Where to Go in Ivano-Frankivsk Region: 10 Places That Captivate at First Sight

What opens up here is more than just a view of the mountains. Ivano-Frankivsk region is a land where ancient wooden churches, part of the UNESCO heritage, stand proudly. Where Hutsul museums look like film set decorations, and an old viaduct seems to have been brought straight from the set of a Harry Potter movie.

 

And if you think you’ve already seen everything around Ivano-Frankivsk, read this article. In it, we’ve gathered the most interesting places in the city and the region that are truly worth visiting and you won’t want to leave.

 

What to See in Ivano-Frankivsk: TOP Places that Inspire and Amaze

 

Ivano-Frankivsk is often perceived as a transit point on the way to the Carpathians: Vorokhta, Bukovel, or Yaremche. But the city deserves at least a one-day stay. Its historical center preserves a unique atmosphere and a number of attractions.

 

We strongly recommend visiting Rynok Square and the Town Hall building. At the top of the Town Hall, there is a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the city. However, to get there, you’ll have to climb 166 steps.

 

 

Another architectural landmark is the former Potocki Palace, founded in 1672–1682 by the owner of the city of Stanyslaviv (now Ivano-Frankivsk), Hetman Andriy Potocki. Although the building has undergone changes, the historic entrance gates have been preserved and still remind us of the grandeur of this place. Today, the palace has a new life: every week it hosts cultural events — from intimate literary evenings to vibrant open-air concerts.

 

 

Stometrivka is the main pedestrian street in Ivano-Frankivsk and is a must-see on any list of what to explore in the city. It will definitely leave a pleasant impression. On Stometrivka, you’ll find many bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and cozy little stores.

 

It’s also worth visiting the "Bastion" gallery, the city lake with the "Island of Love", and the modern space "Promprylad.Renovation" (pictured). The latter, by the way, is a striking example of how an old factory was transformed into a contemporary hub for art, business, and community events.

 

 

 

The Most Fascinating Landmarks in Ivano-Frankivsk Region

 

National Reserve "Ancient Halych"

 

If you plan to stay in Ivano-Frankivsk for a few days, we recommend dedicating one of them to a trip outside the city. Just 20 km from the regional center, in the village of Krylos, lies a unique Ethnographic Museum — part of the extensive national reserve "Ancient Halych."

 

In the open-air area, the lifestyle of residents from 4 ethnographic regions of Prykarpattia: Pokuttia, Hutsulshchyna, Boykivshchyna, and Opillia is recreated. The exhibits show the daily life of peasants from the late 17th to the early 20th centuries. In addition to the ethnographic museum, the reserve also includes the Museum of the History of Halych and the Museum of Karaite History and Culture. They will certainly impress you and expand your understanding of this region’s past.

 

 

Halych National Nature Park

 

Even further from Ivano-Frankivsk (29 km by rail or 26 km by highway) lies the Halych National Nature Park. It’s a beautiful location for a family getaway, covering an area of 14,684.8 sq km. The park impresses with its natural beauty: it features convenient eco-educational trails, camping spots, 2 hunting grounds, 85 species of animals, 75 species of plants, and 15 species of fungi!

 

Particular attention should be given to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where animals injured in the wild are kept and cared for. Visitors can see deer, bears, wolves, and other animals. For children, there is the “Fairy Forest” attraction and a museum with educational exhibits. It’s not just entertainment but also an opportunity to learn to treat nature with care.

 

 

Zhenetskyi Huk

 

The true gems of the Carpathians are its numerous waterfalls, and one of the most famous among them is Zhenetskyi Huk. This picturesque single-drop waterfall is located between the villages of Mykulychyn and Tatariv, within the territory of the Carpathian National Nature Park.

 

 

Zhenetskyi Huk attracts tourists not only with its accessibility but also with stunning views at any time of the year. A convenient tourist trail leads to the waterfall, and the path is suitable for both walking and cycling. Just 1.6 km away, a 23-minute walk, lies the lesser-known but equally charming Narinetskyi Cascade — a great alternative for those seeking peace and solitude.

 

 

Probiy Waterfall

 

Another symbol of Prykarpattia is the Probiy Waterfall, also known as the Yaremche Waterfall. It is located in the center of Yaremche, which makes it one of the most visited natural attractions in the region. Probiy is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Ukrainian Carpathians, impressive for its strong flow and the roar of water.

 

 

A bridge built above the waterfall offers a panorama of the rushing mountain stream. Nearby is a souvenir market where you can buy items crafted by local artisans: wooden carvings, embroidered shirts, Hutsul souvenirs, and more. Thanks to its blend of natural beauty and developed tourist infrastructure, Yaremche remains one of the best places to relax in the Carpathians.

 

Dovbush Trail

 

This is another location in Yaremche. So if you’re wondering where to go in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, be sure to check out the Dovbush Trail — one of the most popular routes, which goes through Mount Makovytsia. This easy yet atmospheric route is perfect for a day hike. The trail is named after Oleksa Dovbush, the legendary rebel known as the Carpathian Robin Hood.

 

During the walk, tourists pass through forested slopes, enjoying the natural beauty. Along the route, there are stone boulders, cliffs with natural caves, grottos, and unique sculptures. The trail especially attracts those who want to feel the spirit of the Carpathians without strenuous climbs.

 

 

Hoverla Mountain

 

The most famous peak of the Ukrainian Carpathians is undoubtedly Hoverla. Its height reaches 2061 m. Every year, thousands of tourists climb Hoverla to enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit.

 

 

The ascent usually begins at the tourist base "Zarosliak" — the most convenient and popular route. Although the climb is not easy, the views from the top fully justify the effort. The summit has a rather flat shape and serves as a great natural observation platform, which adds to the atmosphere.

 

 

Arched Viaduct in Vorokhta

 

This is a stone bridge, one of the most beautiful engineering structures of Prykarpattia. Built during the Austro-Hungarian era, it still impresses with its architectural elegance and blends harmoniously into the mountain landscape.

 

 

The arched viaduct is often compared to the magical viaduct from the Harry Potter books, which gives it a romantic touch. It has become a favorite spot for photo sessions and a must-stop location on the route for travelers exploring the Carpathians.

 

Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia

 

Not far from Ivano-Frankivsk, in the town of Kolomyia, stands a unique architectural landmark — the Pysanka Museum. It's impossible to confuse it with any other: the building is shaped like a giant Easter egg. Inside are exhibits dedicated to the art of pysanka from various regions of Ukraine.

 

The museum’s collection includes over 12,000 exhibits: from classic wax-painted pysanky to unique decorative eggs adorned with straw, beads, seeds, and even semi-precious stones. This place is equally fascinating for both adults and children.

 

 

Kryvorivnia

 

The village of Kryvorivnia (118.7 km from Ivano-Frankivsk), located on the bank of the Chornyi Cheremosh River, has long been considered the cultural center of Hutsulshchyna. At various times, prominent Ukrainian cultural figures such as Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka, Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi, and Vasyl Stefanyk vacationed and worked here. This place seems frozen in time, preserving the Hutsul spirit and traditions.

 

It’s worth visiting not only for the natural beauty but also for the cultural experience. The village is home to the Ivan Franko Museum, where you can learn more about the writer's life and the village’s history.

 

 

Verkhovyna

 

Verkhovyna is known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage. The legendary film “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” by Serhiy Parajanov was filmed here. There is a themed museum dedicated to the filming, which is popular among tourists.

 

In addition to that, Verkhovyna is home to more than 10 museums that showcase Hutsul life, musical instruments, clothing, and crafts. If you’re interested in ethnography and history, Verkhovyna will be a true discovery for you.

 

 

 

The Carpathians and Ivano-Frankivsk region reveal their treasures best to those who are not tied to bus routes or train schedules. Especially if you want to see more — from waterfalls and peaks to museums, ancient villages, and lesser-known spots. In this case, a car is the most convenient way to travel.

 

If you don’t have your own car or arrived from another city — no problem. ALIN offers affordable car rental in Ivano-Frankivsk , Bukovel , and can also deliver a vehicle to any other location by agreement. You choose when and where to travel, without unnecessary limitations.

 

 

Adventures await — all that’s left is to choose your route and head out!

 

Rent a Car in Ivano-Frankivsk