Originally founded as a Saxon colony in the 11th century, Berehove is located in the far west of Ukraine near the border with Hungary. It serves as a cultural hub for Ukraine’s Hungarian minority and is renowned for its thermal springs that are rich in minerals.
Things to do in Berehove
Spend a few hours soaking in the thermal baths of Derzhavnyy Termalʹnyy Baseyn Berehovo, which are located along the banks of the Verke River. The complex is a short stroll from a small museum dedicated to the local culture, Hrafsʹkyy Dvir, where you’ll find historic paintings, vintage agricultural tools and a large collection of wine bottles.
To sample some of the region’s best wine, make the short drive north to the House of Wine at the Chateau Chizay, a French-inspired winery that makes wine exclusively from Transcarpathian grapes. In addition to learning about the region’s ancient history of winemaking on a guided tour of the property, you can participate in tastings led by a professional sommelier.
Hear about the events that have shaped Berehove at the Museum of Berehivshchyna, which occupies one of the city’s oldest buildings, a 17th-century palace once belonging to Count Habor Betlen. It houses fragments of a Roman-built glazing oven and artefacts from Rákóczi Ferenc’s time, as well as an extensive collection of objects dating from World War I. Don’t miss the exhibit showcasing the life and work of the Hungarian opera singer Shari Fedak, who was born in Berehove.
Getting around Berehove
Berehove is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Mukachevo and just over an hour from Uzhhorod International Airport, which has regular flights to Kyiv. Trains also connect from the Ukrainian capital to the Berehove railway station and buses travel throughout the city.