Synevyr National Park

Synevyr Overview

Synevyr National Park, known locally as Національний природний парк «Синевир», is a protected area in western Ukraine, spanning approximately 167 square miles (432 square kilometers).

Located in the Carpathian Mountains within Zakarpattia Oblast, the park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and diverse ecosystems. The centerpiece of the park is Synevyr Lake, often referred to as the “Eye of the Carpathians,” a glacial lake that sits at an altitude of 989 meters (3,245 feet).

Towering peaks, including Mount Ozerna and Mount Strymba, dominate the terrain, along with rolling meadows, deep valleys, and rushing mountain rivers. The park’s dense forests are composed primarily of spruce, fir, and beech trees, forming a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Visitors to Synevyr National Park may encounter an array of wildlife, including large mammals such as brown bears, lynxes, and wolves, which roam the forested slopes. The European red deer and roe deer are also common, along with wild boars that thrive in the dense undergrowth.

Birdwatchers can observe golden eagles soaring above the cliffs, while black storks and Ural owls inhabit the ancient woodlands. The park’s diverse environment also supports amphibians like the fire salamander, which can be spotted near streams and wetlands. This variety of species makes Synevyr National Park a significant area for biodiversity conservation in the Carpathians.

Among the park’s most famous attractions, Synevyr Lake remains the primary draw, surrounded by towering evergreen trees and offering a peaceful retreat into nature. The lake’s legend of two tragic lovers, Syn and Vyr, adds a mystical charm to its already stunning beauty.

The park also features several waterfalls, with the Shypit Waterfall being one of the most picturesque, cascading down rocky cliffs amid thick vegetation. Wooden observation towers and scenic viewpoints allow visitors to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the mountainous landscape.

Additionally, the park is home to the Brown Bear Rehabilitation Center, which provides a sanctuary for rescued bears, offering visitors the chance to learn about conservation efforts firsthand.

Visitors can explore Synevyr National Park through an extensive network of hiking trails, leading through dense forests, across alpine meadows, and up mountain ridges for spectacular vistas. Horseback riding and cycling routes offer alternative ways to experience the park’s landscapes, while guided eco-tours provide insight into the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Boating on Synevyr Lake is a popular activity, allowing visitors to glide across its tranquil waters while admiring the surrounding peaks. In the winter months, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, attracting those interested in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Traditional wooden houses and eco-lodges scattered throughout the park provide cozy accommodations that blend seamlessly with the environment.

Conservation in Synevyr National Park faces challenges such as illegal logging, habitat fragmentation, and the impact of tourism on fragile ecosystems. However, management efforts have led to successes, including the establishment of protected zones and the rehabilitation of wildlife such as the brown bear.

Sustainable tourism initiatives and environmental education programs aim to balance visitor experiences with conservation goals, ensuring the park remains a pristine natural sanctuary for future generations.

Park Map

Synevyr National Park Highlights

Wildlife

The Synevyr National Park, located in the Carpathian Mountains of western Ukraine, is one of the country’s most famous protected areas. The park is home to dense beech and coniferous forests, high-altitude meadows, and the stunning Lake Synevyr, the largest natural lake in the Ukrainian Carpathians. This diverse landscape provides a sanctuary for many rare and endemic species. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Synevyr 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 largest predators in the park, the Carpathian brown bear roams the forests and river valleys, 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, maintaining balance in the park’s ecosystem.

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.

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.

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

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 Synevyr National Park is an important bird habitat, with its vast forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows providing 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.

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.

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.

Synevyr National Park remains one of Ukraine’s most ecologically significant protected areas, safeguarding its diverse wildlife while preserving the breathtaking landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains and the legendary Lake Synevyr.