Velykyi Bychkiv

Velykyi Bychkiv is an urban-type settlement along the Tisza River in the Rakhiv area of Ukraine, situated at about 307 meters elevation amid the Carpathian Mountains. The settlement spreads across both riverbanks within a mountain valley, with wooded slopes rising on either side.

The settlement, originally called Buchku, first appeared in records around 1358 as a frontier post under Hungarian rule, with the Bosckai and Báthory families holding power over the territory. The location on the Tisza River made it strategically important for trade and later for industrial activity.

The community reflects a mixed heritage of Ruthenian, Hungarian, and German traditions that shape local customs and daily life in the settlement.

The settlement has active industrial facilities that operate year-round, making the area functional and navigable during most seasons. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as mountain valley conditions can change quickly throughout the day.

A forest railway built in 1930 still connects the settlement to surrounding woodland areas and continues to serve as a transport link for timber and goods. This narrow-gauge line represents a rare surviving example of early 20th century industrial transport infrastructure still in active use.