Horodyshche Oaks: 700-Year-Old Giants on the Rampart of the Ancient Settlement

The Horodyshche Oaks are a botanical natural landmark on the southern outskirts of the village of Horodyshche in the Tsuman hromada, not far from the Tsuman Primeval Forest (Tsumanska Pushcha). Three oaks that are about seven hundred years old grow here. They are older than most of Volyn's castles, and they stand not just in a field, but on the rampart of an ancient Slavic hill fort.

Three Giants

The trunk diameters are 2.1, 1.7, and 1.6 meters, and the trees stand 30–35 meters tall. It takes several people to hug the largest oak. Two of the trees grow on the best-preserved part of the rampart, while the third grows opposite them, on the other side. The 0.5-hectare natural landmark was established in 1991 precisely to preserve these oaks.

The 11th-Century Hill Fort

The rampart where the oaks grow is the remnant of an 11th-century early Slavic hill fort, an archaeological landmark. The name of the village originates from this hill fort. When these oaks were still young trees, Volyn was ruled by Lithuanian princes, and by then, only the ramparts likely remained at the site of the fortification. Therefore, standing beneath the oaks, you can feel two dimensions of time at once — the natural and the human.

Nearby: The Tsuman Primeval Forest

The hill fort lies in a region of vast forests. Nearby is the Tsuman Primeval Forest National Nature Park, home to European bisons, old oak and pine forests, and walking trails. The national park itself features the Horodyshche Oaks as living witnesses to the region's history.

The Tsuman Primeval Forest on Video

Tips

The oaks are at their most beautiful in late spring when the leaves unfold, and in October when they turn copper. Please respect the roots and do not climb on the rampart, as it is also a landmark.

Nearby

Tsuman is the nearest settlement, and Kivertsi is a bit further away. Find out more in the article on Lutsk Raion.

How to Find Them

The oaks grow on the southern outskirts of the village of Horodyshche in the Tsuman hromada. The most convenient way to get there is by car via Tsuman.