Tucked away in the Eastern Carpathians of Transcarpathian Ukraine, the 'Enchanted Land' National Park lives up to its poetic name — ancient beech forests, dormant volcanic ridges and pristine wilderness create an atmosphere that feels truly magical. This is a place where brown bears roam freely and UNESCO-protected primeval trees stand centuries old.

The park covers the Velykyi Dil massif, part of the Vyhorlat-Hutyn volcanic ridge, stretching between the Latorytsia and Borzhava river valleys. Elevations range from gentle foothills to the 1081 m summit of Mount Buzhora. The southern slopes are gentler and sun-drenched, while the northern faces plunge steeply into dense shadow. In spring the forest floor bursts with wildflowers; summer brings cool shade under vast beech canopies; autumn transforms the whole massif into a tapestry of gold and rust. Mineral water springs dot the terrain, and traces of ancient volcanic activity — remnants of craters, andеsite and basalt outcrops — add a geological edge to every walk.

• Village of Ilnytsia (park headquarters, Khust district) — main gateway to Velykyi Dil trails; difficulty: moderate
• Western approach via the Latorytsia river valley — routes leading up to the main ridge; difficulty: moderate to demanding

• Sections 'Irshavka' (93.97 ha) and 'Velykyi Dil' (1164.16 ha) are UNESCO World Heritage sites — Ancient Beech Forests of the Carpathians
• Strict nature reserve zones exist within the park — stay on marked paths
• Wildlife includes brown bear, Eurasian lynx, wildcat and European bison deer — take standard precautions
• Park address: Ilnytsia village, Khust district, Zakarpattia Oblast

Within the park boundaries lies the geological reserve 'Enchanted Valley' and the rare peat bog 'Chorne Bahno' — both remnants of the region's volcanic past. The park has been quietly drawing nature lovers for years; once you walk beneath its ancient beeches, you will understand how it earned its name.