Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast – Outlined by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains

The Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast is a beautiful region situated in the west of Ukraine and covers a space of 13.9 thousand square kilometers. The region borders the Lviv, Chernivtsi, Trans-carpathian and Ternopil Oblasts. Yaremche, Rohatyn, Vorokhta, Kolomyia, Tysmenytsia and Kosiv are some of the cities located in Ivano-Frankivsk.

The dramatic outline of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains in the Ivano-Frankivsk oblast runs through four countries, other than Ukraine. These include the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. In fact 50 kilometers of Ivano-Frankivsk, situated on the southern side of the Oblast, acts as a border between Ukraine and Romania.

The part of the Carpathian Mountains situated in Ivano-Frankivsk is made up of four parts or ridges. There is the Chornohora ridge, which is home to the highest peak in the Ukraine called Mount Hoverla. Mount Hoverla stands at 2061 meters high. There are also the Hryniava, Chyvchyny and Horhany ridges.

Unlike many of the other regions in Ukraine, which are mostly steppe zones, the geography of Ivano-Frankivsk region varies quite a lot. There are three distinct parts, which come in the form of flat plains, foothills and mountains. The Ivano-Frankivsk city is situated in the center of the Oblast, on the flat plains, which are 255 meters above sea level. The Dnister River is also located in the plains of Ivano-Frankivsk and is one of the biggest rivers. As you head further southwest the land consists of hills that stand at a height of between 400 and 600 meters high.

The region is one of the main forested areas in Ukraine with over 40% of the land covered in leaf-bearing, fir and conifer forests. There are a number of animal and bird species that occupy these varying landscapes. At certain times of the year hunting of particular species of birds and animals, like the wild boars, is allowed as long as you have the required permit.

The Ivano-Frankivsk region has a moderate, continental climate with temperate summers and mild winters. However, if you are situated either near or in the Carpathians the temperatures are more on the extreme side due mainly to the elevation of the land and are less predictable. The Carpathian Mountains are covered in snow for up to five months of the year providing wonderful conditions for those interested in snow skiing or other snow sports. Ivano-Frankivsk oblast is a great vacation destination to be enjoyed throughout the year.

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