Birthday
HydrangeasBridges in Ukraine are more than transport: they tell the story of engineering, from Austrian stone viaducts in the Carpathians to the world's first all-welded bridge in Kyiv. We have picked 10 of the country's most interesting bridges, explained what makes each unique and added tips on where to take photos and where to go for a romantic walk.
Where the bridges are
Before travelling, always check the current security situation: some bridges in the south and east are in high-risk areas, and some have restrictions on traffic or photography.
1. Paton Bridge, Kyiv
Opened in 1953, this bridge over the Dnipro was the world's first all-welded road bridge: its steel structures are joined by electric welding instead of rivets, using technology developed at the Electric Welding Institute led by Yevhen Paton, after whom it is named. It is about 1.5 km long and offers views of the Motherland Monument and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
2. Southern Bridge, Kyiv
This cable-stayed bridge, opened in 1990, is a landmark of the Kyiv skyline. A single tall pylon holds the span on steel cables, and the bridge carries both road traffic and a metro line. Its evening lighting makes it especially photogenic.
3. Inhul Bridge, Mykolaiv
This drawbridge over the Inhul River, opened in 1986, is one of the largest in Europe. Its lifting spans let ships pass to the city's shipyards.
4. Castle Bridge, Kamianets-Podilskyi
The bridge leads from the Old Town to the famous fortress across the deep Smotrych canyon. A crossing existed here in the Middle Ages, and in the 17th century, under Ottoman rule, the bridge was rebuilt and fortified. It was part of the defences: the only way into the fortress.
5. Plebanivka Viaduct, Ternopil region
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This stone railway viaduct near the village of Plebanivka was built in the late 19th century, when the area was part of Austria-Hungary. Its tall natural-stone arches still carry trains, and it is a favourite subject for photos from train windows and drones.
6. Prut Viaduct, Yaremche
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This stone railway bridge from the 1890s, with a central arch spanning about 65 metres, was in its day one of the largest stone arch bridges in Europe. It was destroyed during the world wars and rebuilt. Nearby are the Probii waterfall and Yaremche's souvenir market.
7. Arch Bridge, Zaporizhzhia
Opened in 1974, the bridge links Khortytsia Island with the right bank of the Dnipro. Its huge steel arch is one of the largest in Ukraine and is clearly visible from the island, home to the Khortytsia nature and history reserve.
8. Merefa-Kherson Bridge, Dnipro
A double-deck rail and road bridge over the Dnipro with a distinctive curved approach. Destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt, it is now one of the city's landmarks.
9. Central Bridge, Dnipro
Opened in 1966, this bridge almost 1.5 km long connects the city centre with the left bank. In the evening its lights reflect in the river; the best view is from the embankment.
10. Austrian Viaduct, Vorokhta
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This stone viaduct, about 130 metres long, was built in the 1890s on the Transcarpathian railway. Trains no longer use it, and it has become one of the most popular sights in the Carpathians: you can walk across and see the Prut valley from above.
Bridges for a romantic walk
In Kyiv, the most romantic walks are across the Park Pedestrian Bridge to Trukhaniv Island and along the glass bridge between Volodymyrska Hill and Khreshchatyi Park. Bring a small bouquet on a date; for ideas see romantic places in Kyiv, and order flowers with delivery from our rose catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most unusual bridge in Ukraine?
The Paton Bridge, the world's first all-welded road bridge, and the Castle Bridge in Kamianets-Podilskyi, one of the oldest.
Where can I see old stone viaducts?
In the Carpathians at Vorokhta and Yaremche, and in Ternopil region near Plebanivka.
Can you walk across the Vorokhta viaduct?
Yes, trains no longer use it and it is open to pedestrians.
What is the longest bridge in Kyiv?
Among the major road bridges, the Paton and Southern bridges are each more than a kilometre long.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
