The Most Haunted Places in Ukraine

Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi fortress
Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi fortress | © Q-lieb-in / WikiCommons
Maria Sibirtseva

Being an ancient land, the Ukrainian past is full of legend and mystery. Some people claim to have seen otherworldly phenomena, others to have heard a mysterious night choir in a temple and some even say they’ve been attacked by stinky creatures at night. To avoid accidentally visiting these attractions after dusk, read our guide to the most haunted places in the country.

Lysa Hora, Kiev

Lysa Hora is a very mystical place known not only in Kiev but across Ukraine. Currently recognized as a park, in ancient times it was a place where pagans and magicians performed their rituals. Many Kyivans still prefer to bypass this terrain for a couple of reasons. First of all, in different historical periods, there was a fortification system, a garrison prison and a military plant. Secondly, it was the place of execution of state criminals: one of the mountain glades has the gallows. Thirdly, people say that Lysa Hora negatively affects the human psyche – a high number of suicides have taken place here.

Lysa Hora

Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi fortress, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi

Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi fortress

Pidhirtsi Castle, Pidhirtsi

This huge bastion fortification is located in the Pidhirtsi village in Lviv region. It is also known as one of the most splendid castles in Ukraine but with horrifying inhabitants. One of the legends speaks of a young girl, who walks the corridors of the castle and asks to be buried with Christian rites, as she was unfairly driven by her husband out of the castle. Also, researchers saw a white human silhouette on photographs of the building. Pidhirtsi Castle has even been visited by the film crew of Bitva extrasensov (Ukrainian TV show about psychics), the TV wizards unanimously said there were a lot of ghosts inside.

Pidhirtsi Castle

Ghost Lake, Khropotova

The Viknyna Lake in Central Ukraine is covered in mystery. Although locals visit it quite often to catch fish or just have a picnic, nobody dares to swim in it. Rumour has it that the lake is a gap to another world, referring to the fact that the name “Viknina” is a derivative from the Ukrainian word “window” (“vikno“). In addition, it’s said that it does not freeze, even in severe frost, and the fish grow in it at an unusually rapid rate.

Lake in Ukraine

Dominican Church, Lviv

The main attraction of Lviv Dominican Church is its unique historical monument, around which a lot of weird stories circulate. It seems this Baroque masterpiece not only impresses but also frightens. People claim that at exactly midnight services begin in the empty dark temple, the incredibly good acoustics serving to enhance the sounds of the otherworldly choir. These services are held regularly and last for at least three hours. Besides, in the church library densely packed books often fall from the shelves, and the ancient typewriter can be heard tapping all night. On balance, it’s better to visit the Dominican Church in daylight!

Dominican church

Hromovysche meadow, Kupysche

This small glade has been evoking lively interest among scientists and researchers of the supernatural for many years. Located near the village of Kupysche in Nothern Ukraine, it is surrounded by forest and constantly attracts lightning during thunderstorms. According to locals, a strange glow followed by a bright ray of light rises into the sky at this spot. Anyone who sets foot here immediately begins to feel a negative impact: depression, irritation or fatigue. Not surprisingly, local people try to avoid the meadow, especially when its raining. But unfortunately, about a dozen daredevils have become victims to lightning strikes.

Kupysche

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article