Urych Rocks: Wild Carpathian wonder few people know
Where the Urych Rocks are located and why they are worth seeing (photo: facebook.com/derjgeokadastr)
Hidden among the dense forests and mountain ridges of the Lviv region is a place where nature created its own stone masterpiece, the Urych Rocks. This little-known yet stunning part of the Carpathians is worth visiting to experience the pristine silence, the wind sweeping through the rocks, and the centuries-old legends that have endured here.
Where the Urych Rocks are located
The Urych Rocks are located near the village of Urych in the Skole district of the Lviv region, not far from the medieval cliffside fortress of Tustan.
Although tourists usually stop at Tustan, the surrounding rocks of the Urych massif preserve the original, almost wild Carpathians, where nature reigns without human interference.
Rocks in winter (photo: Wikipedia)
How the Rocks were formed
The Urych Rocks are sandstone formations over 20 million years old. A long-vanished sea once lapped here, and when it receded, it left behind stone outcrops of bizarre shapes.
Natural erosion, wind, and rain carved massive boulders, arches, and grottoes that resemble the walls of ancient fortresses.
Legends and mystique
Locals believe the Urych Rocks are a place of power. According to legend, this was once a pagan sanctuary where sacrifices were offered to the gods of the sun and the wind.
Other legends say that the treasures of princes fleeing enemies are hidden in the rocks, and at night, the whispers of ancient spirits can be heard among the stones.
View from the mountain over the village of Urych (photo: Wikipedia)
What to see nearby
Nearby is the historical and cultural reserve Tustan, where the remains of wooden fortifications from the 9th to 13th centuries have been preserved.
The reserve hosts historical reconstruction festivals and has observation platforms and hiking trails. Around it are picturesque paths, waterfalls, camping spots, and ideal locations for photography.
Ruins of the Tustan fortress (photo: Wikipedia)
How to get there
The easiest way to reach the village of Urych is by car or bus from Skole or Stryi. From there, it's about a 2-kilometer walk along a forest trail. The best seasons to visit are spring or autumn, when the surrounding landscapes explode with color.
Interesting facts
- Some of the rocks rise over 30 meters high.
- The Urych Rocks, together with Tustan, are part of the Skole Beskids National Nature Park.
- Documentaries about the Carpathian nature and ancient settlements of Galicia have been filmed here.
Earlier, we wrote about the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
Sources: Official website of Skole Beskids National Nature Park, State Historical and Cultural Reserve Tustan, Wikipedia
