The story of Pylypets

The first written mention of Pylypets in historical sources dates back to 1463. Then he was called Verpylypets. In the 15th-18th centuries, the settlement was a hamlet of the village Izky, located further south along the Repynka River. According to documents of the 18th century, this village was called Izky-Pylypets. The territory on which the settlement was located in the 15th century belonged to the feudal lords Urmezey, and since 1467 – to the Dovgays. At the end of the 15th century, the Lipchai magnates became the next owners of Pylypets. After the Austrian crown suppressed the uprising of Kuruts led by Ferencs II Rakocza (1703-1711), Pylypets became the property of the Teleky magnates.

The earliest settlers of Pylypets were refugees from lowland villages who hid in the mountains from the persecution of Hungarian feudal lords. According to legend, the name comes from the founder of Pylypets, the shepherd Pylyp with an accent on the first syllable.

According to another legend, the nearby village Soymy is so called because the first settlers there were the robber brothers of Soymy. One of them had two sons – Ivan and Philip. Both fell in love with Ilyana from Lipcha. The brothers fought over the girl and Philip killed Ivan. After the fratricide, he fled upstream of the Repynka River, where he founded the current village of Pylypets.

Despite a complicated history full of tragedies and disasters, the people of Philippi are an extremely pious people. The first church in the Zakuttia tract was built at the beginning of the 16th century, but unfortunately it burned down and has not survived to this day. At the beginning of the 20th century, a wooden belfry was built on the site of this first church, in which there are three small bells, the largest of which has the inscription “Year of God 1679”. Most likely, it was moved from the Church of the Annunciation of the Lord, which was built in 1671 in the middle of the village on Yurchik hill and burned down in 1758. At the beginning of the 19th century, there were two wooden churches in the village: the main one at the lower end of the village – for 340 believers and the small one at the upper end – for 120 believers. The upper church was already in a bad state, and things from it were moved to the lower church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin in 1780, which still adorns the village.

Map of attractions in Pylypets

Sights of Pylypts

It is the exquisite arcade of lower chancels and porches with profiled columns that is a new phenomenon compared to other baroque churches of the neighboring Volovechchyna. The iconostasis of the 18th century has been preserved in the interior of the church. Next to the church is a monumental two-story bell tower, which was built back in 1758. The lower log tier of the belfry is covered with clapboards, and the upper tier is sheathed with boards and finished with an octagonal tent. The old bells were taken away during the First World War, and three new ones were cast in Ferenc Egri’s foundry in 1924.

Tens of thousands of travelers come to see this natural masterpiece. The waterfall is beautiful at any time of the year. In the summer, during the hottest periods, the waterfall is a small stream that snakes in a cascade over several rocky ledges. In winter, it partially freezes, creating original ice figures. But it attracts tourists the most in spring, when the snow melts, and in autumn, during the period of heavy rains. It is at this time that the majestic giant thunders to all the surroundings, telling an ancient legend about love.

In ancient times, two families lived in the village of Pylypets. A beautiful daughter grew up in a rich family, who was the pride of her wealthy parents. The girl of noble origin and wonderful beauty attracted many gentlemen. But you can’t tell your heart: she fell in love with Ivanka, a young neighbor boy from a poor family. In order for no one to find out about their love, they began to meet secretly near Mount Velikiy Verkh. In a deserted place, only the Carpathians witnessed their meetings.

But everything secret sooner or later becomes obvious. Their love began to be talked about throughout the village, the gossip even reached the girl’s mother. Once, tracking where her daughter goes in the evening, she witnessed their date. With anger in her heart, she began to scold the young couple in every possible way. Suddenly, the sky thundered terribly, thunder rolled, lightning flashed and it started to rain. Rapid, huge streams of water instantly covered Ivanka and Marichka and carried them into the abyss. At first they were holding hands, but suddenly the waterfall forcibly separated them and threw them in opposite directions.

The girl’s mother, who witnessed the terrible tragedy, came to the waterfall every day since then and cried. Until on the night of Ivan Kupala, she heard her daughter’s voice whispering words of love to Ivanka. The stunned mother cried out in despair: “Do you hear people whispering? They are whispering to each other.” Since then, the waterfall has been called “Shypit”.

The waterfall has been popular since 1993. At that time, a festival of youth subcultures began to be held here. Every year in the summer, thousands of representatives of youth informal movements from all over the world come to it.

Entrance to the waterfall is paid: for adults – 15 UAH, for children (up to 16 years) – 10 UAH. The price of parking for cars is UAH 20, and for owners of minibuses – UAH 30. In addition, there are gazebos on the territory, the rental price of which is UAH 50 per hour. Those who want to have a picnic can buy firewood at the price of UAH 30-40 per bundle.

Pylypets as a ski resort

Thanks to its unique climate, Pylypets has become a famous ski resort. The snow cover in Pylypets is ideal for downhill skiing. However, it is very cold here in winter (up to -30 o C). Ski tracks in Pylypets are arranged on the slopes of the Hymba and Ryapushka mountains. There are three large ski lifts in the village: “Zatyshok”, “Borzhavski Poloniny” and “Magura”. The most popular among them is “Borzhavski poloniny” with a length of 1500 meters and a huge height difference – 402 meters.

What else is there to have fun in the village of Pylypets?

From Pylypets, you can go on an exciting hike in the mountains, experience a variety of extreme adventures, or visit the most interesting excursions in Transcarpathia. And to quench your hunger and thirst, you should definitely try local dishes and drinks in bars, cafes, kolibas or restaurants. In the summer, Pylypets becomes the center of paragliding, and there is also a bike park for fans of mountain biking.

From special skills, you will first of all need the ability to use a map and compass, everything else will come with experience. The mountains do not forgive frivolity – you cannot exaggerate your own strength and underestimate the difficulties that may come your way.

The development of tourist infrastructure in Transcarpathia is at an initial stage and is proceeding slowly and spontaneously. There are still very few marked and equipped routes. But the untouched, pristine beauty of the mountains attracts true nature lovers to our region. Untrodden routes and hard-to-reach trails will give you the feeling of a real adventure.

The Ukrainian Carpathians are medium-altitude mountains. Most of the peaks are below 2,000 meters above sea level, and only 6 of them exceed this mark on the Black Mountain Range. Their height does not reach the conventional snow line and, accordingly, they do not have glaciers. Usually hiking in the Carpathians is carried out from the end of April to the middle of October. But you need to remember that in April-May there is still snow on the tops of the ridges, and in October – the frosts are already beginning.

Due to its good geographical location, it is convenient to go hiking from Pylypets to Borzhava valley and its peaks: Velikiy Verkh (1598 meters), Hymbu (1491 meters), Zeleny Gorbok (855 m), Soleshche (1092 m) and the Smerek ridge (1421 m) ). Most of the routes are marked, so it is difficult to get lost while observing all safety measures.

Excursions to interesting locations in Transcarpathia

The vicinity of Pylypets village and the whole Mizhhirya district are extremely rich in mineral waters of carbon dioxide-chlorocalcium type: 53 explored sources. The most famous of them are Soymovske, Vuchkovske, Kolochavske, Verkhnobystrianske, Kelechynske. The water of the latter is used to treat radiation sickness.

Mizhhirshchyn is rich in berries and mushrooms: 120 tons of Carpathian porcini mushrooms and 40 tons of berries are harvested here every year. Mizhhirsky District (since July 2020, the northern part of the consolidated Khust District of Zakarpattia Oblast) is one of the most ecologically clean parts of Ukraine.

Connoisseurs of wild nature and wooden architecture will definitely like this region. Mountains and churches are the main tourist attractions of Mizhhirshchyna. In 34 out of 43 settlements there are wooden temples, both old and recently built. But “young” churches are also of interest, since even in the 20th century, churches were built here according to ancient traditions. There are also 27 wooden bell towers. There are more wooden temples here than in Rakhiv and Tyachiv districts combined. There are many ancient temples in the valley of the Rypynka River, from Podobovets to the Diet.

The village is rightfully considered a rare area of beauty, which Transcarpathia is so rich in. It is not surprising that you can find a huge number of attractions here.

These include:

• Shypit waterfall;
• Synevir Pass;
• Borzhava polonya;
• Museum of wooden churches;
• mineral springs;
• Lake Synevir;
• ancient wooden temples in the valley of the Repinka River, etc.

The most interesting places

Where to eat deliciously

Vacation in the Carpathians (Pylypets, Transcarpathia) is unthinkable without tasting recipes of local cuisine. Therefore, it is important to know where you can have a snack.

Reviews of tourists claim that the cheapest way to eat is to take complex lunches. Many hotels and cottages offer self-catering. On average, the cost of one meal is about 50 hryvnias, you can have a full lunch for 100 hryvnias.

The “Magura” restaurant serves dishes with meat and vegetables cooked on a campfire. Their excellent taste is not the only distinction of the establishment. A gift for vacationers will be a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains during dinner or lunch.

Every tourist should visit Plai restaurant. It is located in the center of Pylypets near the ski slopes. Here guests will be offered traditional dishes of Carpathian cuisine, among which it is worth noting bograch, dumplings and chanakhs with home-made fillings.

The restaurant of Ukrainian cuisine “Kolyba” will surprise visitors with excellent local recipes. Here they taste:

• sandwich made of mud;
• mushroom soup-puree;
• grill menu;
• fried potatoes with sheep cheese;
• meat dishes;
• trout, etc.

The interior in the style of Hutsul shepherds combined with a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains will whet your appetite and leave an unforgettable impression.

Fans of the Hutsul style are also attracted by the famous Aratta restaurant in Pylypets, which is located at the hotel of the same name. The restaurant has 60 seats, a fascinating design filled with unique handcrafts made of precious stones and wood. Here you can taste dishes of Ukrainian, Georgian and European cuisine. The establishment impresses with a large selection of wines and beers. In addition, there are excellent set lunches for tourist groups.

In Pylypets, next to the Shipit waterfall, there is a cozy cafe “Folk” with 47 seats. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes of Ukrainian and Transcarpathian cuisine. The menu has a wide selection of both culinary masterpieces cooked on fire and fast food dishes.

Fast food lovers should visit the “Pit Stop” cafe, where they prepare excellent pizzas and hamburgers, as well as traditional bograch and barbecue dishes.

Those who came to Pylypets will enjoy their winter vacation by visiting the Suriya tip shop. It is located on the top of Mount Gimba near the upper lift station. It serves exquisite beverages, including herbal teas made from local plants, paired with delicious desserts. While adults rest, children can play in the corner designated for them. Beautiful products and souvenirs are sold nearby.

How to get to Pylypets

Pylypets is located on the territory of the former Mizhhirskyi, now Khust district, and the most convenient way to get to it is via Volovets, which is nearby at a distance of only 14 kilometers, with the railway station of the same name. Here it is easy to transfer to public transport or take a taxi.

By car, you need to drive along the highway from Kyiv through Lviv to Chop and get to Mizhhirya.