Eastern Carpathians on the map. Hiking in the Ukrainian Carpathians: the Chornohir ridge and a white elephant on the butt. What is worth seeing in Skhidnytsia

The Carpathians are an ancient mountain system, but few people know where the Carpathians are. The mountain system is located in the countries of central and eastern Europe, in countries such as Hungary, Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The mountains are long - about 1500 kilometers and have the shape of an arc.

On the map, the mountains are divided into western and eastern. By the way, it is in the western part of this system that the highest mountain is located, about 2600 meters. The places in these parts are incredibly beautiful; The Carpathians are very popular in the field of world tourism, and they are also famous for their affordable prices.

The mountain system occupies more than 70% of the territory of Romania, which is why ski tourism has become extremely popular here. The mountains here are not as high as the Alps, but no less picturesque and attractive to tourists.

Carpathians on the world map.

As the map shows, in the western part of the mountain system there is a famous thousand-year-old glacier, as well as many unusual and interesting caves.

In the eastern part of the state, the Carpathians form the longest volcanic chain in Europe, and the southern part, in turn, is famous for its high mountains - more than 2500 meters.

The ski slopes in the Romanian Carpathians are very diverse and unusual: they have different lengths - from 5 to 35 kilometers, slope and level of difficulty, which is suitable for both ordinary tourists and athletes.

The Carpathians in these places attract not only skiers, but also lovers of history and architecture. Here, surrounded by coniferous forests and meadows, there are beautiful medieval castles, which were built by the first Romanian king for his summer holiday.

Hungarian Carpathians

The Carpathians in Hungary until recently were not very popular, but now the resort is gaining great popularity, and the level of recreation is rated very highly. E

This state is located in the western part of the mountain range and is famous for its huge number of natural caves, which amaze even experienced tourists with their beauty.

There are several famous recreation areas in Hungary:

1. Matra - this resort has gained popularity due to its huge beech forests, clean air and mild climate.
   Huge vineyards grow here and the place is famous for its quality wines of various varieties. In winter, the resort turns into a haven for skiers, both beginners and professionals. There is also a track for sleds, it is a pleasure to be there.
2. Bükk is considered the largest ski park in Hungary due to its huge selection of slopes for professionals.
   In addition, the Carpathians are famous for their huge number of geothermal springs, which is a popular recreational resource.

Ukrainian Carpathians

The Carpathians on the map of Ukraine occupy a huge territory - as many as 4 regions, and are conditionally divided into 2 parts - Transcarpathia and Prykarpattya.

The Carpathians of Ukraine are famous for their medieval castles, wonderful views, and distinctive villages, which allows you to choose an excursion program that is interesting for everyone. The most famous among tourists are Uzhgorod, Lviv, Ternopil and many others.

The most popular castles in the mountains and foothills of the Carpathians are…

Castle in Mukachevo

The castle in Mukachevo is located on a high mountain and belongs to Transcarpathia.
According to scientists, the castle arose in the 10th-11th centuries with the purpose of monitoring trade caravans passing through these places.

The castle acquired the appearance that tourists are accustomed to in the 17th century through careful architectural reconstruction by the French. It has a rich history, because the castle went through many wars and served as a defensive point. A separate attraction is the famous well, almost 90 meters deep; it was used for many hundreds of years, until the beginning of the 20th century.

But the most interesting for tourists is the story of Princess Bathory, who ruled in these parts and for 20 years drank the blood of innocent people and also bathed in it. The story received great publicity and became the subject of books, films, and legends.

Ruins of the Templar castle

On the territory of the Carpathian Mountains, namely in the Carpathian region, there are the ruins of the Templar castle, which was built in the 12th century in a distinct Romanesque style.

The castle has always been surrounded by legends, because it passed from one holy order to another, which gave it even more mystery. By the way, in this village, which is called

The climate is average, very mild and humid, which favorably affects the growth of various grape varieties, which is why local wine is extremely famous throughout the world. Khust Castle is located in the city of the same name, surrounded by high mountains, the slopes are completely covered with grass and other greenery of the Carpathians and fast-moving wild rivers.

Castle in Nevitsky

The castle in Nevitsky is located on the ledge of a high mountain, with a winding and dangerous serpentine leading to it.
At the end of the 12th century, the castle was of great importance in controlling trade routes, but 100 years later it was destroyed by Batu Khan during a Mongol-Tatar raid. Later the fortress was restored.

These places have an incredible number of legends, all connected with love stories. These places are extremely romantic and filled with love; there are remarkable views for every tourist.

Polish Carpathians

The Tatras are the highest part of the Carpathian Mountains, which are located on the map in Poland. Not only the ski resorts are famous here, but also the vast valleys, such as Khocholovskaya and the Fish Stream valley.

The highest mountain in the Carpathian mountain range is Mount Tatr-Genlach.

In the region of the High Tatras there are many reservoirs, lakes, mountain landscapes formed by stone ledges, precipices, and sharp rocks.

In the region of the Western Tatras there is a huge number of different caves, the relief here is softer.

Every Ukrainian, and not only Ukrainian, but also any resident of neighboring countries who is more or less familiar with geography, will not be mistaken in saying that the Carpathians are located in the western part of Ukraine. In fact, a more accurate answer to the question “Where are the Carpathians?” there will be one that says that this mountain system is located on the territory of four Ukrainian regions at once: Lviv, Chernivtsi, Transcarpathian and Ivano-Frankivsk.

Information about the Carpathians

The beauty of the local nature, the opportunity to improve your health, enjoy skiing or green tourism arouses interest in these mountains and where the Carpathians are located, not only among residents of Ukraine or the countries on whose territory the ridges of this massive mountain picturesque system lie. Europeans, Americans, Russians, as well as tourists from Eastern countries often show interest in where the Carpathians are located.

Location of the Carpathians

These mountains contain a lot of natural mineral waters and muds, unique in their composition and healing properties. In summer, grasses flourish here, active sports and green tourism are developed. In winter, the Carpathian Mountains turn into a paradise for those who are fans of skiing. The growing level of service and reasonable cost of recreation in comparison with world-class ski resorts provide the Ukrainian Carpathians with steady interest not only from domestic tourists, but also from tourists from other countries.

Where else could it be nicer, freer and more beautiful than in the mountains?! Limitless glades of fragrant flowers against the backdrop of an incredibly deep and clear sky. The harsh stone cliffs look harmonious against the backdrop of dense emerald forests. Where in the distance the winding ribbon of a mountain stream sparkles, and there the playful water grows into a stormy and uncontrollable waterfall. With light gentle touches, the bright sun paints its pictures, understandable only to nature, with the colors of the rainbow on the transparent water canvas. It was as if stern guards surrounded the mountain peaks on all sides. Some of them are cold, covered with a white cap of snow, while others are covered with dense forests, reminiscent of shaggy bears that are hibernating. And now the bear is not sleeping, he keeps one eye open, the animal is intently watching for order. And only if you take a closer look, it immediately becomes clear that this is not the eye of a large animal, but a crystal clear mountain lake surrounded by thick mountain grasses.

Where else can you touch real clouds?! Just imagine: you are climbing to the top, and a thick white carpet appears in front of you... and a few more meters - and you seem to be rising above the world... and how can you not feel like a free bird...

And it’s not just the untouched and clean nature that attracts thousands of tourists here every year. The Carpathian region is a fabulous land! A land of centuries-old traditions, hospitable and sincere people, magical villages and cities that are unlike any other in the world. To get to know this amazing region better, it’s not enough to hear someone’s impressions; it’s worth visiting! Regardless of what time of year you plan to spend your holiday in the Carpathians, be it autumn or even winter, you will gain unforgettable impressions and improve your body’s health. From all the variety of wonders, it is still difficult to choose just one, so our article will highlight individual places that are worth visiting at the beginning of your trip to the Carpathians.

1. The city of Yaremche is the capital of tourists in the Carpathian region

A small and cozy Carpathian town on the banks of the Prut River is located in a picturesque mountain basin. Although the history of the city does not even go back three hundred years, it was Yaremche that became the cradle of Carpathian culture and traditions. Extremely variegated and colorful, it combines rhythmic modernity and wise antiquity. Through the hospitality of local residents, their love for nature and their neighbors, the ancient secret of the old mountains becomes accessible to every tourist.

Yaremche is especially interesting during the major religious holidays. It seems that before you is not an action familiar to city residents with traditions that have already been passed through more than once, but a real theater. The variety of flowers, variety of songs and actions will not leave any of the guests indifferent. A real theater with authentic actors against the backdrop of incredible landscapes can find the inflammatory Hutsul in the soul of each of us. You will remember your holiday in Yaremche for a long time.

What is worth seeing in Yaremche

• Suspension bridge over the Prut.
• Reserve with wild animals.
• Old railway bridge.
• Ancient wooden churches of the 17th-18th centuries, made in a colorful local architectural style.
• Museum of Ethnography and Ecology.
• Restaurant "Hutsulshchyna", built without a single nail.
• Pass "Pereslop".
• Dovbush rocks.
• Souvenir market.

Night view of Yaremche (Yaremcha) from a bird's eye view

2. An unforgettable vacation in the village of Polyanitsa

The next destination is the village of Polyanytsya, which belongs to the Yaremche city council. The settlement is quite modern and developed. Despite the rather Ukrainian name, the village can easily compete with the most famous ski resorts in Europe. It is next to Polyanytsya that the largest ski complex in Ukraine, Bukovel, is located.

Every tourist can be amazed not only by the incredible landscapes, but also by the cleanliness of the streets, their orderliness, and a large selection of cozy and modern private estates and hotels. Therefore, while relaxing in Polyanitsa you will collect a full cup of unforgettable impressions.

• Ski complex "Bukovel".
• Pedestrian pass "Tables" 1130
• Upside down house.

3. The picturesque Carpathian village of Yablunytsya

The village with the appetizing name Yablunytsia is located 35 kilometers from the city of Yaremche. Thanks to the moderately cold winter, the snow cover is maintained for six months, and due to the large number of slopes, Yablunytsia is one of the most popular resorts in the Carpathian region.

Like Yablunytsia is located in a deep cauldron, it is surrounded on all sides by the Carpathian Mountains. A fabulous time is summer, when the air is filled with sweet herbal aromas and bright juicy flowers. You just want to get into such a natural corner. Yablunitsa - relax and forget about household chores.

Without which it is difficult to imagine Yablunitsa

• Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 18th century.
• Mount Hamster;
• The highest peak of Ukraine is Hoverla (2061 m).
• Mount Petros (2020 m).
• Yablunytsky pass.

4. City of Ukrainian customs and rituals - Kosiv

According to local legend, Kosiv is part of the heavenly land. And it’s hard to disagree with this! The land of gardening and beekeeping, the world Mecca of folk and applied arts. The entire Carpathian and mountainous region is represented in the works of local artists. Kosiv - people's encyclopedia of the Hutsul region. A visit and holiday in Kosovo is a holiday of soul and body that can go on forever.
From such pleasure, poetic lines are born by themselves:

“Smelling copper and licorice sun,
Svitankov's dew on the princess - Yalitsa,
And the clinging water of the blue spring,
This is how I will dream about Kosiv forever.”

What else is Kosovo famous for?

• Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist early XX century
• Wooden Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• National Park "Hutsulshchyna".
• Strutinsky Museum.
• Museum of the Liberation Struggle of the Carpathian Region.
• Kosovo market.
• Kosovo Museum of Folk Art and Life.
• Waterfall "Kosovsky Huk".
• Castle ramparts.

Kyiv Kosiv, panorama from the Ostry ridge

5. Fairytale Hutsul village - Verkhovyna

A singing land with cheerful and friendly people. A magical and mysterious place that amazes the most skeptical minds. The region is so picturesque that it has become a favorite among writers and poets. The surrounding beauty and grandeur so impressed director Sergei Parajanov that it was here that the film “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors,” famous throughout the Soviet Union, was shot.

Verkhovyna is like a fortress that protects the traditions of the Carpathian region on the southern side. Very bright traditions of celebrating a wedding, which takes place here for a whole week. Folk traditional costumes are just the tip of the iceberg, and all other traditions and their diversity are simply difficult to list and understand at once. But hospitable and sincere Hutsuls want the whole world to know about them. Therefore, there is no need to be shy, everything will be explained to you in the smallest detail - please come and relax in Verkhovyna!

What is Verkhovyna famous for?

• Museum of Hutsul Life, Ethnography and Musical Instruments named after. R. Kumlik.
• Museum of Hutsul magic.
• House-museum “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors”.
• "Hata flock."
• Regional Historical and Local Lore Museum of the Hutsul region.
• Museum of Applied Arts, Iltsy village.
• Verkhovyna National Natural Park.
• Written stone.

6. Silver resort of the Hutsul region - the village of Sheshory

A rich and luxurious Hutsul village in the Kosovo region. Without a doubt, the best way to relax is to go to the Carpathians. Sheshory is a resort famous throughout Ukraine and beyond, where the clean mountain air with the aroma of real field herbs makes you dizzy. In which you wake up to the sweet singing of birds and a soft ray of sunshine. A resort where you heal your soul and body with the help of nature. A place where you can find inner harmony.

And of course, where would we be without skis? Specially equipped ski resorts await real daredevils and extreme sports enthusiasts in Sheshory. And delicious Hutsul cuisine will quickly restore your strength.

What to see in Sheshory

• Lake Swan.
• Petrichila tract.
• Big and Small Huk waterfalls.
• Alley with American pine from the times of Austria-Hungary.
• Ridge "Brusny".
• One of the oldest Hutsul churches is the Upper Church.
• Festival of ethnic music and land art "Sheshory".

7. Skhidnytsia village

The settlement in a wide valley on the banks of a small mountain river is located in the Lviv region, Drohobych district. The former all-Union resort is still famous throughout Ukraine thanks to its Naftusya mineral water. Spring water of this type helps with liver and kidney diseases, anemia, salt diathesis, diabetes mellitus, normalizes stomach acidity, etc. Water helps in cell regeneration, so it rightfully deserves the title of “living water.”
In total, there are 38 springs and 17 wells on the territory of Skhidnitsa. In addition to water, Skhidnytsia is famous for its healing mud.

As for a resort, the village has a fairly well-developed tourist infrastructure, so guests do not need to worry about housing and prices for accommodation here for any budget. Holidays in Skhidnytsia will be a truly therapeutic and interesting pastime in the Carpathians.

What is worth seeing in Skhidnytsia

• Memorial room - museum of the discoverer of the Skhidnytsia mineral water deposit E. Stotsky.
• Route Skhidnitsa-Ugrich (10 km.) State historical and cultural reserve “Tustan”.
• Remains of the Iron Guta blast furnace.
• The Beskydy mountain range system.
• Room-museum of folk life.
• Stone Nicholas Church of the 17th century.
• Skhidnytskoe oil field.
• Skhidnytskoe mineral water deposit.
• Landscape regional park Stuzhytsia.

8. City of Skole

A small provincial town of regional significance, Skole, belongs to the Lviv region. The historical center of Boykivshchyna is included in the List of historical populated places in Ukraine. The settlement contains a large number of architectural and natural monuments.

The town of Skole is surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks of different heights, which makes it cozy and protected from cold winds. Skole is an active holiday for the whole family. The temperate and mild climate allows walking among nature on the banks of a clean river, among green and cozy forests, among fragrant herbs.

• National Natural Park "Skolev Beskids".
• Church of the Seven Sorrows, building XIX century
• Dead Lake.
• Palace of the Barons Grödley.
• Kinski Palace.
• Cave monastery XIII-XVI centuries.
• Dovbush rocks.
• Tustan Fortress;
• Church of the Great Martyr Panteleimon (Saint Paraskeva).
• Parashka.

9. Village Pylypets

Pylypets is a high-mountain village, one of the largest in the region. The famous ski resort, which belongs to the Transcarpathian region. The most visited Pylypets during the ski season. For lovers of winter recreation and extreme sports, there are specially equipped trails with a total length of 20 km, the longest of which is 6 km, and 7 lifts. Also, the village has an adequately developed infrastructure: hotels, estates, restaurants, rental offices, etc. For those who love home comfort, you can rent a room in the private sector.

• Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
• Mount Gymba.
• Mount Zhyd Magura.

10. Village Shayan

The real pearl of Transcarpathia is the resort village of Shayan, famous for its mineral springs. It was on the basis of these sources that one of the oldest baths, the Maramorosh Zhupas, was founded. Local water can heal and cleanse the intestines, cure stomach ulcers, and relieve urological diseases. Shayan mineral water in its properties is equal to the famous medicinal waters “Borjomi”, “Narzan”, “Essentuki”.

The developed infrastructure will allow the tourist to forget about the problems of arrangement, and the surrounding clean and incredibly picturesque nature will help to restore all lost strength. Come to the Carpathians and relax in Shayan.

Sights of the village of Shayan

• Healing springs of Marmarosha.
• Peaks Shayan, Shayanikha, Shayanchik.
• Vigorlat-Gutinsky ridge.
• Mount Loposh.
• With. Velyatino, a unique herd of buffalo, the only one in Ukraine.

The Carpathian Mountains are a whole country in Central Europe. The area of ​​the array is 188 thousand square meters. meters, which is 4 times larger than Slovakia, 2 times larger than Hungary and is approximately half the territory of Poland. The countries where the Carpathian Mountains are located are Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Austria, Serbia. The highest point of the Carpathians is Gerlachovsky Štit (2654), located on the High Tatras ridge in Slovenia.

The closest to Central Russia are the Ukrainian Carpathians or, as they are also called, the Hutsul region (after the people inhabiting them - the Hutsuls), a piece of the internal and external Eastern Carpathians. Despite the fact that these lands seem fabulous and very distant to many of us, you can get to them from Moscow or St. Petersburg by train or bus in a little more than a day.

The Ukrainian Carpathians are amazing in different ways in winter and summer. With unusually picturesque nature, which changes as the journey progresses. The surrounding landscape is greatly influenced by the height gained: the Carpathian mountains are sometimes buried in the mighty pines and spruces of dense forests, sometimes they are replaced by impassable slannik on steep meadows (alpine meadows) or dangerous loose slopes and rocks.

Carpathian Mountains: how to get to the highest peaks of Ukraine

The highest peak of the Ukrainian Carpathians, Hoverla (2061), grew on the Chornohora ridge; Mount Petros (2020), standing separately next to it, is the third highest.

In order to get as close as possible to them, you need to get to the villages of Kozmeschik, Yasinya or the Rakhiv railway station, where the Carpathian Mountains are located. Buses go to the first two from Ivano-Frankivsk quite often. The third starting point of the route can be reached from Lviv by diesel train, but since it runs rarely, this route is less preferable.

From Kozmeschik you can climb Petros and Hoverla, as well as go to the Montenegrin ridge. From Yasin it is more convenient to go to Petros, as well as to make a circular hike along the Svidovets ridge, the highest point of which is Mount Bliznitsa (1881). The mountains of this range, although inferior in height to Montenegrin, are no less beautiful. You can build your trip to the Carpathians on this.

Winter on the Carpathian peaks is very harsh; their icy and avalanche-prone slopes do not allow long traverses of the ridges. Hiking along the passes is preferable. One of the most suitable and interesting for ski tourism in the Carpathian Mountains is the Svidovets ridge: snow, frost, spruce trees wrapped in frost and bare peaks sparkling in the winter sun.

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One of the options for both winter and summer travel to these places is a separate mountaineering ascent to the main peaks. It makes sense to set up a base camp at the Edelweiss camp site, in the village. Yasinya is the capital of the Hutsul region, founded in 1583.

From here you can go to all the highest points of the Ukrainian Carpathians. From Yasin you need to walk along the road to the village of Kvasy (famous for its mineral springs). Then follow the forest road up the Kevele River to the bridge on its other bank and further up through the Menchul valley to the peak of Petrosul (1848), and from there to the peak of Petros (2020).

Hiking to the Carpathians: along the Montenegrin ridge

Now the entire Montenegrin ridge is next in line. First, carefully study the Ukrainian Carpathians on the ground; the mountains on the map, at first glance, look “homely”, because the highest of them, Hoverla, has slightly exceeded 2000 m.

However, going to their peaks in rainy weather is very dangerous; strong thunderstorms rage here, and there have been cases when travelers were killed by lightning.

Hoverla Peak

Start with the main, dominant peak - Goverla (2061). Carefully slide down the very steep descent to the saddle to Skopeska Pass (1615). Here you can camp for the night. Next, the trail leads through a hillock and a checkpoint (15 hryvnia for a pass to the Ukraine, Carpathian Mountains national park) to the Khlozeshchinzha pass. From here the climb to Hoverla begins. From its top you can go down to the north and finish the hike in Kozmeschik, or to the south, where you can continue the hike into the Carpathians.

Here tourists will find the most beautiful peaks of the Montenegrin ridge: Breskul (1950), Pozhizhevskaya (1822), Dancin (1855), Turkul (1933), Rebra, Munchel, Dzembranya, Montenegrin Pop Ivan (2028) aka Black Mountain. The latter got its name due to a cartographic error, but its real name is Popivan (in Hutsul - wind). But there is also a legend that claims that this name is not accidental. Like, the rocks at the top of this mountain look like a priest in a cassock. Although this, of course, is a matter of everyone’s personal imagination.

White elephant. Observatory ruins

The ruins on its top are definitely not visible - these are the remains of the Polish meteorological observatory “White Elephant”.

You can finish your hike above the clouds by descending from Black Mountain to the village. Dzhembronia (Berestechko) is the highest mountain village of the Ukrainian Carpathians with preserved national flavor.. From there, walk or take a private car (15 km) to the village. Verkhovyna, where there is already a regular bus service with Ivano-Frankivsk.

Without a doubt, the most famous and popular mountains in Europe are the Alps. But in this part of the world there is another mountain system that is inferior to the Alps in height, but superior to them in size. And it also attracts great attention from tourists and winter holiday enthusiasts. Where are the Carpathians? In which countries are they located? When were these mountains formed, and why are they interesting?

"Stone Mountains"

The word “Carpathians” evokes approximately the same images and scenes in everyone: a dark forest, thick fog creeping along the slopes, molfar sorcerers and, of course, the castle of the famous Count Dracula. These mountains are truly shrouded in a certain aura of mysticism and mystery. But not everyone knows exactly where the Carpathians are and when they were formed.

The name of this mountain system was first used by Claudius Ptolemy in the second century AD. It is also found in the works of Herodotus. In particular, the “father of history” mentions the Karpis River. It is believed that this tributary of the Danube took its name from the mountains from whose slopes it flows.

The word “Carpathians” itself, according to some researchers, comes from the name of the Thracian tribe “Carps”, who lived in this territory in the 3rd-4th centuries. Other scholars associate it with the Proto-European word kar, which translates as “stone.” True, it’s a stretch to call the Carpathians “stone mountains.” After all, most of the mountain system is represented by gentle valleys and peaks with smooth outlines, where rocky ledges and pointed peaks are extremely rare.

However, there is a third version that connects the origin of the toponym with the Slavic word “khrb”, which means “ridge”. Considering where the Carpathians are located, this version looks quite plausible. After all, it was the Slavic tribes and peoples who developed and inhabited this area for many centuries.

Where are the Carpathians: countries and major cities

The total area of ​​the mountain system is 190 thousand square kilometers, its length is 1,500 kilometers. Where are the Carpathian Mountains? They are located in the eastern part of Central Europe. On the map they form an arc, which in geological terms is a branch of the Alpine-Himalayan folded region.

In which states are the Carpathians located? Where are their natural boundaries? The mountain system covers the territories of eight European countries. This:

1. Czech Republic.
2. Poland.
3. Slovakia.
4. Ukraine.
5. Hungary.
6. Romania.
7. Serbia.
8. Austria.

About 70% of the total area of ​​the Carpathian mountainous country falls on two states - Romania and Ukraine. But only its extreme western spurs enter Austria. The largest cities located within the Carpathian Mountains:

1. Bielsko-Biala (Poland).
2. Zakopane (Poland).
3. Banska Bystrica (Slovakia).
4. Kosice (Slovakia).
5. Zilina (Slovakia).
6. Cluj-Napoca (Romania).
7. Brasov (Romania).
8. Oradea (Romania).
9. Sibiu (Romania).
10. Uzhgorod (Ukraine).
11. Kolomyia (Ukraine).
12. Vršac (Serbia).

This is where the Carpathians are located. It remains to find out what parts this mountain system consists of.

Structure of the Carpathians

The Carpathian Mountains consist of eight orographic parts (see map below):

1. Outer Western Carpathians.
2. Inner Western Carpathians.
3. Outer Eastern Carpathians.
4. Inner Eastern Carpathians.
5. Southern Carpathians.
6. Western Romanian Carpathians.
7. Transylvanian plateau.
8. Serbian Carpathians.

In addition, within the mountain system there are a number of separate massifs: Beskydy, Ore Mountains, Tatras (the highest part of the Carpathians), Gorgany, Rodna, Pieniny, Fagarash and others. The average heights of the Carpathian Mountains range from 800-1200 meters. The highest point is Mount Gerlachovsky Stit.

Carpathian Mountains: main features and interesting facts

Here are some of them:

1. Despite their low heights and gentle shapes, the Carpathians are young mountains. They arose at approximately the same time (by geological standards, of course) as the Alps and Himalayas.
2. Mountain building processes in the Carpathians continue to this day. This is evidenced by earthquakes that are regularly recorded here. The strength of individual shocks reaches 5-7 points on the Richter scale.
3. The Carpathians were once characterized by active volcanic activity. Cones of extinct volcanoes can be seen in the vicinity of Uzhgorod, Mukachevo and Khust.
4. The Carpathian subsoil is rich in numerous minerals. The main mineral wealth of the mountain system is oil, gas, ozokerite, marble and gold.
5. The width of the Carpathian Mountains in some places reaches 450 kilometers.
6. The Alps are separated from the Carpathians by only 14 kilometers. The border between the two largest mountain systems in Europe lies precisely between Vienna and Bratislava.
7. At the beginning of the twentieth century, numerous remains of prehistoric animals were discovered in the mountainous country - mammoths, huge deer and various birds.
8. The Carpathians are considered the birthplace of the world's largest musical instrument - the trembita. The length of this wooden tube is 4 meters. It is capable of spreading sound over 10-20 kilometers.

Origin and age of the Carpathian Mountains

Long before the formation of the modern mountain system, in its place there was a chain of ridges connecting the Sudetenland with Dobruja (a hill in Romania). Geologists call it Prakarpaty. Subsequently, these mountains were destroyed by powerful movements of the earth's crust, and in their place by the beginning of the Mesozoic, an almost flat plain formed.

The age of the Carpathian geosyncline is quite “young” - only 25 million years. The process of formation of the mountainous country began at the end of the Paleogene period and occurred gradually. The structures of the Outer Carpathians were the first to emerge. For quite a long time, the sea splashed between the outer and inner ridges of the Carpathian Mountains. During its existence, thick layers of sand deposits have accumulated here.

Climate and flora of the Carpathians

The climate of the territory is moderate continental and quite humid. Average temperatures in July are +17…20 °C, in January from –2 to –5 °C. Precipitation ranges from 600 to 2000 mm per year.

In the Carpathians, the altitudinal zonation of the landscapes is clearly visible. Broad-leaved and mixed forests grow up to a height of 600 meters, from 600 to 1500 meters there are dark coniferous forests, and even higher there are low-growing shrubs. The peaks of many Carpathian mountains are covered with subalpine meadows. In the Ukrainian Carpathians they came up with their own name - “poloniny”.

In the Carpathian forests you can most often find Norway spruce, fir and beech. Also common are oak, hornbeam, pine, alder, birch and larch. The lower tier is occupied by thickets of raspberries, blackberries, lingonberries and blueberries.

The main resorts of the Carpathians

Where are the most popular ski resorts in the Carpathians located and what are their names? And what are they? The most famous Carpathian resorts usually include Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske (Ukraine); Zakopane, Szczyrk, Karpacz, Krynica (Poland), Poianu Brasov, Sinaia, Predeal (Romania), Jasnu (Slovakia).

Zakopane is perhaps the best ski resort in the Carpathians. Where are its tracks? The resort is located in the southern part of Poland, in a small town with the same name. The total length of its routes is 60 kilometers. They are designed for all categories of skiers - from beginners to professionals. The skiing season lasts from late October to mid-April.

Bukovel is the main Ukrainian ski resort, which is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. It features quality trails and excellent infrastructure. Ideal snow cover persists here from the beginning of December until the end of April.

Famous peaks

Gerlachovsky Shtit (2654 m) is the highest mountain in the Carpathians. It is located on the territory of Slovakia, near the city of Gerlachov. Today the mountain is very popular among tourists. However, climbing to its peak requires serious preparation and is only allowed with an experienced guide.

Hoverla (2061 m) is the highest point of the Ukrainian Carpathians, located within the Montenegrin ridge. Climbing this mountain is relatively easy, so in the summer dozens of tourists conquer its peak every day. Hoverla is famous for the fact that the largest river in Eastern Europe, the Prut, originates from its slopes.

Moldoveanu (2544 m) is the highest peak in Romania. Located in the heart of the country, within the Fagaras mountain range. Climbing Moldovyana is a little more difficult than Goverla, but its conquest does not cause any particular difficulties for experienced tourists.