insects, and small mammals.

Common European Viper (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the park, the common European viper is often found basking in sunny clearings and preying on small rodents and amphibians.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
A striking amphibian with black and yellow markings, the fire salamander is commonly found in the park’s damp forested areas, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
A rare and protected reptile, the European pond turtle inhabits the park’s wetlands and slow-moving waters, feeding on small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.