Donetsk
Earth : Europe : Ukraine : Eastern Ukraine : Donetsk
Donetsk [6] (Ukrainian: Донецьк) is a city in the Donetsk region in Eastern Ukraine, on the banks of River Kalmius. Understand[edit]Donetsk has a population of around a million people, making it the fifth largest city in the country. Donetsk is the unofficial capital of Donets Basin (Donbass) region, the most industrialized part of the country. Strangely, Donetsk was founded by a Welsh businessman in 1869, to exploit the coal mines on what was then the southern reaches of the Russian Empire. It was also around this time the local steel industry — which was expanded during the Soviet period — was first established. World War II shook the city hard, leaving it not much more than mounds of rubbles. After the war, the city was extensively rebuilt, losing its original layout and architecture reminiscent of British towns. Donetsk's Donbass Arena was one of the venues for UEFA Euro 2012, the only European football championship that took place in Eastern Europe so far, which was jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Climate[edit]Lying on the Eurasian steppe inland from the sea, Donetsk has a typical continental climate: While temperatures lower than -30°C (-25°F) were recorded, a more realistic expectation from winter lows (Oct–May) would be -7°C (19°F). Summers, on the other hand, can go up as much as 38°C (100°F), although expecting around 27°C (81°F) would be more typical. While spring and summer months (May–Jul) are statistically the wettest, rains are more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. But an average year sees about 492 mm (19.37 inches) of precipition anyway, which is about half of what is typical for oceanic climates common in northwestern Europe. Get in[edit]
As of 21 May 2014, trains from Kyiv to Donetsk are running according to schedule. The are a few ways to get to Donetsk. Recently, one could fly in directly (the airport code is DOK) usually through Kyiv, Munich, Istanbul or Vienna. There are also options if you are in Ukraine: train, air or by car. The drive from Kyiv can be 6-8 h depending on how fast you drive, how many stops you make, etc. There is also a direct train once or twice a week from Almaty (Kazakhstan) via Atyrau and Volgograd. However, you will need at least a Russian transit visa, which is generally quite expensive. By plane[edit]Donetsk International Airport [7] (IATA: DOK, ICAO: UKCC). The airport has been closed since 26 May 2014. Donetsk International Airport was destroyed in the Second Battle of Donetsk Airport, a battle between the Ukrainian army and the Donetsk separatist paramilitary forces, and has not been reconstructed as of this time. Due to the destruction of the airport, access to the city of Donetsk via air is impossible. Entrance to Donetsk/Lugansk oblasts from Ukraine by foreigners is generally prohibited, however in some situations a cash bribe MAY be possible. Entrance into Donetsk/Lugansk oblasts from the Russian Federation is generally unregulated, though foreigners will not be able to enter the rest of Ukraine when doing this. Get around[edit]Public transportation is cheap but can be crowded. Be prepared to stand up most of the time, and you may have to make waves when you want to get out. There are four main types: the trolleybus, bus, tram and minibuses (marshrutkas). Trams and buses will get you just about anywhere in the city for 1.50 hryvnia (around 0.15€ as of June 2012). This price is for as long as you want to be on the tram/bus. Tickets are to be bought from the conductor, which is on board of every tram/bus. At the central market there is one of the many depots. These forms of transport stop at every stop on the route. The minibuses can be found throughout the city. They are like the buses, but faster, smaller, and they stop at only some stops. If you are on board you must yell to the driver that you want out at the next stop, and if you are waiting for one, you must flag it down. Depending on the driver, these can get very crowded. You will pay about 2 hryvnia (usually to the driver). Most tourists find the taxi to be their best option. Taxi cabs are on every corner and they are relatively cheap. To go across the city, you can expect to pay 30 hryvnia (about $6), but the average amount you would pay to get around the center of the city is $1-2. There are numerous dispatch taxi services. For example, 381-0000 or 0-67. Keep your eyes open for more numbers, usually printed on the side of the cab in large font. Also, on the first ride in the taxi, ask the driver if he would like to drive you around on a regular basis. Usually, he will be delighted to do so and give you his ID number for dispatch (pozivnoi) or his cell phone so you can call him directly. That way, you can have a chauffeur for the time of your stay. See[edit][add listing]
Buy[edit][add listing]Currency exchange offices are all over the city. Souvenirs are also very easy to find. Eat[edit][add listing]There are various restaurants located in or around the centre of the city:
Drink[edit][add listing]
Sleep[edit][add listing]
Get out[edit]
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