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Pictures of Solotvyno and Surroundings

This area of Transcarpathia is right next to the Carpathian mountains and is accessible from Ivano-Frankivsk via Rakhiv or from Uzhhorod. Further downstream are Tyachiv and Khust. There are no towns here that are regular tourist attractions.

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Solotvyno

Solotvyno is down by the Romanian border between Rakhiv and Khust. It is famous for its salt ponds, which are used for all treating skin diseases and other ailments.

There are a few sanatoriums here, as well as plenty of private accommodations.	The very high salt concentration keeps you afloat! Anyone can come and bathe in this pond — you don't have to be staying at a sanatorium.	Visitors huddle below this powerful stream of salt water from the salt mine above. This kind of 'self-treatment' and bathing in the ponds is free. More qualified treatment is available at the sanatorias nearby. Asthmatics descend into deep salt mines below to breathe mineralized air.	Gotta keep that hair dry! Close-up of this powerful neck and back massage.
Close-up of these 'mud worshipers'. They say it draws toxins out of the body and helps the joints.	Many visitors gather clay from the pond bottom for a bit of mud therapy.	Others make use of the powerful current in this small canal. When you dry off your body is encrusted with salt.

Velykyy Bychkiv

A sample of the views that greet drivers and cyclists.	Slot machines decorate a cheap roadside cafe.	Old-fashioned ways are still prevalent in Velykyy Bychkiv.	Little shrines like this are everywhere in mostly Catholic western Ukraine.
This local administration building is recognizing Ukraine's Independence Day (August 24).	Gentle green hills grace this part of Transcarpathia.

Romanian villages

Grandiose unfinished houses sit empty in the fields.	This "mansion" probably has 500 square meters. The owners are off working in Russia or the Czech Republic.	One of the few finished homes.	Despite the gaudy homes in this "village," there is a lack of basic infrastructure such as paved roads, sewers, and buried utility lines.
A sample of some of the mirror designs popular in Romanian homes.	Old wooden church on a hill in the middle of town	Tombstones showing the deceased at full height.

Hrushovo

Orthodox monks took the initiative to restore this historic church and monastery.	An Orthodox lady feeds workers and guests.	The site is very busy, with the three (?) monks living on-site and numerous workers, helpers, and tourists coming by each day to help out or take a look.	Monks demonstrate relics of the church — icons, an ancient wooden cross, and a chronicle.
Tapping bells!

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.