Khotyn fortress is a big fortified complex nearby the border between Ukraine and Moldova. On the territory of the complex is beside the castle also the church and ruins of the minaret which was standing there during the Turks rule.

The complex is beautifuly restored and maintained. It totally deserves it’s position on the list of Seven wonders of Ukraine. And it is only 30km away from Kamianets-Podilskyi castle, which is also on the list.

Khotyn castle in all its beauty

How to get to Khotyn fortress

Khotyn fortress is located nearby the village of the same name which stands between two bigger cities – Chernivtsi and Khmelnytskyi. These will be your entry points.

You can get to Chernivtsi by train from Kiev which leaves at 20:05 and arrives to Chernivtsi next day 7:30 in the morning. For the ticket with bed reservation you will pay either 415UAH (in coupe for 4 people) or 207UAH (in open space car).

Timetable and price might change though, so you can check and buy tickets online at official website of Ukrainian railway. The website is very user friendly and has also English version. Keep in mind that you can buy tickets maximum 45 days ahead of your departure.

From Chernivtsi you have to continue by marshutka (local minibus). It operates daily from 5:00 to 17:00, approximately twice in an hour. You can check the schedule here.

Once you are at the Khotyn bus station, it is another 3km walk to the fortress. Unfortunately there is no public transport going there, so you have to either walk or take a taxi.

There were very few people around the complex in June

Where to stay

1. Tent

The complex of fortress has plenty of the flat space and the grass is cut short, so it would be perfect place to build a tent and enjoy the castle at night. But when we asked security guy if it is possible, he said he cannot let us camp there and it is forbiden.

He was very nice guy and told us we can stay just next to the parking lot in front of the complex, but we have to leave until 7:00 otherwise he would have problems. He also offered to let us stay at his friend property, 50m away from the parking. As we planed to fly the drone for sunrise we stayed next to the parking and packed everything early morning.

Fortress sitting on the river Dnister

Our advice for future travelers is either to build a tent after the dark in some far corner where security won’t see you (outer gate doesn’t close at night) or talk to the security and see what he offers you. People are very nice around, for sure they will try to help you out.

Another great thing is that just next to the parking lot is traditional well where you can take cold drinking water for free. During the hot summer it was the best drink we could wish for.

2. Budget

Another option is to stay at Dnister hotel. Spacious rooms with air-con and fridge – located in calm area. The great advantage of this place is that it is located between Khotyn fortress (5km away) and Kamianets-Podilskyi castle (20km away), so it makes great base to explore both of these magnificent places.

3. Mid-range

The closest accommodation to Khotyn fortress is Four Inn pension. It is lovely place with their own garden, domestic animals and playground. The breakfast is amazing, made of local products. It is about 8km away from the fortress.

Where to continue

Once you are at Khotyn castle, you can visit another of Seven wonders of Ukraine – Kamianets Podilskyi castle. It is only 30km away and it is one of the most fairy-tale like castles we have ever visited.

Sunset over Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle

And as you will be probably traveling via Chernivtsi city, visit local university. It was built during austrian-hungraian rule and is truly spectacular.

Chernivtsi University

For nature lovers like us it is always great relax to hike in nearby Carpathian mountains. Life there stoped 30 years ago and if you come during the summer, you will be rewarded with the most tasty berries in the whole Ukraine. Our favourite hikes are on polonina Borzava and polonina Svidovec.

Ridge of polonina Svidovec during the sunset