Pushcha-Vodytsia lake and beach, Kyiv, Ukraine

The municipal beach of Pushcha-Vodytsia is located on Lake Horashchykha, in the Pushcha-Vodytsia district of Kyiv. This area, often considered a suburban forest retreat, is characterized by extensive pine and oak forests and numerous lakes. The official beach is the only formally designated swimming area in Pushcha-Vodytsia and received the international “Blue Flag” eco-label in 2017, 2018 and 2019, recognizing it as meeting high international environmental and safety standards.

Lake Horashchykha, on which the beach is situated, is part of the Koturka River system and forms a series of small interconnected lakes. The lake is more than a kilometer long and up to about 100 meters wide; it is divided by a dam and crossed by a wooden footbridge. Water quality here is generally good, with a sandy and gentle entry into the lake and minimal algae presence. The lake’s bottom is primarily sandy, with occasional silty patches. During the off-season, the water is clear, while during peak summer it may appear slightly cloudy due to increased visitor activity.

The beach is accessible by car via the Kyiv Ring Road and local roads, with parking available nearby. By public transport, take tram 12 from Kontraktova Ploshcha metro station or tram 17 from Yordanska Street in Obolon and get off at the 7th–8th Line, take bus 30 from Akademmistechko metro station, or minibus 719 from Nyvky metro station. The beach lies at the end of Fedora Maksymenka Street, near the 8th Line of Pushcha-Vodytsia, a short walk from the tram stop.

The main beach facilities are located closer to the residential side of the lake and include sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, toilets, a lifeguard tower, a children’s playground, a sports ground, a cafe, and rental services for boats and catamarans. The opposite side of the lake offers a wilder, more natural beach area that extends into the surrounding forest, providing a quiet and scenic environment. A notable feature in this area is a large old oak tree with exposed roots, popular for photography.

Pushcha-Vodytsia itself, though officially part of Kyiv, retains a distinctly rural and forested atmosphere. Historically, the area was home to numerous sanatoriums during the Soviet era, valued for its healing environment. Today, modern hotels and houses coexist with older, often deteriorating buildings. Adjacent to the beach is Pushcha-Vodytsia Park, which reopened in 2019 after a major renovation, offering walking and cycling paths through dense forested areas.

Visitors to the beach can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The lake is suitable for swimming and boating, and rentals allow for catamaran or boat excursions along the lake. Walking and cycling trails connect the lake to the surrounding park and forest. The beach is ideal for weekday visits to avoid crowds, while weekends may attract larger groups, including barbecuers using designated gazebos. Wildlife is present, including ducks that visitors can feed, adding to the area’s natural charm.

Because of the war, Kyiv has not officially opened its beach season since 2022. In summer 2026, municipal beaches including Pushcha-Vodytsia are cleaned daily, lifeguards are on duty and the water is tested weekly, but you swim at your own risk. During an air-raid alert, follow the lifeguards’ instructions and go to the nearest shelter.

Overall, Pushcha-Vodytsia’s municipal beach on Lake Horashchykha is regarded as one of Kyiv’s best urban beaches, offering a combination of well-maintained facilities, natural surroundings, and recreational opportunities.