Exploring Belarus: A Tourist's Guide To The Country

Belarus has emerged as one of Europe's top tourist destinations, with its rich cultural heritage, art, café scene, and hospitable locals. The country offers a range of attractions, from its capital city of Minsk, with its impressive old town and vibrant nightlife, to pristine natural areas such as Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belarus also boasts beautiful castles, such as the 16th-century Mir Castle, and historical sites like the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. With its relaxed visa requirements, Belarus is easily accessible to travellers from most European and CIS countries, and offers a wealth of activities, including outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing, and skiing.

Outdoor activities

Belarusians love nature and outdoors activities. The country is home to plenty of parks and open green spaces, and its people are passionate about sport. There are many high-quality sporting facilities throughout Belarus, including stadiums and grounds. Every year, a variety of outdoor activities and events are organised across the country.

Belarus has a lot to offer travellers who enjoy spending time in nature. The country is home to unique natural complexes, including two reserves (biosphere and radiation-ecological, which are closed to the public) and four large national parks. One of these parks, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the largest relic forest in Europe and is home to the European bison. It offers a 27-kilometre bicycle route and two 6-kilometre walking trails.

There are plenty of opportunities for adventure sports in Belarus, including hunting, fishing, and skiing. The country also has several ski resorts, such as the Logoisk Ski Complex and the Silichy Ski Resort.

For those who enjoy spending time near the water, there are several beaches in Belarus, such as the beach on Lobazovskoye Lake and the Dubrovskiy Reservoir Beach. Belarus also offers boat tours and water sports.

Other outdoor activities in Belarus include horseback riding, cycling, and exploring ecological trails. The country is also home to several golf courses, including the Golf Club Minsk, which is set amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

Historical sites

Belarus is a country with a rich history, beautiful nature, amazing architecture, and unique cuisine. It is located in the heart of Europe and offers many historical sites for tourists to visit. Here are some of the top historical places to visit in Belarus:

National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve Nesvizh

Nesvizh is an ancient Belarusian town known for its magnificent palace and park complex, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is also home to the Corpus Christi Church, Eastern Europe's first Baroque temple, and the Slutsk Castle Gate, the only remaining gate of the town's old defences. The Nesvizh Town Hall, built in 1596, is the oldest in the country.

Mir Castle

The Mir Castle is a 16th-17th century fortification and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Belarus, boasting a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture that makes it one of the most impressive castles in Europe. In addition to the castle, there is also a Renaissance garden, an English park, a chapel, and a pond nearby.

St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia Cathedral is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Europe and the first stone church in Belarus. It was built between 1044 and 1066 and is located in Polotsk, Vitebsk Oblast. The cathedral is known for its ancient frescoes and houses a copy of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. It has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Saint Nicholas Monastery

The Saint Nicholas Monastery is one of the few surviving examples of Belarusian baroque architecture. It includes the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, listed as one of the most valuable baroque buildings in Europe, the Cathedral of the Reverend Onuphrius the Great, a bell chamber, and living quarters. The highlight of the Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a stunning four-layer icon stand crafted by Mogilev carvers in the 17th century.

Ruzhany Castle

Ruzhany Castle, located in the village of Ruzhany in the Pruzhany District, was once the residence of the powerful dynasty of the Sapiehas. In the 1770s, Duke Alexander Saxon transformed the fortress into an elegant ensemble with gardens, parks, and greenhouses. The castle features a rich library, a picture gallery, and one of Europe's best theatres. Despite surviving several wars, the central entrance gate and side wings have been restored, and the Sapiehas Palace exposition showcases authentic items and interior elements.

Palace of the Puslovskys in Kossovo

The Palace of the Puslovskys in Kossovo is a Neo-Gothic castle known as "a knight's dream". It belonged to several influential dynasties over the centuries and is renowned for its luxurious halls and magnificent park with over 150 varieties of exotic plants. One of the most surprising rooms is the Parade Hall, where small fish are said to have swum under a glass floor.

Augustow Canal

The Augustow Canal is a unique 19th-century hydrotechnical structure that passes through Poland and Belarus. It is one of the largest canals in Europe and offers a great opportunity for active leisure activities such as kayaking and backpacking. The canal crosses the Augustow Forest, known as the "green lungs of Europe," and has been included in the tentative UNESCO World Heritage List.

Food and drink

Belarusian cuisine is heavily influenced by its Slavic roots, with simple meat and vegetable dishes. Due to its location and history, it also shares similarities with the cuisines of Lithuania, Russia, and Poland.

Food

Belarus is perfect for farming, with 43% of the country being farmland. This means that most ingredients are homegrown, from pulses and berries to grains and spices.

The humble potato features heavily in Belarusian cuisine, with over 300 national recipes and rumours that the average local consumes more than 180kg of potatoes a year! Draniki, or potato pancakes, are a popular dish, made by mixing grated onions and potatoes and then frying in oil. They are often served with cold cuts, mild cheeses, pickled vegetables, and sour cream. Babka, meaning 'grandma', is a similar dish but on a larger scale. It is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, served with sour cream and milk.

Machanka is a traditional pork-based stew made from different cuts of meat, including sausage, bacon, and ham, cooked with onions, mushrooms, dill, and spices, and coated in a sour cream sauce. It is often served with heavy floury pancakes for dipping.

Zrazy is another traditional dish, consisting of meat rolls with stuffing. This dish was once served only to the tables of the very rich but later became popular in folk cuisine.

Belarusians are avid consumers of pork but are less partial to mutton and beef. A common dish is raw pork sausage, or 'finger-stuffed sausage', made by stuffing a pig intestine with minced or chopped meat seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.

Cold soups are also a Belarusian culinary tradition. One such soup is called Jur and has a jelly-like consistency and a sourish taste. There are several variants, including Lenten, milk, and meat.

Drink

The oldest Belarusian alcoholic beverages were based on honey and beer. Mead, made from fermented honey, was considered sacred and was served during festive feasts and religious rites. Krambambulya is another traditional alcoholic drink that was especially popular in the 19th century and is making a comeback in the 21st century.

The most popular Belarusian liquor is vodka (garelka, or burnt wine), which was first served in the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 15th century. It is often served on special occasions, with popular varieties including vodka made from bread and vodka with extracts of birch buds, leaves, pepper, and honey.

Belarus also has a long history of brewing delicious malty drinks, with the oldest brewery, Alivaria, founded in 1864. Mini-breweries and brewing restaurants offering unpasteurised and unfiltered beer are becoming increasingly popular.

The traditional non-alcoholic drink of Belarus is kvass, made by fermenting black rye bread, water, and yeast, and flavoured with raisins, fruit, or honey. It is a great thirst-quencher and can be bought from street vendors in the summer or bottled in shops all year round.

Transport

Belarus has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to travel into the country by air, rail, or road. The country is served by a network of railroads, roads, and airlines, with direct routes from most European and CIS countries.

Rail

Travelling by rail is one of the most comfortable and reliable ways to get around Belarus, with over 2,100 destinations reachable by train. Belarusian Railways offers various lines, including urban, regional, interregional, and international lines, with ticket prices depending on the line, class, and category of the railway car. For example, a ticket from Brest to Vitebsk costs around Br18 (USD7-8) for a reserved seat and about Br25 (USD9-10) for a compartment. Tickets can be purchased at stations, booked by phone or online, or obtained as digital tickets for some lines.

Road

You can also travel around Belarus by bus or minibus, with a choice of public and private bus companies. Tickets for international and suburban buses can be purchased online, and bus stations or stops are available in all cities and towns.

Air

As a small country, Belarus does not have regular domestic air flights. The National Airport Minsk handles international flights, connecting the capital with destinations worldwide. Other airports in oblast capitals welcome charter flights, cargo aircraft, and emergency landings. Additionally, the airports in Gomel, Grodno, and Brest offer regular flights to Kaliningrad, Russia.

Water

Water transport is also an option, with ten river ports and waterways on several rivers, including the Dnepr, Berezina, Sozh, Pripyat, and Neman. While demand for passenger transportation by water is generally low, water sightseeing tours are popular during the warm season. These tours are offered in Vitebsk, Grodno, and several national parks, including Pripyatsky, Narochansky, and Braslavskiye Ozera.

Urban Transport

In Minsk and other cities, mass transit systems are available, including buses, trolleybuses, trams, private buses, and taxis. Minsk also has a metro system, with tickets costing Br0.90, while public transport trips in other cities are typically cheaper. Seasonal tickets for multiple trips within a specified period are also available.

Safety

Belarus is considered a relatively safe country for tourists, with a low crime rate and rare violent crimes against travellers. However, it is important to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. Here are some key safety considerations for travellers in Belarus:

Political Unrest and Demonstrations

Belarus has experienced political unrest and anti-government protests in recent years, particularly after the 2020 presidential elections. Foreign travellers should avoid any political demonstrations, marches, or large public gatherings as they may turn confrontational, with security forces likely to use force to disperse demonstrators. The authorities have been known to crack down violently on dissent, and there is a heightened security presence in major cities. It is important to carry identification at all times and be aware of local laws and restrictions to avoid accidental violation.

Crime

While the crime rate in Belarus is relatively low, petty theft and pickpocketing are common, especially in popular tourist destinations, on public transportation, and in crowded areas. It is important to remain vigilant and keep your belongings secure at all times. Violent crimes against foreigners are rare, but it is advised to take sensible precautions, such as avoiding secluded areas and flashing valuable items in public.

Terrorism

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Belarus, the global threat of terrorist attacks exists, and travellers are advised to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere and could target foreign nationals.

Women Travellers

Women travelling alone in Belarus should exercise the same precautions as they would in their home countries. It is advised to avoid being out alone at night, and to be cautious when accepting offers of drinks or transportation from strangers. It is also recommended to register with the local embassy upon arrival and ensure that someone knows your whereabouts.

Transportation

Driving in Belarus can be challenging due to unpredictable driving standards and road conditions. It is important to follow the local driving laws and have the necessary documentation, including vehicle ownership or rental contracts. Public transportation is also an option, but commuters should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded spaces.

Natural Disasters and Health Risks

Belarus is vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, storms, and extreme temperatures. Spring floods are a common occurrence. Additionally, there is a risk of radiation contamination due to the Chernobyl disaster, and travellers are advised to avoid certain exclusion zones. Healthcare standards in Belarus may be lower than those in other countries, and it is recommended to have adequate travel insurance that covers medical issues.

Drug-Related Crimes

Belarus has strict laws and severe penalties for drug-related crimes, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. It is important to be cautious of drink spiking, especially in nightlife settings, and to avoid any involvement with illegal drugs.

LGBTQ+ Safety

While same-sex relationships are legal in Belarus, the LGBTQ+ community maintains a low profile due to the conservative nature of the country. Public displays of affection or open expression of LGBTQ+ identity may draw unwanted attention or negative reactions.

Frequently asked questions