Geographically, the city of Kiev is within the Polesia ecological zone, which is a part of the European mixed woods. The city is strategically located on both sides of the River Dnieper, which flows south towards the Black Sea. The western part of Kiev (older right-bank) is represented by many woody hills, small rivers, and ravines. It is part of the larger Dnieper Upland that adjoins the western bank of the river in its mid-flow.
The Ukranian capital expanded to the river’s lowland left bank (east) only in the 20th century. Many areas of the eastern part of the Dnieper valley were sand-deposited artificially and are being protected by dams.
The famous river creates a branching system of isles, harbors, and tributaries within the city limits. Kiev is adjoined by the Kiev Reservoir and the mouth of the Desna River in the north and the Kaniv Reservoir in the south. You can navigate the Dnieper River and the Desna River at Kiev, although it is limited by winter freeze-over and regulated by reservoir shipping locks.
All in all, there are more than 440 bodies of open water within the city boundaries, including the Dnieper River itself, reservoirs and small rivers, artificially created ponds, and dozens of lakes. These bodies of water occupy more than 7940 hectares of territory.
In addition, Kiev takes pride of its 35 near-water recreational areas (totaling over 1000 hectares) and 16 developed beaches (covering 140 hectares). However, not all water bodies in the city are allowed for swimming.
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