There is a very interesting route in the Ukrainian Carpathians: a trip on the "Karpatskyi Tramvai" ("Carpathian Tram"). Long time ago a lot of narrow gauge railways existed in this region. They were used to deliver the wood. Mizunska line that now carries tourists was built by an Austrian businessman, Baron Leopold Popper von Podgari.
During the World War I the line was overtaken by "Sylvinia", a British joint-stock company. For the first time the line was opened for tourists from Europe. The carriages had been pulled by horses and then they were replaced by a steam locomotive.
Today, two times a week a locomotive and two carriages carry woodcutters to work from Vygoda to Gorgany. The touristic route "Carpathian Tram" appeared in 2003.
Besides the two carriages, the train has an open platform. It's much more interesting to stay on this platform than inside. The "tram" makes several stops in interesting places. At the end of the route there will be a long stop for a couple of hours before heading back. During this time you can have a picnic or go gather mushrooms and berries as we did.
Start of the route ©Yuriy Buriak
Views from the tram window ©Yuriy Buriak
The Carpathian Tram crosses bridges without passengers. ©Yuriy Buriak
The passengers cross the bridges on foot. ©Yuriy Buriak
We are going on the Carpathian tram. ©Yuriy Buriak
Mizunka river ©Yuriy Buriak
Walk during the stop ©Yuriy Buriak
Mizunka river ©Yuriy Buriak
Carpathian Tram: road in the forest ©Yuriy Buriak
"Dzherelo Prykarpattia" ("Carpathian Spring") resort, where Soviet astronauts rested in the 1980s. ©Yuriy Buriak
Going back on the open platform ©Yuriy Buriak
Getting there: The route starts from the Vygoda village, 125 km from Lviv. Minibuses in the direction of Khust depart from main train station (travel time is about 3 hours). The distance from Ivano-Frankivsk to Vygoda is about 75 km. Minibuses in the direction of Dolyna leave at 9:25 am.
This route is offered by a range of travel agencies. If you're on vacation in Truskavets, it will be more convenient to book a tour directly from there. We went there with Unique Ukraine and recommend that you do the same. If you have a group, you can book a tour independently. The Carpathian Tram trips start every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am from Vygoda. You have to pre-order tickets by calling +390503732475 or +380673428389. You can also book a group trip for any day.
