The Carpathians are the highest point of the name. Ukrainian Carpathians: guide

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The Ukrainian Carpathians generously reward everyone who came to these lands with a stunning picture of natural landscapes, beauty, joy, and health. Every corner of the Ukrainian Carpathians is original and unique. Gardens growing on the slopes of the mountains, forests and untouched meadows delight the eye here. In winter, the Carpathians are especially visited and attractive for lovers of active ski holidays.

Geographic reference

The huge mountain system of the Carpathian Mountains begins near Bratislava (Slovakia) and ends in the southeast of Romania. The total length of the Carpathians is approximately 1600 km. They surround the Central European Lowland from three sides with a large arc. In the northwestern section, their width is 250 km, and in the southwestern - 350 km, in the southeastern, where the Ukrainian Carpathians are located, it narrows to 100-130 km.
Depending on the location and biogeographic structure, the Carpathians are divided into Southern, Eastern, Western. The Western Carpathians are localized on the territory of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and partly in Hungary, where the most high mountain Carpathian - Gerlach (2665 m). The northern ones are located equatorially on the territory of Romania, the eastern ones in Slovakia and Poland, as well as on the territory of Western Ukraine.
The average height of the Ukrainian Carpathians is 1000 m. The Carpathians make up 3.5% of the territory of the whole of Ukraine. They stretched from northwest to southeast for almost 290 km with an average width of 110 km.
The Carpathians are located on the territory of 4 regions of Ukraine: Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Transcarpathian, Lviv.
The Carpathians are symbolically divided into 2 parts - Transcarpathia and Prykarpattia. The Carpathians are the Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions, the Uzhgorod region and the Transcarpathian region are Transcarpathia. The Carpathians are low, of volcanic origin, with an average height of about 1300-1500 meters. The highest mountain is located in the area of the village of Yablunytsya - this is a mountain

Flora and fauna of the Carpathians

The Carpathians are a mountain strip notable for the fact that untouched forests, rare for Europe, have been preserved on its territory. Carpathian mountains are mostly "soft", without rocky protrusions, rounded mountain peaks. Grow on the plateau Somewhat lower, on the slopes of the mountains, you can often stumble upon thickets of blackberries. In warm summers, mountain landscapes are complemented by large herds, cows and sheep.
The main part of the Carpathians is covered with beech and
In addition to firs and beech, they also grow in the Carpathian Mountains.
The composition of beech forests also includes common ash, Norway maple, and mountain elm, they have almost disappeared in the Carpathian Mountains, if they are found, then only in hard-to-reach places.
On the upper slopes of the Carpathian Mountains there are "alpine" meadows, rich even today with very rare species of flora. In particular, an amazing plant - the East Carpathian rhododendron. It is called "alpine rose" in the Carpathians due to its bright pink flowers. Here, high in the mountains, are the sources of many rivers in the Western region of Ukraine: the Prut and Cheremosh are rightfully considered one of the cleanest rivers in Eastern Europe.
In the mountains of the Carpathians many thousands of years ago, salt caves were formed, as well as dense deposits of rock salt. As a rule, salt lakes are located above such caves, chemically similar to the "Dead Sea" in Israel. These lakes are much smaller in area, but they are not inferior in healing properties.

Ukrainian Carpathians is very diverse. The main splitting factor is the drastic change mountain heights- from 160 m to 2081 m. In parallel with the height, the temperature regime and humidity regime change.
The climate is mainly temperate continental, warm, with cyclonic interventions of the Atlantic air. average temperature the warmest month (July) in the foothills from +19 to +22°С, in the highland zone from +9 to +12°С, the coldest in January from -5 to -15°С.
in the summer, out of every seven days, two are rainy. In general, the Carpathian Mountains are characterized by an unstable spring, not very hot summers, warm, dry autumns and mild winters. Figuratively, the Carpathians can be divided into a number of mountainous climatic zones:
The Highland zone is a zone of rather cold and very humid climate.
The Middle Mountains zone is a zone of moderately cold, humid climate.
The Carpathian zone is a zone of warm and moderately humid climate.
The Lowland zone is a zone of very humid climate.
The zone of Transcarpathia is a zone of fairly warm, moderately humid climate.
The climate within the described zones is uniform everywhere. From west to east, its continentality intensifies.
In Transcarpathia, the southern region stands out rather sharply against the general temperature background. Summer here is often hot. Droughts happen frequently. Mountainous relief strongly influences the climate. Each river valley, mountain slopes often have their own special individual microclimate.

Population of the Carpathians

Lemkos live on the slopes, between the Syan and Poprad rivers, in the Perechyn and Velikobereznyansky regions of Transcarpathia. The first mention of them in written sources appears in the sixth century BC. Boiki live in Lviv, Transcarpathian and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.
The "Russian Trinity" - Yakov Golovatsky, Ivan Vagilevich, Markian Shashkevich considered the Boikos to be the offspring of the Celtic tribes who lived in Central Europe from the sixth century BC, and moved to the Balkans closer to the first century.
Hutsuls live in Transcarpathian, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk.
In the 17-18 century, there were many rebels among the Hutsuls, oprishki - people's avengers.

Culture of the Carpathians

Even for a long time, being in the structure of different states, although they could not protect themselves from merging with the Poles, Hungarians, and Slovaks. It was the inhabitants of the mountainous regions of the Carpathians who preserved the most archaic features of culture, which, at least a little, but differed from the Polissya.
It seems that in the mountains, almost every person is a singer, an artist, a bright creative person. And it was the hands of such people that the most beautiful wooden temples were built in the mountains, which were built without a single nail ... The main decoration of these temples were unique icons painted on glass.
Most of them, today, are stored in museum collections.
Today, like many hundreds of years ago, the people of the Carpathians decorate their clothes with bright embroideries.
Bukovinian, Pokutsk, Transcarpathian, ... Any of them is inimitable and unique, and they all look like a bright flower garden.
It blooms with beautiful patterns on pillows, towels, shirts.
In the Carpathians, the ancient art of pysankar (the ritual painting of Easter eggs) is also passed down from generation to generation. In the Carpathians, they know that pysanky help in various life situations: their signs-symbols bring prosperity, health and love to people, and fertility to the Carpathian land.

Carpathian national characteristics

In the mountainous Carpathian area, there are seeing off the shepherds to the mountain valley, the Carpathian wedding and religious, church holidays, for example, Christmas with Christmas carols and shchedrivkas, "Vasily" (Old New Year), "Water Baptism", "Melanki", and, of course, Easter with Easter haivkas.
A big holiday - a carnival for the local Carpathians is on distant mountain meadows for grazing. Grazing occurs from the beginning of May and lasts until mid-September. The living conditions of the shepherds in the mountain valley are difficult,
they work from dawn to dusk, and yet every Carpathian resident does not mind becoming a mountain shepherd.
Three details that characterize the life of the Carpathian shepherds are Vatra, Trembita and Cheese. like a fairy tale.
Even today, the inhabitants of the Carpathians adhere to their traditions. Until now, they dress up in national embroidered clothes, decorate their horses. The wedding is full of fun and colorful fun, dances, songs, games, witticisms, jokes. None of the weddings is complete without rolls and loaves, embroidered, hand-woven towels, bouquets.
Preparations for start early.
All Carpathian housewives in the early morning of January 6 light a "live fire" from twelve logs in the ovens and cook
Among the dishes of the Holy Christmas Dinner, kutia is at the forefront
(boiled wheat with honey, poppy seeds and nuts.)
The Easter holiday in the Carpathians is distinguished by an abundance of ritual customs and actions. On Palm Sunday, the inhabitants of the Carpathians bring a consecrated palm branch (a joke) from the church and lightly hit each member of their family with it, saying: “I don’t beat you, it’s a joke that beats - from now on Easter is through the week!”
The consecrated willow branch in the concept of the ancestors of the Carpathian inhabitants has healing properties. The end of the Great Lent is the time for painting krashankas. Each Carpathian village has its own unique craftsmen.

Carpathian cuisine

There are three features: natural, satisfying, tasty. It should be used at least for a vacation in the Carpathians. Residents of the Carpathians, who eat natural organic products, live a very long time. Milk from the Carpathian alpine meadows is no worse than the Alpine one. with porcini mushrooms, various porridges have been cooked here for several hundred years and, of course, they have mastered this culinary art to perfection. After a Carpathian breakfast, you will have enough strength even for a long mountain hike. Most of the traditional Carpathian dishes are in perfect harmony with home-made moonshine, however, as well as with expensive alcoholic drinks.
The ancient intoxicating Carpathian drinks deserve special attention, for example
They are still widely used in the national Carpathian cuisine.

All restaurants and cafes in the Carpathians will definitely offer you traditional dishes of the Carpathian cuisine: pancakes, borscht, potato pancakes,. Of course, they will also offer a wide range of dishes of European cuisines.
Carpathian dishes are original and at the same time very easy to prepare. The main ingredients of the Carpathian cuisine are wheat and corn flour, potatoes, mushrooms, pork or beef meat, and fish.
has long been known for its abundance of homemade smoked meats.
An epochal dwelling of the Carpathian shepherds on summer pastures is a kolyba - an original wooden building, usually round in shape, as a rule, with a highly erected roof, usually in the form of a cone or triangle. Today, every tourist will be able to visit the kolyba without even climbing high into the Carpathians, since today kolyba are, as a rule, small private restaurants and shops built, often near the road.

Safety and rules of conduct

1. Gently kindle and carefully monitor the kindling of camping stoves and bonfires.
It is always necessary to dig in a campfire site so that sparks do not fall into the dry grass around. When leaving the parking lot, do not forget to fill the place where the fire was with water. Often in popular places tourist camps have already prepared places where it is possible and desirable to make a fire. It is always better to look for such a place first if possible.
Moreover, as a rule, these are ideal places for parking.
. It is better to look for dry branches.
3. If after a rest, parking you have left unnecessary plastic bags and paper - burn them in a fire.
4. Remaining after resting in the Carpathians and food, tin containers and cans - it is better to burn them in a fire to black, crush them with an ax or a stone, and then be sure to bury them, on the surface of the earth they can cause serious injuries.
5. Never leave trash after your vacation in the Carpathians.
6. Never destroy places for rest or drinking water built by someone before you.
7. Do not pollute streams, springs, mineral springs. You and other of them drink.
8. Do not pick berries and flowers unnecessarily, do not break branches of green living trees.
9. Do not scare grazing cows, sheep, goats
10. The healing natural resources of the Carpathians and the modern medical and technical base allow you to get a significant effect in the treatment of diseases of the liver and biliary tract, gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, defects in the musculoskeletal system, disorders of the cardiovascular and nervous activity.

Where are the Carpathians? The Carpathians are a large mountain system located in Eastern Europe. Length mountain range is 1500 km, width - 420-1000 km, and area - 188 thousand km 2. The highest point is Gerlachowski Shtit (2654 m). This mountain is located in Slovakia.

The Carpathians are divided into Western, Eastern and Southern. By their nature, these are medium-altitude wooded mountains, often with rather soft outlines. On average, their height is 1000 meters. In general, the Carpathians are elongated in the northwest - southeast direction. Ukraine includes the northeastern part of the Carpathian Mountains. Together with Romania, these countries are the owners of the largest pieces of the Carpathian mountain system (about 70% in total).

Perhaps you are interested in the question, on the territory of which countries are the Carpathians? They are located within the borders of Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Serbia.

Origin of mountains

The age of modern Carpathians, by geological standards, is moderate - 25 million years. First, the Outer Carpathians arose - a part of the Carpathians, which is turned to the north, northeast, east. Behind them was the sea. Therefore, there (in its place) are powerful strata of sandy deposits.

As for even more ancient times, once upon a time, on the site of the present mountains, there was a chain of ridges, which is called the Precarpathians. However, later they were destroyed, and by the beginning of the Mesozoic, an almost flat plain was formed.

natural conditions

Many are interested in the question: where are the Carpathians? They stretch between the Alps and the Caucasus, although they are much closer to the Alps. It can also be said that the Carpathian mountain system is located between the Alps and the Black Sea.

natural conditions the region as a whole is quite favorable. The climate is determined by altitudinal zonality and where the Carpathians are located. It is warm, temperate continental. It is characterized by a large number of days with cyclones and precipitation. The average January temperature is from -15 to -5 °C. In summer, the temperature varies greatly with altitude. In the alpine zone during this period of the year it is quite cool.

The amount of precipitation increases significantly with altitude. In the highlands, their annual amount is 1600-2000 mm. The increase in precipitation with height is +12% for every 100 meters. And the temperature drops by about 1 degree. The wind speed increases by 0.3 m/s for every 100 meters. Therefore, hurricanes are not uncommon near the peaks. Every year, thousands of hectares of forest die from them.

Precipitation in the Carpathians often has a shower character, and their volume can reach 100 mm/day. Heavy rains lead to floods on the rivers, which is also facilitated by human economic activity.

Altitudinal zonality

Altitudinal zoning is well expressed in the Carpathian Mountains. Broad-leaved and mixed forests grow in the foothill zone. Dark coniferous forest formations are widespread in the zone of 600-1500 meters, and high altitudes- undersized shrubs. The highest parts of the mountains are occupied by subalpine meadows. There are no glaciers in the Carpathians.

As for the types of tree species, the most common are beech, European spruce and fir. You can also find hornbeam, oak, birch, pine, larch, alder. Of the shrubs, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and lingonberries are frequent.

Geographic features The distribution of precipitation lies in the fact that in summer the eastern slopes of the mountain system are more humid, and in winter, on the contrary, the western ones. In the winter season, avalanches are not uncommon in the mountains. However, they are not so strong as to pose a danger to infrastructure, as in the Caucasus. There are no such steep slopes, and the area of snow collection is much less. At the same time, the amount of snow falling is also inferior to the Caucasus.

The climate of Transcarpathia is hotter and moderately humid, sometimes there are droughts.

Each region has its own interesting features. The Carpathians distinguish the following:

Mountains are still forming. Periodically, earthquakes occur there, with a force of up to 5-7 points on the Richter scale. Due to the great depth of the focus, seismic waves diverge very far, and there was even a case in history when tangible shocks reached Moscow.
The Carpathian Mountains arose at about the same time as the Alps and the Himalayas.
Previously, active volcanic activity was in full swing in the Carpathians. The tops of some volcanoes are visible in the vicinity of Uzhgorod, Khust, Mukachevo.
The minimum distance from the Alps to the Carpathians is only 14 kilometers. And the width of the Carpathian mountain system in some places reaches 450 km.
The Carpathians have their own set of mineral deposits. Oil was found here, as well as gas, gold, marble, and ozocerite.
On the territory of this mountain system, the remains of various ancient animals were found: mammoths, huge deer, various birds.
Human activity in this region has been rather unusual. Shortly before the formation of the USSR, most of the forests were cut down here, and then, already in the Soviet era, forest plantations proceeded at an accelerated pace, which made it possible to re-cover these mountains with forests. In recent years, barbaric deforestation has been carried out here, due to which half of the territory of the Ukrainian Carpathians has been deforested. The timber is exported to Europe. Now almost all Carpathian forests are of secondary origin.
The Carpathians are home to the largest musical instrument in the world - trembita. This is a huge pipe made of wood, 3 to 8 meters long. The sound from it spreads through the mountain valleys at a distance of more than 10 kilometers.

Resorts of the Carpathians

The Carpathian Mountains abound with ski resorts. This mountain system is not as popular with tourists as the Alps, but many vacationers also come here. First of all, their own, local. For example, Ukrainians primarily ride on Ukrainian ski slopes. The Carpathians have their pros and cons. The first ones include small heights (which means it’s easier to breathe here), gentle and safe slopes, a low risk of avalanches, the absence of severe frosts and weather extremes. As well as reasonable prices and relative proximity to our borders.

Skiing starts in December and ends in March. Heights from 1000 meters are used. At the same time, it should be taken into account that due to the warming of the climate, the possibilities for skiing may decrease. This, incidentally, applies to the Alps, and even the Caucasus. Therefore, before leaving there, it is worth consulting about the current and forecast weather.

The Polish resort of Zakopane is recognized as the best ski resort in the Carpathians. It is located in the south of this state, in a small town with the same name. In total, the length of its ski slopes is 60 kilometers. Both beginners and experienced skiers can ski here. You can visit there from the end of October to mid-April.

Resorts of Ukraine (Carpathians)

You can go to the Ukrainian resort of Bukovel. It is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region and is distinguished by good quality tracks and excellent infrastructure. If there are no weather whims (which happen more and more often in Europe), then a stable snow cover can be seen here from the beginning of December until the end of April.

Rock climbing

Carpathians - perfect place for those who refrain from too dangerous climbs, but do not mind a good warm-up. The mountains here are quite gentle and low. Some of them have become a favorite destination for tourists.

The most difficult mountain to climb is Gerlachowski-Sztit, with a height of 2654 meters. This is the highest peak of the Carpathians. It is located in Slovakia and is quite popular with tourists. But climbing it requires professional skills, and climbing is allowed only in the company of a guide.

It is much easier to conquer Mount Hoverla (2061 m), the highest point of the Ukrainian part of the Carpathians. It is located on the Montenegrin ridge. Climbing this hill will not be difficult, and in summer period dozens of visitors do it every day. On the slopes of this mountain are the sources of the largest river in Eastern Europe, the Prut.

In Romania, the highest mountain is Moldoveanu (2544 m). Climbing it is more difficult than Hoverla, but if you have certain skills, it will not be difficult.

Hiking in the Carpathians is also quite common.

There are many interesting places in the Carpathians. Moreover, each country has its own attractions and resorts.

Slovakia

The Šarisská Vrhovina mountain range in Slovakia is famous for its beautiful canyon with an interesting rock called the Moses Pillar. There are in those places a large number of caves, canyons and waterfalls. In addition to natural attractions, there are also man-made ones: the ruins of the ancient Murano castle.

Poland and Hungary

The Tatras are quite popular in Poland. They are divided into high and low. In the first there is a beautiful lake, similar to the human eye. As well as the highest waterfall in Poland called Siklava. The height of the water column is 70 meters. As for the second, there you can see various caves. One of them is called the Cave of the Dead Bats.

In the Carpathians of Hungary, the Matra mountain range is of interest. There you can visit thermal springs and go skiing. Winemaking is developed in the region. And the Duna-Ipoy National Park is replete with springs, streams and rivulets.

Romania

On the territory of Romania rise the Southern Carpathians. There are many ski resorts here. And even more interesting are the castles. Especially the Royal Castle Peles and Dracula's Castle.

There are also places for rafting in the Carpathians of Romania. The most popular is the gorge of the Zhylou River in Oltenia. And in the Romanian Muntenia, you can go rock climbing and look at mud volcanoes.

Other interesting objects of Romania were stone columns, which were formed during the hardening of volcanic lava. And in Romanian Transylvania there is a reserve where about 100 bears live, who used to live in captivity.

Conclusion

The Carpathians are a large mountain system in Europe. They are located on the territory of several states at once. The closest part of the mountain system to Russia is the Ukrainian Carpathians. The climate in the Carpathians is mild and humid, with a pronounced altitudinal zonality. The landscapes are forest, and in some places taiga. Almost all forests are secondary, there are many clearcuts and secondary meadows. However, there are many interesting places. As for the Ukrainian Carpathians specifically, they will be of interest mainly to environmentalists (the fight against uncontrolled logging) and skiers (there are good slopes). However, if you study the entire mountain system as a whole, then the Carpathians are replete with interesting objects and places, both natural and anthropogenic. In the Carpathians, you can go hiking, rafting, skiing, viewing caves, canyons, sights, visiting nature reserves, castles, photographing mountain panoramas, and so on. This means that these mountains will suit tourists of all categories. Thus, the article considered in detail the question of where the Carpathians are located.

Ukrainian Carpathians from A to Z: map of hotels and ski areas, slopes and pistes, lifts and ski passes. Bright photos and videos. Reviews of mountain skiers about the Ukrainian Carpathians.

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Weather in the Ukrainian Carpathians

In terms of ecology, the Carpathians are a powerful climate-forming factor, a source of fresh water and clean air for the region. The climate of the region is temperate continental, in the lowlands winters are short and mild, summers are warm with an average temperature of +19..+21°C. In the mountains, winters are cold and snowy, summers are short and cool. Snow in the mountains lies from mid-December to early March, and in some places even from November to May.

Nature of the Ukrainian Carpathians

The flora and fauna of the Carpathians is rich and varied, many plants are found only in this region, and some animals are on the list of rare species. A large number of mountain rivers and lakes are full of fish, in particular trout. As you know, this fish is found only in clean water, and its ubiquitous distribution in the Carpathians indicates the purity of the local reservoirs. The most famous of the lakes is Synevyr, it is recognized as the cleanest in the region. Large rivers are suitable for timber rafting. The mountains themselves are flat, full of spacious plateaus, there are no rocks here, so the terrain is distinguished by smooth lines and is very picturesque.

Treatment and sources

The Carpathians are of interest as a region rich in mineral waters all types. A huge number of natural springs, more than 800 in total, made the region attractive not only for recreation, but also for health improvement. Almost every region can boast of its own numerous sources of this or that water. Some of its species are known throughout the world: Naftusya, Morshinskaya, Truskavetskaya, Rapa, Polyana-Kvasova. Wide famous resort Truskavets, whose treatment is based on the use of Naftusya water, specializes in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system and kidneys, diabetes. Svalyava region has water sources such as Borjomi and Vichy. The composition of these waters is indicated for the treatment of metabolic diseases, gastrointestinal tract, and tuberculosis. Stay on fresh air, which is literally impregnated with phytoncides of local coniferous plants, in combination with hydrotherapy gives an amazing long-term effect in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Some sources are associated with ancient touching legends, some of them are revered by the local population as holy sources.

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Ski resorts

The Carpathians are also well known to fans of mountain skiing. Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske are the main ski resorts in the region. Snow stays here for a long time, thanks to the mild winter (in the coldest month of January, the temperature rarely drops below -6 degrees), you can ride from late December to late March. These resorts are becoming more and more popular, they are developing dynamically and in recent years offer a level of service and infrastructure comparable to European ones. Many lifts, schools for beginner skiers, well-groomed slopes, many of which are illuminated in the evening, equipment rental points are waiting for athletes.

You can relax and unwind in numerous places of entertainment that offer a varied menu and entertainment programs. With the end of the ski season, interest in recreation in the Carpathian Mountains does not subside: numerous routes for horseback riding, hiking and cycling are interesting for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Maps of the Ukrainian Carpathians

Popular hotels in Ukrainian Carpathians

Entertainment and attractions

There are many in the Carpathians most interesting cities and villages, castles, natural attractions, so there are all opportunities for the implementation of an extensive excursion program. The original way of life has been preserved in the mountain villages, and a trip through the Carpathians will clearly show: the higher people live in the mountains, the less fuss there is in their lives. However, civilization is also less. Extremely interesting for its original architecture and rich history cities located in the Carpathians. First of all, this is Lviv. One of the largest cities in Ukraine and the most beautiful. The central part of the city was included in 1998 in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO. The city was founded in 1256, it was incredibly lucky: it was almost not destroyed during both world wars, so more than 2,000 monuments of history and architecture have been preserved in it.

Some Lviv cafes were opened even before the First World War and have preserved to this day the magical aura of the beginning of the last century.

Ivano-Frankivsk is popular with tourists, one of largest cities Ukraine. It is traditionally considered a city more European than Ukrainian, this can be seen both in architecture and in the way of life. Numerous historical sights of the city speak eloquently of the former Polish rule. Mukachevo, Uzhgorod, Ternopil, Truskavets are unusually cozy and attractive, and their sights can compete with what can be seen in recognized European tourist centers.

Without a doubt, the most famous and popular mountains in Europe are the Alps. But in this part of the world there is another mountain system that is inferior to the Alps in height, but surpasses them in size. And it also attracts great attention of tourists and lovers of winter recreation. Where are the Carpathians? In which countries are they located? When were these mountains formed, and why are they interesting?

"Stone Mountains"

The word "Carpathians" evokes approximately the same images and plots for everyone: a dark forest, thick fog creeping along the slopes, molfar sorcerers and, of course, the castle of the famous Count Dracula. These mountains are indeed shrouded in a certain halo of mysticism and mystery. But not everyone knows exactly where the Carpathians are and when they were formed.

The name of this mountain system was first used by Claudius Ptolemy in the second century AD. It also occurs in the works of Herodotus. In particular, the "father of history" mentions the river Karpis. It is believed that this tributary of the Danube borrowed its name from the mountains from the slopes of which it flows.

The very word "Carpathians", according to some researchers, comes from the name of the Thracian tribe "Karpov", who lived in this territory in the III-IV centuries. Other scholars associate it with the Proto-European word kar, which translates as "stone". True, the "stone mountains" of the Carpathians can be called a stretch. After all, most of the mountain system is represented by gentle valleys and peaks with smooth outlines, where rocky ledges and pointed peaks are extremely rare.

However, there is a third version that connects the origin of the toponym with the Slavic word "khrb", which means "ridge". Given where the Carpathians are located, this version looks quite plausible. After all, it was the Slavic tribes and peoples who for many centuries mastered and settled this area.

Where are the Carpathians: countries and major cities

The total area of the mountain system is 190 thousand square kilometers, the length is 1500 kilometers. Where are the Carpathian Mountains located? They are located in the eastern part of Central Europe. On the map, they form an arc, which in geological terms is an offshoot of the Alpine-Himalayan folded region.

In which states are the Carpathians located? Where are their natural boundaries? The mountain system covers the territories of eight European countries. This is:

Czech Republic.
Poland.
Slovakia.
Ukraine.
Hungary.
Romania.
Serbia.
Austria.

About 70% of the total area of the Carpathian mountainous country falls on two states - Romania and Ukraine. But only its extreme western spurs enter Austria. Most big cities located within the Carpathian Mountains:

Bielsko-Biala (Poland).
Zakopane (Poland).
Banska Bystrica (Slovakia).
Kosice (Slovakia).
Zilina (Slovakia).
Cluj-Napoca (Romania).
Brasov (Romania).
Oradea (Romania).
Sibiu (Romania).
Uzhgorod (Ukraine).
Kolomyia (Ukraine).
Vrsac (Serbia).

That's where the Carpathians are. It remains to find out what parts this mountain system consists of.

Structure of the Carpathians

The Carpathian Mountains consist of eight orographic parts (see the map below):

Outer Western Carpathians.
Inner Western Carpathians.
Outer Eastern Carpathians.
Inner Eastern Carpathians.
Southern Carpathians.
Western Romanian Carpathians.
Transylvanian plateau.
Serbian Carpathians.

In addition, a number of separate massifs are distinguished within the mountain system: Beskydy, Ore Mountains, Tatras (the highest part of the Carpathians), Gorgany, Rodna, Peniny, Fagarash and others. The average heights of the Carpathian Mountains range from 800-1200 meters. Nai highest point- Mount Gerlachowski-Shtit.

Carpathian Mountains: main features and interesting facts

Here are some of them:

Despite insignificant heights and gentle forms, the Carpathians are young mountains. They arose at about the same time (of course, by geological standards) with the Alps and the Himalayas.
Mountain building processes in the Carpathians are still going on. This is evidenced by earthquakes, which are regularly recorded here. The strength of individual shocks reaches 5-7 points on the Richter scale.
The Carpathians were once characterized by active volcanic activity. The cones of extinct volcanoes can be seen in the vicinity of Uzhgorod, Mukachevo and Khust.
The Carpathian subsoil is rich in numerous minerals. The main mineral wealth of the mountain system is oil, gas, ozocerite, marble and gold.
The width of the Carpathian Mountains in some places reaches 450 kilometers.
The Alps are only 14 kilometers from the Carpathians. The border between the two largest mountain systems in Europe passes just between Vienna and Bratislava.
At the beginning of the 20th century, numerous remains of prehistoric animals - mammoths, huge deer and various birds - were discovered on the territory of a mountainous country.
The Carpathians are considered the birthplace of the world's largest musical instrument - the trembita. The length of this wooden tube is 4 meters. It is able to propagate sound for 10-20 kilometers.

Origin and age of the Carpathian Mountains

Long before the formation of the modern mountain system, there was a chain of ridges in its place, connecting the Sudetes with the Dobruja (a hill in Romania). Geologists call it Prakarpaty. Subsequently, these mountains were destroyed by powerful movements of the earth's crust, and in their place, by the beginning of the Mesozoic, an almost flat plain was formed.

The age of the Carpathian geosyncline is quite "young" - only 25 million years. The process of formation of a mountainous country began at the end of the Paleogene period and proceeded gradually. The structures of the Outer Carpathians were the first to emerge. For a long time, the sea splashed between the outer and inner ridges of the Carpathian Mountains. During its existence, powerful strata of sandy deposits have accumulated here.

Climate and flora of the Carpathians

The climate of the territory is temperate continental and quite humid. The average temperatures in July are +17…20 °C, in January from -2 to -5 °C. Precipitation falls from 600 to 2000 mm per year.

In the Carpathians, the altitudinal zonality of landscapes is clearly traced. Up to a height of 600 meters, broad-leaved and mixed forests grow, from 600 to 1500 meters - dark coniferous forests, and even higher - undersized shrubs. The tops of many Carpathian mountains are covered with subalpine meadows. In the Ukrainian Carpathians, they came up with their own name - "hollowlands".

In the Carpathian forests, most often you can find European spruce, fir and beech. Oak, hornbeam, pine, alder, birch and larch are also common. The lower tier is occupied by thickets of raspberries, blackberries, lingonberries and blueberries.

The main resorts of the Carpathians

Where are the most popular ski resorts in the Carpathians and what are they called? And what are they? Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske (Ukraine) are usually ranked among the most famous Carpathian resorts; Zakopane, Szczyrk, Karpacz, Krynica (Poland), Poianu Brasov, Sinai, Predeal (Romania), Jasna (Slovakia).

Zakopane - perhaps the best ski resort Carpathians. Where are its tracks? The resort is located in the southern part of Poland, in a small town with the same name. The total length of its tracks is 60 kilometers. They are designed for all categories of skiers - from beginners to professionals. The skiing season lasts from late October to mid-April.

Bukovel is the main Ukrainian ski resort, which is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. It is distinguished by quality tracks and excellent infrastructure. The ideal snow cover is preserved here from the beginning of December until the end of April.

Notable peaks

Gerlachovski Shtit (2654 m) is the highest mountain in the Carpathians. It is located on the territory of Slovakia, near the town of Gerlachov. Today the mountain is very popular among tourists. However, climbing to its top requires serious preparation and is allowed only with an experienced guide.

Hoverla (2061 m) - the highest point of the Ukrainian Carpathians, located within the Montenegrin ridge. Climbing this mountain is relatively easy, so in the summer, dozens of tourists conquer its summit every day. Hoverla is known for the fact that the largest river in Eastern Europe, the Prut, originates from its slopes.

Moldoveanu (2544 m) is the highest peak in Romania. It is located in the heart of the country, within the Fagaras mountain range. Climbing Moldovyanu is a little more difficult than climbing Hoverla, however, its conquest does not cause any particular difficulties for experienced tourists.

The Carpathian Mountains are spread over the territory of Eastern Europe and ... the Moon. Yes, mountain range with this name stretched along the southern "coast" of the lunar Sea of Rains. Perhaps in the near future they will be sent there tourist groups. However, at present, only the terrestrial Carpathians are of interest to us.

The mountain system begins near the Slovak capital of Bratislava and ends near the Romanian city of Orsov. In a space image, the Carpathian Mountains resemble a writhing snake. Her head "bites" the Alps, and her tail is lowered into the Black Sea. One gets the impression that the Carpathians arose as a result of some kind of vortex process like an atmospheric cyclone.

A narrow mountain chain crosses the territory of several countries of Eastern Europe at once. Austria, Hungary, Serbia and the Czech Republic own only tiny pieces of it. Poland and Ukraine got much more. Slovakia and Romania own the largest pieces of the mountain pie. In the latter mountains occupy a significant part of the territory.

Scientists are still arguing about the name of the mountains. It is curious that in almost all languages of the peoples inhabiting the above countries, the word "Carpathians" sounds almost the same. In some cases, it literally means "mountain" or "stone wall". There is also a version that the "Carpathians" came from a tribe of carps who inhabited these places in the 1st century AD. At the same time, linguists cannot explain why this people acquired such a name.

It should be borne in mind that the Eastern Carpathians are considered an earthquake-prone region. Very strong earthquakes happened here. In Romania, there is the so-called Vrancea seismic zone. The force of the shocks in it reached 8.3 points on the Richter scale. Their echoes were recorded even in Finland. The elements played out most strongly in 1940 and 1977. Then Bucharest suffered greatly. However, in comparison with Japan, where earthquakes occur almost daily, the Carpathians seem to be an island of complete stability.

Between the Alps and the Black Sea

Southern Carpathians in late autumn

Despite their relatively modest size, the Carpathians have a complex structure. In the western part, the Outer and Inner Western Carpathians are distinguished. They are divided into 12 regions. And those, in turn, to 60 mountainous regions! Perhaps the most famous of them are the Czech Tatras. Next come the Outer and Inner Eastern Carpathians. There are fewer mountainous regions here - only about a dozen. They adjoin the Western Romanian, Southern, Serbian Carpathians and the Transylvanian Plateau. For simplicity, the Carpathians are conditionally divided into Western, Eastern and Southern.

On a physical-geographic map, the mountain system looks like a thin strip. With a total length of mountains of 1500 km, their width ranges from 100 to 340 km. The narrowest part is in Ukraine, and the widest part is in Romania. The highest peak is Gerlachovsky Shtit in Slovakia. Its height reaches 2654 m. The Carpathians are separated from the Alps by a narrow gap only 14 km wide!

Only here

There is a whole collection of caves in the Lower Tatras

To get an idea of the most interesting places in the Carpathians, we will make a virtual journey through the mountainous country. Let's start from the western part, then we will move to the east, and from there we will go down to the south. The natural border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia is the so-called White Carpathians. Here is the reserve of the same name, which is spread over the territory of two countries at once. In these places there are several types of orchids! But there is a stereotype that these delicate flowers are exclusively inhabitants of the tropics.

In Slovakia there is a mountain range Šarišská Vrhovina. It is known for its Lachnov Canyon with an unusual rock called the Moses Pillar. And the name "Slovak Paradise" speaks for itself. Best place for adventure lovers can not come up with. Caves, abysses, canyons and waterfalls attract them like a magnet. Apart from natural objects, in these places there are interesting man-made sights. For example, in the Slovak mountains of Muranska Planina they go to see the ruins of the ancient Murano castle.

High Tatras in Poland are really great - it is here that one of the highest points of the Carpathians is located. Tourists are attracted here by a very beautiful lake called "Sea Eye". Located in an oval-shaped valley, it actually resembles a huge eye. No less picturesque is the largest Polish waterfall, which is called Siklava. Water falls here from a height of 70 m.

The Low Tatras are known for their panoramic points, the role of which is played by the peaks of Kraleva Gol, Khabenets and Dereshe. The Demänovská valley with its caves is considered to be the most beautiful in this area. It should be noted that in local mountains there is a whole collection of various caves. One of them is called the Cave of the Dead Bats. Scattered along the mountain valleys and slopes are many centers from where tourist routes.

Hungary has the Matra mountain range. People come here to relax in the thermal springs and go skiing. At the foot of the mountains are vineyards, so the region is known for its wineries. The Böržon massif is popular among tourists. Its heritage is the Duna-Ipoy National Park with a large number of springs, winding rivulets and turbulent streams.

Gorgany means "scree". The mountain range in the Ukrainian Carpathians has the same name. These places have long been chosen by extreme sportsmen, since the area is replete with wild tourist routes. Manyavsky waterfall and Mountain Lake Synevyr, which is located on the territory of the national park of the same name.

Peles Castle in the mountains of Romania

The Southern Carpathians are also called the Transylvanian Alps. All this beautiful mountainous country is entirely located on the territory of Romania. Mount Moldoveanu (2544 m) is considered the highest point. Most of the country's ski resorts are located here. Do not forget that Romania is a country of castles. It is worth coming here to see with your own eyes the royal castle "Peles" in Sinai and Dracula's castle in the town of Bran.

Climbers and climbers go to the Romanian Muntenia. Very spectacular is the Uniria salt mine, which is currently a museum and balneological resort. And the landscapes in Pyklele Mary look alien. Here, on an area of 30 hectares, mud volcanoes gurgle and spit slurry.

There are also places for lovers of alloys. For example, the Jiu River Gorge in Oltenia is one of the most popular rafting routes in Romania. Usually the Danube is associated with a calm current. However, in the Kazan Gorge, the water literally boils due to the narrowness of the canyon. This spectacle is worth seeing with your own eyes.

The mountain lake Eye Bey, located in the historical region of Banat, does not freeze even in winter, so during this period many migratory birds gather on its shores. Along with them come lovers to observe the life of birds. The lake is worth a visit just to admire the beautiful landscapes and take spectacular photos.

There are places for rafting lovers in the Romanian Carpathians

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention Romanian Transylvania. About a hundred bears rescued from captivity live in the local reserve, located in the town of Zarnesti. Excursions around the reserve are organized for tourists. It is also worth seeing the fantastic stone columns in the Apuseni mountains, formed during the solidification of basalt lava. And at the former Turda salt mine, those who wish can rent a boat and ride on a luxurious underground lake.

The nuances of the Carpathian weather

Snow in the mountains lies from December to March. At other times, you can safely go hiking.

Since the Carpathian Mountains occupy a large area and are characterized by different heights, weather can be quite different even in the same area. The higher, the colder. The further south, the warmer. In the mountain valleys, there may not be snow even in winter. The farther from the Black Sea, the more continental the climate. Despite such a variety of conditions, however, there are some climatic patterns.

January is considered the coldest month. The average temperature in the north and east of the Carpathians fluctuates around -5°C, in the south - about -3°C. However, on the tops of the mountains it can be colder - up to -10°C. By Russian standards, such temperatures are not considered frost. The average July temperature in the foothills in the north is +18°C, in the south +20°C. High in the mountains, even at the height of summer, the temperature can be no higher than +5°C. In general, the temperature regime in the Carpathians is favorable all year round.

If we talk about precipitation, then the least of them falls in the east and south of the Carpathians (800 mm per year). In the Western and Romanian Carpathians, their number grows to 1000 mm. In the highlands, this figure increases by 1.5-2 times. The maximum precipitation occurs in summer. Most often it is rain. The duration of snow cover in the foothills is 2-3 months. There are no glaciers and eternal snows in these places.

The moral is simple. The ski season in the Carpathians usually starts in December and ends in March. They ride at altitudes from 1000 m. This means that the rest of the year is quite suitable for hiking. At altitudes up to 1000 meters, this can be done in winter. But for high-altitude routes, warm clothes will be needed even in summer.

If you want to avoid rain, it is better to go hiking in spring or autumn. True, even in summer the risk of getting wet increases only in high mountainous areas. If the route passes through the foothills or slopes at low altitudes, you should not be afraid of rain. It is enough to stock up on a raincoat and a waterproof tent.

Hiking Hits

And now let's get acquainted with popular tourist routes in those countries where the Carpathians are located:

Czech Republic

There are up to a thousand caves in the Moravian Karst

The Krkonoše mountains are very popular in the Czech Republic. They are located on the border with Poland. Here, the most popular route is the ascent to Mount Snezhka (1603 m). The path passes through a picturesque mountain valley with the unusual name Aubry Dul. Those who wish can climb up with the help of a cable car. It starts in the town of Pecs pod Sněžkou.

The destination of another popular route is the source of the Elbe. The powerful European river, on which Hamburg stands, originates in the town of Labsky Meadow. Here you understand that all the largest rivers of the world are born from springs or are formed from small streams. The starting point is the tourist center "Gorni Misechki". It is located next to the resort town of Spindleruv Mlyn. High-mountain routes along the Jeseniki ridge are also in demand. The local landscapes are considered the most beautiful in the country.

The most interesting tourist sites include the Moravian Karst. The length of this mountain range reaches 25 km. Its unusualness is that the mountains are riddled with a system of caves, of which there are more than a thousand here. Under the ground you can see drawings of primitive people. In the same places there is another popular object - the Macocha Canyon, which is considered the largest in Central Europe. Its depth is 138 m.

Poland

The Tatras are to the Poles what the Alps are to the French. The main tourist center of these places is the city of Zakopane. It serves as a starting point for a hiking trail that includes the Koscieliska Valley, the Giewont and Kasprowy Wierch Mountains, the Eagle's Way, the Five Lakes Valley, the Morskie Oko Lake and the Rysy Mountain (2499 m), which is Poland's highest peak. The program usually includes a visit to the salt mine in Wieliczka.

Slovakia

There are many lakes of glacial origin in the High Tatras

A very attractive place for trekking is the reserve "Slovak Paradise". Tourist trails are equipped with bridges and stairs. Small rivers can be crossed along artificial fords. The trail passes by numerous waterfalls. The length of the gorge is 4 km. It can be accessed from tourist center"Undergrowth" near Hrabuszyc. The hike belongs to the medium category of difficulty.

The Slovak High Tatras have 26 peaks over 2500 m high. The most visited is the Gerlachov Peak with a height of 2654 m. It is quite easy to climb. It is from its top that the most spectacular panoramas open.

Another popular mountain is the Lomnitsky Peak (2634 m). The highest Slovak meteorological station perched on its top. You can climb to it on foot or by cable car from Tatranska Lomnica. In clear weather, a good half of Slovakia is visible from the mountain!

The High Tatras are the place where the largest number of reservoirs are concentrated, which were created by glaciers in the distant past. Now there are about a hundred of them. The transparency of the water in the lakes reaches 12 m. The so-called Mengusovskaya Valley stretches between the ridges. There are tourists in every season. At the end of the valley lies the lake Velke Gintsovo pleso. It is considered the deepest in the Tatras.

The Tatra valleys are also attractive for their cascades of waterfalls. One of the most visited waterfalls is the Studeny Stream waterfall. Obrovski waterfall, falling from a height of 20 m, is one of the famous ones. Big waterfall is no less spectacular. It is distinguished by a thirteen-meter cascade. Routes to them start from Tatranska Lomnica.

There are tourist routes and Low Tatras. Usually they pass along the central ridge, which stretches for as much as one hundred kilometers. The ridge consists of a chain of 55 peaks, the height of which exceeds 1700 m. Those who wish can choose either a difficult one-day alpine hike, or routes of medium difficulty, where the elevation changes are small.

Romania

Neighborhood Sinai

Very picturesque places in the vicinity of the famous Romanian resort of Sinai. There is a walking route that includes not only a visit to this colorful town, but also the famous Dracula's castle in the town of Bran. The route starts in the city of Brasov. The program includes an ascent to the Cross of Heroes on Mount Karayman, as well as a visit to Bolboch Lake and Omu Peak (2507 m).

Our tourist club offers the following hiking programs in the Carpathians:

New Year in the Carpathians (accommodation in the estate and car tours)
Snowy Carpathians: accommodation in estates and auto tours

Carpathian slopes

Ski areas in the Carpathians are located at altitudes from 800 to 2400 m

The ski season in the Carpathians lasts from December to March. Ski areas are located at altitudes from 800 to 2400 m. Many resorts use artificial snow, so the season can increase significantly.

In the Czech Carpathians there is a ski resort Bila. The trails are laid on the slopes of the Zbojnicka and Javorina mountains, which are part of the Beskydy massif. The resort has been operating since 1965. It is located at an altitude of 518 m. The length of the slopes is from 700 to 1000 m.

In Poland, ski centers are located along the border with Slovakia. These are the resorts of Szczyrk, Zakopane, Szczawnica, Krynica. Only in Zakopane there are about a dozen ski centers and about 90 lifts. Here is the largest Polish ski jump.

Most ski centers in Slovakia. Their number has exceeded a hundred, and all of them are in the Carpathians. A variety of conditions allow everyone to ride - from beginners to extreme sportsmen. Often the resorts have thermal springs. In winter, hiking trips to the Studenovsky waterfalls are organized, which turn into enchanting ice cascades in the cold.

In Romania, the main ski resorts are concentrated in the very center of the country in the districts of Brasov and Prahova. In the Prahova Valley are located famous centers skiing Azuga, Bushteni and Sinai. The Poiana Brasov ski area also includes slopes near the town of Predejal. Ski slopes operate at altitudes from 1000 to 2400 m.

Close Carpathians

mountain village

The Ukrainian Carpathians are good because they are closer than others, and a visa is not required to visit them. The eastern tip of a large European mountainous country is spread over the territory of four regions - Transcarpathian, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv and Chernivtsi.

The length of the Ukrainian Carpathian section is 280 m, and the width is about a hundred kilometers. On average, the mountains are low - about 900-1000 m, but there are peaks over 2000 m. These, for example, include Goverla (2061 m). It is considered the highest point in the country.

The Carpathians united more than a dozen ski resorts - "Zakhar Berkut", "Zhdeniyevo", "Krasiya", "Slavske", "Pylypets" and others. All of them are located in picturesque places and away from the big settlements. The visiting card of the local Carpathians is the Bukovel resort. The skiing season here lasts from November to mid-April. More people ride only on Dragobrat, where sometimes the season ends in mid-May.

In the mountains you can find many natural masterpieces. These, for example, include Mount Makovitsa (984.5 m) in the vicinity of the city of Yaremche. A huge scree on its slope looks like a giant elephant that came to the watering hole. It is often called that - Elephant Mountain. You can rest on the banks of the Prut River. This route cannot be called a hike. It's more of an easy walk.

There is an interesting route to the place where the Princess meteorite fell. This event took place in 1866. Scientists estimated the weight of the space guest at 280 kg. It is claimed that small fragments can be found today. You can get to the Chernye Mlaki tract, where the cosmic catastrophe occurred, from the villages of Knyaginya or Stuzhytsia. The trail goes past mineral springs and oak trees that are over a thousand years old. The total length of the route is 14 km.

Another route allows you to walk along the bottom ancient sea! Once the Carpathians really were under water. A marked trail has been laid from the village of Verkhovyna-Bystraya in the Transcarpathian region to Mount Plishka. It overlooks the Uzhansky National nature Park. In 1968, a fossilized skeleton of a fish was found in these places, which swam here about 36 million years ago. Similar finds can be seen in the Transcarpathian Museum of Local Lore in the Uzhhorod Castle.

What a trip without a true friend!

The Ukrainian Carpathians are well developed in terms of tourism, so the account interesting routes goes to tens. There are trips to the mountains "High Stone", "Parashka", "Pikuy", "Spits", "Khomyak", "Gemba" and others. A special route is dedicated to the two-thousander mountains - there are six of them in Ukraine.

The Gorgan Mountains are highlighted as a separate position. There is a combined version called "Five Carpathian passes". He goes along the Verkhovinsky ridge. There are routes along the Marmaros massif, the Svidovets ridge, to the Russian Way pass - you can’t list everything. One thing is clear - you won't get off in the Carpathians for two days. You need to come here for at least a week. Or better yet, two.