About the region

Ivano-Frankivsk region

Ivano-Frankivsk region is located in the geographical centre of Europe, in the south-west of Ukraine, and borders on Zakarpattia, Lviv, Ternopil and Chernivtsi regions of Ukraine. In the far south, it has a 50 km long state border with Maramures County (Romania).

The region covers an area of 13.9 thousand square kilometres. Ivano-Frankivsk region is the highest in Ukraine in terms of terrain.

It is home to the highest Ukrainian peaks – Hoverla (2061 m), Pip-Ivan (2028 m), and Syvulya (1836 m).

The rivers are mostly mountainous, forming cascades and waterfalls. The largest rivers are the Dniester and Prut.

The climate of the region is temperate continental. The winters are mild with an average January temperature of 5°C, and the summers are warm with an average July temperature of +18°C. The climate in the Carpathians is more severe. Average temperatures here are 3-5°C lower than in the foothill zone. Such climatic conditions are conducive to year-round recreation and treatment. Snow remains on the slopes of the Carpathians for up to five months, which contributes to the development of skiing.

Zakarpattia region 

By its location, the region is the geographical centre of Europe, bordering four EU countries – Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. The region is the site of important transport links between Ukraine and many European countries. To the north and east, Zakarpattia has administrative borders with Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

Zakarpattia is a special region of Ukraine, with 80 per cent of its area covered by mountains (the highest point in Ukraine is Mount Hoverla (2061 m), and the rest is covered by the Prytysyanska lowland). There is virtually no large-scale industry in our region, and the development of agricultural production is hampered by the small land area. However, the region has all the prerequisites for tourism development: historical, geographical, natural, economic, socio-demographic, etc.

Forests, mineral and thermal waters are the main wealth of the region. There are 33 mineral water deposits and 360 mineral water springs in Zakarpattia. In winter, Zakarpattia attracts visitors with its ski slopes: there are 69 ski lifts, 57 of which are operational. Zakarpattia region is famous for its historical and unique architectural monuments, including wooden churches.

Maramures County 

Maramures County is located in the north-western part of Romania with a total area of 6304 square kilometres, which is 2.6% of the country’s total area. Maramures County is bordered by Suceava County to the east, Bistrica Năseud, Cluj, Salai to the south, Satu Mare County to the west, and the 154 km long state border with Ukraine to the north, of which the Tisza River occupies about 40% of the territory (62 km).

The county has the following topography: 43% – mountains, 30% – hills and plateaus, 27% – plains and meadows.

The mountainous area includes peaks and gorges belonging to the Eastern Carpathians:

– Rodna Mountains: Mt. Pietrosul – 2303 m, Puzdrele – 2189 m, Galats – 2048 m;

– Maramures Mountains: Farcău – 1957 m, Pip Ivan – 1937 m, Toroioaga – 1930 m;

– Gutâi Mountains: Gutâi Pass – 587 m, Rooster Crest- 1039 m with the highest point of Mt. Gutâi – 1443 m;

– Ţibleș Mountains: Mt. Ţibleș- 1839 m, Hudin – 1611 m, Văratec – 1349 m and the highest point of Bran – 1840 m.

Maramures county has a rich hydrographic network with a length of more than 3100 km. Two river systems, the Tisa and the Someș rivers, supply water to the entire county. 

The climate of Maramures county is a temperate continental, mountainous climate with moderately high humidity and rich precipitation.