We present to you a route that might seem a bit peculiar at first. It’s located far from the bustling city center, somewhat challenging to access, and not very well-known. This path mainly weaves through forest trails and charming, almost rural roads, where you might find the asphalt in need of some repair.

Situated on the northwestern outskirts of Kyiv, this journey offers a break from the clamor of urban life, busy highways, and towering buildings. You might be wondering, “What’s the benefit of this detour?”

Yet, perhaps within this route lies a hidden romance. Could it be that here, one can face a true test of endurance or experience real tranquility away from the smoky gray of the city? We’ll find out when we embark on this adventure together.

We’ll make our way straight to the starting point of the route.

Wondering how to get to the Windy Mountains (Vitryani Gory) ? And where exactly is the lesser-known Vynogradarsky Forest? It’s situated in the northwest corner of Kyiv, just off the Great District Road.

To get there by public transport, you can take trams 12, 17, or 19, or trolleybuses 6, 18, or 33 to Dubrovytska Street.

If you prefer cycling, you can hop on the urban rail and disembark at the Priorka station on Vyshgorodska Street. From there, follow Avtozavodska Street, turn left onto Berestetska Street and Vyshhorodska Street to Krasytskyi Street.

Park 'Christer's Hill,' also known as 'Christer's Forest Tract,' 'Christer's House,' or 'Christer's Dacha,' is located in the historic Prioryka district of Kyiv. This park is situated on the grounds of the former estate of Wilhelm Gottlieb Christer (1815-1890), a German entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded a horticultural company and agricultural school.

The park is bordered by Vyshhorodska Street, Zapadynska Street, Vitryani Hory Street and Krasytskogo Street. This area has been known since the first half of the 19th century as the property of the Hungarian Prince Esterházy. Christer established a horticultural and seed farm on this former Esterházy land, and remnants of these buildings still exist today, including Christer's House, which is recognized as an architectural monument.

During the Soviet era, the territory was home to various organizations, including 'Kyivlis' (Kyiv Forest) in 1920, various rest houses, a children's labor colony focused on agricultural training, and the state-owned flower farm 'Troyanda.'

The park is a haven for nature lovers, as the source of the Konoplyanka River is located here. This river is a tributary of the Pochayna and creates a cascade of four lakes. Along the shores of these lakes, several unique natural monuments from the 19th century have been preserved, including ancient oaks known as 'Christer's Oak,' 'Mozolevskii Oak,' and 'Gunali Oak,' along with chestnuts that are 150 to 200 years old, towering between 20 to 25 meters with trunk circumferences of 200 to 400 centimeters. Other century-old trees, such as lindens, poplars, elms, ash trees, willows, blue spruces, berry yews, and western thuja, also thrive here, alongside a fir tree known as 'Christer's Fir.' Wild ducks nest in the vicinity of the lakes, and a local subspecies of crucian carp reside in the waters.

In the park, you’ll find a wooden mini model of Christer's House and a granite stele marking the area. There are plenty of sports facilities and playgrounds, including ping-pong tables, a large tennis court, a separate playground with exercise equipment, and a small basketball court. A spacious area for sports and active games is also available. The park features numerous bicycle paths and walking trails, including the 'Century Oaks' eco-footpath, which leads through all the notable locations, starting from Christer's Oak all the way to 'Kin-Grust' Park