Crocuses in Ukraine 2025

As spring rolls in Ukraine and snow thaws, crocuses, aka saffron, flowers sprout on the expanses of Zakarpatska oblast. Tourists from all across Ukraine adjust their hiking trips to catch the unique natural beauty and take unparalleled landscape photography.

Blooming Season

The purple crocuses in Ukrainian Transcarpathia bloom for only about three weeks between mid-March and April, though the exact timing varies each year. In some higher-altitude areas, entire valleys of crocuses can still be found in early to mid-May, when their population reaches its peak.

Key Viewing Areas

Crocuses in Ukraine are primarily found in the hills, forests, and valleys of Transcarpathia, particularly in protected natural areas and reserves. The largest concentrations bloom around Vynohradiv, Mukachevo, and Mizhhirya, covering the landscape in shades of purple. Popular spots for viewing include Dragobrat and the Svydovets range, where crocuses bloom late in spring, as well as the slopes of Pip Ivan Mountain in Ivano-Frankivsk oblast. Other scenic locations include Berezynka, Uklyn, Kolochava, and Chornohora Ridge, where flowers can still be seen in mid-May. For those seeking more accessible sites, the open-air museum "Old Village" in Kolochava and the Berezynka Dendrological Park near Mukachevo offer stunning crocus displays without requiring a strenuous hike.

Crocuses

Crocus is an endangered plant featured in the Red Book of Ukraine. Besides its natural beauty, saffron is also used in culinary and cosmetology. The valleys cloaked with crocuses usually belong to the protected natural areas and preserves. On the bright side, local keepers claim that people have become a bit more conscientious in recent years, and the crocus population is slowly growing.