This amazing village, nestled to the east of the Chernogorsk mountain range in the valley of the Black Cheremosh River, is often called the unofficial capital of the Hutsul region. The Hutsul flavor is perfectly preserved here — the local population keeps and preserves the old traditions and way of life from time immemorial, but at the same time gladly introduces them to the guests of their region. Relaxing and quiet, but always fascinating vacation in Verkhovyna attracts travelers all year round — both in winter and summer, and in the off-season here you can meet tourists who come from all over the country, and sometimes even from abroad.
Located at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level, Verkhovyna is considered to be one of the most mountainous villages in Ukraine. The area, where the village is located, can be called fairy-tale: around proudly towering mountain peaks, piercing the boundless blue sky with rocky peaks, and from the ground it is surrounded on all sides by an ancient beech forest, where you can meet centuries-old trees-giants. You can see not only broad-leaved beeches, but also elm, birch, maple, alder, hornbeam and other representatives of tree flora, including the rarest ones. The valley of the mountainous river Chernyj Cheremosh makes the landscape of the village even more fabulous. The river winds its way through the uneven terrain, its waters foaming and rumbling, creating an impressive, amazing picture that only nature can draw. The element attracts fans of extreme rafting, for whom conquering the Cheremosh becomes one of the most unforgettable adventures.
The natural pictures in Verkhovyna alone are worth coming here, but these are not all the treasures of the village. Its history goes back to ancient times — under the name of Zhabie it was first mentioned in 1424 as an existing village, given as a gift to the Carpathian rich man Vlad Dragosimovich by the Lithuanian prince Svidrigailo. It is not difficult to calculate that now the village is about 600 years old. During all this time here — far away from large population centers and industrial areas, the Hutsuls lived a quiet and secluded life, practicing traditional crafts, carefully preserving their culture and traditions. As a result, today Verkhovyna is one of the places where Hutsul life is represented most vividly and naturally. You can meet a Hutsul or a Hutsul woman dressed in traditional clothes here on any ordinary day. And on weekends there are regular Hutsul evening parties, musicians playing dulcimer, lyre, violin and, of course, trembita, and even staged real Hutsul weddings. A visit to museums, where you can get acquainted with the life and culture of Hutsuls even closer, will also help you get into the local flavor — this is Museum of Hutsul life, ethnography and musical instruments R. Kumlik. Kumlik, Regional Historical and Local History Museum «Gutsulshchiny», House-Museum of the History of the Creation of the Film «Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors».
Interestingly, the name «Zhabye», which the village carried until 1962, locals explain in different ways. Some believe that it came from the name of the first settler — a peasant Zhabka, while others are of the opinion that there used to be a swamp on the place of the settlement, where many toads lived. Whatever the case may be, the current name reflects the beauty and peculiarities of the village much better.
From all sides Verkhovyna, which has scattered its colorful houses on the flat terrain among the mountains, is surrounded by massive peaks. The highest of them is Mount Pop Ivan (one of the Ukrainian two-thousanders), followed by White Mare — 1473m, Sinitsa — 1186m, Mazurka — 1025m and Pushkar (812m), on the slopes of which there are ski slopes. The skiing season here lasts from December to March, but snow on the high peaks of the Chernogorsky Ridge lies until mid-summer, presenting a stunning picture of snow-covered peaks against the background of endless greenery covering the slopes of the mountains — that is why these mountains are called the Hutsul Alps.
What else can attract a vacation in Verkhovyna who has never been here? The opportunity not only to relax, but also to recover — the village is recognized as one of the best medical and health centers. More than 100 mineral springs give beauty, longevity and health to vacationers!
For all those who want to relax surrounded by beautiful nature, get healthy, see unique natural and architectural sights, get acquainted with the life of one of the most amazing mountain people — Hutsuls, a trip to Verkhovyna will be an unforgettable experience that will leave a lot of impressions.