Luhansk Oblast Travel Guide

Get a full travel guide for Luhansk Oblast, in Eastern Ukraine. Find places to visit, things to do, cultural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scenes, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Luhansk Oblast

Luhansk Oblast is a region in Eastern Ukraine, surrounded by Kharkiv Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, and Russia. It is known for its rich coal and steel industries, as well as its scenic views and natural wonders. The region has suffered from political issues in recent years, so be sure to check the current safety situation before you go.

List of Places to Visit in Luhansk Oblast

When visiting Luhansk Oblast, you can discover a plethora of cultural and natural attractions. Below is a list of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The State Historical and Cultural Reserve Old Luhansk
  • The Luhansk Art Museum
  • The Svyato-Uspenskyi Cathedral
  • The Regional Museum of Local Lore
  • The Luhansk Puppet Theatre

Natural Attractions of Luhansk Oblast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Luhansk Forest Landscape Reserve
  • The Siverskyi Donets River
  • Solonyi Lyman Lake
  • Tsarev Shchit Nature Reserve
  • The Regional Landscape Park “Bilovodskiy Forest”

Hiking/Biking Routes of Luhansk Oblast

Luhansk Oblast offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking through its natural scenery. Here are some popular routes to explore:

  • The Siverskyi Donets River Path
  • Zumbrivka-Mokrytsia Natural Park Trail
  • Zhovtnya-Mohylyane Trail
  • Luhansk-Lysychansk Trail
  • The “Bilovodskiy Forest” Trail

Best Things to Do in Luhansk Oblast: Activities and Tours

  • Go on a scenic river cruise on the Siverskyi Donets River
  • Visit the State Historical and Cultural Reserve Old Luhansk for a glimpse into the region’s history
  • Go bird watching in the Solonyi Lyman Lake
  • Explore the natural wonders of the Tsarev Shchit Nature Reserve
  • Trek through the Luhansk Forest Landscape Reserve

Week-Long Itinerary for Luhansk Oblast

If you have a week to spare, you can explore the top attractions of Luhansk Oblast with this itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Luhansk city and check into your hotel.
  • Day 2: Visit the State Historical and Cultural Reserve Old Luhansk, the Luhansk Art Museum, and Svyato-Uspenskyi Cathedral.
  • Day 3: Go on a river cruise on the Siverskyi Donets River and explore the Solonyi Lyman Lake.
  • Day 4: Trek through the Luhansk Forest Landscape Reserve and visit the Regional Museum of Local Lore.
  • Day 5: Explore the Tsarev Shchit Nature Reserve and take the Zumbrivka-Mokrytsia Natural Park Trail.
  • Day 6: Go bird watching in the “Bilovodskiy Forest” and take the Luhansk-Lysychansk Trail.
  • Day 7: Checkout and head to the airport or bus station to continue your travels.

Food and Drink Scene of Luhansk Oblast

Luhansk Oblast has a rich culinary culture with a variety of delightful dishes that you must try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Deruny (potato pancakes)
  • Banosh (cornmeal porridge with sour cream, cheese, and bacon)
  • Kholodets (thick meat jelly)
  • Pampushky (deep-fried dough with garlic topping)
  • Ukrayinska borscht (beetroot soup)

Local Beverages

  • Horilka (Ukrainian vodka)
  • Kvas (a fermented bread drink)
  • Black Tea with Raspberry Jam
  • Honey-based Mead
  • Kvass (fermented beverage made from rye bread)

Where to Stay in Luhansk Oblast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodations in Luhansk Oblast, ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some of the top picks include:

  • Palace Ukraine Hotel
  • Euro Hotel
  • Vesela Zhaba Hostel
  • Egoist Plaza Hotel
  • Olviya Hotel

What to Buy in Luhansk Oblast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs to buy in Luhansk Oblast include:

  • Handmade wooden objects
  • Embroidered towels and tablecloths
  • Horilka (Ukrainian vodka)
  • Local honey and honey-based products
  • Medicinal herbal teas

Local Culture and Customs of Luhansk Oblast

The people of Luhansk Oblast are friendly and hospitable, and often invite guests to dinner or share a drink. They also have a rich cultural heritage and celebrate traditions such as weddings, folk festivals, and holidays.

Best Time to Visit Luhansk Oblast

The best time to visit Luhansk Oblast is during the spring and autumn months. The weather is mild, and nature looks beautifully with colorful blooms, and autumnal hues.

Do’s and Don’ts of Luhansk Oblast

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Learn some basic phrases in Ukrainian or Russian
  • Dress respectfully in religious places
  • Be careful while hiking or biking
  • Try some local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Express negative opinions about Ukraine or Russia
  • Take pictures of military bases or checkpoints
  • Enter unexplored forests and reserves
  • Litter in natural areas
  • Overdrink Horilka

Safety and Health

Safety in Luhansk Oblast

The region has witnessed military conflict in recent years, which could make traveling there risky. Always check travel advisories from your country’s embassy or reliable sources before traveling there.

Health in Luhansk Oblast

It’s better to carry suitable health insurance while traveling to Ukraine. Medical facilities, especially in remote areas, may not meet the same standards compared to Western countries. Make sure to get all necessary vaccinations before visiting the region.

Getting to Luhansk Oblast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Luhansk Oblast

The Luhansk International Airport is currently not operating due to the conflict. The nearest airport is the Kharkiv International Airport, with daily domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Luhansk Oblast

Several bus companies offer daily routes to Luhansk Oblast from Kiev, Kharkiv, and other major cities. Check the timetable and book the tickets beforehand.

Other Options

Take a train from Kiev to Luhansk. There’s a direct overnight train that takes around 14 hours. You can also drive to Luhansk, but always check routes before you travel and be aware of border and military checkpoints.

How to Get Around in Luhansk Oblast

The best way to get around Luhansk is by hiring a car or taxi service. There are several car rental companies at airports, or you can prebook online. Buses and minibusses are a cheaper option for traveling within the region; take care of your belongings and use recognizable transport.

Where to Go Next from Luhansk Oblast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time, visit nearby destinations like:

  • Kharkiv, an industrial city in Eastern Ukraine, known for its architecture and museums.
  • Donetsk Oblast, another nearby region with cultural heritage and natural wonders
  • Minsk, the capital of Belarus, a pleasant city with history and attractions.
Prior to the Russian invasion, the LPR controlled the parts of Luhansk Oblast shown in blue. Prior to the Russian invasion, the LPR controlled the parts of Luhansk Oblast shown in blue.


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