Where to go on a weekend by car — the best ideas for short trips

Short trips have their own romance. They are quick and often budget-friendly. Overall, a weekend getaway by car is a great opportunity to quickly escape the city hustle and enjoy nature, history, or culture.

Driving trips allow you to be independent of public transport schedules, choose your own route, and stop in Ukraine wherever you like. 

Where to go on a weekend by car?

Such trips are especially relevant for those who want to make the most of their short vacation or weekend. Ukraine is rich in picturesque places where you can relax, enjoy fresh air, and have an interesting time. With your own car, you can visit historical monuments, nature reserves, scenic mountains, or cozy villages, combining active leisure with relaxation.

A car vacation is the freedom of choice and mobility. It's convenient to prepare for short trips, plan stops to get to know new places, and discover unknown corners of Ukraine. From small beaches to majestic castles, from lush forests to mountain peaks — all of this is accessible within a few hours drive. Such trips allow you to better know the country, immerse yourself in its culture and feel the national color. It’s worth planning the route in advance, considering weather conditions, and selecting the places you most want to see. Weekend trips are particularly popular among families, friends, and couples who want a change of scenery and new experiences without long journeys.

Castles and fortresses of Ukraine

It all starts with the fact that Ukraine is rich in castles and fortresses that attract tourists with their history and architectural grandeur. For example, Kamianets-Podilskyi is famous for its medieval castle that rises above the canyon of the Smotrych River and looks incredibly impressive. Here you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, visit museums, and enjoy the local cuisine. The Khotyn Fortress is another unique historical site that is worth a visit. Its massive walls and towers have witnessed many historical events and battles. A vacation in such places allows you to combine a historical tour with great nature relaxation. These are ideal locations for photo shoots, romantic walks, and educational tours.

Carpathians: mountains, waterfalls, mountain villages

Of course, this list would not be complete without the Carpathians. After all, it is the true tourist heart of Ukraine. 

The Carpathians are a favorite destination for nature lovers, active recreation, and great climate. Mountains covered with green forests, clean air, the sound of waterfalls, and the hospitality of local residents create a unique atmosphere. Waterfalls like Shypit or Kamenystyi impress with their beauty and power. Mountain villages are a separate world with traditional huts, authentic crafts, and delicious cuisine. Here you can try banosh, brynza and relax in colorful estates. A weekend getaway in the Carpathians is a recharge of energy, calmness, and tranquility, as well as an opportunity to engage in tourism, hiking, and even winter sports.

Lakes and rivers (Svitiaz, Synevyr, blue lakes)

The diversity of natural beauty in Ukraine does not end with the Carpathians. There are also numerous water bodies that create unique locations. 

For those who want to combine water relaxation with natural beauty, the ideal places are lakes and rivers of Ukraine. Lake Svitiaz is the largest and deepest lake in Ukraine, located in Volyn, famous for its clean water and picturesque beaches. This is an excellent place for swimming, fishing, and water entertainment. Synevyr is a true gem of the Carpathians, surrounded by mountains and forests. This lake with crystal clear water and unique nature is often referred to as the 'sea in the mountains'. The Blue Lakes of Chernihivshchyna are a series of clean water bodies with a unique turquoise hue. Here you can not only relax on the beach but also fish, admire nature, and walk around the lakes. Resting in such locations will appeal to both relaxation lovers and active tourists.

Kamianets-Podilskyi and Khotyn

Kamianets-Podilskyi is a city with centuries of history, famous not only for its fortress but also for its ancient architecture, narrow streets, and picturesque landscapes. A walk through the old town, visiting museums and the riverside creates a unique atmosphere. Khotyn, which is nearby, also deserves attention for its historical complex and picturesque location on the Dniester. These cities are ideal for short weekend trips where you can combine a historical walk with outdoor activities.

Lviv and its surroundings

Lviv is the heart of western Ukraine, known for its culture, architecture, and charming cafes. The city attracts tourists with its old streets, cathedrals, theaters, and museums. A weekend getaway in Lviv is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of ancient Europe, enjoy local cuisine, and cultural events. Besides the city, it's worth visiting the surroundings of Lviv — for example, the 'High Castle' Park or villages with preserved folk color. This is a great option for those who want to combine urban leisure with nature.

Chernivtsi and Bukovyna

However, not only Lviv region gives incredible impressions from the trip. Chernivtsi is one of the most colorful cities in western Ukraine, often called 'little Vienna' due to its architecture and cultural charm. The city is located in the heart of Bukovyna, a region rich in history, traditions, and a multi-ethnic spirit. Chernivtsi is famous for its beautiful narrow streets, bright Art Nouveau buildings, and, of course, the main pearl — Chernivtsi National University, which is a monument of world architecture and is included in the UNESCO list. Visiting Chernivtsi, tourists get a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Bukovyna’s culture, try traditional cuisine, and visit numerous theaters, museums, and art galleries. The Bukovyna region is also known for its many monasteries, nature parks, and picturesque villages that surround Chernivtsi and are perfect for quiet walks and relaxation. Mountain ranges are particularly popular, offering hiking and biking routes.

Uman and Sofiyivka

Uman is a small but extremely popular city among Ukrainian tourists, primarily due to its unique park 'Sofiyivka'. Sofiyivka Dendrological Park is one of the most famous landscape parks in Ukraine and is considered a true gem of garden and park art. Founded in the 18th century, the park combines architecture, sculptures, cascades of fountains and waterfalls, and a vast variety of plants. Resting in Sofiyivka is not just a walk in nature, but a whole journey into the world of legends and romance, as many of the park's compositions have symbolic meanings. In Uman and its surroundings, you can not only enjoy nature but also get acquainted with local culture, visit museums and architectural monuments. The 'green zone' of the city, where you can relax with children or spend time with friends in nature, is particularly popular.

Bakota: submerged village and cliffs

Bakota is a unique historical and natural location in the Khmelnytskyi region, attracting travelers with its amazing nature and atmosphere of tranquility. Once it was a picturesque village, but due to the construction of the Dniester reservoir, it became submerged. Currently, the remnants of the old village and church rise above the water, creating unforgettable views that can be seen only in a few places in Ukraine. Bakota is not just a natural phenomenon, but also a site with a rich history, as rock monasteries and cave temples were located here, which have survived to this day. Tourists come here to relax in natural silence, fish, engage in kayaking, or simply enjoy the beauty of rocky landscapes and the Dniester Canyon. Visiting Bakota is an opportunity to feel harmony with nature and also learn about the history of Ukrainian monasticism.

National parks and reserves

In Ukraine, you can find unique locations. For instance, many national parks and reserves have been created in the country to protect unique ecosystems and offer visitors a chance to enjoy untouched nature. Among the most famous are the Carpathian National Nature Park, which covers vast mountains with rare plants and animals, and also offers numerous trekking and hiking routes. Białowieża Forest is a true oasis for wildlife lovers, where you can meet bison in their natural habitat. The Synevyr National Park in the Carpathians is famous for its equally named lake, one of the most beautiful in Ukraine. Reserves such as Askaniya-Nova amaze with their biodiversity and provide the opportunity to see exotic animals, including deer, antelopes, and various species of birds. Visiting such parks and reserves is not only pleasant relaxation but also an opportunity to better know nature, take unique photographs, and learn a lot about the surrounding world.

Dendrological parks and botanical gardens

For lovers of flora and botany, numerous dendrological parks and botanical gardens are open in Ukraine, which amaze with a variety of plants from all over the world. Uman Dendrological Park 'Sofiyivka' is a true paradise for admirers of garden and park art, where you can see unusual sculptures, artificial water bodies, and exotic trees. The Fomin Botanical Garden in Kyiv is located in the center of the capital and is famous for its collection of rare plants, green pavilions, and greenhouses. Lviv Botanical Garden offers interesting thematic exhibitions, among which collections of flowers and trees occupy a special place, making it ideal for quiet walks and photo shoots.