Uzhhorod

Uzhhorod, the capital of Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, sits in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. This city on the Uzh River reflects Eastern and Central European influences in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Walk along the 2.2-kilometer linden tree-lined riverside, explore the 13th-century Uzhhorod Castle, and sample local wines and pastries in the cafes of Korzo Street.

Location and Geography

Uzhhorod is in the far southwestern corner of Ukraine, close to the borders with Slovakia and Hungary. The city straddles the Uzh River and is surrounded by the gentle slopes of the Carpathian foothills. At about 120 meters above sea level, Uzhhorod experiences milder weather than many other parts of Ukraine. The city's location puts it about equidistant from the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas.

Exploring the Old Town

The center of Uzhhorod is the pedestrian-only old town, with Korzo Street at its heart. Here you'll see many pastel-colored buildings that house cafes, restaurants, and shops. Look for the former synagogue, now a concert venue, and the 17th-century Greek Catholic Cathedral. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you'll notice various architectural styles, from Baroque to Art Nouveau.

Uzhhorod Castle

On a hill above the city stands Uzhhorod Castle, built in the 13th century with later modifications. Inside, you'll find the Transcarpathian Museum of Local Lore, where you can learn about the region's history and culture. From the castle grounds, you can see views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Parks and Nature

Uzhhorod has many green spaces. A linden tree alley runs for 2.2 kilometers along the Uzh River. This is a popular spot for walking or cycling, especially in spring when the trees are in bloom. Near the alley is Pidgradskyi Park, where locals often spend time outdoors. To see traditional rural buildings, visit the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture and Life next to the castle.

Cafe Culture and Cuisine

Uzhhorod has numerous cafes where you can enjoy coffee and pastries. Try local treats like "Uzhhorod" cake or "syrniki" (cheese pancakes). The city is known for its wines - you can visit a local wine cellar to taste varieties made from grapes grown in the nearby Carpathian foothills. For a larger meal, try traditional Transcarpathian dishes like bograch (a meaty soup) or banosh (a cornmeal dish often served with sheep's cheese).

A Multicultural City

Through the years, Uzhhorod has been part of different empires and countries, including the Kingdom of Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union. This history is reflected in the city's buildings, languages, and culture. As you explore, you'll hear Ukrainian, Russian, Hungarian, and Slovak. Many buildings display Austrian, Hungarian, and Soviet architectural elements. While most people in Uzhhorod today are Ukrainian, you'll notice influences from various cultures throughout the city.

Getting There and Around

You can fly to Uzhhorod's international airport, which has flights to and from Kyiv. The city also has a train station with connections to other Ukrainian cities and some international destinations. Once you're in Uzhhorod, you can walk to most places of interest. For longer trips, you can use the city's trolleybuses and marshrutkas (minibuses).