Yaremche (Ukrainian: Яремчe, Polish: Jaremcze or Jaremcza) is a city in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast (province) of west Ukraine. Population is 7,850 (2001) and altitude is around 580m above mean sea level.
It is known as a spa for tuberculosis patients. Yaremche’s nickname “Pearl of the Carpathians”, describes its unique beauty, which is the result of town’s location. Surrounded by wooded, picturesque mountain tops, it was founded at the end of 18th century.
In interwar period (1918-1939) it belonged to Poland and was the most popular tourist center in eastern part of the Carpathian Mountains (in late 1920s more than 6 000 guests came there yearly). Yaremche was growing year by year in importance and number of tourists. According to some, it had a chance to achieve same importance as other key Polish mountain spas, Zakopane and Krynica. However, in September 1939 it was captured by Soviet troops and became a part of Soviet Union; in 1991, with Independence, it became a part of independent Ukraine.
Today, after years of communist rule, one will not find many interesting buildings here, as much of the architecture is concrete soviet hotels. There are however, a number of interesting houses with long sloping roofs. There is a wooden Orthodox church and an impressive rail viaduct, located over the Prut valley at the height of 30 meters. Next to this there is a swinging bridge which you can walk over for 1 UAH.
On December 14, 2006, the Parliament of Ukraine, officially renamed the city from Yaremcha to "Yaremche". The decision was based on the results of city referendum, as well as the recommendations of City Council, and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Council.
Footbridge has fallen down - no longer walkable. June 2009
