Belarus' Chalk Pits: A Natural Wonder Or Health Hazard?

The Chalk Pits, also known as the Belarusian Maldives, are a series of abandoned chalk quarries near the town of Krasnoselsk in Belarus. The pits are known for their turquoise-blue water and white cliffs, which have formed as a result of chalk and limestone mining in the area. While the area is currently closed to visitors, it has become a popular attraction in Belarus, drawing comparisons to the Maldives due to its azure blue and emerald green lakes.

The Belarusian Maldives

The pits were formed as a result of chalk and limestone mining, and some are up to 50 metres deep. They are considered dangerous, with steep and unstable banks, and swimming is prohibited. However, the Belarusian Maldives have become a popular attraction for tourists and locals, especially during the summer months, when many people camp and enjoy the views.

The area is usually closed to visitors, but some tour companies offer trips to the site, led by former employees of the combine. The chalk pits are located about 270km from Minsk, and can be accessed by train or car.

The chalk pits near Volkovysk are the most well-known, but there are also pits near Soligorsk and Bereza. These pits are also gaining popularity and are known for their turquoise water and white cliffs.

Krasnoselsk township chalk pits

The Krasnoselsk township chalk pits, also known as the "Belarusian Maldives", are located near the town of Volkovysk in Belarus. These chalk pits are considered one of the top attractions in the country, with their beautiful turquoise-blue water and white cliffs. The chalk pits were formed after the mining of chalk or limestone, and the remaining chalk in the pits gives the water its distinctive colour. The total area of the chalk pits is equivalent to about 300 football fields, and the depth in the centre can reach up to 15 metres.

The Krasnoselsk chalk pits are considered a technological area, and access is currently limited. However, this does not deter curious travellers and locals from visiting the site, especially during the summer months. Visitors are drawn to the unique landscape and the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters, camp, and enjoy the breathtaking views. The chalk pits have become a popular spot for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Despite the popularity of the Krasnoselsk chalk pits, there is limited infrastructure in the area. Visitors must be careful and bring their own equipment if they plan to camp or cook. In recent years, there has been an increase in tourism to the chalk pits, and efforts are being made to improve safety and access. There are plans to create specially equipped beaches, parking lots, and camping areas, as well as to organise tent rentals and food outlets.

The chalk pits are not without their dangers, however. The depth of the pits can reach up to 50 metres, and the height of the embankments can be up to 40 metres. There have been incidents of drowning, and the high acidity and bacteria levels in the water pose health risks. Local authorities and the nearby "Krasnoselskstroymaterialy" company have implemented measures to deter visitors, including fines, car evacuations, and police patrols. Despite these efforts, the Krasnoselsk chalk pits remain a popular wild attraction for those seeking an adventure.

The Krasnoselsk township chalk pits offer a unique and captivating experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. With their stunning visual allure and serene atmosphere, the chalk pits have become a sought-after destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the raw, untouched beauty of nature.

Swimming is prohibited

The Chalk Pits, also known as the Belarusian Maldives, are two huge abandoned chalk quarries near the town of Krasnoselsky, close to Volkovysk in Belarus. The chalk pits are often referred to as "technological reservoirs" or "technical facilities" because they are the result of mining and manufacturing enterprises. The turquoise-blue water and white cliffs make this place attractive, but swimming is prohibited.

The depth of the pits may reach up to 25 meters, and in some places, even 50 meters. There are no organised beaches, and the banks are too steep and dangerous for swimming. The water quality is also poor, as the number of bacteria exceeds the norm by almost a hundred times. The steep banks are prone to collapsing, and the bottom of the pits is silicon, which can be dangerous to walk on.

The area is now closed to visitors, but some tour groups may be able to gain access with special permission. While swimming is prohibited, visitors can enjoy the beautiful views, take photographs, and even try fishing in some of the pits.

The chalk pits are a unique and exotic attraction in Belarus, with azure blue and emerald green lakes surrounded by trees and green grass. The colour of the water is due to the minerals and chemical compounds contained in it, giving it a rich turquoise hue. The beauty of these pits draws many tourists and locals, especially during the summer months, despite the prohibition on swimming.

Access is limited

The Chalk Pits, also known as the Belarusian Maldives, are located near the town of Krasnoselsky, close to Volkovysk in Belarus. They are a set of abandoned chalk quarries with azure blue and emerald green lakes, surrounded by white chalk cliffs. The pits were formed as a result of chalk or limestone mining, which has since stopped, and nature has taken over, creating a unique landscape.

Access to the Chalk Pits is limited due to several factors. Firstly, the area is considered a technological or industrial zone, and it is not officially designated as a tourist site. The pits are owned by a production facility, OJSC, which has allowed only controlled access for sightseers and photo shoots. Secondly, there are safety concerns due to the unstable terrain, steep cliffs, and poor water quality. The local authorities have posted prohibition signs, and swimming is prohibited as it is considered extremely dangerous. The depth of the pits can reach up to 25 meters, and the banks are steep and prone to collapse. The water quality is also an issue, with a high level of bacteria. Finally, the infrastructure in the area is limited, and there are no well-equipped tourist facilities such as organised beaches, bars, or recreation centres.

Despite these limitations, the Chalk Pits have become a popular attraction for both locals and foreign tourists. People are drawn to the unique beauty of the turquoise water and white cliffs. Some tourists choose to camp overnight near the pits, and photographers come to capture the stunning landscapes. However, it is important to note that access to the pits is controlled and unauthorised visits are prohibited. Visitors are advised to join a tour group or obtain special permission to access the area.

Tours of the chalk pits

The chalk pits, also known as the Belarusian Maldives, are an unusual landmark in Belarus that has recently become popular. The pits are located near the town of Krasnoselsky, close to Volkovysk, and are characterised by their turquoise-blue water and white cliffs. The colour of the water is due to the mining of chalk or limestone in the area. While the pits are considered a technological area and access is limited, they have nonetheless become a popular attraction for tourists and locals, especially during the summer months.

There are several tour companies that offer visits to the chalk pits as part of their packages. One such company is g4 tours, which includes a visit to the chalk pits near Krasnoselsk as part of its "Volkovysk and Surroundings" tour. This tour includes an English-speaking tour guide, a car for excursions, and accommodation in a comfortable cottage overlooking a lake. During the tour, visitors are led by a former employee of the combine who has special permission to access the area.

Another option for visiting the chalk pits is to join a tour group from Minsk. The journey to the pits is approximately 270 km and can be made by train, electric train, or car. It is important to note that the chalk pits are officially closed to vacationers and swimming is prohibited due to safety concerns. However, this does not seem to deter many people, as the unique beauty of the pits is a draw for those seeking incredible views and photographs.

When planning a trip to the chalk pits, it is recommended to start early in the morning to allow time to visit multiple pits, as each one has a unique colour and shade of water. It is also important to check the weather forecast, as the impressions of the views are best on sunny days. Additionally, there are no specially equipped beaches, and the banks are steep, so visitors should exercise caution.

The chalk pits of Belarus offer a unique and breathtaking experience for those seeking to explore the country's natural wonders. With their turquoise waters and white cliffs, the pits provide a stark contrast to the typical classical beauty of Belarus.

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