Verkhovyna is a small settlement in the highland area of the Ukrainian Carpathians, located on the bank of the Chorny Cheremosh river and surrounded by forests and hills. The place has narrow, winding streets with simple wooden houses that fit into the natural mountain landscape and offers a quiet, rural appearance.
Verkhovyna was first mentioned in 1424 when a Lithuanian prince gave the land to a local man named Vlad Drahosymovych, establishing the settlement. The village was originally known as Zhabye until 1962 when it took its current name, possibly deriving from the founder Zhabka or from the toads that once inhabited the wetlands.
The Hutsul people of Verkhovyna maintain strong musical traditions with instruments like the bandura and trembita heard at festivals and celebrations. Traditional clothing, crafts, and folk dances form the core of local identity and are displayed at festivals such as Christmas and Easter with bright colors and singing.
Most roads are narrow and follow the mountain slopes, so it is best to explore on foot or in vehicles suited for mountain roads. The place offers simple accommodations in family-run guesthouses and local markets with handmade crafts and traditional textiles.
The area has over 100 hot mineral springs that visitors often overlook, making it a hidden natural treasure. These springs emerge from the mountains and offer insight into the geological features unique to the Carpathians.
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