Chernobyl Travel Guide

Explore the abandoned city of Chernobyl with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top places to visit, things to do, and where to stay, along with safety tips and cultural insights.


Introduction to Chernobyl

Chernobyl, once a bustling city in northern Ukraine, is known today for the tragedy that occurred in 1986 when an explosion occurred at its nuclear power plant. The disaster left the city uninhabitable, and it has been left to decay since then. However, in recent years, Chernobyl has become a popular tourist destination for those interested in history and exploring abandoned sites. In this guide, we will explore the top places to visit in Chernobyl, things to do, where to stay, and safety tips.

List of Places to Visit in Chernobyl

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Chernobyl Museum

The Chernobyl Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the disaster and its impact on the city and its people. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays of artifacts, photos, and videos related to the tragedy.

Duga Radar Station

The Duga Radar Station, also known as the “Russian Woodpecker,” was once a top-secret military installation used for surveillance during the Cold War. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of the city’s dark past.

Natural Attractions of Chernobyl: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pripyat Amusement Park

The Pripyat Amusement Park is one of the most iconic symbols of the abandoned city. The park opened just days before the disaster and was never used. The rusted Ferris wheel and other rides are a haunting reminder of the city’s abrupt evacuation.

Red Forest

The Red Forest, located just outside the city, earned its name after the leaves of the trees turned red from nuclear radiation. Today, it is a unique and eerie sight to behold and a reminder of Chernobyl’s tragic past.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chernobyl

For those interested in exploring the outdoors in Chernobyl, there are several hiking and biking routes available.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a massive area surrounding the city that was evacuated after the disaster. Today, it is possible to take tours of the exclusion zone and explore its abandoned towns and villages on foot or by bike.

Best Things to Do in Chernobyl: Activities and Tours

Chernobyl Tour

The most popular activity in Chernobyl is taking a tour of the city and its surrounding areas. Tour companies offer a variety of tours, from walking tours to multi-day excursions, to explore the city and its history.

Pripyat Tour

A tour of Pripyat, the abandoned city near the power plant, is a top attraction for many visitors. The city features many buildings and structures, including apartment buildings, schools, and a hospital, that have been left untouched since the evacuation.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chernobyl

Day 1 - Chernobyl Museum and Duga Radar Station Day 2 - Red Forest and Pripyat Amusement Park Day 3-4 - Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Tour Day 5 - Explore the abandoned city of Chernobyl Day 6 - Hiking/Biking in Chernobyl Day 7 - Visit nearby villages and towns

Food and Drink Scene of Chernobyl

Must-Try Dishes

The food in Chernobyl might not be the main attraction, but there are still some dishes worth trying. Borscht, a vegetable soup, is a popular Ukrainian dish that can be found in many restaurants in the city. Pirozhki, a type of savory pastry, is another popular option.

Local Beverages

Horilka, a type of Ukrainian vodka, is a popular drink in Chernobyl. Kvass, a fermented beverage made of rye bread, is a non-alcoholic option worth trying.

Where to Stay in Chernobyl: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Most visitors to Chernobyl stay in the nearby city of Kyiv, which offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. However, there are a few guesthouses and small hotels in Chernobyl that cater to visitors.

What to Buy in Chernobyl: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Chernobyl can purchase a range of souvenirs, including t-shirts and other clothing items, books, and postcards. Some gift shops also sell unique items made by local artisans using radioactive debris.

Local Culture and Customs of Chernobyl

The culture in Chernobyl is heavily influenced by its tragic history and the impact of the disaster on the city and its people. Visitors should approach their time in Chernobyl with sensitivity and respect for the city’s residents and their experiences.

Best Time to Visit Chernobyl

The best time to visit Chernobyl is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and there is less moisture in the air. The summer months can be hot and humid, and the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chernobyl

Do:

  • Respect the city and its residents
  • Follow safety guidelines provided by tour companies and officials
  • Leave no trace and avoid disturbing the environment
  • Learn about the history and impact of the disaster

Don’t:

  • Enter unauthorized areas or buildings
  • Take items from the exclusion zone
  • Touch or disturb any artifacts or debris
  • Ignore safety guidelines

Safety and Health

Safety in Chernobyl

When visiting Chernobyl, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by tour companies and officials. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and gear and avoid eating or drinking anything that has come into contact with the radiation.

Health in Chernobyl

While radiation levels in most areas of Chernobyl are low, visitors should still take precautions to protect their health. Eating contaminated food or touching contaminated objects can expose visitors to radiation, so it is essential to follow safety guidelines and avoid areas that are off-limits.

Getting to Chernobyl: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chernobyl

The closest airport to Chernobyl is Kyiv Boryspil Airport, which is located about 80 km away. Visitors can reach Chernobyl by car or public transportation from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Chernobyl

Chernobyl does not have its own bus station, but visitors can take a bus from Kyiv to the nearby town of Ivankiv and then take a taxi to Chernobyl.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a guided tour that includes transportation from Kyiv.

How to Get Around in Chernobyl

Visitors to Chernobyl can explore the city and surrounding areas on foot or by bike. It is not recommended to bring a car into the exclusion zone, as the roads can be in poor condition.

Where to Go Next from Chernobyl: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After visiting Chernobyl, visitors can explore the nearby city of Kyiv, which offers a range of historical and cultural attractions. The Carpathian Mountains, located to the west of Kyiv, offer beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Chernobyl is a unique and haunting destination that offers a glimpse into a tragic event that shook the world. However, visitors should approach their time in Chernobyl with sensitivity and respect for the city’s residents and the impact of the disaster upon them. Follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by tour companies and officials, and be prepared for a sobering and unforgettable experience.

Chernobyl nuclear power plant's reactor 4 encased in a sarcophagus. A replacement to the one shown in the picture was installed in 2016. Chernobyl nuclear power plant's reactor 4 encased in a sarcophagus. A replacement to the one shown in the picture was installed in 2016. Reactor 4 as photographed from a helicopter shortly after the accident. Reactor 4 as photographed from a helicopter shortly after the accident. The power plant as seen from an abandoned apartment block in Pripyat. The power plant as seen from an abandoned apartment block in Pripyat. The Sarcophagus before it was covered by the New Safe Confinement building. The Sarcophagus before it was covered by the New Safe Confinement building. The New Safe Confinement under construction. The New Safe Confinement under construction. Radiation detection portals in use to check for contamination when leaving the Zone of Alienation. Radiation detection portals in use to check for contamination when leaving the Zone of Alienation. Liquidators monument showing firefighters in action to extinguish the burning reactor Liquidators monument showing firefighters in action to extinguish the burning reactor The New Safe Confinement structure protecting the world from the reactor. It hides the ''Sarcophagus'' inside. The iconic chimney was demolished in the construction process. The New Safe Confinement structure protecting the world from the reactor. It hides the ''Sarcophagus'' inside. The iconic chimney was demolished in the construction process. Scale model of the Sarcophagus in the NSC Visitor Centre Scale model of the Sarcophagus in the NSC Visitor Centre The Red Forest, with a radiation warning sign The Red Forest, with a radiation warning sign Now a ghost town, Pripyat in April 1986 was home to 50,000 people. The ferris wheel in the foreground is a grimly ironic reminder of the normality of life before the reactor accident. Now a ghost town, Pripyat in April 1986 was home to 50,000 people. The ferris wheel in the foreground is a grimly ironic reminder of the normality of life before the reactor accident. The central square of Pripyat as of 2008. In 22 years, vegetation had grown through the concrete. The central square of Pripyat as of 2008. In 22 years, vegetation had grown through the concrete. This amusement park was scheduled to open only four days after the Chernobyl accident, but this never happened. The ferris wheel, swings, bumper cars and the merry-go-round were never officially used and are now rusting away. This amusement park was scheduled to open only four days after the Chernobyl accident, but this never happened. The ferris wheel, swings, bumper cars and the merry-go-round were never officially used and are now rusting away. A Geiger counter type radiation detector used to measure radioactivity of a tree in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone A Geiger counter type radiation detector used to measure radioactivity of a tree in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone A typical grocery store in Chernobyl A typical grocery store in Chernobyl Nuclear themed t-shirts and mugs for sale Nuclear themed t-shirts and mugs for sale Nuclear themed t-shirts Nuclear themed t-shirts A selection of spirits for sale in a grocery store in Chernobyl A selection of spirits for sale in a grocery store in Chernobyl Chernobyl beer Chernobyl beer InterInform Agency offices, hotel, and canteen (west building). InterInform Agency offices, hotel, and canteen (west building). Not your usual hotel safety placard. Not your usual hotel safety placard.