Belarus
Belarus is the Eastern Europe’s outcast. Nestled at the edge of the region, Belarus seems determined to avoid an integration with the rest of the continent at all costs. Taking its lead from the Soviet Union rather than the European Union, this unfrequented dictatorship may seem like an odd choice for the travellers. However, the isolation of the country lies at the heart of the appeal.
Though the rest of the Eastern Europe has charged recklessly into capitalism, Belarus offers a chance to visit Europe with minimal advertising and little or no graffiti or litter. In the exterior of the monumental Stalinist capital of Minsk, the city offers a simple yet scenic landscape of the picturesque villages, cornflower fields and thick forests. The country has 2 phenomenal national parks and is a home to the largest mammals of Europe, the European bison – zubr. While the tourists here will always be a subject of curiosity, they’ll also be on the receiving end of the genuine welcome and warm hospitality.
On the first glance, the tourists on holiday may not find Belarus to be the most exciting destination however if you give it a closer look, you’ll know that there is so many places to see and things to do, in this landlocked country which counts Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia and Russia as its neighbours.
Belarus FAQ's
Travel Advice
· Keep the touts at bay.
· Do not entertain the beggars.
· Make sure you do not travel alone in the night hours.
· Ensure that you have had sufficient research before going to any new place.
· Nudity is strictly prohibited.
· If you are visiting a temple or a religious place, make sure you dress accordingly.
· Do not flaunt your cash or valuables in the public place.
· Always ensure that you book a room in an area that is known to you.
· Avoid booking a hotel in any shady region.
· Beware of thefts. Make sure you have kept all your cash and valuables safely.
· Enquire about the room safe before booking a hotel.
· Do not leave any of your valuables in the hotel room.
· Do not get involved in any fight with anyone.
· Make sure you double check the seal of the water bottle before buying.
· Check the quality of the street food before ordering for it.
· Do not let anyone deceive you.
· Girls make sure you do not get over friendly with the locals here.
· Learn some words from the local language prevalent in the region.
· Do not book any cab or taxi without negotiating the fare for the same.
Drinking Law
Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?
Minsk
Minsk is the capital of Belarus. The beautiful city has a lot on offer for the visitors. You can head to the Independence Square which is spread over 7 hectares and happens to be one of the largest public squares in a whole of Europe. This makes it an ideal place for taking an evening stroll to explore the dancing lights and pretty water fountains. Another highlight which shouldn’t be missed here is the Independence Avenue which is the principal artery of the city. It is brimming with a couple of shopping opportunities, cafes and restaurants along with a variety of music events and clubs. The city is also known for its gardens and parks. When here, you shouldn’t miss a trip to the Gorky Central Children’s Park which fairly features the observation wheel that offers mesmerizing views over the city and the fairground. You must also visit the prominent tourist attraction of Belarus which is the National History Museum to know and understand the rich history of the country. Another attraction here is the National Art Museum.
Berestyle Archaeological Museum
Berestyle Archaeological Museum happens to be one of the most important museums of the city. It is unique and stands on a vital archaeological site that is located outside of the city of Brest. The museum has been in existence ever since the 13th century. It is a site of the former wooden town that was excavated in the 1960s. Later when a class roof was placed over the site in the 1980s, the site was converted into a museum. Visitors who come here can explore the 1400 period artifacts as well as the 28 traditional log cabins which give an incredible glimpse into the life of Belarus in the days of old.
Minsk Sea
Situated north of the capital of Belarus, the Minsk Sea is basically an artificially created reservoir. It is ab incredible place to see both amongst the locals and the tourists especially during the summer months in the country. On the edges of the sea, you’ll come across several restaurants, sandy beaches and quaint local cafes where you can sample the local cuisines. In case, you wish to get out on the sea, you can rent a catamaran or a pedalo and head to the waters to cherish the scenic views of the surrounding countryside. You can also access the sea by taking the dedicated trains which depart from Minsk.
Lida
Nestled on the west of the country is the city of Lida. Lida is a home to a variety of sightseeing attractions. One of the major highlights of the city is the Lida Castle that was built in the 14th century. This castle is majorly known for being trapezium in shape as well as for its crimson walls which are an after effect of the ornate brickwork. Other attractions to check out include the 18th century Church of Saint Joseph which is a working church that is majorly recognizable for its dome that tops the main building. There is also a vast Jew community in Lida. Visitors can come across a variety of shops and eateries to ensure a pleasurable stay here.
Mir Castle
Mir Castle is one of premium attractions of Belarus. Situated in the Grodno region, the castle has been around since the 16th century. The mighty architectural marvel is built in a unique blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic styles. It is massively surrounded by the fortification walls. Visitors who come to the castle can relish a stroll in the beautiful flower gardens which are designed in a unique Italian style. There is also an artificial lake on the property that will catch your attention. Mir Castle offers a spectacular look at some of the finest architecture in Belarus and is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the cannon fire, the site was badly damaged however today it has been restored to the former glory.
Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
The Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park is so huge that it covers both Poland and Belarus. It is a protected area of land and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site making it one of the most popular tourist attraction of the country. The park is also known for its vivid flora and fauna and lush landscapes. It is a place where you can check out the majestic animals in their natural habitat. One of the most popular of these being the bison. Besides bison, you can also check out the Eurasian elk, Konik and the wild boar that are found in their natural habitat in this park. If you happen to make a visit during the winter months, you can head to the holiday museum that is set up at the park. It features the Belarusian version of Father Christmas and is frequented by several younger visitors.
Braslav Lake Area
In case you wish to explore what is left of an ancient glacier, then do make a visit to the Braslav Lake Area. This is one of the best places to see in the country. It has over 300 lakes in the region that are known as the ‘Blue Necklace’ of Belarus given its azure waters. The area is embellished with rugged countrysides such as cliffs and bays and the lakes comprise of more than 30 species of fish. Bird watching is the significant past time here. Other important things to do include climbing and rambling. You can check out the boulders left over as an after effect of the glacier. Some of these even weigh up to 40 tons. The most renowned of these rocks have names such as Cow’s Stone and Devil’s Footprint because of their shape and size.
Polotsk
Polotsk happens to be the oldest city of Belarus. It has been mentioned even in the year 862 and is a place of significant architectural and historical importance. The city has a host of heritage buildings for you to explore. Some of the attractions of Polotsk include the Cathedral of Saint Sophia which has been in existence ever since the medieval period. The cathedral has been restored over the years in the Baroque style. It has a number of cultural museums of prime interest in the city. In case, you are interested in the rich and popular textile industry in Belarus, you can head to the Museum of Traditional Weaving. To check out the work of the 16th century, head to the Museum of Belarusian Printing. Another great thing to do here is joining the walking tour to explore the city on foot. This will help those interested in the culture and history of the region.
Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex
Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex is a memorial complex that stands tall in the city of Brest. Dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, the complex lies on the site of the original citadel. This site features conserved parts of the original ruins of the fort as well as the ramparts. You can also check out several modern art installations including the memorial structures which stand on site. Built in the shape of a star, the citadel is a must see the attraction of Brest. There is also a central island in the centre where the prime fortress lies. It has been carved naturally out of the encompassing River Bug.
National Park Pripyatsky
National Park Pripyatsky is situated in the valley that is fondly known as the Belarus Amazon because of the vast number of swamps and forests located here. Visitors coming to the region, flock here to experience the sheer diversity of wildlife. One of the major things to do here is the photography safari. The park has 51 species of mammals in the park including the beavers, elk, deer, raccoons and the rarer animals such as mink and lynx. For those of you, you enjoy bird watching, you’ll have a good fun here. The park has more than 250 species of birds which migrate to the Pripyat River. One of the best activities to do here include taking a boat tour to observe the aquatic life from up and close. You can also indulge in fishing and hunting trips if you wish to further explore the park. For those who would like a more structured tour of the area, head to the Nature Museum.
What you will like there?
Entertainment
Love movies? Theatre? Circus? Well, all you love is just rightly available in the beautiful city of Belarus. You can buy a ticket and enjoy to your liking. If you make a visit to Belarus in November, you can head to the Minsk International Film Festival Listapad. Ballet and opera lovers have an easy luck all round the year. You must definitely plan to watch at least one of the performances at the Ballet Theatre or the National Academic Bolshoi Opera. Circus shows are a must see in the country.
Snow
In Belarus, it really does snow in winters. In case you don’t mind the hard frosts, you can try out the Belarusian snowy adventures such as snowboarding, sledding, skating, and skiing.
World War II Heritage.
The World War II in Russia, Belarus as well as the other former republics of the Soviet Union is referred to as the Great Patriotic war. It is one of the deadliest and dark pages in the history of the country. Post the war, Belarus was practically leveled to the ground. Shockingly, every fourth of the inhabitant of the country died then. At present, you can come across hundreds of memorials in the city which remind you of the heroism of the ancestors. Some of the most prominent attractions include the Khatyn Memorial Complex and the Brest Fortress.
Best Value for Money
Apart from assuring ample pleasure and several unforgettable impressions, you trip to Belarus can actually assure you the best value for money. Right from the transportation which is relatively cheaper than most of the European countries to shopping for the authentic souvenirs of the country, everything you do here is cost effective.
Where is Guest, There is God
It is a famous Belarusian proverb. If you ponder hard, you’ll realize that this proverb actually reflects one of the most vivid characters of the people of the country. Right from the ancient times, the locals in Belarus have treated their guests in the most affectionate, caring and considerate manner. Best sleeping accommodations, stays, and top class dishes are always on offer for the guests. Though times have changed and the people have moved ahead, this tradition remains unchanged. Some of the key traits of the people in Belarus include hospitality, friendliness, and helpfulness.
Food for Good Mood
The food in Belarus is considered to be over potatoed. Potato is actually a very popular ingredient and makes up the lion’s share of the local dishes here. Most of these dishes are worth getting bankrupt for. However, Belarus is not the only country where the potato is the most loved vegetable. India and China are the leading cultivators of potato. However, if you are fond of some other national cuisine, you can visit any of the Belarusian restaurants and relish on your favourite food.
Authentic Traditions.
Belarus is one of the very few countries where folk culture and the ancient traditions are still fondly remembered and followed. Several centuries ago, paganism, nature and the cult of ancestors were widely spread among the vast population of what is Belarus now. Though today, it is majorly a Christian-dominated country, some famous rituals and pagan festivals are still alive here. You can come to Belarus and experience the magic of Maslenitsa and Kupalle celebration.
Naturality of Nature.
In Belarus, forests span over 36% of the territory of the country. There are also more than 11 thousand lakes here and the count of rivers is even more, possibly 20 thousand. You definitely must come and enjoy the naturality of the Belarusian landscapes that has the specific charm and adventure activities for every season.