Stories Under the MicroscopeLviv tours with Danylo Pohrebniak

Local tour guide in Lviv

Danylo Pohrebniak

About your guide

My name is Danylo Pohrebniak. I research the history of Lviv and Galicia, work with archival documents and historical newspapers, and turn what I find into podcasts and walking tours. If you are looking for a private guide in Lviv, I will help you explore the city through individual lives and authentic historical evidence.

I trained as a lawyer. That background taught me to read documents closely, compare different accounts, identify contradictions and separate established facts from an attractive but unsupported version of events. I apply the same discipline to historical research.

I host the podcast Stories Under the Microscope, which examines overlooked events, archival criminal cases and individual lives that reveal the wider character of an era. Some of this research becomes the foundation for my tours of Lviv.

The city behind the façades

I am interested in the city behind its façades. Why did the residents of a particular house become the subject of newspaper reports? How did justice operate a century ago? What can a small architectural detail reveal about commerce, religion, family life or political conflict? During a walk, we assemble the answers from places, documents and personal stories.

I do not try to compress the entire history of Lviv into a single tour. Each route has a clear subject and narrative. This makes it possible to be specific without reducing the walk to a list of dates and names.

Private tours in English

A private tour allows us to agree on a convenient date, language and pace. When you contact me, tell me whether this is your first visit to Lviv and which themes interest you most. I will suggest one of my established routes that best suits your request.

Tours are available in English, Ukrainian and Polish. The duration, meeting point and price depend on the route and are confirmed before booking.

Who a private tour suits

A private walk is useful when you cannot join a scheduled date or would prefer to explore at your own pace. It also leaves more room for questions and makes it possible to spend longer on the subjects that matter most to the participants.

I work with prepared author-led routes, so a private booking is not a random collection of facts. We choose a coherent theme, and within that route I can give more time to relevant context or connected stories.

Themes and routes

For a first introduction to Lviv, you can choose the historic centre and Rynok Square. Other routes examine Lychakiv Cemetery, major criminal cases and the lives of people connected with particular houses and streets.

The catalogue is gradually expanding. Each tour page shows a short description, duration, current price and the next scheduled date. If the available dates do not suit you, contact me about a private booking.

Preparing for the walk

Most routes take place outdoors and involve walking, so comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather are recommended. The exact meeting point appears on the event page or is provided when a private booking is confirmed.

If you need a slower pace or have other practical requirements, let me know in advance. I will explain whether the selected route is suitable and suggest another option when appropriate.

A responsible approach to difficult stories

Some routes involve crimes, court proceedings and tragic individual lives. I do not use these subjects simply for sensational effect. It is important to explain the circumstances, keep the experience of victims in view and avoid assigning motives to historical people when the evidence does not support them.

Where possible, related podcast episodes include a list of the materials used. This allows listeners to distinguish a documented event from interpretation and to continue exploring the subject independently.

Why the sources matter

Lviv is surrounded by legends, but real documents often tell stronger stories. A newspaper report, court record or personal letter reveals not only an event but also the language, fears and assumptions of its time. During the tour, I explain the context and make clear where established evidence ends and interpretation begins.

This approach does not turn the walk into an academic lecture. It gives the story a reliable foundation and allows us to discuss the past clearly, accurately and without invented sensationalism.

How to arrange a tour

Browse the available routes and choose a subject. Then send your preferred date, language and number of participants by Viber, WhatsApp or phone. I will confirm availability, the price and the meeting point.

If you are unsure which route to choose, briefly describe your interests. I will suggest a good place to begin.

Available routes

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Lychakiv cemetery

Lychakiv cemetery

During the tour, I will show you the graves of people who became victims of high-profile murders and were buried at the Lychakiv cemetery.

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Frequently asked questions

Are tours available in English?

Yes. I offer tours in English, Ukrainian and Polish.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes. We agree on the date, route, duration and price before the booking is confirmed.

Is there a tour for first-time visitors?

Yes. The catalogue includes routes that introduce the historic centre. I can recommend the most suitable option when you contact me.

How much does a tour cost?

The price of a scheduled tour appears on its route page. Private tour prices are agreed individually.

How do I reserve a date?

Send your preferred date, language and number of participants. The booking is confirmed when I reply with the details.