Southern
Park Granite-steppe Lands of Buh
The regional landscape park Granite-steppe Lands of Buh, spread over the north-west of Mykolaiv Oblast, is one of South Ukraine’s most beautiful corners, which vividly illustrates its unbelievable natural wonders. Stretching out for 70 kilometers, it includes the most picturesque part of Southern Buh’s river valley and deep canyon-like hollows. They were cut in the old crystalline rocks millions of years ago by its tributaries, with the result that majestic, breathtaking landscapes emerged.
Granite-steppe Lands of Buh are remains of old mountains’ spur that used to stretch out for almost thousand kilometers. Over time, as a result of natural development, only hard crystalline base remained from the mountains. Passing these steep rapids, the Southern Buh’s smooth and steady flow turns into a swift mountain stream. River’s waters overcome numerous granite obstacles and flow between impressive rocky banks whose height is up to 50 meters. They form narrow deep canyons, reminiscent of wounds on the earth surface, small waterfalls and picturesque islands.
Granite-steppe Lands of Buh’s nature is inimitable: it charms with its beauty and variety. About 900 species of plants grow there, both typical for this area steppe, meadow, forest and rock species and rare relict ones. Having unique climatic conditions, the landscape park is a home to hundreds of animal and insect species, many of which are listed in the Red Book. In addition, many birds of the most amazing colors nestle on the picturesque river islands.
However, Granite-steppe Lands of Buh feature not only splendid sceneries: its surroundings (the Southern Buh’s valley between the villages Migiya and Aleksandrovka) house about a hundred valuable archeological monuments from different historical periods. Some of them are tens of thousands years old. The remains of ancient peoples’ tombs (Cimmerians Trypillians, Sarmatians, ancient Slavs and Romans) are of particular interest.
Granite-steppe Lands of Buh are a true paradise for fans of active recreation. Buh’s steep rapids are perfect for white-water rafting and the Protich Hole, situated in the park, offers one of the best natural water slalom routes in Europe. Southern Buh’s valley is very popular among kayak and catamaran riders, and local canyon cliffs have long become favorite training place for mountain climbers.
In addition, given significant reserves of healing radon sources and steppe air, saturated with medicinal herbs’ scent, the landscape park Granite-steppe Lands of Buh has a great potential as medicinal and health-improving tourist resort.
Getting here. Pervomaisk, Voznesensk and Yuzhnoukrainsk are the nearest towns to the landscape park. You can reach them by a route bus from Mykolaiv bus station or by car.
