You can also go hiking on the Vysoky Kamen and Pikuy mountains. The routes are quite difficult, so it is better not to take small children with you. On the way, you can admire not only beautiful landscapes, but also rare oaks and pines, which are more than 130 years old. If you wish, you can go on excursions to the nearest architectural monuments. In Zhdeniyevo itself, the stone church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, built by Italian craftsmen in 1918, has been preserved.

Map of attractions in Zhdeniyevo

A brief history of Zhdeniyevo

The village of Zhdeniyevo was first mentioned in historical sources back in 1598. According to legend, it was founded by peasants who fled from Galicia. Initially, they settled in the part of the village that is now called Kotelnytsia. Over time, they settled in a larger area along the Zhdenivka river valley. Throughout its history, the village changed its name several times, depending on whether it was part of a particular state. The Hungarians called Zhdeniyevo Szarvasháza, which means “the house of the deer”. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Czechs, who ruled Transcarpathia, was called Žďeňovo/Ždeňová. The modern name of the village of Zhdeniyevo was officially approved in 1971. The name Zhdeniyevo is sometimes used in everyday life. However, officially, until 1971, the settlement was called Zhdeneve by the Soviet authorities.

In the XVII century, Zhdeniyevo was a part of the Chinadievo dominion and was owned by the Bruchinich family. After the Kuruca uprising in 1703-1711, the village was transferred to the ownership of the counts of Schönborn in 1728 and belonged to the Lower Vereka economy of their possessions. During their reign, a forestry administration was opened in Zhdeniyiv, and several stone buildings were constructed, including a two-storey house that resembled a castle. Two stone houses from the 18th century have survived to this day.

The Schönborns actively developed forestry in Zhdeniyevo. In 1840-1843, a small sawmill was built here on their initiative. A little later, in 1889, a large steam sawmill was opened in Zhdeniyevo. This enterprise, equipped with the most modern machinery, employed up to one and a half hundred workers. Up to 25 thousand cubic metres of timber were processed here per year. The company employed 147 workers. Among them were both local residents and German colonists.

The development of forestry in Zhdeniyevo continued actively during the Czechoslovakian (1920s-1930s) and Soviet periods of its history.

After Ukraine gained its independence in 1991, the village’s tourism potential began to develop. Nowadays, Zhdeniyevo has become a popular resort visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Zhdeniyevo and its legends

Several interesting legends are associated with the village of Zhdeniyevo and its surroundings.

According to one, a girl named Eva lived in this area in ancient times. She had a boyfriend in love with her. They decided to get engaged. However, on the day of their engagement, the young groom was mobilised into the army. As a farewell, the young man carved an inscription on a tree for his beloved “Zhdy nia Evo”, which means “Wait for me Eva” in the local dialect.

According to another legend, once upon a time, on the site of modern Zhdeniyevo, four fugitives, Gitzhno, Zhdenka, Kachalo and Minho, hid in a dense forest from their enemies. After spending the night in a clearing among the trees, one of them, named Ždenka, was so impressed by the beauty of the local nature that he decided to stay here. It was he who founded modern Zhdeniyevo, which was named in his honour.

The third legend is related to a mountain called Husli. Once upon a time, an unfortunate young man named Pavlo lived near this mountain. He had a girlfriend who refused to marry him. She only mocked the unfortunate young man. One day she promised him her consent if he would play the harp at midnight on the top of the highest mountain in the area. However, the boy failed to fulfil the girl’s wish, fell down a steep slope and died. In the morning, the villagers found his body near the mountain. Since then, the girl has been cursed, and her spirit has settled in a gorge near Mount Pikuy, which the locals call “Gusli”. Guides always try to visit this gorge with tourists and tell them about this mystical legend. This story makes a particularly strong impression on tourists when told at night near a campfire.

Attractions in Zhdeniyevo

Zhdeniyevo cannot boast a large number of historical and architectural monuments. Only two stone houses dating back to the 18th century have survived from ancient times.

The first wooden church in Zhdeniyevo has not survived to this day. In 1692, written sources mention an old wooden church with branches in Zbyny and Shcherbovka. In 1733, a wooden church of St Nicholas with one bell was mentioned. The next mention of a wooden church in Zhdeniyiv dates back to 1881.

Winter holidays in Zhdeniyevo

The largest number of tourists visit Zhdeniyevo in winter. At this time, the village primarily attracts skiing enthusiasts. Local slopes are located on the territory of the eXtremte hotel. Here you can ski, snowboard and sled. The slopes are equipped with a drag lift and a multi-lift. They are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. For more information about the ski slopes in Zhdeniyevo, please click on the following link.

In addition to ski slopes in Zhdeniyevo, in winter you can go ice skating, bathe in vats of hydrogen sulphide water, steam in a sauna or bath, work out in the gym, use the services of professional masseurs, ride snowmobiles or just take a walk, admiring the magical winter Carpathians and breathing the crystal clear mountain air.

In general, winter holidays in Zhdeniyevo are not inferior to the best European resorts in terms of comfort and quality of service, and the prices here are affordable and affordable.

Summer holidays in Zhdeniyevo

In summer, Zhdeniyevo has many different opportunities for recreation. First of all, it is a time for hiking in the mountains. Zhdeniyevo is the starting point for many interesting routes.

It is 6 kilometres to the top, which will take about 2 hours. The road goes through a picturesque beech and oak forest, where you can hear melodious birdsong, and at the foot of the trees you can see forest lilies framed by soft green moss and grass. Do not go to the top of the mountain immediately after the rains, as the ground is very slippery and the ascent can be very difficult. There will be plenty of difficult places during the ascent, so you should not go here with children. If you have children with you on the route, you should warn them about the difficulties of the road and make sure that they are able to overcome difficult places during the ascent.

When you reach the top, you will be offered a stunning view.

The most interesting places near Zhdeniyevo

Where to stay in Zhdeniyevo?

In Zhdeniyevo and its surroundings, there is a sufficient number of different options for accommodation.

Hotels

First of all, you should pay attention to hotels are located directly in Zhdeniyevo. The level of comfort offered here is on a par with, and in some ways even exceeds, the most famous European resorts. At the same time, the prices for accommodation here are quite moderate by the standards of Transcarpathia.

The most famous hotel complex in Zhdeniyevo is Vitapark Karpaty, better known as Reikartz Karpaty. In addition to three buildings with 56 rooms, the hotel offers an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, aqua aerobics, trampolines, billiards, fitness and herbal barrel, sauna with jacuzzi, etc. This hotel is a great option for a comfortable family holiday with children. Kids here will be delighted with the children’s room with a maze, a modern games room, bicycle rides, a playground with slides, creative workshops, active games, educational classes, fun movements, outdoor entertainment, mini-disco and many other interesting offers. In addition, children are entertained by professional animators throughout the year, whose services are included in the room rate. Prices for accommodation in this wonderful hotel start from 1971 UAH per night.

Private offers

For those who like a cosy holiday in a wooden house, the Lisova Skazka Hotel is a good choice. It is located in a wonderful picturesque place near the forest on the outskirts of Zhdeniyevo. The two-storey wooden houses of the hotel are decorated in Hutsul style and equipped with all possible amenities. There is a sauna, a bathhouse, a swimming pool, a vat and other spa services. The cost of accommodation here starts from 1000 UAH in summer and 1100 UAH per day in winter. During the New Year’s season, the price rises to 1700 UAH.

Another great option for accommodation in wooden cottages is the hotel “Zhdy Nya Evo”. In addition to a high level of service and a wonderful atmosphere, this hotel will delight you with affordable prices. The cost of a room here starts from 1200 UAH per night.

A great option for fishing enthusiasts in Zhdeniyevo is the Smerekovyi Dvir Hotel. The hotel itself is located in the middle of the picturesque bank of the Zhdenivka River. There is a pond with trout on the territory of the hotel complex. In addition to comfortable rooms, the hotel has a wood-fired sauna, billiard room, outdoor pool and mini-pool, restaurant and cafe. In addition, ski equipment and bicycles can be rented here. Prices for accommodation at this hotel start from 900 UAH per night.

For lovers of ski holidays, the best option in Zhdeniyevo is the mini-hotel “Extreme”. The rooms in the three-storey building of the hotel are surprisingly comfortable and convenient for living. There is a drag lift right on the hotel’s premises. The price of accommodation here starts from 805 UAH.

In addition to hotels in and around Zhdeniyevo, you can find a large number of accommodation options in private sector. Such offers are very favourable, as they allow you to save both on the cost of accommodation and on food, as most of them provide tourists with a kitchen where they can cook their own meals. Prices for accommodation in the private sector of Zhdeniyevo start from 400 UAH per day.

Where to eat in Zhdeniyevo?

Zhdeniyevo has a sufficient choice of catering establishments to suit different tastes and budgets. Most of them operate at hotels and recreation centres in the village.

The most famous restaurants in Zhdeniyevo are VitaPark Karpaty, Zhdy Nya Evo, Kolyba i Forel, Lisova Skazka, Smerekovyi Dvir, and Korchma. All restaurants, cafes, kolybas and grill bars in Zhdeniyevo boast friendly service, pleasant atmosphere and delicious dishes of Transcarpathian, Ukrainian and European cuisine.