Things To Do
in Kovel

Ukrainian stuffed dumplings (potato, cheese, meat or cherries); widely available at cafes and market stalls — try them with sour cream and fried onions.

Must-Try!

Beet-based soup often served with sour cream and rye bread; a staple in homes and local restaurants, especially warming in cooler months.

Cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat or buckwheat and mushrooms — common in family-run eateries and comfort-food restaurants.

Pan-fried farmer’s cheese pancakes served with jam or sour cream — popular for breakfast at bakeries and cafés.

The city’s main market where vendors sell fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, pickles and local preserves — great for tasting in-season fruit, honey and homemade cheeses.

Simple, affordable snacks near transport hubs: hot savory pies, sandwiches, pastries and seasonal grilled items; convenient for travelers.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, 5–10% is customary for good service; rounding up small amounts is common in cafés. Taxi drivers expect rounding up or a small tip; give a little extra to helpful guides or porters.

Ukraine uses the hryvnia (UAH). Cash is widely used, especially in markets and small cafés, while card payments and contactless methods are increasingly common in shops and mid-range restaurants. ATMs are available in Kovel but carry some cash when visiting rural areas; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Spring brings melting snow, muddy rural tracks and blooming meadows; temperatures rise from chilly to mild (April–May). Bring waterproof footwear for trails and expect some seasonal festivals and market produce (early greens, honey).

Warm to hot weather (June–August) with long daylight hours — ideal for swimming, hiking and lake activities in the Shatsky region. Mosquitoes and ticks can be plentiful in wetlands and forests, so use repellent and wear appropriate clothing.

Crisp, colorful foliage and cooler temperatures (September–November) make for excellent hiking and photography; rainy days increase later in the season and some tourist services scale back outside peak months.

Cold, snowy winters (December–February) with below-freezing temperatures at times; roads can be icy and some rural routes difficult. Dress warmly and check transport schedules if traveling by road or rail.

A network of trails around the Shatsk lake district offering lakeside walks, pine forests and wetlands — ideal for day hikes, birdwatching and photography (roughly 60–120 km depending on specific lake).

Forest and bog trails near Kovel provide gentle hikes through unique Polissia ecosystems; prepare for wet ground and bring insect protection.

Part of the Shatsk region, Svitiaz features sandy shores and walking routes; combine swimming and short hikes for a relaxed outdoor day.

Short circuits between nearby villages let you explore rural landscapes, wooden architecture and agricultural scenery — easy to do by foot or bike.

Located roughly 40–70 km from Kovel depending on route; limited domestic flights but convenient for regional connections and a manageable drive or bus ride.

Approximately 80–100 km away; limited scheduled services — useful for regional travel or as an alternate when planning connections.

About 150–180 km to the south — the largest nearby international airport with frequent domestic and international flights. Good option if combining Kovel with a trip to Western Ukraine.

International airports in Poland (Warsaw Chopin, Kraków) are a few hours’ drive and offer many international connections; useful if planning a multi-country itinerary and crossing by road or rail.

The majority of Kovel’s residents are ethnic Ukrainians, with Ukrainian language and traditions predominant in public life.

Like many regional towns, Kovel has a notable proportion of older residents who maintain local crafts, agricultural practices and community life.

Railway workers, service staff and small-business owners form an active working community; younger people sometimes move to larger cities for study or work.

There are small communities and historical traces of Polish and Jewish heritage, though the contemporary population is largely Ukrainian.

Local amateur and youth football is popular, with community matches and school teams. Spectator-level club football is a common local pastime.

Common indoor sports in schools and community centers, with local leagues and recreational play.

Due to nearby lakes and rivers, fishing is a common recreational activity for locals and visitors alike.

Cross-country skiing and amateur winter activities are practiced recreationally when snow conditions allow.