An overnight trip is a great opportunity to discover new places, enjoy nature, and take a break from the hustle and bustle. Traveling by your own car gives you the freedom to choose your route and stops, allowing you to fully enjoy the trip.
Outside of Kyiv, there are many interesting destinations for such trips that are suitable for short weekend trips.
Where to go for a weekend from Kyiv: to Uman
Uman is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Sofiivka Arboretum, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. However, in addition to classic attractions, the city offers modern attractions, such as the Nova Sofiivka Fantasy Park, which makes it attractive for visitors of all ages.
Opened in July 2019, Nova Sofiivka is the only fantasy park in Eastern Europe. It is a place where natural landscapes, elements of world cultures and modern art installations are harmoniously combined. The park was created thanks to the initiative of the director of the Sofiivka National Dendrological Park, Ivan Kosenko.
The main attractions of the park:
- Light and music art installation with a portrait of Sofia Potocka. This installation impresses with a combination of light and music, creating a captivating atmosphere.
- 3D mapping show "Soul of the Forest". An innovative show that transports viewers to the magical world of nature with the help of modern technologies.
- "Dragons" waterfall and "Pegasus" sculpture. These elements add fabulousness and fantasy to the park, captivating both children and adults.
- Japanese garden with a lake, gazebos and a rock garden. A place for meditation and relaxation, where you can enjoy the peace and beauty of oriental culture.
- Children's playground and fairy garden. A space where the youngest visitors can have fun, immersing themselves in the world of fairy tales and adventures.
The road from Kyiv to Uman takes about 3 hours. For convenience, it is recommended to purchase entrance tickets online to avoid queues. For a trip by your own car, you will need an online car license plate to ensure safety during the trip.
"Nova Sofiivka" is not just a park, but a place where everyone will find something for themselves. The combination of traditional and modern art, a variety of cultural elements and interactive zones makes it attractive for visitors of all ages. The park is constantly developing, adding new attractions and recreation areas, which makes each visit unique.
Where to go on a weekend from Kyiv: to Zhytomyr
Castle Hill is a rocky hill above the Kamyanka River, which is considered the historical center of Zhytomyr. According to legend, the city was founded by a guard of the Kiev princes Askold and Dir named Zhytomyr, who refused to serve Prince Oleg and settled on this mountain.
The first written mention of Zhytomyr Castle dates back to 1392, when it was captured by the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas. Over the centuries, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, until in the 19th century its remains were finally destroyed.
Today, on the site of the former castle, there is a cozy city square, where a memorial sign in honor of the founding of Zhytomyr is located. This is a popular place of rest for residents and guests of the city. In 2023, an urban study of the territory of Zamkovaya Gora was conducted, the results of which were presented in December of the same year. The purpose of the study was to study the attitude of Zhytomyr residents to this space and develop a concept for its development. From the top of the mountain, picturesque views of the Kamyanka River and the central part of Zhytomyr open.
A memorial sign symbolizing the founding of Zhytomyr is installed in the center of the square. A huge stone with the engraved date "884" reminds of the ancient history of the city and its founders. This place has become popular among tourists for photos and relaxation.
One of the most interesting features of Zamkovaya Gora is a system of underground passages that have survived since the existence of the fortress. These tunnels, laid at a depth of 5–8 meters, served for defense and evacuation during sieges. Although most of them are now inaccessible to visitors, they remain an important testament to medieval engineering thought.
Where to go on a weekend from Kyiv: to Vinnytsia
The ROSHEN light and music fountain in Vinnytsia was opened on September 4, 2011. It is the largest floating fountain in Ukraine and Europe, located in the bed of the Southern Bug River near Kempa Island. The project was developed by German engineer Ralph Dow, known for his innovative solutions in the field of water shows.
Its length is 140 meters, and the height of the water jets reaches 60 meters. The uniqueness of the design allows it to be lowered to the bottom of the river for the winter, which ensures the safety of the equipment. Every evening, the fountain turns into a stage for 3D laser shows, where exciting programs with light effects and musical accompaniment are demonstrated on the water screen. This spectacle attracts thousands of tourists from Ukraine and abroad.
Visiting the ROSHEN light and music fountain is a unique opportunity to see one of the most spectacular water shows in Europe, enjoy the harmonious synchronization of water, light and music, and also feel the atmosphere of celebration and inspiration.
It is best to plan a visit to Vinnytsia in the warm season, when the ROSHEN fountain works daily, and the evening shows begin after sunset. For convenient viewing, an amphitheater is equipped on the embankment, which guarantees comfort during the show. In addition to the fountain, the city offers museums, parks and historical monuments to visit, which will make your weekend even more interesting and eventful.
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