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Buzkyi Gard National Nature Park

About the Park

Buzkyi Gard National Nature Park is located within the Voznesensk and Pervomaisk districts of Mykolaiv Region. It encompasses the valleys of the Southern Bug River from the city of Pervomaisk to the settlement of Oleksandrivka, as well as the valleys of the Mertvovod and Arbuzynka rivers between the villages of Petropavlivka, Aktove, and Trykraty.

The park was established by Presidential Decree No. 279 of April 30, 2009, with the aim of preserving, restoring, and ensuring the sustainable use of unique natural and historical-cultural complexes in the Southern Bug basin. These landscapes hold significant environmental, scientific, historical, cultural, aesthetic, recreational, and health value.

61,3813 km sq

ecological trails and routes

232 км

length of trails and routes

2211

animal species

1211

plant species

Explore

Gard Tract

The Gard tract lies 2 km southeast of the village of Bohdanivka and 1 km south of the city of Pivdennoukrainsk. It is a narrow and deep canyon with steep rocky banks, where the Southern Bug River (historically known as the Bog (God) flows among massive granite boulders, forming a large rapid over 1 km long. On the left bank stand three easily recognizable cliffs — Owl Rock, Gate Rock, and Eagle Owl Rock. They shape the distinctive landscape of the canyon and have long served as natural landmarks. Opposite Eagle Owl Rock lies Gard Island, covered with shrubs and trees, marking the end of one of the largest rapids on the Southern Bug. Historically, “gards” referred to fishing structures, and the tract takes its name from a Zaporizhian Cossack fishing site once located here. Regarding the location of the Gard, a researcher notes, in particular: “This place was initially intended solely for crossing the river and fishing in it, but later, already in the 17th century, it was transformed into the main frontier guard post, or palanka”.

© Serhii Lehkyi

Arbuzynka Canyon

Located near the confluence of the Arbuzynka River with the Mertvovod, this canyon impresses with its unusual rock formations, scenic landscapes, and a pleasant microclimate shaped by the nearby water.

© Khoroshkov
CC BY-SA 4.0, Вікісховище

Labyrinth Tract

The Labyrinth tract is a man-made oak grove, largely planted in 1825 by the renowned forester Viktor Skarzhynskyi as part of a landscaped estate park. It features a system of canals, dams, and artificial waterfalls constructed along the Arbuzynka River. The area is home to 200-year-old oak trees.

© Serhii Lehkyi

Radon Lake

Radon Lake was formed at the site of a former granite quarry, filled naturally by groundwater. Its depth reaches up to 24 meters. The lake is known for its exceptional clarity and striking color. It derives its name from the presence of dissolved radon gas (Rn), though its concentration remains within safe limits.

© Serhii Lehkyi

Protych Tract

The Protych tract combines powerful river rapids, picturesque rocky islands, and steep cliffs formed by geological formations of the Ukrainian crystalline shield, over 2 billion years old. These ancient granites preserve relic life forms, as well as rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. It is a one-of-a-kind location in Ukraine, where dramatic water flows, natural obstacles, and rugged cliffs attract outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Aktove Canyon

Aktove Canyon is a unique natural formation where steppe and aquatic ecosystems meet, featuring towering cliffs and massive granite boulders across an area of more than 250 hectares. Travelers are suddenly confronted with a granite abyss rising out of the open steppe. The dense clustering of rocks along the Mertvovod River creates an almost surreal atmosphere, where sunlight reaches only at midday. The canyon captivates visitors with its mystique, scenic beauty, and sense of remoteness.

What to do

Hiking

Cycling trips

Rafting

Climbing

Adventure races

Fishing

Bird watching

Geotravelling

Events

Swimming

Campsites

Eco-trails

How to get there

By train

The nearest railway stations are located in Pervomaisk, Pivdennoukrainsk, and Voznesensk.

By car

From Kyiv to the village of Myhiia — 328 km (approx. 4 hours), heading towards Mykolaiv.
From Mykolaiv to Myhiia — 160 km (approx. 2 hours), heading towards Pervomaisk.
From Odesa to Pervomaisk — 218 km (approx. 3 hours).

By bus

The park is conveniently located near the Kyiv–Mykolaiv highway.

By air

The nearest airports are located in Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kyiv.

The entire Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine

53 National natural parks
19 Nature reserves
5 Biosphere reserves

All parks and reserves

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