Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh primeval beech forest, Primeval beech forest in Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine
Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh is a primeval beech forest in Zakarpattia Oblast that spreads across limestone terrain with varying elevations. Underground, the bedrock contains numerous caves and karst features carved by water over thousands of years.
The forest was placed under protection in 1920 to preserve its natural state. In 2007, it gained UNESCO World Heritage recognition as part of a network of ancient European beech forests.
Archaeological discoveries in the surrounding caves reveal evidence of Paleolithic human settlements, connecting modern visitors to ancient inhabitants of the region.
The forest is crossed by two main walking trails that lead through different parts of the woodland. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and damp conditions, particularly around the cave areas.
The forest contains caves with traces of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age, showing that people have inhabited this region for at least ten thousand years. These archaeological finds directly connect the modern woodland to some of Europe's earliest inhabitants.
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