Turunchuk Branch

In the 1780s, the Dniester River formed a remarkable natural branch near Chobruchi village, stretching 60 kilometers in length with a channel width varying dramatically from 34 to 270 meters and reaching depths of up to 9 meters — creating a substantial waterway in its own right alongside the main river.

By the early 20th century, the Dniester had begun to silt up in this area, threatening to divert the river from its established course. To counter this, a dam was constructed in 1927, with substantial stones transported by cart from the Bychok quarry, railway stations and various other sources to build this protective structure. The dam, however, ultimately succumbed to the powerful forces of ice drift and was subsequently washed downstream, leaving behind only its foundation and a cascading ridge of stones beneath the water — remains that remain clearly visible to this day.

This stone ridge now forms a natural threshold at the entrance to the branch, creating a rushing sound that can be heard from as far as half a kilometer away. This distinctive auditory feature has earned the location its popular local nickname — the “waterfall” — and transformed what might otherwise have been an unremarkable engineering remnant into one of the most beloved natural attractions in the Chobruchi area, drawing visitors who come for the scenic beauty, the sound of rushing water, and the excellent fishing opportunities that this unique riverside location consistently provides.

Location: Chobruchi village, Slobodzeya district