Vyzhnytsia National Park

Vyzhnytsia Overview

Vyzhnytsia National Park, located in western Ukraine, spans approximately 31.2 square miles (80.9 square kilometers) within the picturesque Carpathian Mountains.

Known locally as Вижницький національний природний парк, the park offers a stunning natural landscape that includes rolling hills, deep valleys, and lush forests filled with beech, spruce, and fir trees.

The Cheremosh River winds through the park, creating scenic gorges and waterfalls, including the impressive Bukovynian Waterfalls. The park’s terrain features steep cliffs, karst formations, and caves, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with large mammals such as brown bears, lynxes, and red deer roaming through the dense forests. Wolves can also be found in the park, contributing to the rich biodiversity.

Birdwatchers may spot species like the black stork, Ural owl, and golden eagle soaring above the treetops. The presence of rare and endangered species highlights the park’s importance as a protected natural area.

Visitors to Vyzhnytsia National Park often come to enjoy its scenic hiking trails, which lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Carpathians. The Prutets-Chemihivskyi River area offers a tranquil setting for fishing and kayaking, while mountain biking is another popular activity along the forest paths.

During the winter months, the snow-covered landscape attracts cross-country skiers seeking a serene outdoor experience. Cultural heritage is also an attraction within the park, with traditional wooden churches and local villages offering insight into the region’s history and customs.

One of the biggest conservation challenges faced by the park is deforestation, as illegal logging threatens the habitat of its diverse wildlife. However, conservation efforts have been implemented to protect the forests and restore degraded areas.

Ecotourism initiatives aim to balance visitor impact with environmental sustainability, ensuring that the park remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a place of natural beauty for future generations. Management strategies focus on promoting responsible tourism while maintaining the integrity of the park’s ecosystems.

Park Map

Vyzhnytsia National Park Highlights

Wildlife

The Vyzhnytsia National Park, located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine, is a stunning protected area known for its ancient beech and fir forests, deep river valleys, and rolling mountain landscapes. This park plays a vital role in preserving the rich biodiversity of the Bukovina region, providing a sanctuary for many rare and endemic species. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Vyzhnytsia 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, 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.

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 Vyzhnytsia National Park is an essential bird habitat, with its ancient beech forests, mountain slopes, and river valleys 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.

Vyzhnytsia National Park remains one of Ukraine’s most ecologically significant protected areas, safeguarding its diverse wildlife while preserving the breathtaking landscapes of the Carpathian foothills and the Bukovina region.