Khotyn Fortress Ukraine Vacations If the fortress at Kamianets-Podilskyi is like a flower, then the fortress at Khotyn is like a hammer! This is a castle that means business! The fortress dominates the Dniester River, which runs along one side, however it is almost invisible from the land. Massive earthen mounds rise from the moat valley that wraps the inland-facing side of the castle. The ground rises to form an outer defensive wall.