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Category:Ukraine
Ukraine is the largest country entirely within Europe, and has a population of 48 million. 90% of the country is flat or rolling, and there are two mountain ranges popular among hikers -- the Carpathians in the west, rising to 2061 m. -- and the Crimean Mountains in the south, which peak at 1545 m.
The chief obstacles to backpacking in Ukraine are mastering the transportation system, which is quite efficient and not hard to learn once you get used to it, the absence of English speakers outside of large cities, and the low level of trail upkeep and exact correspondence to maps. In addition, rules about camping are often strict, but almost universally ignored. Thus, backpacking in Ukraine requires some know-how and Slav street smarts.
The Carpathians are heavily forested mountains with spruce and mixed hardwood forests, topped by pastureland and tundra above about 1500 m, and Crimea has a more mediterranean climate and vegetation.
External Links
- TryUkraine.com - lots of information for independent travelers, including backpackers and cyclists
