Chortovi (Chatovi) Skeli — the Devil's Rocks — are a ridge of sandstone outcrops up to 20 metres high in the Vynnyky forest between Lviv and Vynnyky, near the village of Lysynychi. They are the closest real rock formations to the city, crowning the south-eastern edge of the Lviv plateau at about 414 m, surrounded by pine and beech forest, with views over the outskirts of Lviv from the upper ledges. The site is archaeologically rich: traces of a hunters' camp more than 25,000 years old and remains of fortifications have been found here, and in the days of the Rus princes the rocks served as a lookout post — hence the alternative name Chatovi, meaning sentry. The area has been a protected reserve since 1984. It is about an hour on foot from the city, making it a classic half-day walk. The paths are easy, but there are unfenced drops at the rocks and wet sandstone and roots are slippery; climbers train here regularly, and scrambling up without gear is a bad idea.
Take any bus or minibus towards Vynnyky and get off at the "Vynnykivske ozero" stop, then follow the forest road uphill — about 2 km, 15–30 minutes. You can also start from the village of Lysynychi, the shortest ascent. By car it is 20–30 minutes from the centre of Lviv.
The walk in takes 15–30 minutes; 2–3 hours is enough for the whole outing including exploring the rocks. Trails are marked and require no equipment beyond trainers.
The paths are easy, but the tops of the rocks are unfenced with drops of up to 20 metres, and wet sandstone and roots are slippery. Stay back from the edges and do not climb the faces without proper gear — rock climbers train here with ropes.
Free. The rocks lie in the Vynnyky forest park, a protected area open to visitors with no ticket office and minimal facilities.
No reviews yet
Price range
Free — open access, no ticket office.
Create a request and find people with the same plans
