Overview
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Полонина КРАСНА
Kraszna - havas (HU) Polonina Krásna (ČS) Połonina Krasna (PL) |
Polonyna Krasna, literally Beautiful (in Polish also
Springtime on Krasna
The southern part of the massif is made of the Marmarosh sediments. Karst formations, e.g. caves Druzhba (Friendship) or Molochnyi Kamin (Milk Stone) and Stone Bridge are also associated with this remote area. A peculiar feature of the relief is the presence of rocky strands with cliff formations.
There are 5 important summits in the Krasna Massif:
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Movie created by LukZem during his four visits to the Krasna massif |
Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh virgin beech forest
The largest virgin beech forest in Europe with a total area of more than 10 000 ha grows on the slopes of the Krasna massif. This hidden treasure can be deservedly called a pearl of the Carpathians. Protected since 1920, this core of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve is the most valuable asset of Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians - an international UNESCO's World Natural Heritage site. While the virgin forest of Uholka covers the southern and eastern slopes of Menchul, the virgin forest of Shyrokyi Luh, adjacent to Uholka, stretches over the southern and western parts of Krasna. Purely beech woodland, growing in optimal conditions, prevails. It is no accident that the tallest beech specimens in the world, which reach an incredible height of 55 meters, can be found in Uholka. No noise, no pollution here - many tranquil spots instead, including plenty of "first-class wilderness".
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A very special feature of Uholka is the presence of numerous limestone cliffs and karst caves. "Druzhba" (Friendship) Cave is the largest in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The milky colouring is what gave its name to "Molochnyi kamin" (Milk Rock) Cave. However, Uholka's main landmark is the Karst Bridge - a natural rock arch created through karst-forming processes.
 Karst arch |
 Fern species |
 Molochnyi kamin |
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Movie created by LukZem during his four visits to the Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh massif |
Getting there
Uholka virgin beech forest is accessible from Mala Uholka and Velyka Uholka villages respectivelly, which can be reached by bus from Tyachiv (approx.departures: 12:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. - only on workdays). Private buses and taxis depart from Koshuta Street 90, opposite the orthodox church. Tyachiv is accessible by train or by bus from Uzhorod.Shyrokyi Luh virgin forest is accessible from Shyrokyi Luh village by bus from Tyachiv.
The table shows access to Polonyna Krasna.
| Closest Airports | Border-crossing point | Roads | Point of access |
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 /Uzhorod |
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 /Smolnica |
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/Chop |
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/Solotvino |
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Hiking trails
The Mala Uholka hiking circular trail leads through primeval beech forests passing by Druzhba cave and rocky limestone belt called "Hrebin" with Chur lookout on the way up to the Karst Bridge. The trail is about 5 km long with 500 m elevation gain. The best time to visit is from April to October. The trail begins at the office of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in Mala Uholka village (Kicherely by the locals).  Martagon lily |
 Deer in the virgin forest |
 Vast virgin beech woodland |
The Velyka Uholka hiking trail is about 4.5 km long with a 400 m elevation gain. The trail begins at the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve's checkpoint in Uholka, which is situated 5 km north of the Velyka Uholka village. On the highest point of this circular route there is the karst cave "Molochnyi Kamin" (literally Milk Stone). Several hundred meters downhill you will catch a first glimpse of a lonely rockface Velyka Kopytsya (literally Big Haystack) which is 70 m high. The only way to get to the summit is a narrow path on the western slope. It is worth to climb as there is a marvellous view over the whole area covered by the canopy of virgin beech forest.
 Paradise of wild nature |
 Telekia speciosa |
 Fairy path |
Shyrokyi Luh virgin forest is accessible via unmarked path leading along the right bank of Luzhanka river.
Polonyna Krasna is accessible via red striped hiking trail connecting Ust Chorna with Kolochava.
Red Tape Autumn glory
To visit Uholka's virgin forests you need a ticket (25 UAH), which can be bought at the local CBR office in Kitcherely (Mala Uholka) situated in the upper end of this village. Another option is via CBR office in Velyka Uholka situated in the upper end of this village about 5 km from the bus stop. To visit Shyrokyi Luh virgin forest you have to reach CBR office in Posych situated about 10 km north of Shyrokyi Luh village.
Polonyna Krasna is not included in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve so it means, there are no limits dealing with camping, fireplace etc...
Maps & nature guide - names in Ukrainian, Polish and Czech, 
Accommodation The best accommodation It is possible to stay overnight at the local Carpathian Biosphere Reserve office in Kitcherely (Mala Uholka). Please contact the CBR headquarters in Rakhiv, before your arrival: Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street 77, P.O.Box-8 UA-90600 Rakhiv, Ukraine Tel.:+38 0313 22 21 93 cbr@rakhiv.net.ua http://cbr.nature.org.ua Weather & Rescue ServiceShyrokyi Luh weather forecastMountain rescue service
Duty officer of Ministry of Emergency - (+38 0321) 660 701, 660 114 or (+38 0442) 473 103 Emergency numbers of rescue services - 101 (only from UA operators)
External links
Animated Snapshots
Images |
