Yuzhnoukrainsk

Yuzhnoukrainsk is a young city, which was built as a satellite of South Ukrainian nuclear power plant. This power plant generates 10% of electricity in Ukraine. We came here to see the beautiful scenery. Both banks of the Pivdennyi Bug river near Yuzhnoukrainsk are part of the National Park "Buzky Gard". First of all we were interested in the opposite river bank, which can be reached by a curious mechanical (non-electric) ferry.

After rising to the tall banks of the Pivdennyi Bug and walking along them, you can watch the beautiful scenery. The best view is near the Tashlykskaya pumped storage plant. This is a pretty interesting costruction that was put into operation in 2006. It works like a hydro-electric power station, but not consistently. Water is stored in a tank on the top and goes down during peak hours.






Only here you can find this flower, Silene hypanica. It doesn't grow anywhere else.




We also found several monuments.








In the city, on the river banks you can find the remains of a mill of Cossacks. Nearby there are rocks that host major championships in rock climbing.


A beautiful panorama opens from the top of the stairs that lead to the city beach.




Even more beautiful views you will find if you walk in the direction of the crossing to houses that are similar to European villas (see this map). There is a passage through the vineyard to the observation deck on the Pivdennyi Bug. At this point, you can see the most well-preserved part of ancient road of Asgard. Yes, you read it right, we're not kidding. Studies have been conducted and found out that a city of Asgard from Norse mythology used to be here. This area was described by Icelander Snorri Sturluson between 1220 and 1230 in Ynglinga Saga, the most important source for the early history of Scandinavia. From here to the north came Odin (Thor's father). In Yuzhnoukrainsk there are historians who dedicated quite a lot of time to this research, and we have heard such facts from one of them.

For fun, I found information about the Saga in the Internet, and indeed, the location of Asgard was indicated in this region.




More photos from Yuzhnoukrainsk












This map shows the places visited by us. Be careful on the trail along the opposite river bank. There is a small power plant there, access to the territory of which is closed. Therefore, you need to talk to the guards and ask for entrance. Otherwise you need to climb up to go around the power plant.

Getting there: Take the train to the Yuzhnoukrainskaya station. Next go to the city by public transport or take a taxi if you want to see the scenery. The city can also be reached by bus from Kyiv, Odessa, Vinnytsia, and Mykolaiv.