Ukraine's secret active volcano: Where to find this natural wonder
Where in Ukraine is the only active volcano (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine has its own small volcanic wonder, about which few people know. It is located near the village of Starunia in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. This is the only active volcano in the country and one of the few in Europe. What is known about this volcano, where it is located, and the legends surrounding it?
How and when this volcano appeared in Ukraine
The Starunia volcano was formed in 1977 following a strong earthquake in the Romanian Carpathians (Vrancea Mountains). In the place of old oil and ozokerite workings, gas, clay, and oil suddenly began to erupt.
This led to the formation of eight permanent and several temporary craters that periodically "breathe": bubble, hiss, and emit mud.
Although the diameter of the largest vent is only about 30 cm, during periods of activity, the eruptions reach 2-3 meters.
Why is this volcano unique?
- It is the only active volcano of this type in Ukraine.
- It is a geological monument of national significance, being the smallest mud volcano in Europe.
- Its "breathing" reacts even to distant earthquakes hundreds or thousands of kilometers away.
- The volcano emits therapeutic mud and mineralized water, which have long been used for health treatments.
- Residents call it a "subterranean barometer": if the volcano is restless, a change in the weather is expected.
- The volcano is active. It still reacts to earthquakes today.
Legends and beliefs
Local people believed that the volcano in Starunia is a "gateway to hell," through which the earth "exhales" its power. Others said that the mud from the crater has magical properties to take away illnesses. Therefore, it is not surprising that even now, some tourists collect "mud" from the volcano for home treatments.
The only active volcano in Ukraine is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region (photo: Wikipedia)
Is it possible to visit it?
Yes, the volcano is located near Ivano-Frankivsk (about 25 km) and is a geological monument of national significance. The road to it is suitable even for a short weekend trip.
In addition to the volcano itself, there is another curiosity in Starunia. Here, in 1907, the remains of a mammoth and a rhinoceros preserved in ozokerite were found. So the place can be called a real open-air natural museum.
What tourists should know?
- Entrance to the area is free, but it is worth being careful because the craters are small but active.
- Adventurers sometimes try "mud masks," but doctors recommend doing this cautiously.
- It is best to visit in the warm season, as the road can become impassable after rain.
By the way, the only volcano in Ukraine was previously considered to be Karadag Mountain (near Koktebel). From a geological perspective, it is considered extinct. However, many people still call this volcano "dormant" or "potentially active."
This volcano formed about 150 million years ago (in the Jurassic period). Its last eruption was approximately 1 million years ago.
Now, near the volcano, you can see unique volcanic rocks, basaltic waste, and incredible cliffs. Mount Karadag is the only ancient volcano preserved in Ukraine and throughout Eastern Europe.
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- Where in Ukraine is the magical place of power of all kharakternyks, the "Devil's Canyon"
- Ukraine has the largest underground lake, where you can even swim
Sources: Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration, Institute of Geological Sciences of the NAS of Ukraine, Wikipedia, Geodinamics magazine.
