A land once celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, ancient archaeological treasures, and scientific landmarks is now a scarred landscape where war has disrupted, damaged, or entirely destroyed many of its most cherished tourist sites.
Kharkivshchyna, as the region is known in Ukrainian, has long been a destination for those seeking to connect with the deep roots of Eastern European history and Ukrainian identity. Yet since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the region’s thriving local tourism industry has been brought to a standstill.
Some of the region’s most notable tourist attractions have been occupied, others are inaccessible due to landmines and ongoing shelling, and several have been completely obliterated.
Borisivka: The Lost Museum of Yavornytsky
Once a cultural gem, the village of Borisivka hosted a museum dedicated to Dmytro Yavornytsky, a renowned historian and ethnographer. It attracted visitors eager to deepen their understanding of Ukrainian heritage. However, the village fell under occupation early in the war, and the fate of the museum remains unknown. There are serious concerns it may have been destroyed.
The “Verkhniy Saltiv” Historical and Archaeological Reserve
This museum was devoted to the study of the Saltiv culture, one of the most significant early medieval archaeological cultures of Eastern Europe. The area preserves invaluable remnants of the Khazar Khaganate and the culture of the Alans and Proto-Bulgars. Tragically, the museum was demolished by a Russian missile strike. The surrounding area, now heavily mined, may be inaccessible to archaeologists for years to come.
Dvorichanskyi National Nature Park
Once known for its scenic chalk hills, rare plant species, and pristine landscapes, Dvorichanskyi National Nature Park has become another casualty of war. Due to landmines and active combat in the area, the park is now too dangerous to visit, cutting off one of Kharkiv region’s most treasured natural retreats.
Kupiansk: From Holiday Cheer to Ruin
The city of Kupiansk, which once brought joy to generations through its factory of New Year ornaments, has also suffered extensive damage. The factory, symbolic of festive cheer and childhood memories, has been completely destroyed in the conflict.
Ivanivka: Damaged Observatory
The astronomical observatory of Karazin Kharkiv National University, located in the village of Ivanivka near Chuhuiv, was occupied during the war’s early phases. Though now liberated, the observatory did not escape unscathed — Russian troops caused significant damage to its scientific equipment.
The Skovoroda Literary and Memorial Museum
In 2022, a Russian missile struck the Hryhorii Skovoroda Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of the iconic Ukrainian philosopher and poet. The destruction of the museum sparked outrage across Ukraine and the world, as yet another symbol of Ukrainian culture fell victim to the war.
