Shypit is one of the most famous, enchanting, and popular waterfalls not only in Transcarpathia but in all of Ukraine. It is located on the northern slopes of the Polonyna Borzhava mountain range, near the village of Pylypets (Khust District), in a deep gorge of the Shipit River, a tributary of the Pylypets River.
Origin and Characteristics of the Waterfall
The waterfall formed where massive, stable layers of sandstone and shale from the Paleogene period emerge. The water plunges down several picturesque cascades with a total height of about 14 meters. Thanks to several ledges, the flow of water makes a particularly melodious sound—according to one legend, this is where the name “Shipit” comes from (as if the water were “whispering” its secrets to the forest).
The Legend of Shipit
Local residents have passed down from generation to generation a touching and sad legend about the love between two young people from different social classes—Marichka and Bridnyk. Their families were enemies, so the lovers had to meet in secret by the stream. However, one day a storm and the roar of the water gave away their hiding place; enraged relatives came to the waterfall, and in the raging elements, both perished in the stream’s waves. Since then, according to legend, on quiet evenings near the waterfall, you can hear the lovers’ tender whispers.
The Unofficial Capital of the Nonconformists
Shypit is known not only for its natural beauty but also as a cultural phenomenon. Every year in early July, on the feast of Ivan Kupala (according to the old calendar), a sizable alternative community from all over Ukraine and abroad gathers near the waterfall—hippies, musicians, artists, and travelers hold a traditional festival here.
Practical Information for Tourists
- How to get there: From the Kyiv–Chop highway, turn toward Mizhhiria in the village of Nyzhni Vorota and drive to the village of Pylypets. A well-maintained walking trail leads from the outskirts of the village to the waterfall itself, and a chairlift to Mount Hemba operates nearby.
- Facilities: Near the entrance to the waterfall, there is a large recreational area, souvenir markets, cafes, and kolybas where you can sample Transcarpathian cuisine.
