Kyiv is alive with culture: museums, theaters and clubs abound.But occasionally, it is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
When you don’t have time for a road trip to the Carpathians, or all your friends with dachas are unavailable, Trukhaniv Island offers the perfect spot for an easy one-day escape.
Though the island is accessible by foot or car, bicycle is the ideal way to get around. If you don’t have your own, you can rent one at the Your Bike shop hidden in a courtyard a few blocks from the Poshtova Ploscha metro stop in Podil.
Follow the road back toward the subway, go down the hill towards the trolley tracks and after a few minutes you will see the entrance to a steep road on your right. Follow this up the hill and over the Parkovy Bridge.
When you don’t have time for a road trip to the Carpathians, or all your friends with dachas are unavailable, Trukhaniv Island offers the perfect spot for an easy one-day escape.
Crossing the river is a good time to pause and take a few snapshots of Kyiv’s skyline, framed by tree-covered hills and the curves of the Dnipro River.
Once you reach Trukhaniv Island, it is tempting to stop for a quick swim and some cheap beer or kvas – a refreshing, non-alcoholic fermented beverage that tastes something like a combination of beer and cola – from the many snack kiosks.
But, if you are a true nature lover, I recommend continuing along Trukhanivska Street.
When you cross the bridge, you will see paths to the left and right, take the central route straight ahead and follow it through a fragrant pine forest with stunning, lush views of the city from across the river.
Untamed grass and wild flowers in Trukhaniv Island make one feel away from the city. (Alissa Ambrose)
Be cautious as cars are allowed on the narrow road and drivers do not pay much mind to pedestrians.
Coming out of the forest, keep left to pass underneath Moskovsky Bridge. There are a few small cafes here and if you haven’t packed a picnic, you may want to stop and grab a sandwich or a bottle of water before moving on.
A foot bridge to Trukhaniv Island connects Kyiv’s historical right and residential left banks. (Alissa Ambrose)
Continue strait after the cafes and you will see the entrance to Druzhby Narodiv park. On a nice day, there should be plenty of bathing suit-clad park goers milling about. Enter through the gates and follow the crumbling cement walkway until you reach a smaller, dirt path.
The water here is remarkably clean compared to other city beaches and even on a nice weekend day, the area is not too crowded.
Be careful here – in dry weather sand traps will easily topple even the most expert riders.
Follow the path to the right and, when you reach the wooden footbridge, cross over to find several small beaches. It is an ideal spot to take a rest, soak up some sun and refresh yourself with a swim.
The water here is remarkably clean compared to other city beaches and even on a nice weekend day, the area is not too crowded.
After a rest, you may feel like some exercise. Crossing back over the footbridge you will find well-worn dirt paths that lead all around the island and offer a chance to breathe clean air and take in beautiful views.
In early summer, fields are filled with wild chamomile, irises and waist-high grass. Except for the occasional building peeking over the tree line, you really feel that you have left the city behind.
Some beaches in Druzhby Narodiv Park are not crowded at all and look much cleaner than central beaches. (Alissa Ambrose)
On the way back you can recover from your ride at one of the many cafes just before the bridge. The island has a good selection and their open air seating area allows you to people watch while enjoying your meal.
The service leaves much to be desired, but the delicious khashlama – a spicy soup with veal – for Hr 40 and a fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice for Hr 25 make up for it.
Cross back over the Parkovyi bridge at twilight for another breathtaking view of the city and make sure to return your bicycle by 7:30 p.m.
To find the shop, just look for the gate with the big black and white poster of Quentin Tarantino (Tarantino Cafe) and pass through to find the bike shop. Be sure to bring your passport or a driver’s license as collateral. You may also leave an Hr 2,000 deposit.
Your Bike
35 Sahaidachnoho St.,
www.yourbike.com.ua,
+38044331 77 67.
Prices: Hr 80 on weekends, Hr 50 on weekdays or Hr150 for Monday-Friday rental
Kyiv Post staff writer Alissa Ambrose can be reached at [email protected]
