Yaremche. The Probiy Waterfall and Other Hutsul Wonders

Yaremche – a climatic and ski resort in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and a centre of green tourism – enchants visitors with its landscapes and its natural and man-made landmarks. 

Yaremche, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast

Hiking trails begin in Yaremche with ascents of Mount Makovytsia, Mount Smerichok and Mount Yavirnyk Gorgan. Along the way, the observation platforms offer views of the picturesque canyons of the Prut, the surrounding mountain peaks, the panorama and the outlying hamlets of Yaremche, and you can fill up with spring water.

On Mount Makovytsia

The Probiy Waterfall lies on the Prut, a river that rises on the slope of Hoverla – the highest peak of the Ukrainian Carpathians.

 

Yaremche. The Probiy Waterfall

One of the most full-flowing waterfalls, with a drop of 8 metres, it is a gift of nature within the Carpathian National Nature Park.

 

The water cascade formed where the rock strata come to the surface. This natural monument is remarkable for the incredible power of its mountain water. According to the recollections of old residents, the height of the turbulent water's fall once reached as much as 25 metres. To make it easier to float timber down this waterway of Western Ukraine, the rocky massifs were blasted; the log-driving became gentler, and the flow gave up much of its fountaining might. The name of this wonder of nature suits its mischievous character – the frenzied force of the watery avalanche broke loudly and majestically through the mountain system and sent its waves rushing over the stone monoliths.

 

Yaremche. The Probiy Waterfall

The waterfall is also called the Yaremche Falls after its location in the town of Yaremche in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Yaremche. The Probiy Waterfall

The special thing about the Probiy is that you can admire the fireworks of its watery hopak not only from the two banks of the Prut but also from a height of 20 metres on the pedestrian bridge. This stunning spectacle of dancing jets and the picturesque scenery can be watched from the suspension crossing or during a rope-jumping leap.

 

Yaremche. The suspension crossing over the Prut

Stunts on the slippery rocks amid the swirling abyss have often ended sadly for those who love to pose for striking photos. The watery element has no wish to consort with overconfident show-offs. 

Yaremche. The Prut. Piers of the old stone bridge

A popular tourist attraction is unthinkable without a souvenir market, and this one abounds in all kinds of crafts – clay pottery, wooden toys, fragrant Carpathian honey, aromatic herbs and other wonderful trifles. The market begins right beside the railway track.

 

Yaremche. The souvenir market

The character of every Carpathian landmark is rounded out by restaurants and kolybas, whose menus always feature national dishes: mushroom soup, banosh, bograch and hambovtsi.

 

Yaremche. The "Hutsulshchyna" restaurant near the Probiy Waterfall. An architectural monument

The waterfall is easy to find; there is no need to struggle along mountain paths to reach it. In the southern part of Yaremche, near the souvenir market, you simply walk 130 metres west of the H09 highway. 

Yaremche. A sculptural composition and Hutsul clothing at the souvenir market

Coordinates: 48°26'21"N 24°32'23"E

In the western part of Yaremche you can see scaled-down copies of architectural and natural landmarks in the miniature park.

Yaremche. The miniature park. A copy of the "Hutsulshchyna" restaurant

Beside the miniature park-museum, enclosures have been built to house the inhabitants of the Carpathian forests as well as domestic pets.

Yaremche. Enclosures of the Carpathian National Nature Park

In the eastern part of the town, tourists are drawn to a rock outcrop on the slope of Mount Makovytsia, whose outline resembles an elephant. 

Yaremche. The "Elephant" Rock

The town took shape along the Prut, and its main street, Svobody Street, more than 10 kilometres long, coincides with the H09 national highway.

Yaremche. Svobody St. A hotel

Yaremche. A bookshop

Yaremche. Svobody St. A commercial building

Yaremche. The old department store

Almost all the church buildings – both the old ones with heritage status and the new ones – stand on the main street or close to the central road.

Yaremche (Dora). The Church of St. Michael the Archangel. 1844. An architectural monument 

Yaremche. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. 2015

Yaremche. The Church of the Holy Trinity. 2006

Yaremche. The Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God. 1911

Yaremche (Yamna). Construction of a new church

Yaremche. The Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. 2008

In December 2023, beyond the picturesque canyons of the Prut and the dancing jets of the Probiy Waterfall, the doors opened onto a marvellous world where magic intertwines with reality and visitors learn how and where gnomes, hobbits and elves live. Read more about the Park of Legends "Gedzio".

Yaremche. The Park of Legends "Gedzio"

This Carpathian health resort is built up with modern hotel-and-entertainment complexes, among which you can still spot old hotels from the Polish period.

 

Yaremche. The 4-star "Romantik" Hotel

Yaremche. The "Krym" Hotel

Yaremche. A building of a health camp

Yaremche. A building of a health camp

Yaremche. A hotel, late 19th century

Yaremche. A hotel, late 19th century

The winding little streets that branch off the central avenue across the valley and along the slopes deserve special attention. The residential development ranges from wooden Hutsul dwellings to comfortable cottages and apartment blocks. 

Yaremche. Residential development

Yaremche can surprise you with colourful paintings and sculptures depicting Hutsuls.

Yaremche. An artistic depiction of Hutsuls

In the green recreation area you may come across original and unexpected specimens.

There are no inscriptions on the pedestals of these immortalised classic figures. Can you guess whose bust has been set up in Yaremche's cultural space?

Lovers of museum exhibitions should visit the Museum of Ethnography and Ecology of the Carpathian Region.

Yaremche. The Museum of Ethnography and Ecology of the Carpathian Region

Yaremche is connected by rail with many Ukrainian towns and villages. The timetable changes with the resort season, but Kyiv, Odesa, Rakhiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk and Vorokhta are always present in the train schedule. 

Yaremche. The railway station