Chernobyl Exclusion Zone route: Red Forest to Pripyat town
This 78,909 km route explores the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine, covering abandoned villages and restricted areas within 30 and 10 kilometer safety perimeters from Reactor 4. The journey documents evacuation sites, buried radioactive waste, and the contrast between radiation readings in Kiev city center versus the exclusion zone.
- Distance
- 2.0 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Red Forest
- End
- Pripyat town
- Stops
- 2
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Red Forest — Highly contaminated forest area where wind carried radioactive debris post-explosion, causing tree death and giving the area its distinctive reddish hue.
- Pripyat town
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- You must visit Chernobyl with a tour guide; independent visits are not permitted. The creators booked through SoloEast and recommend them.
- Avoid
- Do not eat berries or mushrooms inside the exclusion zone. This is a mandatory rule enforced at the security checkpoint.
- Tip
- Wear long pants, long sleeves, and boots to cover all exposed skin. Radioactive particles can attach to clothing and skin.
- Tip
- You will receive a personal dosimeter (USB-like device) worn around your neck to measure radiation exposure over the visit. Geiger counters are also provided.
- Transport
- All visitors must pass through a radiation checkpoint when entering and exiting the exclusion zone, where vehicles and persons are scanned for radioactive contamination.
- Tip
- You will need to sign forms at the security checkpoint agreeing to follow all rules. Passport is required for entry.
- Where to stay
- There is a private hotel inside the exclusion zone. Staff receive free accommodation, utilities, and double salary in exchange for living and working there.
- Timing
- Tours typically span two days. Allow time to visit multiple locations including reactor 4, Pripyat town, Red Forest, and evacuated villages.
- Tip
- Follow your guide's instructions on which areas to avoid. Some zones within the exclusion zone remain highly radioactive and are off-limits to visitors.
- Avoid
- Do not start fires inside the exclusion zone. This is an enforced rule at entry.
Video on this route
WHAT IT'S LIKE INSIDE CHERNOBYL (is it safe?)