Verkhovyna National Nature Park implemented the cultural and eco-tourism project “Along the Daráby Routes,” aimed at promoting the history of traditional timber rafting in the Carpathians and fostering the development of modern ecological tourism.
The project was coordinated by Vladyslav Zelenchuk, with Vasyl Piteliak acting as a key participant and co-implementer. The initiative was carried out within the Small Grants Programme of the project “Shifting towards Ecotourism in Protected Areas through Heritage Interpretation,” implemented by the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine with the support of the International Visegrad Fund.
Project idea and objectives
The idea for the project emerged during an international study tour and informal exchange of experience with partners from Slovakia. Slovak colleagues shared their practices of tourist rafting in Pieniny National Park on the Dunajec River, which inspired the adaptation of a similar format in the Ukrainian Carpathians, taking into account local history, cultural heritage, and the natural conditions of the Cheremosh River basin.
The project aims to revive and promote the history of timber rafting using daráby as a unique element of Carpathian heritage, combining cultural interpretation, active recreation, and the principles of sustainable tourism. The initiative seeks to enhance the tourist attractiveness of the Verkhovyna region and contribute to the long-term development of mountain areas.
Implementation and practical steps
As part of the project, specialised equipment for organising safe tourist rafting was procured, including modern kayaks, life jackets, protective helmets, and paddles. This provided the material basis for launching a new tourism product within the park.
Following this, the project team conducted a series of training and test rafting trips along the upper reaches of the Bilyi and Chornyi Cheremosh rivers. During these activities, routes were tested, equipment functionality was checked, and the difficulty and suitability of the маршрути for tourist groups were assessed. Particular attention was given to safety considerations and compliance with active tourism standards in protected areas.
Thematic routes and heritage interpretation
One of the key outcomes of the project was the creation of thematic rafting routes along the Cheremosh River within the national park. These routes combine scenic Carpathian landscapes with a strong historical narrative. Along the journey, participants can observe unique hydraulic heritage structures — klyauzy, special dams built in the late 19th century to regulate water levels and facilitate timber rafting along mountain rivers.
The rafting experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of past eras and symbolically step into the role of traditional daráby helmsmen, while remaining within a modern, safe, and accessible format of active recreation.
Communication and further plans
As part of the project, a promotional video was produced, highlighting the history of timber rafting, the natural heritage of the Cheremosh River, and the new tourism format. The video will be used in the park’s promotional materials and communication campaigns targeting a wider audience.
In addition, Verkhovyna National Nature Park plans to install informational signage at key points along the routes as part of another partner initiative. These signs will include historical background, interpretive explanations, and navigation elements to help visitors better understand the context of timber rafting and the significance of heritage sites.
Expected impact
Starting from the next tourist season, park visitors are expected to be able to join a new format of educational and active recreation, follow the thematic Cheremosh routes, and gain deeper insight into the history of the Carpathians. The “Along the Daráby Routes” project contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage, the development of ecological tourism, and the strengthening of protected areas as drivers of sustainable development in Ukraine’s mountain regions.
The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund.
The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.