Seeing the ancient castles of Ternopil Oblast, feeling the healing power of nature, and breathing in the refreshing sea breeze is not a fantasy, but a reality. On 4 June, the region opened a unique recreational and tourist space called the Salt Tower, a place that combines eco-tourism and relaxation. 

The Tower was created by the team at the “InSource” Initiative Development Centre in partnership with the Lanivtsi City Council, with support from Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine. 

The Salt Tower, located in the Lanivtsi Zoological Garden, is unique in Ukraine. The facility operates as a natural aerosol space in which salt brine is sprayed, saturating the air with salt microparticles and minerals. Staying in such an environment creates conditions similar to sea air and can contribute to an overall sense of relaxation and comfort. 

Creating such a unique location gives the region a new impetus for tourism development. The Salt Tower will become a magnet for tourists seeking to combine recreation with active leisure and exploration of the region. The increase in tourist traffic is expected to boost small business development, create new jobs, and boost the region's economy. 

Visiting the Tower is free to everyone and, most importantly, it will become a key point on the new therapeutic tourist route ‘The Path to the Salt Tower’. In addition to the Tower itself, the route covers the ancient architecture in the cities of Ternopil and Zbarazh, as well as the picturesque landscapes of neighbouring Volyn Oblast. The first tour following the new route started on 5 June. 

The Salt Tower was created under the “Empowered Partnership for Sustainable Recovery” (EPSR) project, funded by the Government of Sweden, represented by the Swedish Development Agency (Sida), and implemented by UNDP Ukraine. 

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org