Uzhhorod - a city with international charm

Uzhhorod - a city of many cultures, fragrant coffee, ancient architecture and wonderfully endearing miniature monuments. It is a city of inspiration, love, joy, sincerity, feeling and tolerance. A city that makes you fall in love - that is exactly how both tourists and its own residents describe the ancient, thousand-year-old Ungvár. There is no other city like Uzhhorod. Its uniqueness lies in its international character, its unity - in the special ideas, views and aspirations of its people, its many facets - in the diversity of styles, faiths, tastes and aromas, its charm - in every ancient little street. Uzhhorod - a city open to everyone: therein lies its greatest appeal.

To see that charm up close with a guide, there is a walking tour of old Uzhhorod, a bus route around Uzhhorod and its surroundings, and a separate stroll through Uzhhorod’s coffee houses and mini-sculptures.

One could talk about Uzhhorod for hours, but the best way, without doubt, is to see all its wonderful attractions for yourself on a walking tour - on foot, in the evening or by express car. This is not only about the architecture or sampling the local cuisine - it is important to feel the city from within, to see all its details, to learn fascinating facts, incredible stories and discoveries known only to professional guides - for they have given Uzhhorod their hearts.

The traditions and customs of ancient and modern Ungvár come to life in colourful fashion during large fairs, festivals, folk celebrations, the so-called cycling «night rides» and other engaging events, whose aim is not only to reveal the character and uniqueness of this city, but also to bring together several cultures - Ukrainian, Czech, Slovak and Hungarian. Today brand books are being actively developed here and the city’s brand is being nurtured, and its most important message is simple and brilliant: in Uzhhorod, people speak many languages.

Historic Uzhhorod: Ungvár, which has lived through whole eras

It is the smallest regional centre in Ukraine, set in the Carpathian foothills. Uzhhorod is famous for its remarkable history, which began many centuries ago on Castle Hill, where the majestic Uzhhorod Castleproudly rises today. Its original name in Hungarian sounds like Ungvár and is still often used by the city’s residents. The city was first mentioned by Al-Idrisi in 1154 - back then Uzhhorod was the most remote corner of the Kievan Rus state. For almost an entire millennium the Hungarian and Austro-German nobility and Czech capitalists held sway here. Uzhhorod was in its time part of Hungary, Austria-Hungary, Czechoslovakia and the Ukrainian SSR.

The «biography» of Uzhhorod captivates and inspires, especially on a tour of the ancient city, which has preserved its own special charm and unrivalled history.

Modern Uzhhorod is quite compact compared with other giant regional centres - its area is a mere 41.6 sq km. Its heart is the so-called Old Town, where many architectural gems have been preserved. Uzhhorod is split in two by the picturesque River Uzh, which, according to researchers, gave the city its name. The two halves of Ungvár are joined by seven bridges, the best known of which are the pedestrian and the road bridge. Frankly, the best way to explore the city’s history is on a wonderful stroll through its most outstanding spots, of which there are an incredible number here!

Touristic Uzhhorod: which sights to visit

Today Uzhhorod is one of the most popular cities among tourists. Its main attractions are located mainly both in its very heart - the Old Town - and on its outskirts:

«The Owl’s Nest» - the legendary storehouse and wine cellar of Uzhhorod, built back in 1781. Today it is a restored, unique architectural landmark of the city, set opposite the town hall at the foot of the comitat hill. Once wine, beer, grain, lard and sheep’s wool were stored in the hills here, and after a reconstruction that began in 2011, «The Owl’s Nest» became a venue for festivals, fairs, exhibitions and wine tastings. After the full-scale invasion, a shelter and a humanitarian centre for displaced people were set up here.

«The White House» - one of the highlights of the Czech quarter of Halahiv, designed by the renowned Czech architect Anton Krupko in the constructivist style. Today it houses the regional state administration.

In the Uzhhorod botanical garden you can fully enjoy more than 5,000 plants and 800 species of trees and shrubs! There are even such exotic species growing here as banana, papaya, eucalyptus and laurel. Nearby lies Pidzamkovyi Park, where you will see the oldest tree in Uzhhorod - a 500-year-old plane tree, planted long ago by the Drugeth counts.

The Hill of Glory - a vast memorial complex opened in memory of the heroes of the Second World War. Here, in 217 mass and individual graves, rest around a thousand liberator soldiers.

Castles and museums

Uzhhorod Castle , its local history museum and tasting hall. The fortress, known as far back as the 10th century, impresses with its stern silhouette and the historical secrets that still live within its walls. The residence

of such epoch-making figures as Prince Laborec, the Drugeth counts and Ferenc Rákóczi could hardly have gone without political, strategic and romantic intrigues. And here too is a stunning collection of exhibits and incredible, fragrant Transcarpathian wine in the casemates.

Nevytske Castle - a must-visit site, set in an astonishingly picturesque spot on the outskirts of the city. Built back in the 13th century, the fortress impresses with its grandeur and beauty. You can also visit the castle separately on one of the tourists’ most beloved tours to the hot tubs in the highland village of Lumshory.

The Transcarpathian Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture and Life (skansen) - a unique place, for to visit it is to see Transcarpathia in miniature. A wooden church, hrazhda-style homesteads, Hutsul, Boyko, Hungarian and Romanian cottages, a tavern, a school and a laundry - everything exactly as it was several centuries ago.

The Y. Bokshai Art Museum - the former administration of the Uzh comitat, where genuine masterpieces of Ukrainian and Western European art are gathered - more than 5,000 exhibits!

Cathedrals and monuments

The Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - the main spiritual centre of Uzhhorod, belonging to the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Eparchy. It impresses with its remarkable past and its exterior and interior decoration.

The Horyany rotunda - a unique historical and architectural monument of the 12th century on the outskirts of Uzhhorod, one of the oldest churches in Ukraine. Its greatest treasure is its Italian frescoes, over 700 years old. And its rounded hexagonal shape makes it one of the most valuableand rarest churches in Europe. Historians are inclined to believe that it is precisely from here that the city’s history begins.

Miniature sculptures began appearing in Uzhhorod in 2010 thanks to the sculptor Mykhailo Kolodko; the first was a tiny 16 cm Mykolaichyk (St Nicholas). These are small and very endearing little monuments, in one way or another connected with the city’s historical past or its present. Such well-known little sculptures as Mykolaichyk, Svobodka, John Lord, Franz Liszt, the steamer «Carpathia», the good soldier Švejk, Croton’s little bundle, the brigand Shuhai, Little Uzh, the Jihlava hedgehogs and others will win your heart forever! Especially during the most fragrant and most coffee-scented stroll through ancient Ungvár.

The city’s alleys, streets and squares

The Linden Alley is often called the longest in Europe. Be sure to stroll along this 2.2-kilometre corridor of about 300 linden trees, planted by Czech botanists in 1928 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Czechoslovak Republic. At its start, pay special attention to the mighty Masaryk ash, wreathed in ivy - this tree is already more than a hundred years old.

Theatre Square - the city’s central square, from which you can reach any point in Uzhhorod. Here begins the passage, the puppet theatre and a mini-stage are located, and nearby stands the unique Hasidic synagogue, built by the Jewish community in the Neo-Moorish style. And right beside it - a genuine working children’s railway!

Petőfi Square was first mentioned as far back as 1631 as a market square - noisy fairs were held here. Today it is one of the most beloved spots for both tourists and Uzhhorod residents themselves. The ancient little houses here, with their unique decorative moulding, are truly impressive.

Korzo and Voloshyn Streets are located in the very heart of old Ungvár. They enchant with their architectural appearance and unique decorative details! The highlight of Korzo is the former state tavern «The White Ship», while on Voloshyn Street stands the astonishing Roman Catholic Church of St George. A little further on - the legendary Gizella house, and opposite - the Bata passage. Nearby you will see the first coat of arms of the Ung comitat, as well as the Basilian monastery, where biology students study today.

Tasty Uzhhorod: what delicacies you can try

Uzhhorod is famous not only for its architecture, but is also known throughout the country for its Transcarpathian coffee and its cosy, atmospheric coffee houses. Here you will find the city’s main coffee hub - Hirchychne Zerno lane, and a whole coffee museum, and tiny cafés for every taste, and entire coffee tastings in the company of endearing miniature-monuments. Give it a try - Uzhhorod will enchant you!

A special mention should go to Transcarpathian cuisine, which is a reflection of the tastes of whole eras and states to which Ungvár belonged throughout its history. A rich bograch, an appetising paprikash, Slovak strapachka or Czech dumplings with goulash in the finest traditions of the good soldier Švejk - it is a veritable explosion of incredible flavours! And such an ideal feast for the stomach will be crowned by a vivid and unforgettable tasting of Transcarpathian wines.

Festive Uzhhorod: which celebrations to attend

Only the lazy have not heard about the festivals in Uzhhorod! Vivid, colourful, vibrant and unique mass celebrations, along with a wide variety of creative, cultural, sporting, culinary, artistic and musical events, take place here almost every week!

For the New Year and Christmas holidays, Uzhhorod turns into a true winter fairy tale. From all around waft the heady aromas of mulled wine, sweet pastries and fragrant coffee. In cosy wooden little houses handmade Transcarpathian souvenirs, gingerbread and toys are sold, and in the very centre, beside the beautiful Christmas tree, lively celebrations take place. This is, first and foremost, the traditional Parade of the Mykolaichyk figures with its many thousands of participants, the New Year fair and others. And Uzhhorod residents joyfully see off the end of winter by savouring delicious pancakes at the mass folk celebration «Uzhhorod Palacsinta».

In spring the ancient Ungvár blossoms - it is clothed in fragrant, softly pink clouds by cherry blossoms. To see this wonderful spectacle, visitors travel to Uzhhorod, and the best-known blossom spots are Dovzhenka, Kapitulna and Mytna Streets and Nezalezhnosti Embankment. During this same period, the city hosts the international creative festival «Sakura Fest». No less popular a spring celebration is the wine and honey festival «Sunny Drink».

Many tourists and townsfolk alike eagerly await such Uzhhorod festivals as the Brides’ Parade, the Uzhhorod Regatta, «Transcarpathian Wordplay», «March Cats», the bikers’ motorcycle festival, the coffee festival, the culinary «Ratatouille», the puppet theatre festival, «Most-fest» timed to Uzhhorod Day, as well as the young wine festival «Transcarpathian Beaujolais», which is held every year at the end of autumn.

Direct trains run from Kyiv to Uzhhorod, including an Intercity service and the «Sakura» train; the intercity bus station is about 300 m from the railway station, on Svobody Avenue. Direct European-gauge trains to EU countries also leave from Uzhhorod station; check their timetable before you travel. If you are coming for the cherry blossom, aim for the second half of April. Timing is the hard part: the blossom lasts only a week or two and depends on the weather. In a warm spring the first flowers open after 10 April, while in a cold one the bloom slips to early May, so watch the forecast and leave a few days of slack in your plans. We can take the planning off your hands on our cherry and magnolia blossom tour to Uzhhorod.

You will be able to fully enjoy all the flavours, aromas, architectural treasures and cultural and entertainment attractions on tours of Uzhhorod! A walking stroll through ancient Ungvár will enchant you, an evening tour will grant you true magic, the night express car will reveal the city’s greatest secrets in comfort, and during the tasting tour in the company of the miniature sculptures, Uzhhorod will sparkle with new coffee flavours and aromas.

All these routes are gathered among the excursions in Uzhhorod.