Location

Lviv is on the edge of the Roztochia Upland, about 70 km from the Polish border and about 160 km (100 miles) from the eastern Carpathian Mountains. The average altitude of Lviv is 296 m above sea level, although it has many hills. Its highest point is the Vysokyi Zamok (High Castle), 409 m above sea level. This has a commanding view of the historic city centre with its distinctive green-domed churches and intricate architecture.

The old walled city was at the foothills of the High Castle on the banks of the river Poltva. In the 13th century, the river was used to transport goods. In the early 20th century, it was covered over in areas where it flows through the city. The river flows directly beneath the central street of Lviv, Freedom Avenue (Prospect Svobody) and the famous Opera House.