Perhaps that’s why it should come as no surprise to learn that the heart of the region -- the Carpathian National Nature Park (CNNP) -- became Ukraine’s first national park in 1980. Today, it remains as one of the largest protected natural In the southwestern corner of Ukraine, the Carpathians are a mountain paradise woven into Ukraine’s tapestry of diverse landscapes. Here you’ll find one of the last virgin forests remaining in Europe framed by sprawling peaks and fast flowing rivers. Adventurers such as yourself can trek along blooming rhododendron-lined trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls. You’ll discover what the indigenous Hutsuls have known for millennia: the Carpathians are a cathedral for the grandeur of nature. 3 areas in the country, covering almost 200 square miles. Within the park’s boundaries, you’ll find mountain ecosystems boasting Ukraine’s highest peaks. Endowed with a favorable climate, over 1,000 plant and mushroom species thrive. Wild floral splendor blankets meadows saddling ridgelines with the capacity to teach even the most curmudgeon among us how to frolic again. As one of Europe’s last true stretches of wilderness, the park is a safe haven for over 75 protected animal species ranging from the elegant Eurasian Lynx to the humble Carpathian newt.