Khotyn Fortress is a medieval fortress located in Khotyn, Ukraine. I visited Khotyn about 35 years ago first time and I barely remember it. So, when my friend offered to stop by Khotyn fortress on our way back to Kiev from Lviv, I was very excited to see it again. Khotyn Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s my guide on how to plan a visit to Khotyn Fortress.
History of Khotyn Fortress
Khotyn Fortress is a medieval fortress located in Khotyn, Ukraine. It was built on the banks of the Dniester River in the 10th century, although the current stone fortress dates back to the 13th century. The fortress played an important role in the history of the region, as it was the site of numerous battles and sieges over the centuries.
In the 14th century, Khotyn Fortress was a key part of the Moldavian Kingdom, and it was heavily fortified during this time. The fortress was captured by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, and it remained under Ottoman control until the late 18th century. During this time, the fortress was expanded and further fortified.
In 1621, the Battle of Khotyn took place near the fortress between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire. The Poles were able to repel the Ottoman invasion, and the battle is considered a significant victory for the Commonwealth.
Russian Empire defeated Khotyn Fortress in the late 18th century and it became part of the Russian Empire. The Russians used the fortress as a military garrison for many years, and it played a role in the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-1792.
How to get to Khotyn Fortress
By car from Chernivtsi
The closest major city to Khotyn is Chernivtsi, which is located about 40 km away. The easiest way to get to Hotin is by car, either by renting one or hiring a taxi. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chernivtsi to Hotin, which takes about an hour and costs around 40 UAH (approximately $1.50 USD).
By bus from Kiev
To get to Khotyn Fortress from Kiev by bus, start your journey at the Central Bus Station (Kyiv Centralniy Avtovokzal) located at Metro Vydubychi in Kiev, Ukraine. Look for buses heading towards Khotyn, which depart regularly from this station. The bus ride typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Upon arrival at Khotyn Bus Station (Khotyn Avtovokzal), you can easily reach Khotyn Fortress by taxi or a short walk, as it’s located nearby. Check the bus schedules from Khotyn back to Kiev.
Khotyn Fortress Admission tickets
Admission to the Khotyn fortress costs around 100 UAH (approximately $3.70 USD) for adults and 50 UAH (approximately $1.85 USD) for children and students. You can purchase tickets at the entrance to the fortress.
How much time to spend at Khotyn Fortress
You can explore the fortress in about 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring its various sections and taking in the views. However, there are other things to see and do in Khotyn, such as visiting the city’s churches and museums, so you may want to spend a full day or more in the area.
Our experience visiting Khotyn Fortress
We stopped by Khotyn Fortress on our way from Lviv back to Kiev. The parking lot was almost empty. Ticket booth near the parking lot was closed. The fortress is located about 20 minutes walk form the parking lot. So, we spend some time debating whether we should go or not and decided to go. We didn’t see a single person on our way to fortress.
The fortress is located on a hill overlooking the Dniester River. So, the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside was amazing. We got closer to the fortress, climbed three wooden staircases to get to the fortress entrance. Fortress employee or a volunteer greeted us at the entrance and sold us tickets. They do not have a cash register, so they only take cash.
We got inside and had the entire fortress to ourselves, we didn’t see a single person there. We spent about an hour climbing the fortress walls and exploring the area. It was a great experience.
Other places to see in Khotyn
The main attraction in Khotyn is, of course, the fortress. But there are other notable sites in the city include the Assumption Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century, and the local history museum, which features exhibits on the region’s cultural and natural history.
Overall, Khotyn Fortress is a must-see attraction for anyone who has interest in history, architecture, and cultural heritage. It offers a unique glimpse into the region’s past and is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of its builders and defenders.
