Seven stunning places in Ukraine that look straight out of a Netflix series

There are dozens of places in Ukraine that strikingly resemble the atmosphere of Netflix films and series - from post-apocalyptic fortresses to medieval castles and mystical canyons. Some of them could easily serve as backdrops for The Witcher, Dark, or Stranger Things. And there's no need to wait for the next season of your favorite show - you can experience a piece of that magic in real life.
RBC-Ukraine shares which of Ukraine's most cinematic locations are worth seeing in person.
Tarakaniv Fort, Rivne region
Straight out of a thriller or post-apocalyptic drama
Moss-covered walls, long underground corridors, and crumbling bastions - it all looks like the heroes of Stranger Things just left this place. The atmosphere is eerie and mysterious, perfect for fans of historical tours with a horror twist.
Tarakaniv Fort (photo: Wikipedia)
Palanok Castle, Mukachevo
Netflix fantasy set in the Carpathians
Perched on a volcanic hill, with stone walls, archways, and narrow courtyards, this castle feels made for a series like The Witcher. Its architecture, landscape, and views of the Carpathians make it one of the most spectacular fortresses in Ukraine.
Castle with the Carpathian Mountains in the background (photo: Wikipedia)
Blue Lakes, Chernihiv region
Romantic drama in the style of Virgin River
Surrounded by pine forests, these lakes with turquoise water look like the perfect setting for a love story about rediscovery and inner peace. Ideal for relaxation, camping, or quiet walks.
Velyke Lake, Blue Lakes (photo: Wikipedia)
Haivoron narrow-gauge railway, Kirovohrad region
A scene from a British period drama
One of the last narrow-gauge railways in Europe, with an old train station and pastoral scenery - it takes you straight back to the 19th century. You can easily imagine characters from The Crown or Anne with an E waiting for a train in the stillness of the steppe.
Rudnytsia Train Station (photo: Wikipedia)
Bakota, Khmelnytskyi region
Mystical vibes of Dark
A submerged village steeped in legend, with cliffs above the Dniester and remnants of ancient caves - this location breathes silence and mystery. Perfect for stories about lost civilizations, parallel worlds, and memories from the past.
Bakota (photo: Wikipedia)
Aktove Canyon, Mykolaiv region
Soundtrack-worthy for a Western like Yellowstone
Wild cliffs, the Mertvovod River, and the howl of the steppe wind create the feeling of stepping onto a film set for an adventure. An off-the-beaten-path but stunning natural location - ideal for those seeking an immersive experience without the tourist crowds.
Aktove Canyon, with the Mertvovod River in the foreground (photo: Wikipedia)
Vylkove, Odesa region
Arthouse on the water
A town built on water with canals instead of streets and a peaceful rhythm of life, where boats are the main mode of transportation. The perfect setting for an intimate drama, a film about inner transformation, or a story of solitude. Vylkove isn't for thrill-seekers - it's a haven for those who appreciate nature and reflection.
Bilhorod Canal, one of Vylkove's main streets (photo: Wikipedia)
Read also why Kuyalnik is called Ukraine's Dead Sea and seven reasons to visit this unique resort.
Earlier, we wrote about Ukraine's secret waterfalls that are an untouched beauty.
Sources: Wikipedia, Ukraїner, Zruchno.travel.