Ukraine offers a large cultural as well as scenic variety. Its capital Kiev is particularly popular among tourists. Most famous attractions include Saint Sophia's Cathedral with its golden dome and 11th century frescoes, and Kiev Pechersk Lavra by river Dneprk with its catacombs of mummified monks. Lviv old town, a melting pot of cultures, due to the city's turbulent history, is also worth a visit. Odessa by the Black Sea is a port city with mediterranean atmosphere.
The abandoned town of Prypjat, in close vicinity to disaster-hit nuclear power station Chernobyl, is an extraordinary destination. More and more tourists venture into the 4,300 square metre exclusion zone on a guided tour.
Ukraine's landscape is characterised by the Carpathians. They even include a UNESCO World Heritage site: the last true primary forests in Europe. Furthermore the Ukraine has 18 National Parks that are home to wild monkeys, wolves, and bears.