The Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve
Kyiv region
About reserve
This territory is considered to be unfit for life after the industrial disaster. However, today it sparkles with all possible colours, shades and halftones of life combining the hues of thousands of plant and animal species. The exclusion zone has become an incredible oasis for hundreds of rare flora and fauna species. Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii), various ungulates, wolves, lynx and even the brown bear feel comfortable there.
There are 8 routes in the reserve along safe trails outside radiation exposed area. However, in order to come here, it is necessary to have a pass card and take care of your safety. The tour is possible only with an attendant — they can either join you in your car, or you can join the group of a bus tour.
Enjoy
What to do
Safety rules during visiting the exclusion zone:
- Moving around the territory outside the regulated route is dangerous since there are radioactive spots and wild animals.
- Smoking is the main reason for fires in the exclusion zone.
- Abandoned property on the territory of the exclusion zone can emit radiation, therefore you should not touch them or take them with you.
- It is prohibited to sit or put your stuff on the ground, stay overnight in tents or have picnics. The ground in the exclusion zone is affected by radioactive contamination to the utmost.
- Do not eat vegetables, fruits or mushrooms that grow in the exclusion zone. The local harvest can be radioactive.
- It is prohibited to eat or drink in the open air. Radionuclides together with dust can accumulate on your food and get inside your body.
Visitors of the exclusion zone and the Chornobyl Reserve cannot be in a state of alcoholic intoxication, since it is necessary to assess the situation properly and strictly follow the instructions of the attendant, wear the clothes and shoes that cover the body as much as possible.
Visitors of the exclusion zone and the Chornobyl Reserve cannot be in a state of alcoholic intoxication, since it is necessary to assess the situation properly and strictly follow the instructions of the attendant, wear the clothes and shoes that cover the body as much as possible.
Visitors are obliged to follow the requirements and rules strictly.
In case of “Violation of radiation safety requirements in areas affected by radioactive contamination”, a report shall be drawn up against those responsible according to the Article 46-1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, and then the case shall be referred to court.
Registration for visiting the exclusion zone solaris.testmticket.in.ua/ua
Fauna
Flora
Area – 2270 sq.km.
safe routes
animal species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine out of 400 possible
plant species
animal species
historical heritage sites
Увага!
In the description of the rules our congenial tone will change to a quite strict one. But we have to warn you about all dangers and rules for visiting the exclusion zone. Before travelling, you need to apply for a permit (solaris.testmticket.in.ua/ua). You can travel 23 official routes, 8 of which are in the territory of the reserve.
How to get here
Kyiv – Dytiatky Security Checkpoint – Chornobyl 140 km (2 h)
Kyiv – Chornobyl from the bus station “Polissia” on Taras Shevchenko Square in Kyiv.
The nearest airports are I.Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport and Boryspil International Airport.
The nearest railway station is “Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi”.