Narcissus Valley in Ukraine 2025

Eastern Europe's only lowland area with alpine flowers galore!

Best time: May

The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Narcissus Valley, aka the Valley of daffodils ("Dolyna nartsysiv" in Ukrainian), embraces about 1 square mile (3 sq km) of the protected floodplain meadows, famous mainly for seasonal white daffodils. Normally, narcissi grow in the altitudes of 3,600-6,760 feet (1,100-2,060 m) above the sea. But this preserve in Kireshi, near Khust in Zakarpattia Oblast, is only 590-670 feet (180-200 m). Therefore, unique to Ukraine and Eastern Europe, this site is one of Transcarpathia's seven wonders.

Blooming Season

White daffodils of the valley typically bloom sometime between May 1 and 15, alluring visitors from all across Ukraine and beyond. All the same, the season depends on weather conditions. In warm springs, the flowers might pop up as early as mid-April. Still, every year presents a different scenery: some swaths of land are cloaked with narcissi, and others are only dusted with the blooms. These spring flowers seem to live their own lives—you never know where to seek the ultimate explosion of petals in the year to come.

Visiting Narcissus Valley

Narcissus Valley is located in the Khust district of Zakarpattia, in the Kireshi tract, just 4 km from the city of Khust. This unique natural landmark is home to around 500 plant species, 18 of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, including the spring snowflake and Heuffel’s crocus. The valley features an on-site museum and educational stands that provide visitors with insightful information about the area’s flora. Entry fees are 30 UAH for adults and pensioners, 25 UAH for students, and 20 UAH for schoolchildren.

Preserving Narcissus Valley

Scientists believe that the alpine narcissi must have descended from mountain slopes to the lowlands during the Ice Age. Nowadays, the number of flowers within the confines of the valley is slowly decreasing, which is partially due to the willow trees consuming lots of underground water. Another reason could be the spreading of settlements, and new houses, which also use much water. But the worst are barbarous visitors who tread down the flowers. So we appeal to every tourist stepping into the Narcissus Valley: please be caring of this rare flowerbed so that the next generations can also relish this rare natural phenomenon.