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Pictures of Nature in Kiev

Parks, Waterways, and Wild Areas

Kiev is remarkable among capitals of the world for its large amount of green territories and waterways in the middle of the city. Not only are the numerous islands of the Dnipro River mostly undeveloped and forested, but there are large parks along the bank of the Dnipro, and the city is surrounded by forests. In late April the city starts to bloom, and many Kievites take pilgrimages to the botanical garden to see the lilacs. May and June are very pleasant months in Kiev (unless you suffer from hay fever).

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Kiev's parks

Kiev Botanical Garden In the beginning of May Kiev's lilacs bloom. This photo was taken in the botanical garden.	Lilacs and flowers. During this time of year thousands come to the garden to see the lilacs in bloom.	Schoolchildren on a field trip to the botanical garden	A nearby playground
Kiev presents enormous opportunities for strolling, with its hills and parks, churches, and waterways.	Dnipro River views The broad Dnipro river divides Kiev in half, creating undeveloped islands, beaches, and park areas right in the middle of the city.	Looking over at Kiev's left bank (east bank of Dnipro). Because the right bank is so hilly the views over the Dnipro are fantastic.	This map shows how the Dnipro divides Kiev in two. The historic center and downtown is on the larger west bank of the river. Pink areas are buildings, and green means parks and undeveloped areas.

Kiev's Dnipro River and islands

Trukhanov Island Footbridge connecting Trukhanov island to right bank of Kiev. Supposedly a large amusement park with water slides has been planned for this island.	The bridge to Trukhanov Island	Trukhanov Island It's about a 30 minute walk here from Khreschatyk.	Trukhanov Island Thousands of Kievites hang out at Kiev's many beaches during hot summer days.
Looking towards Obolon district from Trukhanov Island	Trukhanov Island is a great place for walking.	Hydropark (Venetsianskyy island) Students play ping-pong at Hydropark, another island in the middle of Kiev with outdoor sport areas, mini roller coasters, and undeveloped areas.	Dnipro River
Dnipro River Looking up the river in the opposite direction, towards Podil district	Liner cruises down the Dnipro. The Dnipro has surprisingly little freight traffic.	Further upstream people swim and sunbathe in the Dnipro in Obolon district.	Here in Obolon there are many fingers of the Dnipro that are convenient for sailing.
Muromorets island Friendship of Nations Park (Park druzhby narodiv) is on the north end of the Dnipro, right above Trukhanov island.	Muromorets island at the end of June. The wildflowers at this time of year are amazing.	Meadow flowers come in all colors of the rainbow.	A high water table creates ideal conditions for these riverside meadows; note the water lilies.
A gigantic willow	Muromorets island — over 10 km long — is the largest island in Kiev and almost completely devoid of civilization.	Off in the distance you can see the last highrises of Obolon neighborhood.	The rapidly expanding Troeschina district rises in the haze.
Waterway on the fringe of Muromets Island	Cyclists on Muromets Island

Around Kiev

Pyrohiv Museum Pyrohiv (Pirogovo) is a large park on the edge of town with an open-air museum of historic Ukrainian architecture from different regions of Ukraine that show the old-fashion lifestyle.	Nearby Pyrohiv is a landfill or quarry of some kind.	Not only is Kiev a city with lots of water, but it is surrounded on three sides by forests. This is what the northwest edge of the city looks like at dawn.	if you look in the opposite direction from this tower, undeveloped forests stretch for 10-20 kilometers. The forest is crisscrossed with paths and logging roads.
Spring sunset somewhere on the outskirts of Kiev	Sunset	Puscha-Vodytsia Frozen lake in Puscha-Vodytsia, a resort area in the forest outside of Kiev.	On the weekends cyclists head for the woods around Puscha-Vodytsia.
To the north of Kiev are pine forests and small towns and villages.	Near Gostomel, northwest of Kiev	The countryside on a nice autumn day	Kiev Reservoir 15 km. north of Kiev is an enormous reservoir on the Dnipro river, three times larger than Kiev itself.
Another view of the reservoir, but in November

All photos are the original work of Rick DeLong. To learn about purchasing originals, go here. Please contact me at before using my pictures for any purpose.