Holidays in Belarus: it's worth knowing. Belarusian tourism: trends and prospects All about Belarus for tourists

In addition to national parks and the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the system of specially protected natural areas of Belarus includes 85 reserves of republican significance and 348 local ones, 305 natural monuments at the state and 542 regional levels. All national parks offer tourists walks along ecological trails. Once you walk along such a trail laid through the territory of the Blue Lakes natural complex, breathe deeply the smell of forest and pine needles, admire the lakes of the Bolduk group and climb the observation tower near the tiny lake Glubelka - and Belarusian nature will forever captivate you with its beauty.

Thanks to its healing climatic and phytotherapeutic factors, deposits of mineral waters and medicinal mud, Belarus attracts fans of medical and health tourism. People come here to relax, gain strength and improve their health in sanatoriums. Belarus has a well-developed sanatorium base. Belarusian sanatoriums specialize in the treatment of diseases of the circulatory system, digestive organs, nervous system, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, respiratory organs, female genital organs and genitourinary system, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, musculoskeletal system, skin and visual organs.

Belarusian sanatoriums are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment. In total, there are about 30 hospitals of various profiles in the country.

The geographical position of Belarus - in the very center of Europe, at the intersection of trade and military routes - has more than once turned the country into an arena of military operations. The battles of the Northern War raged here, during which many Belarusian castles were damaged and the legendary St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk was blown up. For more than two and a half years, the front of the First World War passed through the territory of present-day Belarus - through the Myadel, Viley and Smorgon regions. Russian and German cemeteries of the First World War have been preserved in these places. Numerous material evidence of the war has been preserved in the form of concrete and earthen fortifications, dilapidated stone bridges across rivers and narrow-gauge railways, which were built by German military engineers to advance deeper into the Russian Empire. In memory of those who died in the last, Second World War, majestic memorials were created in the Brest Fortress, on the site of the burned village of Khatyn, on the Buinichi field near Mogilev. Excursion routes laid out at places of dramatic military events will be of interest to adherents of military-historical tourism. The only memorial dedicated to the First World War operates in the village of Zabrodye near Naroch. For many years, artist Boris Tsitovich was involved in its creation. In Zabrodye, a wooden Orthodox Borisoglebsk chapel-monument was built in honor of those who fell in battle during the First and Second World Wars. In the forest near the village there is a monument to soldiers of the First World War. Every year on May 9, a commemoration of soldiers of both world wars takes place in Zabrodye.

The churches of Belarus are of particular interest to lovers of history and architecture: in the country, which has long been a European “crossroads,” you can see Catholic churches, Orthodox churches, synagogues, Tatar mosques, and wooden churches of the Old Believers. This opens up rich opportunities for religious tourism. Thousands of pilgrims every year visit the largest Orthodox monastery in Belarus - the Holy Dormition Zhirovitsk monastery, where the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Zhirovitsk is kept. The Day of Remembrance of the Icon of the Mother of God of Yurovichi is celebrated on September 13. Every year on this day, in honor of the miraculous image, a religious procession is organized from Mozyr to Yurovichi. Every year at the beginning of July, thousands of pilgrims go to the modest village of Budslav, where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Budslav is kept in a magnificent Baroque church.

There are travelers who visit a country not to get acquainted with its monuments or nature, but to find, meet business partners, attend a specialized exhibition or conduct a seminar. All conditions have been created for business tourism in Belarus. In hotels that are interested in attracting business tourists, guests will be offered not only accommodation, but also additional services: mandatory Internet in the room, restaurant, swimming pool, guarded parking lot, booking air and train tickets, currency exchange, etc. The geographic location of Belarus is a trump card for the development of business tourism: after all, in the center of Europe it is very convenient to hold international exhibitions, business symposiums, conferences and business meetings. In search of an ideal place to hold business symposiums, their organizers are increasingly turning their attention to the new building of the National Library of Belarus. There are 20 reading rooms on the 25 floors of the building, and the library’s collections contain about 14 million printed publications, including about 70 thousand early printed books and manuscripts. There are art and photo galleries, a unique book museum, an Internet center, an international press center, and a conference hall for 450 people.

And when business issues are resolved, you can arrange a corporate trip to nature or a rural estate to communicate in an informal setting.

In recent years, such an area as nostalgia tourism. Most often, nostalgic-style trips are taken by residents of the CIS countries, as well as Poland and Israel. Meeting with the homeland always turns out to be unusually exciting... And those who are connected with Belarus only by the origin of their parents want to see the homeland of their ancestors, find the graves of relatives, and if they are lucky, meet people who remember them.

Many Belarusian rural estates are venues that attract lovers of event tourism. The rural tourism festival “Zaborsky Fest” and the Belarusian horse festival are held in the Rossony district. The estate “On Zarechnaya Street” (Kobrin district, Brest region) is the center of the traditional culinary competition “Polesie delicacies”; in the village of Komarovo (Myadel district, Minsk region) an exhibition-fair of national crafts “Komarovo - circle of days” is held. The “Sandy Coast” estate (Bykhovsky district, Mogilev region) at the end of summer invites all fishing lovers and fans of the original song to the “Big Bard Fishing”.

At the beginning of May, Turov hosts the traditional Wader Festival, attracting nature lovers from all over Belarus. The festival takes place next to the unique Turov Meadow - one of the most important nesting and migratory stopover sites for many species of waterbirds. It is here that the largest stable settlement in Belarus of the common sandpiper, listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, is located.

Leisure

For lovers of active recreation, Belarus is a real find. Forests, parks, a huge number of lakes and rivers will turn a simple vacation into an interesting and memorable trip across the Belarusian land.

Hiking

For hiking, Belarusian cities are a haven. In addition to pedestrian streets, each region has its own interesting walking routes to local attractions.

In the Vitebsk region, tourists can take a walk in the “Land of yellow water lilies and gray boulders.” If you want to see natural monuments, ancient settlements, mounds, be sure to go on a hike through the Lepel land.

In the Mogilev region there are routes to places associated with the Great Patriotic War.

In the Minsk region, tourists can visit places where battles took place during the Patriotic War of 1812.

In the Gomel region, walks along the ecological trails of the Pripyat Park are possible.

Guests of the Grodno region are invited to walk along the “royal road” from castle to castle, for which the Grodno land is famous.

The Brest region is rich in historical monuments. The most famous is the Brest Fortress. The stories about the fortress itself and the courage of the soldiers who fought, as well as the splendor of the local nature will not leave you indifferent.

You can get acquainted with untouched forests and take part in a photo safari by going on a walking tour along the paths of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha Park.

Cycling tourism

Cycling has become a favorite pastime of modern people. The hobby has changed the face of city roads. Now in every Belarusian regional center, in addition to roads for cars and pedestrians, there are many bicycle paths.

There is a central route for cyclists in every city. Following its direction, the traveler can get acquainted with the parks, water canals and architecture of the city.

The most popular city route in Minsk has become the 27 km long central bicycle path.

A bicycle ride can become a real expedition if you go along the routes of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. There are four cycling routes on the territory of the Pushcha. They, in turn, are equipped with signs and information boards. If you are tired on the road, you can take a breather in special rest areas. The routes are designed according to skill level: from beginners to experienced cyclists. A ride along the bicycle paths of the Pushcha is accessible to everyone: you can ride either on your own bicycle or on a bicycle rented in the national park.

Water tourism

Let's start with simple arithmetic: in Belarus there are more than twenty thousand rivers and over eleven thousand lakes, in total: more than thirty thousand routes for water expeditions.

You can start a water cruise with a boat trip; this is not only relaxation, but also an excursion to local attractions.

A hike along the rivers of Belarus can take from several days to a week, during which time you will have views of the generous Belarusian nature that will allow you to feel one with it.

The organization of water leisure needs to be taken seriously. Those who want to go hiking along the rivers of Belarus should join a team that includes water tourism professionals.

The famous Braslav lakes are located on the territory of the Minsk region. Kayaking or boating on local lakes and bays will introduce the traveler to the “blue necklace” of Belarus.

The Augustow Canal is the pearl of the Grodno region. For several years now, kayakers from Lithuania, Poland and Belarus have been rafting on the Augustow Canal. Tourists note that this place is attractive for its historical values: bridges from the 19th century, inscriptions on the walls from the First World War.

The Oginski Canal is a route along an ancient waterway, built back in the 18th century at the expense of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth figure Mikhail Kazimir Oginski. A walk along this route will show you all the beauty of Belarusian Polesie.

Horse tourism

Equestrian tourism in Belarus is represented by equestrian clubs and riding centers, where you can not only ride around the arena, but also take part in a horseback riding trip for one to several days.

The “Golden Horseshoe” route in Glubokoe is very popular. Following this route, you can see the former residence of Count Molay, visit rural estates and taste national Belarusian cuisine.

To take a horseback ride, you don’t have to go to Glubokoye. You can contact one of the equestrian clubs closest to your location.

Ski tourism

In summer, Belarusian slopes, hills and ravines are covered with bright greenery, and in winter they become a place for ski holidays. The temperate climate and the absence of the likelihood of avalanches are conditions that are well suited for pleasant leisure activities.

In Belarus, winter tourism is concentrated in ski centers and active recreation parks, which are located in the Minsk, Gomel and Vitebsk regions.

The famous ski resort is the Silichi complex. On the territory of the complex there are ski trails for beginners and professionals, adults and children, trails for tubing or snowmobiling. After a busy day, a tired tourist can relax in a hotel room.

The Yakut Mountains active recreation park is located 37 km from Minsk near the highest point in Belarus - Mount Dzerzhinskaya (345 m). In the winter season, the park offers: skiing, riding ATVs or snowmobiles.

The Solnechnaya Dolina ski center is famous for its location. “Sunny Valley” is located on the shore of the Zaslavsky reservoir or, as local residents call it, the Minsk Sea. In winter, the “sea” becomes a place for ice skating, alpine and cross-country skiing, and if you like extreme recreation, then you should check out the snow park, where you can ride a snowboard.

Advantages of tours in Belarus

Value for money. Unlike many foreign countries, visiting which has recently become increasingly less accessible due to unstable currency exchange rates and factors of internal instability, Belarus remains one of the most accessible and safe countries for tourists. We try to select for you the most quality in terms of service level And affordable tours and trips. Fortunately, every year Belarus pleases us with the emergence of new interesting excursion routes and consistently high-quality tours. For example, this year you can go on holiday tours to Minsk, Brest and Grodno not only for the May holidays, but also for short holidays dedicated to March 8 and February 23. As for prices, Muscovites will be pleasantly surprised, because for the money that you can spend in the Russian capital on a cup of coffee and dessert, in Belarus you can have a hearty dinner, or maybe even for two.

Variety of routes. In Belarus, every traveler will be able to find something that is exactly his range of interests. Those who are looking for “similarity”, a kindred spirit and warm hospitality close to home can happily spend a weekend in Minsk. Lovers of tasty and hearty food will not be offended on any tour of Belarus, because Belarusian cuisine is one of the most delicious in the world, although it is not famous for its intricate delicacies, but rather for its time-tested quality, freshness and quality of products. Travelers yearning for the cozy beauty of European towns should go, for example, to Grodno, where cobbled streets, cozy cafes, baroque churches, and many other signs of European life await you. Is it worth talking about Belarusian Castles? The Mir and Nesvizh castle ensembles are recognized masterpieces of architecture that can easily compete with their Czech or German “competitors”. If you want to refresh your memory of a page of our common glorious history with the Belarusians, visit the Brest Fortress, the Khatyn Memorial or other monuments from the Second World War. Here, as in Russia, they remember and honor the memory of their ancestors.

Proximity to Moscow. It is worth noting separately that almost all tours and trips to Belarus are tours by train. Usually the road to Minsk takes no more than, for example, the road to St. Petersburg. Having fallen asleep on the train in Moscow, you will wake up in Belarus, and there you will be met by the experienced team of the host country. All transfers between cities on tours take place on comfortable modern buses, and travel information from the guide will not only keep you from getting bored, but will also make the journey itself part of an interesting program.

Simplicity in paperwork. To visit Belarus you do not need a visa, so when you purchase a trip, you immediately receive a full package of documents. You can even enter the territory of this country using a Russian passport, since border controls and other obstacles on the way to Belarus do not threaten you.

Discounts for regular customers. Starting from the second contact with us, you receive the status of a regular customer and a discount depending on the direction of the tour from 5 to 15%! You can also subscribe to our newsletter or join us on social networks and receive regular special offers at discounted prices. Tours to Belarus are also covered by a promotion - 300 rubles discount when paid in full!

Tourism in Belarus:

opportunities and prospects

Belarus is a country in the heart of Europe

Belarus is located in the very heart of Europe. In terms of area occupied (207.6 thousand sq. km), it surpasses the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Do you like to travel, discover new countries, meet new people and collect vivid impressions, but is Belarus still terra incognita for you, a blank spot on the map of Europe? The time has come to correct this unfortunate omission. Let's get acquainted!

In the Middle Ages, the lands that are part of modern Belarus were called the Land of Castles. Today it is most often called “blue-eyed”, the land of a thousand lakes. And thanks to forests that occupy a third of the country’s territory and unique swamp complexes, it is also the “lungs of Europe.”

Belarus attracts travelers with its unique nature, the beauty of which, although not striking, penetrates the soul gradually and forever. Belarusian rivers flow their waters calmly and majestically, inhaling the coniferous smell of a pine forest. You can relax not only your body, but also your soul. In Belarus, corners of untouched nature have been preserved, where no human has ever set foot, but where animals and birds that have long disappeared from European forests feel very comfortable. It is not for nothing that Belarus is already well known in the world among lovers of ecotourism, biologists, photographers and bird watchers.

For centuries, Belarus has been a “crossroads” of numerous trade routes. East and west, north and south literally met here. The geographical position of Belarus made it open to the influences of other cultures. Perhaps it was precisely because of this that one of the main features of the Belarusian character was formed - tolerance, tolerance for other religions, views, views. You just have to come here and you yourself will appreciate the cordiality and hospitality of the Belarusians. You may not be greeted with Hollywood smiles, but once you start a conversation, you will be pleasantly surprised by the warmth and simplicity of behavior typical of Belarusians. They love guests here and are always ready to help.

There are seven main tourist bases in the republic:

- “Belarus” - near Minsk, on the Zaslavl reservoir;
- “Lake Naroch” - on the lake of the same name, the largest in Belarus;
- “Braslav Lakes” - on Lake Drivyaty;
- “High Bank” - in the upper reaches of the Neman, not far from the Stolbtsy station;
- “Dnepr” - in Mogilev, on the steep Dnieper ravine;
- “Sozh” - near Gomel on the banks of this river;
- “White Lake” - near Brest, near the lake with the same name.

You ask: "What is tourism in Belarus?"

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Unique untouched nature

Surprisingly tender, like watercolors of a talented artist, landscapes, crystal clear rivers of the Lake, ringing pine forests filled with bird diversity. Belarus is ready to open to its guests one of the last wonders of the world - a miracle of virgin nature.

A third of the country's territory is occupied by forests, and the whole of Belarus is penetrated by a dense network of rivers and lakes. There are especially many “blue beads” in the north and north-west of the republic. Belarusian swamps have become a paradise for fishermen and birds.

Many of the representatives of the local flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book, and the swamps themselves, for the huge amount of oxygen they produce, have been dubbed “the lungs of Europe” by journalists around the world.

Visit the oldest biosphere reserve in the republic - “Berezinsky”, and you will see with your own eyes the thickets of black alder growing right in the swamps, the nesting places of rare birds and, finally, the ancient path “from the Varangians to the Greeks”. Floodplain meadows, the bitter aroma of herbs, and most importantly, a unique opportunity to observe birds up close await you in the Pripyatsky National Park, which is located in the center of the Polesie Lowland.

Imagine finding yourself in a forest that is almost 900 years old! You can do this not in your dreams, but in reality, by looking into Belovezhskaya Pushcha, included in the UNESCO List in 1992 World Heritage of Humanity. This is a real primeval forest, and the trees growing here still remember the princes of Kievan Rus. Among the pristine thickets you can meet the black stork, white-tailed eagle, gray owl, listed in the Red Book. The Belovezhsk bison are famous throughout the world. It is here that the largest population of these mighty giants lives.

Whether you like comfort or prefer to live in a tent, you can always choose how to relax. You can stay in a comfortable hotel or guest house on the territory of the national park. And then, for walks along quiet forest paths, you will receive a kind of bonus - all kinds of entertainment: from saunas to hunting, from excursions to fishing.

Or you can go on a hiking trip on horseback, kayaks, rafts or on foot. The quiet splash of coastal waves, the intoxicating aroma of barbecue, songs with a guitar by the fire... What could be better?

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Distinctive cultural heritage

Like ice and fire, the cultures of the West and the East came together in Belarus. This strange union had a surprising impact on the appearance of our country. Here the Byzantine style, characteristic of Russia, and the Gothic style, which came from Western Europe, coexist; Baroque, classicism and modernism are intricately intertwined.

Every traveler is looking for something in a foreign country that he will not see at home. For many tourists, these are monuments of Gothic architecture: spiers rising to the sky, lancet windows, arched ribs... Like a fairy-tale mirage, in the small town of Postavy, above the Myadelka River, the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, built in the late 19th - early 20th centuries, seems to be hovering. You will only find such beauty in France!

How about plunging into the real Middle Ages? Feel its spirit, catch the unique aroma exuded by past eras? Mir Castle, built in the 16th century, awaits you. Walk through the cobblestone courtyard, climb the narrow spiral staircase to the watchtower, look out into the street through the loophole - and you will never forget the delight of contact with the distant past.

Mysterious and beautiful, each in its own way, are the castles in Nesvizh, Novogrudok and Lida. Time itself bewitches them, beckoning with revelations of medieval secrets.

When traveling around Belarus, be sure to take a look at the 16th-century fortified temples in Synkovichi, Murovanka, and Kamai. In their harsh appearance there are reflections of struggle and bloody battles. Wooden churches; in Zhirovichi, Slutsk, Dudy - they preserve the spirit of Orthodoxy, they carry peace and tranquility. The ancient Catholic churches in Ishkoldi (XV century), Vselyub (XV century), Nesvizh (XVI century) surprise with their unique luxury.

But perhaps you would like to see something familiar and close? Then head to Polotsk! Polotsk and Novgorod Sofia are sisters, alike, like two peas in a pod. Independence Avenue in Minsk will probably seem familiar. After the war, it was completely rebuilt from the ruins, and, quite possibly, in the near future it will be included in the UNESCO List as a striking example of urban development of the Stalinist era.

Belarusian traditions and national holidays will swirl you around in a whirlpool of fun and joy. Belarusians are rightfully considered the most tolerant nation, hospitably welcoming guests

Over its centuries-old history, the Belarusian people have created a unique, distinctive culture. Traditional folk holidays and rituals are combined with Christian traditions, forming a unique harmonious synthesis.

Most of the population of Belarus are Christians. The main holidays of Christianity are Christmas and Easter, which are celebrated twice: according to the Orthodox and Catholic religious calendars.

The Nativity of Christ is celebrated solemnly, observing many traditions and rituals. On this day, everyone has fun and visits each other. The most famous Christmas fun is mayhem. An indispensable attribute of the Christmas holidays is an elegantly decorated tree.

On Christmas Day there is such a sign: when going on a visit, a man must enter the house first, contrary to the usual rules of etiquette. If a woman enters the house first, she will bring troubles, illnesses and troubles to the owners of the house.

Easter is a celebration of the victory of life over death, light over darkness. On the eve of Easter, the house is cleaned, put in order, a wide variety of dishes are prepared, eggs are colored and Easter cakes are baked. Easter food is illuminated in churches on Holy Saturday. At the festive table, first they eat a piece of lighted boiled egg, Easter cake, and only then - all the prepared dishes. On Easter days, as well as on Christmas, believers visit each other, sing songs, and dance. A special feature of Easter is the walking of volcanoes. The family that the volochniks visit treats them with festive dishes, colored eggs, Easter cakes, and sweets.

Along with Christian ones, Belarus also celebrates folk holidays that come from pagan traditions. These are primarily Kupala and Maslenitsa, which are accompanied by folk dances, songs, games and traditional rituals.

On the night of July 6-7, Belarus celebrates the most ancient ritual holiday - Kupala, which is dedicated to the pagan god of the Eastern Slavs - the god of all earthly fruits Kupala. One of the main activities of this holiday is the search for the mythical paparazzi flower. Whoever finds a flower will have good luck all year, and can ask for the fulfillment of any wish. At Kupala they sing, dance in circles, jump over the fire, thereby people get rid of various misfortunes and diseases. And at the end of the Kupala night, it is customary to swim. There is a belief that bathing, like Kupala dew, has healing powers.

Maslenitsa is a ritual of seeing off winter and welcoming spring. On Maslenitsa, mass celebrations are held with folk music and dancing in national costumes. Pancakes are an indispensable attribute of the holiday. Since pagan times, the pancake has been a symbol of the sun. It was believed that pancakes were eaten to celebrate spring and the fertility of the earth.

The celebration of the New Year is truly popular. Even before the celebration, all the cities of Belarus are transformed: festive lighting turns on, elegant New Year trees appear in the squares, fairs and exhibitions open, and a theatrical procession of Father Frosts and Snow Maidens takes place.

Traditional Belarusian culture is integrally connected with handicrafts. Wood carving, pottery, embroidery; This is not all that our ancestors succeeded in. It is interesting that the relic of the Belarusians; Slutsk belts; Only men wove them, and also wore them themselves and helped tie them to their owners. It was believed that if a woman's hand touched the precious threads of the belt, the fabric would fade and the belt could be immediately thrown away. You can see the work of modern masters in some villages or in the Dudutki museum complex of ancient folk crafts and technologies.

Therefore, the best reminder of Belarus will be small souvenirs - a woven and embroidered towel, a product made from straw or a linen tablecloth, or maybe beaded felt boots that will warm you in bad weather.

While in our country, be sure to ask to speak with you in the Belarusian language, listen to the melody of its sound, polished over centuries. It is not without reason that the Belarusian language, according to many scientists, is considered one of the most melodic languages.

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Unique national cuisine

Fragrant pork stewed in pots with sour cream and mushrooms, pike fish soup, potato dumplings with cracklings and fried onions - all this is Belarusian national cuisine!

It is generally accepted that potatoes are the most important thing on the Belarusian table. Fried and boiled, stewed and pureed, it serves as a side dish and as a main dish. Even those who are not a fan of this vegetable will not be able to refuse Belarusian potato pancakes and potato pancakes with sour cream - they are so appetizing and aromatic!

But potatoes did not always enjoy such honor. Back in the 17th century, it was grown as an exotic plant, and ladies decorated their hats with the flowers of this plant. And only at the end of the 19th century potatoes appeared on peasant farmsteads and tables. Until that time, Belarusians preferred boiled beans with garlic and linseed oil.

Do you not share vegetarian tastes? Then pay attention to pork dishes, which occupy a special place in Belarusian cuisine. A tradition has been preserved in the villages: at the beginning of winter, slaughter a pig and make sausages, salt lard and make polendvitsa - dried salted meat.

The most satisfying meat dish is machanka. These are pieces of pork or sausage, first fried and then stewed in a pot with sour cream. They eat machanka with pancakes or pancakes, which are dipped directly into the pot.

By the way, the ancestors of modern Belarusians were great jokers. In winter, the nobles went to visit each other and “stayed” until all their supplies were consumed. It was then that the owner cooked a full dish of crayfish, at the bottom of which he lowered two live arthropods, having previously wiped them with vodka, from which the crayfish turned red and temporarily lost their mobility. When the guests got to the bottom of the plate, the “drunk” crayfish just started crawling again, scaring the eaters to the point of hiccups. However, this tradition has long been forgotten, so if you are served crayfish with beer, eat it with confidence!

But Belarusians have not forgotten krambambula, a drink invented by the gentry about 200 years ago and still drink it with pleasure. This is a strong alcohol infused with spices. Krupnik (a mixture of infusion of medicinal herbs, alcohol and honey) will be a wonderful addition to any table. If you are a supporter of a sober lifestyle, try Belarusian kvass made from natural birch sap, it will give you vigor and strength.

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Rich cultural life

Walking through numerous Belarusian museums and exhibitions can be turned into an exciting attraction, the essence of which is the search for the most original work. And your discovery can be either the outburst of young talent or the work of a venerable author.

There are more than 140 museums in the Republic of Belarus. Some preserve history in arrowheads and clay shards, ancient jewelry and manuscripts, while others preserve works of art for posterity.

Memories of a bitter period for the country, common with Russia, are collected in the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk.

The works of famous artists and sculptors - Napoleon Orda, Chaim Soutine, Ferdinand Ruszczyc - are stored in the capital's National Art Museum.

In Brest you will have a rare opportunity to look back into the past a thousand years ago! After all, the Berestye Museum is nothing more than a preserved and accessible urban settlement of the 10th - 13th centuries.

Don’t neglect small expositions and exhibitions either. Sometimes they best reflect the original culture of Belarus.By the way, the city streets themselves can be considered exhibition halls. Capital sculptures - postman, girl with an umbrella and a lady with a dog are well known to lovers. It is customary to arrange romantic dates near them.

Maybe you want to touch the mystery of creativity? Go to Vitebsk. In the picturesque outskirts of the city, the estate of the outstanding artist Ilya Repin has been preserved; here he worked away from the noise and bustle

What if great talent is hidden in you too? Feel free to pick up a brush and try your hand!For fans of Melpomene, numerous theaters light up in the evenings. The National State Academic Drama Theater named after A. Yakub Kolas in Vitebsk and the National Academic Theater named after. Yanka Kupala in Minsk, and the capital's Film Actor Theater surprises the viewer with piercing philosophical productions, often with only one actor on stage. The most famous theater in the country is the National Academic Bolshoi Theater of Opera and Ballet, whose artists have won tremendous success among both domestic and foreign audiences.

You can remember your childhood and go to the circus. Funny clowns and trained animals, flexible gymnasts and clever magicians will not let you get bored. Circuses operate in Minsk and Gomel.

Of course, talking about performances and circus performances, about the performances of artists and directorial discoveries is a thankless task. As they say, it's better to see once...

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Ample opportunities for active tourism

Are you tired of monotonous work and gray everyday life? The hustle and bustle of the big city puts pressure on you, and do you want to feel the freedom and joy of movement again, as if in childhood?

Belarus invites you to the world of active tourism! The Logoisk and Silichi ski resorts, which are located near Minsk, will give you the unique delight of a date with heights and flight. Due to the hilly landscape, locals call the region "Little Switzerland". European standards of the complexes will delight skiers and snowboarders, both professionals and beginners. Here at your service: an ice rink, gyms, tennis courts, a sauna, rental of mountain bikes, ATVs, roller skates, roller skis, as well as picnics in the forest, with kebabs, potatoes baked over a fire and other delicacies.

High descents don't impress you? Then welcome to a journey along ecological trails. In the Narochansky National Park, the hiking route to the Blue Lakes Nature Reserve is especially popular. The view from the observation deck of two cornflower blue lakes - Glublya and Glubelka - will not leave anyone indifferent. On the Braslav Lakes you can admire the amazing landscapes from Mount Mayak, taste the water from the healing forest spring, and watch rare birds and animals. There are ecological trails both in the Berezinsky Nature Reserve and in Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Hiking under the canopy of centuries-old trees will help you feel peace and joy of life.

For those who want to see as much as possible in one trip - rides on bicycles or horses. Winding forest paths woven into intricate patterns, narrow bridges spanning rivers and streams, small Belarusian villages - this is a bouquet of impressions that you can collect.

If you are an experienced swimmer, you can go kayaking and rafting. The expanses of the Braslav lakes, Naroch and Svityaz are open to you, and the conquest of the rivers - Pripyat, Neman, Dnieper, Sozh and Bug - will become an event that you can then proudly tell your friends about.

Belarus is a sports country. We traditionally have developed winter sports such as freestyle, biathlon and ski jumping. Competitions at European and international levels constantly attract the attention of many sports fans. And in 2014, Belarus will hostIce Hockey World Championship.

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

National parks and reserves

The beauty of pristine Belarusian nature with its unique healing springs of mineral water and healing mud invariably attracts tourists.

The forests of our country, located in the center of Europe, occupy 1/3 of the territory, and the Belarusian swamps are rightfully considered the “lungs” of Europe, as they produce a significant amount of oxygen.

Uniquely beautiful national parks"Belovezhskaya Pushcha" , "Braslav lakes", "Pripyatsky", "Narochansky" and Berezinsky State Biosphere Reserve - the pride of our republic. They are home to more than 70 species of animals and about 300 species of birds, some of them are unique.

Exciting trips on foot or by car, by boat or by helicopter will reveal to you a rich and diverse world of plants and animals in their natural habitat, and excursions along ecological trails will allow you to learn more about the ecology and biology of natural complexes.

There are 4 national parks in Belarus: Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Pripyatsky, Narochansky and Braslav Lakes.

The first state-ownedNational Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" ― one of the oldest nature reserves on the planet, and now there are places in it where no human has gone before. It is home to the world's largest population of Europe's largest mammal, the bison. 2 thousand giant trees grow. Some of them appeared even before Columbus discovered America!

Pripyatsky National Park was created with the aim of preserving the landscape, unique for the Belarusian Polesie, in its natural state. Here, vast open meadows coexist with entire skeletons of bushes, swampy lowlands with areas of open forest, and numerous oxbow lakes with sand dunes. The national park has the international status of a key ornithological area.

Territory has a complex landscape structure. The mosaic nature of the landscapes, the beauty of the lake basins interspersed with meadows and swamps give the park a special charm and uniqueness. The pearl of the region is Naroch - the largest lake in our country (80 km2), framed by sandy beaches and ancient forests.

Braslav Lakes National Park was created in 1995 in order to preserve unique ecosystems, effectively and more fully use the recreational opportunities of the natural resources of the Braslav region and the natural complex of the Braslav group of lakes. The main treasure of the National Park is the lakes. The landscapes of the complex basins of lakes Strusto, Snudy, Nespish and Nedrovo are particularly beautiful. On Lake Strusto there is the second largest island in Belarus, Chaichin, which has an inland reservoir.

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Castles, fortresses and towers

Belarus is a country of castles. Her memory holds many memories of battles and truces, because the largest trade routes passed through the Belarusian lands, and these territories were a “tasty morsel” for their neighbors. Of course, all this predetermined the appearance of defensive architecture.

Since ancient times, traditional Slavic fortifications have been known - fortifications, which were the predecessors of the first castles. Already in the 13th century, the first stone fortifications appeared. An example of this is the Kamenets Tower, which has been rising on the western border of Belarus for more than 7 centuries.

But the massive construction of stone castles began in the 14th - 15th centuries. It was then that castles were built in Novogrudok, Grodno, Lida, as well as temples and fortresses in Synkovichi, Kamai, Malomozheikovo.

The Renaissance brought elegance and originality to military architecture. Now the castle was not just a defensive structure, but the residence of the owner. So, Mir Castle and Nesvizh palace and castle complex still preserve the spirit of the Renaissance.

At the beginning of the 19th century, impregnable fortresses were built in Brest and Bobruisk. Even a century later, in the first days of the Great Patriotic WarBrest Fortress held back the onslaught of Nazi troops for a whole month.

Admire the pearls of defensive architecture in the history of our blue-eyed Belarus!

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS

Palaces and estates

Belarus is a country where the cultures of the West and the East are intertwined. Polish nobles, Russian nobles, and Belarusian noble families lived here. The following palaces and estates have survived to this day: Sapegov , Rumyantsev and Paskevich , Chapskikh, Tizengauza ... In their luxurious palaces, rich estates and estates, built by famous architects, the spirit of enlightenment was in the air, and the most educated people met. The pride of the owners were the painstakingly collected collections of paintings, weapons, antiquities, rich libraries, and greenhouses with plants rare for our latitudes.

We invite you to look at the original architecture of the “family nests”, stroll through the shady alleys of ancient parks, fill your soul with the light of History and preserve the memories of your meeting with Belarus for a long time!

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Hunting and fishing

Geography has prepared Belarus a special place in hunting Europe. The pristine surrounding forests and swamps, the excitement of tracking and pursuing an animal, the euphoria of a successful shot, the joy of the opportunity to take home a valuable trophy - all these unchanging attributes of real hunting can be fully experienced when you come to Belarus, whose hunting grounds occupy 18 million hectares.

Hunting traditions have developed on Belarusian soil over the centuries. Forests and forests preserved from the Middle Ages remember the sounds of hunting by magnates and kings. Soviet and foreign statesmen came to hunt in protected areas more than once. Today there are no social prohibitions for hunting in Belarus: any legally competent adult who has the appropriate certificate can go out with a gun or dogs to hunt wild boar, roe deer, deer, wolf and fox, waterfowl (in total there are more than 20 species of game animals and about 30 species of birds). for a hunting license issued by a government agency.

The Germans come to the Belarusian forests for large animals - elk or red deer. Italians prefer waterfowl. Russians come to Belarus in the summer to hunt wild boar on grass - this type of hunting in the Russian Federation is classified as prohibited.

Among the preferences of subjects of the British crown is hunting foxes and wolves. The fox, as well as the wolf, are considered undesirable animals in Belarusian forests and the regulations for hunting them are one of the most liberal, in particular, in some cases it is allowed to use a rifled hunting rifle with a muzzle energy of over 1000 joules, optical sights, night vision devices, traps. Belarus is also seriously thinking about allowing bear and lynx hunting. You can try your luck in sport hunting for birds (duck, capercaillie, hazel grouse, grouse and woodcock). The main routes of birds returning from the south pass through Belarus. These routes almost completely “cover” the territory of the republic. In the summer-autumn season, the main prey of hunters is mallard. In addition to it, in the hunting grounds of Belarus there are gray ducks, shovelers, waders and whistling ducks, tufted and red-headed ducks.

Demonstration hunting grounds are being created in Belarus, where there is all the necessary infrastructure - stationary and temporary towers for trophy hunting, comfortable hunter's houses, enclosures for dogs, professional huntsmen. And also the opportunity to try national cuisine, which local craftsmen will prepare from freshly caught game.

The hunt does not end with a successful shot. Belarusian legislation allows the export of hunting trophies from the country, without which the memory of an unforgettable tour will not be complete enough.

Belarus is of even greater interest to the avid fisherman: a variety of fish species, unique natural conditions, more than 10 thousand clean lakes, about 20 thousand rivers - there is plenty of room to spread out your own fishing gear. The organization of sports, amateur and underwater fishing is carried out in national parks and fish farms of the republic. Belarusian health resorts, tourist centers and owners of hospitable rural estates invite you to go fishing. In Belarusian reservoirs, fishermen can expect not only roach, perch and ruff, but also catfish, pike, bream, pike perch, and eel. Only in the reservoirs of the Belarusian Lake District are relict lake species of fish from the Ice Age found.

Anyone can fish in Belarus. For amateur fishing, it is allowed to use fly fishing, float and bottom fishing rods of all systems, spinning rods, circles, tracks, girders, shotguns and pistols for underwater hunting, nets and lifting nets for catching fish used as bait.

Take an unforgettable trip along Belarusian rivers and lakes, which for centuries have delighted fishermen not only with their picturesque landscapes, but also with rich catches.

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

LEISURE

Active tourism is popular in Belarus, because this type of tourism is the easiest path to health. Only a few hours of travel and simple equipment separate us not only from living beauty, but also from finding harmony and tranquility.

It offers many interesting routes to residents and guests of Belarus who prefer active recreation. You can go on horseback riding and cycling tours in the most picturesque places of the country. Those who prefer active recreation on the water will be interested in kayaking or rafting along the beautiful Belarusian rivers. And fans of extreme air recreation can go on a helicopter flight, experience all the delights of aerobatics on an airplane, or make a parachute jump.

The most common and most accessible type of tourism is hiking. Specially designed tourist routes pass through the reserves and national parks of Belarus, which take into account the minimal human impact on nature. Special floorings are built along which tourists walk, so as not to disturb the integrity of swamps and forests. Berezinsky Nature Reserve An ecological trail has been equipped, which provides an opportunity to get acquainted with various types of natural forests and swamps, as well as with the inhabitants of the forest.

According to Nationalpark "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" There are various walking routes where you can get acquainted with the natural systems of the Pushcha in their natural state and look at wild animals in enclosures.

Today, one of the popular types of tourism in Belarus is water tourism. Rafting along rivers and lakes, you can not only enjoy the changing coastal landscapes, but also see many of the main attractions of the country. Water routes run both from East to West and from North to South.

Nature is especially attractiveNational Park "Narochansky" . The water surface of Lake Naroch, the largest in the republic (80 sq. km), attracts lovers of boat trips. An interesting and exciting kayaking route along the Naroch and Viliya rivers begins from its banks.

Traditional region of water tourism -Braslav lakes . The national park offers visitors a variety of one- and multi-day tourist routes.

By National Park "Pripyatsky" You can take a fascinating ornithological route on boats and kayaks with the possibility of photo hunting.

Along the waters of the Berezina River, which flows along the northern edge of the Berezina Biosphere Reserve, you will take a tour of the historical section of the route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” - an ancient water trade route from the Baltic to the Black Sea, along which in the 9th-12th centuries. trade was carried out. The natural-ecological route also passes through Belarusian Polesie.

You can also take a trip on a pleasure boat or kayak around the Polesie radioecological reserve.

Belarusian roads are good for traveling by bicycle. This type of movement allows you to fully experience freedom and become closer to nature. In addition to exciting routes around the country, cycling routes from Germany and Poland to Russia and the Baltic states pass through Belarus. Cycling tourism is perhaps the most informative of all types of tourism - in one trip you can visit cities, forests, mountains, rivers and lakes. During the trip you will see picturesque villages with beautiful, traditional architecture, ancient small towns, historical places, corners covered with legends and poetry, and get acquainted with traditional folk culture.

Today in Belarus there is a revival of equestrian tourism. Horseback riding is a pleasant physical activity, as well as a wonderful emotional release, an opportunity to feel closer to nature. Sitting on a horse, you can see the world around you better and breathe fresh air easier! Horseback riding services and horseback riding are provided by rural estates and equestrian clubs that host tourists. Each horse riding route has an instructor who can take care of everything.

It is when we are alone with nature that we can simply be ourselves. A change of environment will help you completely detach yourself from any everyday worries and problems. Real rest is your mood, your emotions, your sensations that you acquire and with which you return home.

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

Treatment and recovery

The intense rhythm of life, which requires great physical and mental strength, the worries and problems of everyday life lead us to feel tired and irritable. Spa treatment will help you get rid of everyday worries and regain faith in your strength and health. For people who want to spend their holidays with health benefits, in Belarus there are many offers for organizing recreation and recreation in sanatoriums and health resorts.

Belarusian sanatoriums are located in the most picturesque corners of the country - in pine forests, on the banks of rivers and lakes, where nature itself is healing. The temperate continental climate of Belarus, with mild and humid winters and warm summers, is conducive to relaxation and recreation here all year round.

Belarus has a variety of resources for the development of health tourism. A complex of climatic and natural healing factors, represented by four types of mineral water sources and deposits of medicinal mud, contributes to the treatment of a number of diseases.

Some health resorts can organize a full-fledged family vacation with the possibility of recovery. The sanatorium and resort base of Belarus is widely represented by sanatoriums, including children's ones, located both on the territory of the republic and abroad. The main treatment profiles in Belarusian sanatoriums are: diseases of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system and musculoskeletal system, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, gynecological diseases and diseases of the circulatory system.

An integral part of sanatorium recovery is therapeutic (dietary) nutrition. Health resorts in Belarus not only offer dietary meals that correspond to the disease, but also specially develop menus, taking into account the tastes and wishes of vacationers.

Each health resort took care of the comfortable accommodation of its guests in cozy cottages and comfortable buildings. You will find luxury, junior suite and standard rooms.

Vouchers to Belarusian sanatoriums are sold for any convenient time: for a weekend, a week, a decade. Many sanatoriums offer the opportunity to stay for any number of days, but in the summer some sanatoriums have a specific arrival schedule, so you should take care of purchasing vouchers in advance.

Each sanatorium has its own microclimate. Whether it is the air saturated with negative ions due to the mixed forests located in close proximity to a fast-flowing river, or surprisingly clean due to the smell of pine forests along the shores of a calm lake, everything makes this natural factor therapeutic.

Health resorts pay great attention to organizing leisure time for vacationers. On the territory of the sanatoriums there are open children's, sports and dance grounds, and beaches. During your recovery, you can visit a sauna or a real Russian bathhouse with a broom, a swimming pool or a water park. At your disposal there will be a solarium, a gym, and a beauty salon.

As a rule, each sanatorium has a rental point for sports and tourist equipment and equipment. Routes for cycling, walking and photo hunting are being developed. We offer a variety of educational excursions by bus and boat to the monuments of the historical, cultural and natural heritage of Belarus.

If the measured life of a sanatorium is not to your liking, you can improve your health by combining procedures with active pastime at the country’s tourist and health complexes. Here, during your vacation, you will be offered exciting trips on foot, on horseback, by bicycle or by boat.

The harmony of natural healing factors and a powerful diagnostic and treatment base equipped with modern medical equipment, clean air, lakes and rivers, beaches, swimming pools and sports grounds, exciting excursions set the mood for relaxation and recovery.

Experienced specialists, excellent balanced nutrition and a range of procedures offered in Belarusian health resorts help improve health, get rid of ailments, restore efficiency and get a boost of vigor and good mood.

Wellness in Belarus is not only a combination of decent quality and reasonable price, it is an exquisite combination of tradition and modernity.

TOURISM IN BELARUS IS:

EXCURSIONS

Belarus is one of the most interesting places in Europe. By visiting our country, you can not only have a good rest, but also discover something new. There is something for everyone here. A wide variety of interesting excursion routes around the country will not leave anyone indifferent.

Hiking and cycling trails are perfect for family recreation. During exciting travels around Belarus you will be able to see numerous natural monuments, visit protected places andnational parks attractions . Some excursion routes involve visiting places where the battles of wars raged. Others will give you the opportunity to collect a herbarium of the most amazing plants.

Water and horseback travel will certainly be appreciated by the young and energetic. The routes are interesting, full of excursion sites and pass through the most picturesque places of Belarus. Good impressions from communicating with the picturesque nature and unique delights of our region, rafting along the rivers or riding on horseback, will remain in your memory for a long time!

Well, if you just need adrenaline, extreme trails have been developed especially for you, to overcome which you will need dexterity, courage and skill. No one route is the same, but they all guarantee outdoor adventures, active recreation and a lot of positive emotions!

Discover the unique and diverse Belarus!

SO! TOURISM IN BELARUS IS

• NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES
• LOCKS. FORTRESSES. TOWERS.
• PALACES.ESTATES
• HUNTING AND FISHING
• LEISURE
• EXCURSIONS
• TREATMENT AND WELLNESS
• UNIQUE UNTOUCHED NATURE
• DIFFERENT CULTURAL HERITAGE
• INCREDIBLE NATIONAL CUISINE
• RICH CULTURAL LIFE
• AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE TOURISM

IN BELARUS THERE IS SOMETHING TO SEE, THINGS TO DO, WHERE TO STAY. AND HOW TO GET THERE!

The development of tourism is one of the priority areas of socio-economic development of the Republic of Belarus. This industry is taken under special care of the state.

The first National Tourism Development Program in the Republic of Belarus was adopted in 2004. The result of its implementation was a significant increase in the export of tourism services, the development of tourism infrastructure in the country, simplification of the entry regime and conditions of stay of foreign citizens on the territory of Belarus.

Today, a number of state programs are being implemented in Belarus, which provide for measures and means to create a modern tourism infrastructure in various regions of the country. The state program “Hospitable Belarus” for 2016–2020 is aimed at the formation and development of a modern competitive tourism complex, increasing the contribution of tourism to the development of the national economy.

In order to create favorable conditions for the development of tourism in the Republic of Belarus, satisfying the needs of citizens for recreation and recreation, the Head of State adopted decrees of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated June 2, 2006 No. 371 “On some measures of state support for the development of tourism in the Republic of Belarus” and dated 2 June 2006 No. 372 “On measures to develop agroecotourism in the Republic of Belarus.” On January 9, 2017, Decree No. 8 “On establishing a visa-free procedure for the entry and exit of foreign citizens” was adopted; on July 24, 2018, Decree No. 295 “On amending the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus” was adopted. The document establishes a visa-free procedure for entry into Belarus for a period of no more than thirty days when entering through the State Border of the Republic of Belarus Minsk National Airport.

On December 26, 2017, Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 462 “On establishing a visa-free procedure for the entry and exit of foreign citizens” was adopted, in accordance with which a visa-free procedure for entry, exit and temporary stay was established for individual or group visits to the territory of the special tourist and recreational park “Augustovsky Canal” "and adjacent territories, and the tourist and recreational zone "Brest" for up to 10 days.

In accordance with the adopted Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated July 24, 2018 No. 292 “On measures for the preparation and holding of the II European Games 2019”, a visa-free procedure for entry and exit from the Republic of Belarus, and temporary stay on the territory of the Republic of Belarus from May 20 to May 10 was established. July 2019 for participants of the European Games, as well as official representatives of the World Anti-Doping Agency, foreign experts on anti-doping in sports and doping control, foreign volunteers, members of artistic groups, performers, other creative workers, administrative and technical staff, involved in the preparation and holding of the European Games; from June 10 to July 10, 2019 for foreign tourists who are citizens of the states listed in the annex to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of January 9, 2017 No. 8 “On the establishment of a visa-free procedure for the entry and exit of foreign citizens.”

Belarus is actively developing green routes, which are created along natural green corridors, river valleys, historical trade routes and old railways. Among them is a route through the Lepel district of the Vitebsk region called “The Land of Yellow Water Lilies and Gray Boulders”, along the Grivda, Shchara and Neman rivers “Water Routes of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania” and others.

Green routes are the basis for the implementation of projects related to the preservation of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, eco-tourism and environmentally friendly transport. Now active work is underway to develop new tourist routes in the territory of each region, applications are being collected for those wishing to engage in the provision of services in the field of agroecotourism. Special educational and training seminars are planned for owners of rural estates.

Today, the training of tourism personnel is widely developed in Belarus. There are 20 higher and 8 secondary educational institutions operating in this area. The total enrollment in these specialties exceeds 2.1 thousand people.

Holidays for every taste

Today, every tourist and traveler can choose a vacation in Belarus to suit every taste. In Belarus there are no snow-capped mountains and a warm sea with sandy beaches, but in the summer here you can swim in clean lakes, and in the winter you can go to ski resorts, and at any time of the year attend knightly tournaments, folk festivals, various sports competitions, festivals, and theaters , museums, on excursions.

The tourist infrastructure of Belarus will allow you to stay comfortably, taste national dishes, safely and quickly get to any corner of the country, and purchase souvenirs. Thanks to the development of information technology, a national online booking system is being created in Belarus, which allows tourists to book rooms in most hotels in the country.

The tourism potential of Belarus lies in the diversity and beauty of nature, the uniqueness of its historical and cultural heritage. There are more than 15 thousand objects in the republic that have historical, cultural, architectural significance, as well as memorial places associated with the names of outstanding figures of world history and culture.

For lovers of eco-tourism, a holiday in Belarus is a unique opportunity to enjoy nature in ecologically clean corners untouched by urbanization. Many of the country's natural sites are considered exclusive in Europe. First of all, these are the national parks “Narochansky”, “Pripyatsky”, “Braslav Lakes”, “Belovezhskaya Pushcha”, the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the reserves “Naliboksky”, “Blue Lakes” and many others.

Particular attention is paid in Belarus to development of agroecotourism. Today, more than 2 thousand agroecotourism entities are ready to receive tourists. They are all completely different and colorful in their own way. In some, tourists will be offered a separate house with a fireplace, billiards and a village bathhouse, in others - a small room in a common house with the owners and a washbasin with well water on the street. But in all subjects of agroecotourism, without exception, guests will be deliciously fed and provided with a lot of entertainment.

In recent years it has become increasingly popular health tourism. Recreation and recreation are offered to guests by 490 sanatorium-resort, health-improving organizations and other specialized accommodation facilities, including 77 sanatoriums and 3 boarding houses. All sanatoriums are located in areas with a special microclimate, many of them have their own mineral water sources and mud baths. Foreign guests are attracted to Belarus by the high qualifications of Belarusian doctors, well-equipped clinics, and a generally high level of quality of medical services.

Does not lose its relevance religious tourism. Due to the historical past, representatives of various religions have lived side by side for centuries on the territory of the country - Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. In the Republic of Belarus, 25 religious denominations and movements are registered, the spiritual and cultural values ​​of which are an integral part of the historical heritage of Belarus and are a rich tourist potential for excursion and tourist routes with religious themes. Believers come to venerate the miraculous icons and incorruptible relics of Belarusian saints: Euphrosyne of Polotsk, righteous princess Sophia of Slutsk. In the Minsk Church of Saints Simeon and Helen and the Farnoy Church in Grodno, duplicates of the Shroud of Turin are kept.

In recent years, it has become fashionable military history tourism. People come to Belarus from different parts of the world to visit memorable places where history was made. The events of the past are reminiscent of defensive castles and churches, monuments and steles erected in honor of famous battles, military and local history museums.

Many foreign guests come to Belarus to attend a variety of international cultural and sporting events. The international festival of arts “Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk”, the international festival of organ music “Zvany Safii” (Polotsk), the republican holiday “Kupala” (“Alexandria gathers friends”), the international festival of folk music “Zvinyats cymbals and harmonik" (Postavy), Republican festival of national cultures in Grodno and others. A striking event was the children's song contest “Eurovision 2010” held in Minsk. In 2014, Belarus hosted the 78th Ice Hockey World Championship, and in 2021 Belarus will host the 85th Championship.

Belarus participates in a number of cross-border projects– “Unknown Europe” in the Grodno region, Euroregion “Poozerye”, “Bella Dvina” in the Vitebsk region. All of them help to more effectively use the historical and cultural heritage and unique natural potential of the country.

Where to visit in Belarus

Belarus starts from the capital. Minsk- a city with almost a thousand years of history. During the Great Patriotic War, Minsk was destroyed by more than 80%; therefore, there are practically no ancient buildings preserved here. However, modern planning and landscaping, architectural ensembles with wide, bright streets and avenues, lush green boulevards, squares and parks create their own unique look and flavor. More than 40 walking and bus excursion routes have been developed for guests of the Belarusian capital with visits to historical and cultural heritage sites, museums, theaters, and exhibition galleries.

Castle complex "Mir"- an outstanding monument of defensive architecture of the 16th century. Included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. In December 2010, after restoration work, Mir Castle was opened to tourists.

National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "Nesvizh"- a unique monument of architecture and landscape art of the 16th–18th centuries, associated with the history of the Radziwill family. Included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List." In June 2011, after active restoration work, Nesvizh Castle opened its doors to visitors.

Augustow Canal- an outstanding object of hydraulic engineering architecture of the 1st half of the 19th century, connecting the Vistula River with the Neman. The channel hosts international cultural and sporting events, city, regional and republican competitions, and tourist rallies. Trips along the canal are organized on kayaks, canoes, and motorboats.

Memorial complex "Khatyn"» - one of the most impressive monuments to the victims of World War II. It is located 54 kilometers from Minsk on the site of a village destroyed by the Nazis during the Great Patriotic War. Today this is one of the most revered places in Belarus. In recent years, a small museum and photo exhibition have opened here.

Brest Fortress– a monument of defense architecture of the 19th century, located about 30 minutes walk from the center of Brest. During the Second World War, the fortress became a symbol of Soviet resistance to the fascist occupiers. On June 22, 1941, the fortress garrison took the first blows of the Nazi invaders and held the defense in complete encirclement for more than a month. In the post-war period, for the courage and heroism shown by the defenders of the fortress during its defense, the citadel received the honorary title “Hero-Fortress”.

National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha"» – one of the most important attractions of Belarus. This is the largest forest area in Central Europe, famous for its oak trees, which are over 500 years old. The Pushcha is home to a variety of animals and birds, including Europe's largest population of rare bison. The national park is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.

Braslav Lakes National Park» located in the Vitebsk region. Here are the most beautiful glacial lakes in Belarus, united in several groups. The lake area is home to rare birds and animals included in the Red Book of Belarus. There are many tourist recreation centers located here.

House-Museum of Marc Chagall in Vitebsk- one of the most visited museums in Belarus. Marc Chagall, a native of Belarus of Jewish origin, is world famous for his surrealist paintings. The phenomenon of Chagall's creativity invariably arouses great interest both in Belarus and abroad. The collection of the Chagall Museum contains more than 300 original works of art, including lithographs, woodcuts, engravings, aquatints, and illustrations for the poem “Dead Souls” by Nikolai Gogol. The museum also displays reproductions of some of Chagall's most famous works.

Excursions in Belarus from private guides and travel agencies.
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Belarus, geographically located in Eastern Europe and directly bordering Russia, has gone through a long path of formation and development, having been part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Russian Empire. Today it is a dynamically developing country, which, at the same time, has many natural and man-made monuments.

Thanks to its unique position at the crossroads of Europe, even during the journey “from the Varangians to the Greeks,” the construction of beautiful castles, palaces and fortifications began here, many of which have survived to this day. Most of them are in the Mogilev, Grodno and Minsk regions.

But the south of the country is famous for its natural monument, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the only place in Europe where bison live. Nearby is the Brest Fortress, which became famous during the Second World War. It will be especially pleasant to visit these places in the summer, when the weather is most optimal.

You can combine an excursion holiday with an acquaintance with Belarusian cuisine, in which, in addition to the famous potato dishes, stewed meat, pickles, and original local drinks are especially popular. Well, you can bring linen products with you as a souvenir, this could be bed linen, towels and light summer clothes.

The best regions, cities and resorts of Belarus

Most Belarusian cities have a great and long history; for this reason, almost each of them has a great variety of attractions and memorable places. One of such places is Braslav. Thanks to history, the Catholic and Orthodox traditions coexist in the calm city, which cannot be overlooked both in the architectural decoration of the city and in the way of life of the population. Here is the picturesque Drivyata Lake, where you can relax in tents from the noise of the city.

In the southwestern part of the country there is a cozy and original city, in which cultural life is in full swing. The city was captured not once, but how many times did it change its rulers. Due to the difficult past, today tourists have the chance to see the Brest Fortress, which once helped hold back enemy attacks. The Belovezhskaya Bush is located nearby.

Brest is famous for its medieval buildings and narrow streets. Excursion programs will be more than eventful. First mentioned in the 11th century, it will help to look even deeper into the history of Belarus. The city has a real spirit of yesteryear. History buffs simply should not pass by Zaslavl, a city with a thousand-year history. The city can take tourists on a real journey through time.

Belarus offers a good holiday in numerous sanatoriums. A ski resort has also been built. The resort is located in the heart of the country.

Fans of active tourism will be delighted with the high-quality, varied trails and developed infrastructure. You can also have fun in the Yakut Mountains. This is a national park suitable for recreation at any time of the year. Here you can go skiing, rent a snow scooter, or have a romantic party or celebration.

Due to the fact that the imprints of many nationalities and cultures remain on the territory of Belarus, the attractions here amaze with their diversity and eclecticism. Perhaps the most famous of them are located in the Brest region. Of course, first of all it is worth mentioning the famous Brest Fortress. Her...

Video from Belarus

How to get to Belarus?

Belarus is not only one of the popular destinations for Russians, but also the gateway to Europe, so there are plenty of opportunities to get here. Regular daily flights depart from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, in addition, several times a week from Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Sochi and Krasnodar, they are operated by Aeroflot, UTair and Belavia.

There is also a regular railway connection between Russia and Belarus, for example, about 15 trains leave from Moscow towards Minsk every day, and there are also specialized trains from the regions. The travel time from Moscow to Mogilev is about 9 hours, and to Minsk about 12. For those who live in the eastern part of the country, the best option is a train to Moscow, where you can change at the Belorussky station to a train heading to Belarus.

All border cities provide bus passenger transportation, and independent travel by car is also popular. The distance from Moscow to Minsk in this case will be 690 km, and from St. Petersburg just over 900 km.

How to comfortably move around Belarus?

The easiest, most convenient and fastest way to travel around the country is by rail. The transport network is quite well developed here and covers more than two thousand settlements. The cost of travel is also encouraging; for example, to travel across the country in a reserved seat you will have to spend from 10 to 20 dollars. Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket offices of railway stations or ordered online.

It connects populated areas with a bus service, it is most convenient when traveling to nearby settlements; for traveling longer distances it is better to use the train. Bus tickets can be bought at bus stations or online. There is practically no domestic passenger air traffic in Belarus, which is due to the small size of the country; the largest airport is located in Minsk and receives many international flights daily.

City transport is represented, most often by buses and minibuses. Large cities also have trams and trolleybuses, and Minsk has the only metro in the country. Tickets for the metro can be purchased in station lobbies, and for other types of transport directly from the conductor or driver.

Where is the best place to stay when traveling around Belarus?

The choice of place to stay in Belarus will depend on the purpose of the trip. In large cities such as Minsk, Brest or Gomel, in the central part of the city there are many good hotels and inns that are famous for their service. If your goal is sightseeing,...

Climate in Belarus

Throughout the country, the climate is uneven, which is explained by the transition of the climatic zone from maritime to continental, therefore, in general, the climate type can be described as temperate continental. The southern regions of the country are considered the warmest, where in winter the temperature during the day stays at -1 - +1, while in the northern regions it is about -7 - -9 degrees. In winter, thaws often occur, and summer pleases the local population and tourists with stable warm weather, and frosts never occur.

The most precipitation falls in Belarus in the summer and autumn periods, mainly affecting the central part of the country. However, winters here are also snowy; on average, the level of snow cover can be about 1 - 1.2 meters.

National cuisine of Belarus

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Belarusian cuisine is potatoes. Indeed, many dishes are prepared from this root vegetable; grated potatoes, which are combined with other ingredients, are especially popular. The calling card of Belarus is potato pancakes, but there are also other potato dishes: dumplings, sorcerers, stewed potatoes with meat, potato salads and much more.

Another constant ingredient is mushrooms; in the old days they were dried and then used for cooking or ground into flour. Today they are also salted and pickled. Pickles and snacks, in general, are very popular in Belarus: sauerkraut, pickled cucumbers, jellied meats, horseradish and coriander snacks, salted lard.

Meat dishes include vershachka, pyachysiy, bigos, zeppelin, zrazy, saltison, as well as many different types and tastes of sausages. Cold soups, such as beetroot soup, are also popular here. By the way, Belarusian cuisine is different in that there are practically no sweet dishes, which in the old days were mainly replaced with drinks, for example, jelly or sbiten. Well, the most popular local alcoholic drink is krambambula.

Safety of tourists in Belarus

The crime rate in Belarus is quite low, especially when it comes to crimes involving foreign citizens. If such cases occur, they mainly concern robbery or theft. In this situation, the recommendations are standard: keep your belongings in sight, and leave especially valuable items in a hotel safe or hide them in internal pockets, especially where there are always a lot of people: in the subway, at train stations and at the airport, as well as near major tourist spots .

To avoid unpleasant situations, you should refrain from walking alone in the dark, and choose central city blocks as places to stay. If, nevertheless, help is needed, then the emergency phone numbers are easy to remember, since they are duplicated with Russian ones: police 102, medical assistance 103, fire brigade 101.

History of Belarus

The sites of the first people found in Belarus date back to Paleolithic times, but the first tribes began to form here starting from the sixth century AD, forming large settlements of Lithuanians, Krivichi, Dregovchi and other tribes. By the ninth century, the Old Russian state was formed, organized by a dynasty...

Belarus: souvenirs

A traditional souvenir with which Belarus has strong associations is, of course, the bison. There are figurines and images of this animal in every souvenir shop; such products are especially popular in Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Another traditional, but more expensive souvenir is...

Belarus: interesting facts

1. Belarus is a very musical country, the famous Slavic Bazaar takes place here, and the country has won Junior Eurovision twice.

2. The country has fairly cheap, but high-quality medicine, so people from neighboring countries, including Russia, come here for treatment.

3. In Belarus there is only one city with a population of more than a million people - Minsk.

4. The KGB still operates in Belarus.

5. Did you think that the famous Bobruisk was a fiction? But no, he is in Belarus.

6. In Belarus, it is considered bad manners to approach people on the streets, especially when a young man is trying to make acquaintance with the opposite sex.

7. Many words in the Belarusian language are written the same way as they are heard, for example “malako” or “vakzal”.

8. After the gambling business was banned in Russia, it went uphill sharply in Belarus.

9. The death penalty has not yet been abolished in Belarus.

10. After the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, about 20% of the territory of Belarus was contaminated. Today you can easily enter this area, but eating local products is not recommended.