AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Homilshanskyi Forests National Nature Park is one of the most scenic protected landscapes on Ukraine's Left Bank, spread across both sides of the Siverskyi Donets River about 50 km south of Kharkiv. It pairs vast, old-growth forest and calm river beaches with a surprisingly deep human past of Scythian hillforts and Cossack history.↗↗↗
The hook for visitors is simple: centuries-old oak groves, a hidden forest lake, sandy river terraces good for swimming, and the panoramic Cossack Mountain that rises above the Donets valley. Marked eco-trails make it easy to take in the highlights in a few hours or to stay a full weekend.↗↗↗
Note that the park lies in Kharkiv Oblast, and during martial law regional restrictions on entering forests can apply; check current local guidance and stay on marked paths before you go.