Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, Shayan is a picturesque resort town in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region. It’s positioned on the left bank of the Tysa River and is renowned for its healing waters and pine and oak woodlands.
A short walk from the heart of Shayan is the Shayansʹke Ozero, a sparkling lake fringed by several cottages, a restaurant and barbecue facilities. Kids will love the water slides and children’s playground, while boats and catamarans are also available for rent. If you’re visiting in the winter months, the village also boasts a 300-metre-high ski lift to access the surrounding slopes.
Shayan makes an ideal base for exploring the cultural attractions of Khust, including its hilltop medieval castle ruins that offer magnificent views across the city. In the heart of Khust is the Church of St. Elizabeth, a 13th-century fortress church that houses an ancient fresco depicting the first king of Hungary, King Istvan.
Getting there
Shayan is around five hours’ drive from both Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk, with regular trains connecting to Kyiv from the railway station in Khust. From Khust, it’s a 30-minute bus ride to Shayan, which is compact enough to explore on foot.