Buky and the Buky Canyon: two-billion-year-old granite in the middle of the steppe

In the middle of the flat Cherkasy region, in the village of Buky, hides a place tourists call “little Switzerland”. Here the Hirskyi Tikych river has carved a canyon through grey granite cliffs, and the water tumbles noisily over the rapids. Photographers, climbers, kayakers and anyone curious to see a landscape so unusual for central Ukraine all come here.

What the Buky Canyon is

The canyon stretches for about 2.5 kilometres and is about 80 metres wide, with cliffs rising up to 30 metres in places. The granite they are made of formed back in the Proterozoic, about two billion years ago. Since 1975 the canyon has been a protected complex natural monument covering 80 hectares.

The Vyr waterfall and the old power station

The canyon begins at the former dam of the Buky hydroelectric station. There the water falls over a two-metre weir known as the Vyr waterfall. The abandoned station building and an old mill give the place a cinematic atmosphere, and these are the shots that most often end up on social media.

Things to do

• A walk along the banks. The canyon is clearly visible from the bridge in the village centre, and paths along the cliffs lead further downstream.
• Rock climbing. Climbers have long loved these granite walls, with routes of varying difficulty. Only climb with proper gear and experience.
• Kayaking. In high water the Hirskyi Tikych becomes a real whitewater river, and experienced paddlers run its rapids.
• Camping. The canyon banks are popular with campers. Take your rubbish with you, as this is a protected natural monument.

Talne: a castle at the edge of a park

If you have a car, stop by Talne. Here stands the Shuvalov Palace, built in 1896–1903 in the style of French Renaissance châteaux, together with a park that is a protected landscape monument. The building needs restoration, but its turreted silhouette is still impressive.

How to get there

Buky is about 190–200 kilometres from Kyiv. By car, take the Kyiv–Odesa highway to Zhashkiv, then another 30 kilometres or so along local roads through Vorone and Chervonyi Kut. Buses run from Kyiv towards Mankivka and Talne with a stop in Buky; check the timetable before you travel.

Tip: the granite boulders by the water can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and keep an eye on children near the cliff edges.