Travel through Ukraine. Butsky Canyon.
Ukraine is an amazing country
The natural beauty of Ukraine impresses even the most demanding travelers. Ukrainian landscapes seem to have collected the most diverse natural charms: from the magnificent Carpathian mountains to the gentle steppes and expanses of the Black Sea coast. Among these natural wonders there are places that can compete with the most famous locations in Europe. One of them is the Butsky Canyon in Cherkasy region, a unique area that is often called the “Ukrainian fjords”. Mighty rocks running along the Girsky Tikich River, picturesque waterfalls, untouched nature – all this forms a real miracle that attracts tourists, photographers and researchers.
In September 2019, an episode of the jury test for the series about the life of the Cossacks was filmed in the canyon. Butsky Canyon was also nominated for the “Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine” competition, which only emphasizes its exclusivity.
Where is Butsky Canyon
Butsky canyon is located near the village of Buky, in Cherkasy region. The natural monument, which is about five kilometers long, is part of the valley of the Hirskyi Tikich river. Rocky banks up to 30 meters high give the canyon a look similar to the fjords of Norway – the same steep granite walls, picturesque bends of the river, but with characteristic Ukrainian landscapes and vegetation.
These granite rocks, which cover the canyon, are about 2 billion years old. Scientists assume that the canyon, formed by erosion and natural processes, is millions of years old. The granite walls preserve the traces of ancient tectonic processes that formed the relief and geological structure of this region, so the Butsky Canyon can be called a natural book in which the historical pages of our planet are preserved.
Vyr waterfall
One of the symbols of the canyon is the Vyr waterfall. This is a place where water rushes violently between granite rocks, creating picturesque water cascades. The roar of water falling from several meters makes this place even more exciting and adds a certain wildness to the overall atmosphere of the canyon. In the warm season, the waterfall becomes a place where tourists gather to admire its beauty or simply to refresh themselves by washing their faces with the crystal water of Hirsky Tikich.
Rest in the canyon
Butsky Canyon offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here you can set up a tent, spend time in silence and reflection, have a picnic or enjoy an active vacation.
Butsky Canyon is a recreational area, it is suitable for climbing and rafting in kayaks, canoes or ordinary inflatable boats.
Local residents often come here as families, and for many tourists there are organized tours with guides who enthusiastically talk about the history and unique features of this place.
One of the interesting objects that remained on the territory of the canyon is a water mill of the 19th century. Today it is not functioning, but it reminds of the times when the river was an important component of the industrial life of the village of Buky. Unfortunately, the attempt to create a restaurant or hotel here was not realized due to administrative disagreements, but the mill remains a historical symbol and adds a certain charm to the canyon.
Next to the mill there is also a small hydroelectric power plant that operated until 1985. During the Second World War, this hydroelectric power station had a special history: the German troops, having captured the region, saw the rest of the equipment was German and preserved the power plant for their future use. However, after the end of the war, the HPS again became part of the local infrastructure and worked until the beginning of the 90s.
Boat trip on the Girsky Tikich River
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Butsky Canyon is to raft down the river.
During floods, when the current is fast, it is more suitable for kayaking, but the rest of the time it is an ideal place for calm water relaxation.
The quiet waters of Girsky Tikich take you through narrow rocky passages, revealing views that can only be seen from the water. It is an opportunity to see how the mighty rocks rise up, captivating your gaze and at the same time giving you a sense of security and harmony.In the warm season, you can meet numerous boats here, in particular, boats of the Ukrainian brand KOLIBRI on which travelers explore every nook and cranny of the canyon. Light, maneuverable, they are ideal for such trips, allowing you to touch the wild nature without disturbing it.
This trip will give you unforgettable impressions: fresh air, a pleasant breeze that you feel while sliding between the rocks, the sound of water pouring from the waterfall, and, of course, majestic views that will remain in your memory for a long time. Butsky Canyon is a place where you feel unity with nature, harmony and beauty, which is not inferior to famous locations in Europe. Let’s travel through Ukraine, let’s discover it together – because real treasures await us here!
