Away from the violence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sits a Ukrainian oasis that focuses on healing and tranquility. Truskavets has long been associated with being a location where people go to find better health and peace and that continues despite the violence in the east.
Truskavets is a city in Western Ukraine in the Lviv Oblast region , which is close to the border with Poland. Mineral springs flow underneath the city, providing its citizens and visitors an opportunity for increasing their health’s overall wellbeing.
While I was in Ukraine, I had the privilege of touring Truskavets and tasting the mineral springs. One story that our tour guide provided us was the origin of how Truskavets came to be a haven for those seeking wellness. The story goes, in the late 1500s, when Truskavets was under Polish rule, sickly horses bathed in the Truskavets waters and their skin diseases went away. Noticing this, people used the waters to treat their own ailments. The first noted baths began in 1827.
The war has limited the amount of visitors from the west, but while we were there, Truskavets was still a tourist destination for those desiring a healthier life. The mineral waters assist those with kidney ailments and other health issues. The medical spa industry has flourished in Truskavets, treating other health problems such as diabetes, migraines, body pain, and mental health issues.
One spa we visited shared with us the intake procedure. At the beginning of a visit, a patient will meet with a physician and come up with a health plan. A visitor stays for around 7 days to maximize the benefits. After receiving a plan and going over dietary needs, the medical tourist begins their journey to better health. An entire team of health professionals is assigned to a patient during their visit.
There’s more to Truskavets that health spas. Festivals are common and I loved visiting a local fair while we were there. We enjoyed eating delicious Ukrainian delicacy and drinking local spirits. Throughout my time in Ukraine, the hospitality shown to us always impressed me. Truskavets was no different. Everywhere we went, Ukrainian kindness overflowed us and kept me wishing for a longer stay.
As I toured Truskavets and visited the spas, I envisioned what my 7 day stay would look like. I’ve battled kidney stones in the past and I’ve had an ongoing battle with insomnia, two things that Truskavets has a track record of solving.
There are many reasons Americans should look into visiting Truskavets now. Such as the current exchange rate of $1 equaling 40 Hyvernia (Ukrainian money). And there’s one big reason Americans should stay away. While I was in Truskavets, a siren went off, suggesting a potential danger. A Russian missile was shot down before arriving in the region. However, the danger is there. That danger will not stop me from visiting Ukraine again. In speaking with the Governor of Lviv Oblast and the Mayor of Truskavets, visitors are welcome now.
While walking the streets of Truskavets and talking with the local citizens, you understand that life goes on and you hope for a better future. That’s what Truskavets has always been about. Heal the present and prepare for a better future. I look forward to a future return.
There are a few ways to get to Truskavets. You can travel by train, bus, or car. If coming from outside of Ukraine, I reccomend taking a train from Warsaw or Krakow. We mainly drove around Ukraine during our time and that was the easiest way to get around. We did use a train on a number of other occasion, but mostly by car.
Our Ukrainian host with the Lviv government organized our trip to show that Ukraine is open for tourism. We felt completely safe throughout our time in the Lviv Oblast region. We had many sumptuous meals and were entertained throughout our time. (Follow Lviv’s tourism Instagram and Facebook accounts for more information)
Our American/Ukrainian contact, Sasha Vosk, was born in Ukraine and looks to help build Ukraine through tourism. He founded the organization, Rebuild Ukraine Foundation, to help build up the Ukrainian economy and help inform the world of all that Ukraine offers. One doesn’t need to wait till the end of the war to visit the country. It’s ready for tourists now.
I also visited Ukraine with Joshua Brandenburg, a photographer from New York City. You can visit his website here and follow him on Instagram here.
While we were in Truskavets, we go to meet the real St. Nick.
@onegooddad We met the real St. Nicholas in Truskavets, Ukraine. He even gVe us a blessing. #ukraine #ukraine🇺🇦 #travel #travelwriter #christmas #santa #fyp #foryou #truskavets #stnicholas
Read these stories from my Ukraine trip:
Horseback Riding in the Carpathian Mountains
Where is God During War: A conversation with a Ukrainian Priest
15 Reasons to Visit Western Ukraine Now
Defeating Darkness with Art: Touring Park 3020
Getting Naked in Ukraine
Rebuilding Ukraine by Rebuilding Children’s Lives: My interview with the staff of SOS
Emily Resort and Spa in Lviv, Ukraine is a Luxury Paradise with Family-Friendly Activities
Visiting Ukraine During the War
Representing America in the Back of a Taxi in Ukraine
Promoting Tourism in Ukraine During the War
Traditional Ukrainian Drink Uzvar Recipe
Kyiv Mule Cocktail Recipe