I´m going to Kiev, Ukraine - Tips!?

[Berlin1989]

Hello folks,
In early July i´m going to Kiev, Ukraine on a short holiday.
Any information regarding good military museums, sights, flea markets etc. etc. would be greatly appreciated!
We will be spending 3 days in Kiev, and one of the days are reserved for a day-trip to Chernobyl and Pripyat.

When i get back i´ll write a travel-report and post it on this forum, for other people to use when they travel to Kiev. (Something like the report i wrote after my trip to Sarajevo: http://wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/s...d.php?t=778145)

Thanks a lot!
Regards,
Erik

[GeorgeP]

There are a few sites in Kyiv and the surrounding area you can see. The Great Patriotic War Museum has a number of good exhibits: dug relics, medals, documents, etc. You can't miss it if you are driving along the banks of the Dnieper River: There is a giant statue of a woman with sword and shield standing right on top of the museum. I think the closest metro stop is Arsenalna and about a 20 -25 minute walk from there. Also on the campus of the war museum is a smaller museum dedicated to the Soviet Afghan War. It has a number of tanks, rocket trucks, etc. The museum itself doesn't have a lot, but you can get your picture taken inside the cockpit of a MI-24 helicopter. Another vehicle park with tanks, trucks, planes, etc is next to it.

There are a few WW2 era bunkers on the outskirts of the city, but you need a guide to show you the way. They might have organized tours of this by now.

As to flea markers, there is a large one on weekends at a big exhibition center across the river from city center. Times vary though, I couldn't tell you a set schedule with these. The usual flea market stuff, some fakes, knick knacks, but sometimes you can find a gem.

Keep a lookout in the city for Soviet architecture. There are still a few mosaic murals from Soviet times on a few of the apartment buildings, and soviet stars, hammer/sickles still adorn corners of bridges, government buildings, etc.

Oh, an interesting historical note about the area of Boryspil if you are indeed flying into that airport. This was where some of the most desperate fighting took place after the Germans surrounded Kyiv.

Enjoy Chernobyl, it is one creepy place.

Tom

[GeorgeP]

One more site in Kyiv that is sobering is Babi Yar. Please see here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babi_Yar




Tom

[Gaspare]

well, guess Eric is there already..

The Great Patriotic War Museum is a place you got to take your time and really check out!
- The tragedy of Babi Yar ,, well in the museum there is a contraption Blobel had to use when they ordered him to try and hide his atrocity. It is a mill to crush bones into powder! There's a lot of really nice Nazi regalia in there. Also lot of Soviet items too, uniforms, flags, awards etc. And, Holocaust items.
For buying you might get lucky at some of the local bazaars. Locations change so ask around. And, there is 'Andreski' street. [spelled wrong but ask and you'll find it for sure]. It is a long winding arts/local crafts street. Plenty of street vendors and you might get lucky and find the occasional soldbuch/award/helmet both Nazi and soviet! Heed the warning! - Be careful of anything you find. Check thoroughly!!!

Lots of good sites to see,,Lavra, ,Saint Sophia's, ,main square, etc...

Some good food and some of the best vodka you can drink!!!
Hope he has a great time!!

[Berlin1989]

Thank you very much for your help!
I´m traveling on July 5th, so i´m not there yet! Absolutely, i won´t miss the The Great Patriotic War Museum! And regarding markets etc., maybe i can ask in the hotel lobby!?

Regards,
Erik