On the Left Bank of Kyiv, you can find routes for long walks that do not require a car or a long trip out of town. One such option is a hiking route from the Chervonyi Khutir metro station through a pine and birch forest to the village of Knyazhychi in the Brovary hromada.
This is a linear walk that begins within the capital and ends in Kyiv Oblast. Along the way, urban development gives way to forest roads where you can spend a few hours in nature, take a break from the city noise, and change your usual surroundings.
The route can be planned for half a day. To return to Kyiv, you do not need to look for a ride — there is bus service from Knyazhychi to the capital.
Where the route begins
The starting point is the area around the Chervonyi Khutir metro station in the Darnytsia District of Kyiv. This is a convenient place to start, as it can be reached by public transport without using a car.
At the beginning of the walk, the road runs near urban buildings, but gradually leads out to the forest area. The first part of the route is a fine gravel path that is comfortable for walking.
Through the pine and birch forest
The main part of the route runs through the forest area between Kyiv and Knyazhychi. Here, the urban landscape changes to pine and birch plantations, and asphalted streets change to natural dirt roads.
The surface is uneven: after the gravel path, dirt forest roads begin, and loose sand is encountered in some sections. There are no significant climbs, so the route is suitable for leisurely walking. You can also run along it if the condition of the dirt surface permits.
At different times of the year, the forest has its own character. In spring, it is pleasant to watch nature awaken here, in summer the trees provide shade, and in autumn the walk attracts visitors with the combination of green conifers and colorful birch leaves.
It is especially pleasant to go here in dry weather, when the forest roads are not muddy after rain. After precipitation, certain sections can become inconvenient for walking, and on sandy stretches you will have to spend more effort.
End of the route in Knyazhychi
The final point of the walk is the village of Knyazhychi in the Brovary hromada. After the forest section, you can reach rural buildings and use public transport.
One of the return options is suburban marshrutka minibus No. 730, which connects Knyazhychi with the Lisova metro station in Kyiv. The availability of this connection is confirmed by the EasyWay transport service.
Author: Andrii Kosenko
What to take with you
Although the route has no difficult climbs, it is a long walk along natural roads, so it is worth preparing for it.
It is recommended to take:
- comfortable closed-toe shoes with a non-slip sole;
- drinking water and a small snack;
- a charged phone with a downloaded map of the area;
- tick repellent;
- weather-appropriate clothing.
In the forest section, you shouldn't count on shops or cafes, so it's better to buy water and food in advance.
Who the walk is suitable for
The route from Chervonyi Khutir to Knyazhychi is an option for those who want to spend a few hours in nature without traveling far from the capital.
It may interest hikers, runners, photographers, and those exploring the forested surroundings of Kyiv. Due to the absence of significant elevation changes, the route does not require special hiking preparation, although its total length means taking your own physical fitness into account.
It is best to plan the walk during daylight hours, leaving enough time to reach the stop in Knyazhychi.
Photo: Alexander Lazarev, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.