A new 58-kilometre tourist cycle route, “VeloPidkova”, has been unveiled in the Lviv region, linking the Zolochiv, Pidhirtsi and Olesko castles. The route was presented near the walls of Zolochiv Castle with the participation of representatives of the regional authorities and local self-government.
Deputy Head of the Lviv Regional State Administration Ivan Sobko noted that the Lviv region has significant tourism potential, and such initiatives demonstrate effective cooperation between the region and local communities while creating new opportunities for active leisure.
Mayor of Zolochiv Ihor Hrynkiv stressed that the project is only just beginning: next comes the development of supporting infrastructure, the improvement of the route and the addition of new opportunities for tourists.
According to Mariana Kuksa, Deputy Director of the Department of Sport, Youth and Tourism of the Lviv Regional State Administration, the best way to get to know an area is on foot or by bicycle. She advised travellers to climb Mount Menych, close to which the “VeloPidkova” route runs, as its summit offers views of the Pidhirtsi and Olesko castles.
After the official opening, participants tested a section of the route, setting off from Zolochiv through the recreation area in Hrabovo to Pidhirtsi Castle. The route includes stops for rest and photos, and also makes it possible to combine visiting the castles with a trip along rural roads.
Director of the Department of Sport, Youth and Tourism of the Lviv Regional Military Administration Roman Khymyak recalled that the region already has the “VeloBeskydy”, “VeloKarpatia”, “VeloOpillia” and “Rovelove Roztocze” routes, and that “VeloPidkova” complements this network for those seeking a combination of history, nature and active recreation.
The starting point of the route is the railway station in Zolochiv. The tourist route was created on a co-financing basis by the Department of Sport, Youth and Tourism of the Lviv Regional State Administration within the Tourism and Resorts Development Programme in the Lviv Region for 2021–2025 and Zolochiv City Council. The total cost of the project is UAH 900,000, of which UAH 600,000 comes from the regional budget and UAH 300,000 from Zolochiv City Council.