Hutsulshchyna National Park

Hutsulshchyna Overview

Hutsulshchyna National Park, known locally as Національний природний парк «Гуцульщина», is a protected area in western Ukraine, situated in the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.

Covering approximately 123 square miles (319 square kilometers), the park lies in the picturesque Carpathian region, known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and highland meadows. The landscape is shaped by the gentle yet dramatic contours of the Carpathian Mountains, with prominent peaks such as Mount Rozhanka and Mount Lysina adding to its rugged charm.

The Prut and Cheremosh rivers flow through the park, carving deep valleys and providing vital waterways that sustain the diverse ecosystems. Beech, spruce, and fir forests dominate the terrain, interspersed with alpine meadows that bloom with vibrant wildflowers in the warmer months.

Wildlife in Hutsulshchyna National Park thrives in this lush environment, with numerous species making their home in the dense forests and open meadows. Large mammals such as the Eurasian lynx, brown bear, and gray wolf roam the park, while roe deer and red deer can often be seen grazing in the clearings.

Birdwatchers can spot species like the golden eagle, Eurasian eagle-owl, and black stork, which are among the most sought-after sightings. The park is also home to smaller species like foxes, badgers, and a variety of rodents, contributing to a balanced and thriving ecosystem.

Visitors are drawn to Hutsulshchyna National Park for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The region is home to the Hutsuls, an ethnic group known for their distinct traditions, colorful folk costumes, and masterful woodwork. The park features historical wooden churches and folk museums that showcase the unique history of the Hutsul people.

Popular activities include hiking through forested trails, horseback riding across open meadows, and mountain biking along scenic ridges. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing provide opportunities to experience the park’s tranquil snow-covered landscapes. The park’s rivers and streams offer excellent conditions for rafting and fishing, adding to the variety of outdoor experiences available.

One of the biggest conservation challenges for the park is balancing the needs of local communities with ecological preservation. Logging, illegal hunting, and agricultural expansion have posed threats to the park’s biodiversity, prompting conservation efforts aimed at protecting critical habitats.

Successful initiatives include reforestation programs, wildlife monitoring, and collaboration with local communities to promote sustainable tourism. Park management has also worked to integrate traditional Hutsul knowledge with modern conservation strategies, ensuring that both cultural and natural heritage are preserved for future generations.

Park Map

Hutsulshchyna National Park Highlights

WIldlife

The Hutsulshchyna National Park, located in western Ukraine in the Carpathian Mountains, is a protected area known for its lush forests, mountain meadows, and pristine rivers. The park is an important refuge for many rare and endemic species, preserving the rich biodiversity of the Carpathian region. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Hutsulshchyna National Park.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A stealthy and elusive predator, the Eurasian lynx thrives in the park’s dense forests, hunting hares, roe deer, and smaller mammals.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)
One of the park’s top predators, the Carpathian brown bear roams the forests and meadows, foraging for berries, roots, fish, and small mammals.

Wolf (Canis lupus lupus)
A key predator in the region, the wolf hunts in packs and preys on deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals, playing an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.

Carpathian Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra carpatica)
An agile mountain-dwelling species, the Carpathian chamois navigates the park’s rocky cliffs and alpine meadows, feeding on grasses and mosses.

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

European Bison (Bison bonasus)
Once nearly extinct, the European bison has been reintroduced to parts of the Carpathians and is a vital part of the region’s forest ecosystem.

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

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
A semi-aquatic mammal, the Eurasian otter thrives in the park’s rivers and lakes, feeding primarily on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

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

European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the park, the European adder is often seen basking in sunny areas and preying on small rodents and amphibians.

Birds

The Hutsulshchyna National Park is a critical refuge for many bird species, including raptors, forest birds, and alpine specialists. The park’s vast woodlands, rivers, and high-altitude regions provide excellent nesting and feeding grounds. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A powerful predator, the golden eagle hunts hares, marmots, and even young deer. It is often seen soaring over the park’s valleys and cliffs.

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

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large and striking member of the grouse family, the capercaillie is known for its elaborate courtship displays in the park’s forests.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
A nocturnal hunter, the Ural owl preys on rodents, small birds, and amphibians in the park’s dense woodlands.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a formidable nocturnal predator, hunting rabbits, hedgehogs, and other birds.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A tall and elegant bird, the common crane breeds in the park’s wetlands and performs elaborate courtship dances during the mating season.

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

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.

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
A rare and striking alpine bird, the wallcreeper clings to rock faces in the park’s high-altitude areas, hunting insects.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
A unique bird of prey, the honey buzzard specializes in feeding on bees and wasps, using its strong beak to raid hives.

Hutsulshchyna National Park remains one of Ukraine’s most ecologically significant protected areas, safeguarding its diverse wildlife while preserving the majestic beauty of the Carpathian Mountains