Mykolaiv Oblast: Steppe, river valleys and ancient traces

Mykolaiv Oblast can be explored through its natural and cultural heritage at several scales: from the untouched steppe of “Yelanetskyi Steppe” to river valleys and sites of ancient history. When planning a hotel stay, these different highlights can help you decide what interests you most. Protected areas bring this into especially clear focus—from a seasonal educational trail to an expansive landscape park.

Landscapes between rivers and the coast

The “Tylihulskyi” Regional Landscape Park covers 8,195.4 hectares within Mykolaiv Oblast. At the end of the 2025 tourist season, its recreation areas were among the oblast’s most attractive places for visitors. Places near the Myhiya Rapids and Aktove Canyon were also included in this group. The park is considered open to visitors year-round. Check the current visiting conditions before making specific travel plans.

The “Buzkyi Gard” National Nature Park extends across the valleys of the Southern Bug from Pervomaisk to Oleksandrivka, as well as the valleys of the Mertvovid and Arbuzynka rivers between Petropavlivka, Aktove and Trykraty. It is located in Voznesensk and Pervomaisk districts. The Labyrinth tract is considered to be Count Skarzhynskyi’s park; narrow paths, canals and bridges over waterways shape the landscape. This national park therefore offers both expansive river valleys and a more specifically described area with paths and waterways.

Steppe and seasonal visitor experiences

The “Yelanetskyi Steppe” Nature Reserve is the largest area of untouched steppe in the northwestern Black Sea region. Its “Divo-Step” ecological trail is open from early April to mid-October. The reserve administration must be notified before a visit, and visitors must stay on the designated paths. The excursion covers the history of the reserve, its plant and animal life, and the animals in the enclosure. It combines views of the steppe with a focus on nature and the reserve’s history.

For timing, the difference from the “Tylihulskyi” Regional Landscape Park is clear: the “Divo-Step” trail is open seasonally, while “Tylihulskyi” is considered open to visitors year-round. Contact the reserve administration before your visit and stay on the designated paths.

Ancient sites and other cultural connections

The “Olvia” National Historical and Archaeological Reserve includes the ancient city of Olvia and its necropolis, as well as the site of the ancient city of Borysthenes on what is now Berezan Island. Together, the city, necropolis and second ancient city site offer a broad archaeological perspective on the region’s history.

In Ukraine as a broader travel destination, cultural traditions add another dimension to the journey. In the Ukrainian pysanka egg-decorating tradition, patterns and symbols are applied to the egg with wax. It is then dyed, and the process is repeated until the patterns and colors match the desired result. The Ukrainian tradition of cooking borscht has also been passed down within families for centuries, with children taking part in its preparation.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kazankivs'kyi District, Mykolaivka, Kobleve, Bashtanka, Chornomorka, Berezans'kyi District, Bashtans'kyi District, Ochakivs'kyi District, Mykolaiv, Leninka, Ochakiv, Kryve Ozero.

For the broader travel overview: Ukraine.