From which countries? How many days did they spend in Belarus? We immediately warn that we give answers to these questions only in terms of the last 2015, officially published by Belstat, which are based on data on organized tourism.
- Tours in Belarus
At the end of 2015, 1,364 organizations carried out tourism activities in the Republic of Belarus, the services of which were used by more than 800 thousand organized tourists and 987 thousand sightseers.
In 2015, the number of tourists who traveled abroad in an organized manner from the Republic of Belarus amounted to 533.8 thousand people. 12.4% went to the CIS countries in an organized manner, and 87.6% went to countries outside the CIS.
Last year, Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Egypt, Spain, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Montenegro, and the Czech Republic traditionally remained the most visited foreign countries. These countries accounted for 83.7% of the total number of Belarusian tourists traveling abroad in an organized manner.
The number of organized tourists and sightseers who arrived in the republic in 2015 amounted to about 300 thousand people. The largest number of organized visitors came from the Russian Federation.
Among the countries outside the CIS, the leaders in terms of the number of visits to the republic were: Germany, China, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, France, Estonia.
The average length of stay of foreign tourists in the Republic of Belarus in 2015 was 5 days (in 2014 - 4 days).
In 2015, the number of organized tourists within the country amounted to 91.5 thousand people (in 2014 - 56.2 thousand people), and sightseers - 745.2 thousand people (in 2014 - 647.5 thousand people).
In 2015, 1,606.1 thousand people lived in hotels and similar accommodation facilities. More than half (57.2%) of the residents were citizens of the republic, citizens from other states - 42.8%, including from the CIS countries - 31%.
In the past year, 760.7 thousand people were accommodated in sanatorium-resort and health-improving organizations, foreign citizens accounted for 172.9 thousand people, or 22.7% of the total number of those accommodated.
According to the Ministry of Taxes and Duties of the Republic of Belarus, at the end of 2015, 2,263 agro-ecotourism entities were registered in the republic, including in the Brest region - 346, Vitebsk - 605, Gomel - 196, Grodno - 303, Minsk - 597, Mogilev - 216 .
The number of tourists who used the services of rural tourism in 2015 amounted to 294.3 thousand people. Citizens of the Republic of Belarus in the total number of agri-ecotourists accounted for 88.1%.
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 exports tourist services, development of tourism infrastructure in the country, simplification of the entry regime and conditions for the 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 modern infrastructure tourism in different 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, to meet the needs of citizens in recreation and health improvement, the Head of State adopted decrees of the President of the Republic of Belarus of June 2, 2006 No. 371 “On some measures of state support for the development of tourism in the Republic of Belarus” and June 2006 No. 372 "On measures to develop agroecotourism in the Republic of Belarus". On January 9, 2017, Decree No. 8 “On the establishment of a visa-free entry and exit procedure for foreign citizens” was adopted, on July 24, 2018, Decree No. 295 “On amendments to 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 not 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 the establishment of 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 “Augustow Canal” ” and adjacent territories, and the tourist and recreational zone “Brest” for up to 10 days.
In accordance with the 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 10 July 2019 for the participants of the European Games, as well as official representatives of the World Anti-Doping Agency, foreign specialists in the fight against doping in sports and doping control, foreign volunteers, members of art groups, performers, other creative workers, administrative and technical personnel, 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 dated 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 that are created along natural green corridors, river valleys, historical trade routes and old railways. Among them is the route through the Lepel district Vitebsk region under the name "Land of yellow water lilies and gray boulders", along the rivers Grivda, Shchara and Neman " Water routes 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, ecological tourism and transport that does not pollute the environment. Now active work is underway to develop new tourist routes in the territory of each region, and applications are being collected from those wishing to engage in the provision of services in the field of agroecotourism. Special educational and training seminars are planned for the owners of rural estates.
Today, the training of tourist personnel is widely deployed in Belarus. 20 higher and 8 secondary educational institutions work in this area. The total enrollment for these specialties exceeds 2.1 thousand people.
Holidays for every taste
Today, every tourist and traveler can choose a vacation in Belarus for every taste. There are no snow-capped mountains in Belarus and warm sea with sandy beaches, but in summer you can swim in clean lakes, and in winter you can ride ski resorts, and at any time of the year to visit knightly tournaments, folk festivals, various sports competitions, festivals, theaters, museums, and excursions.
The tourist infrastructure of Belarus will allow you to comfortably accommodate, taste national dishes, get safely and quickly to any corner of the country, and buy 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 tourist potential of Belarus lies in the diversity and beauty of nature, the uniqueness of the historical and cultural heritage. There are more than 15 thousand objects of historical, cultural, architectural significance in the republic, as well as memorable places associated with the names of prominent figures in world history and culture.
For lovers of ecological tourism, holidays in Belarus are a unique opportunity to enjoy nature in ecologically clean places untouched by urbanization. Many natural objects countries are considered exclusive in Europe. First of all, these are the national parks "Narochansky", "Pripyatsky", "Braslav Lakes", " Belovezhskaya Pushcha”, Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, nature reserves “Naliboksky”, “ Blue Lakes" and many others.
Belarus pays special attention to development of agro-ecotourism. Today, more than 2,000 agro-ecotourism 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 bath, in others - a small room in common with the owners of the house and a washbasin with well water on the street. But in all subjects of agro-ecotourism, without exception, guests will be deliciously fed and many entertainments will be organized.
In recent years, it has become more and more popular health tourism. Recreation and recreation are offered to guests by 490 sanatoriums, 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 sources mineral waters, mud baths. Foreign guests are attracted to Belarus by the high qualification of Belarusian doctors, well-equipped clinics, and, in general, a high level of quality of medical services.
Does not lose its relevance religious tourism. Due to the historical past, representatives of various religions - Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. - have been living side by side for centuries in the country. There are 25 religious confessions and directions registered in the Republic of Belarus, the spiritual and cultural values of which are an integral part of the historical heritage of Belarus, are a rich tourism potential for excursion and tourist routes religious themes. Believers come to venerate miraculous icons and the incorruptible relics of Belarusian saints: Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Righteous Princess Sophia of Slutsk. The duplicates of the Shroud of Turin are kept in the Minsk Church of Saints Simeon and Helena and the Farny Church in Grodno.
In recent years, it has become fashionable military history tourism. People come to Belarus from all over the world to visit memorable places where history was made. Castles and temples of the defensive type, monuments and steles erected in honor of famous battles, military and local history museums remind of the events of the past.
Many foreign guests come to Belarus to attend various cultural and sporting events of international level. The international festival of arts “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk”, the international festival of organ music “Zvany Safii” (Polotsk), the republican holiday “Kupalye” (“Alexandria gathers friends”), the international festival of folk music “The Ringing of Cymbals and Harmoniks” (Postavy), Republican Festival of National Cultures in Grodno and others. The children's song contest "Eurovision - 2010" held in Minsk became a bright event. 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 use the historical and cultural heritage and the unique natural potential of the country more effectively.
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%, in connection with this, almost no ancient buildings were 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 color. More than 40 walking and bus excursion routes with visits to historical and cultural heritage sites, museums, theaters, exhibition galleries have been developed for guests of the Belarusian capital.
Castle complex "Mir"- an outstanding monument of defensive architecture of the XVI century. Included in the List of World Cultural and natural heritage UNESCO. In December 2010, after restoration work, the Mir Castle was opened to tourists.
National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "Nesvizh"- a unique monument of architecture and gardening art of the 16th-18th centuries, associated with the history of the Radziwill family. It is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List". In June 2011, after active restoration work, the Nesvizh Castle opened its doors to visitors. 
Augustow Canal- an outstanding object of hydrotechnical 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, tours. Tours are organized along the canal in kayaks, canoes, 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 it is one of the most revered places in Belarus. In recent years, a small museum and photo exhibition have been opened here. 
Brest Fortress- a monument of defense architecture of the 19th century, located about 30 minutes walk from the center of Brest. During World War II, the fortress became a symbol of Soviet resistance to the fascist invaders. On June 22, 1941, the garrison of the fortress received the first blows of the Nazi invaders and for more than a month kept the defense in complete encirclement. In the post-war period, for the courage and heroism shown by the defenders of the fortress during its defense, the citadel received honorary title"Hero Fortress"
National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha"» - one of the most important sights of Belarus. This is the largest forest area in Central Europe, famous for its nominal oaks, whose age exceeds 500 years. 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. Rare birds and animals included in the Red Book of Belarus live in the area of the lakes. There are many tourist resorts 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, illustrations for the poem "Dead Souls" by Nikolai Gogol. The museum also exhibits reproductions of some of Chagall's most famous works.
"My youth" Belarus is rich in beautiful nature, interesting "excursion" and great opportunities for recreation and treatment at "Soviet" prices. Minsk and Gomel, Polotsk and Brest, Belovezhskaya Pushcha and the Yakut Mountains - all about Belarus: sanatoriums, prices, tours and reviews.
- Last Minute Tours to Belarus
- Tours for the New Year Worldwide
The "lungs of Europe", one of the most friendly and open countries for Russians, the ancient patrimony of the powerful Radziwills and part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania - all this is as flat as a plate and beautiful as the morning forest of Belarus. The debate about the correct name of this country is as fierce as the drunken enumeration of its merits. In a word, Belarus is loved, no matter what it is called. And there is a reason: frankly low prices, lots of attractions, excellent products, beautiful nature, nice people and a dozen more invisible to the naked eye, but perfectly felt by the same "sixth sense" virtues.
About the famous Belarusian sanatoriums, more than one recovered grandmother has already sung an ode, dreaming of returning to the hospitable expanses of this country of bison in the Red Book. Add to that fabulous lakes and forests, in which it is so pleasant to forget yourself, plunging into the bosom of nature and throwing the noise and worries of megacities out of your head. As well as wide avenues reminiscent of our Soviet past, narrow cobbled streets - a tribute to "Europeanism", castles of the 16th century, Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals, and finally, those very idyllic villages in which they cook such potato pancakes that everyone simply has to come back here again.
Regions and resorts of Belarus
Large cities - Gomel, Brest, Mogilev, Grodno, Vitebsk (see the full list on the page of the cities and resorts of Belarus). Ski resorts countries - Silichi, Yakutsk mountains, Mozyr and Logoisk. Excursions to the national parks of Belarus and castles are interesting: Mirsky and Nesvizh.
Belarus is divided into 6 regions. The capital of the country, Minsk, is considered a separate administrative unit.
The westernmost region of the country is the Brest region. Its main attractions, the Brest Fortress and Belovezhskaya Pushcha, are annually visited by tens of thousands of tourists from Russia and Europe. And only in the list of cultural, historical and architectural monuments Brest region has more than 2 thousand objects. Since the region is considered a border region, the transport and hotel infrastructure is quite well developed here. In Brest itself, there are many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can have a great dinner for relatively little money. Part of the territory of the region is part of a unique ethno-cultural region on the border of Belarus, Poland and Ukraine - Western Polissya.
Another bright western Belarusian region is the Grodno region. Despite its relatively small size, the Grodno region is very rich historical monuments. Any small town here it boasts an ancient church or an Orthodox church, ancient streets. It is here that the Lida, Novogrudok and Mir castles are located. You should definitely visit the royal city of Grodno with the only full-fledged historical center in Belarus. Grodno, like Brest, is visited by a lot of tourists, so there are plenty of food establishments offering dishes of Belarusian and European cuisine.
Vitebsk is the northernmost region of the country. It is part of the Euroregion "Lake Land". No wonder, because there are more than 2800 lakes and 500 rivers. More than a third of the region's territory, approximately 60%, is occupied by forests, mostly coniferous. The Vitebsk region has a rich cultural heritage - more than 3 thousand monuments of history, archeology, architecture and culture. There are 27 museums, 2 theaters and a philharmonic society. It is in the Vitebsk region that Polotsk is located - the cradle of the Belarusian statehood, the city of Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Prince Rogvolod and the first printer Francysk Skaryna. The capital of the region is the birthplace of the international festival of arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".
The Mogilev region is the easternmost region of the country, bordering on the Smolensk and Bryansk regions of Russia. Mogilev region is an industrially developed region, there are many large industrial enterprises. Unfortunately, there are not very many historical sights, but locals they try to attract tourists with good service and the creation of new places of recreation.
The Gomel region is distinguished by natural diversity and a rich choice of recreation areas. Here is located national park"Pripyatsky". This amazing place, where the bewitching landscapes of the Belarusian Polissya are presented in their original state. This is the only place on Earth where primeval floodplain oak forests have been preserved. And in the second largest city of Belarus, Gomel, tourists are attracted by the most beautiful palace and park ensemble, which combines the palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskevichs, a winter garden, an observation tower, a tomb chapel and an old park.
The Minsk region is the only one that does not border on other states. It is located at the crossroads of major transport routes linking Europe and Russia, Ukraine and the Baltic countries. Here are such significant places for Belarus as the Nesvizh Castle, memorial Complex"Khatyn", ethnographic villages in Strochitsy and Dudutki, Lake Naroch, Nalibokskaya Pushcha.
Time difference with Moscow
No
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- with Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
Climate of Belarus
The climate is temperate continental, with mild and wet winters and warm summers. The average January temperature ranges from +4 °C to -4 °C in the southwest and south, and up to -4...-8 °C in the northeast. In winter, thaws often occur.
The warmest time is from May to September, average temperature air during this period - from +13 to +19 °C. The warmest month is July, the coldest month is January. Weather forecast for the cities of Belarus.
Maps of Belarus
Visa and customs
Citizens of Russia and most of the CIS countries enter the country without visas, it is enough to present a general passport at the border. If you cross the border of Belarus by car, it must be insured under the Green Card policy. Insurance for 15 days costs 790 RUB. Prices on the page are for November 2018.
The import of foreign currency into Belarus is not limited, but amounts over 10,000 USD must be declared. It is prohibited to import and export firearms and ammunition, military equipment, narcotic, psychotropic, poisonous, poisonous, radioactive and explosive substances without a permit. For the transportation of animals and plants across the border, a permit from the phytosanitary and veterinary control is required.
Duty-free you can carry 50 kg of luggage with a total value of not more than 1500 EUR. Extra baggage is subject to a duty of 30% of its value, but not less than 2 EUR per kg. In addition, you can import duty-free alcoholic beverages and beer with a total volume of up to 3 liters, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco (or an assortment of tobacco products with a total weight of not more than 250 g).
- Is it possible to import meat products from Belarus to Ukraine
How to get to Belarus
Getting to Belarus from Moscow is very simple. Most routes lead to Minsk. The capital is located in the very center of the country, from where it is very convenient to go to any region. Often, Russians begin their journey through Belarus from the western gates of the republic - the city of Brest.
Planes from Moscow and St. Petersburg fly only to Minsk National Airport, located 40 km from the capital. Transportation is carried out by Aeroflot, UTair and Belavia. The duration of the flight is 1 hour 20 minutes. There are also regular flights to Minsk from a number of other Russian cities. You can read about other airports in Belarus on the page "Subtleties of tourism"
About a dozen trains run from Moscow to the country every day. Travel time on the route Moscow - Minsk is about 10 hours, and on the high-speed train Moscow - Minsk "Slavyansky Express" - 7 hours 22 minutes. Fares to Minsk reserved seat car starts from 2700 RUB, in a compartment - from 5440 RUB. You can get from Moscow to Brest in 12-14 hours and 4180 RUB (a seat in a reserved seat car) or 7540 RUB (in a compartment). From St. Petersburg to Minsk, the train takes almost 13 hours and costs 2938 RUB (reserved seat) or 5921 RUB (compartment). to Brest from northern capital can be reached in 19 hours 31 minutes. The fare is 3800 RUB in a reserved seat car and 7600 RUB in a compartment car. Transportation is carried out by Russian Railways and Belarusian Railways.
Bus flights are operated from all regions adjacent to Belarus and a number of other regions of Russia. This is the cheapest transfer option. Distances to Minsk by highways: from Moscow - 690 km, from St. Petersburg - 901 km. Bus transportation is offered by both private and public transport companies. The fare starts from 1900 RUB. Passengers, depending on the carrier, are served as buses tourist class and comfortable minibuses.
There is virtually no border between Russia and Belarus, so if you are driving a car, you may not even notice crossing it. True, it is worth remembering that an internal Russian OSAGO policy is not suitable for moving around the territory of the republic. It is necessary to purchase the so-called "Green Card". The cost of this policy for 15 days is 790 RUB. Citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan can use Belarusian roads free of charge if Belarus is the final destination of the trip. The cost of fuel at gas stations in the country is slightly higher than in Russia, but it is usually more High Quality. There are plenty of campsites, motels and food facilities along the major trails.
Search for flights to Belarus
Transport
Most convenient way movement in Belarus - on a rented car. The roads are mostly maintained in good condition, there are no difficulties in reading road signs for obvious reasons, traffic rules are identical to Russian ones.
The main types of intercity transport are trains and buses. The latter are faster and cheaper, but trains can offer more comfort.
Intercity communication in Belarus is represented by automobile and by rail. Before largest cities The most convenient way to get there is by train. So, a train ride from Minsk to Brest will cost 8-12 BYN, while a bus covers this path in 5 hours and costs from 17 BYN. Although they go on the same route.
Intercity rail transportation in Belarus is divided into economy and business class. Interregional economy class lines are traditional trains with reserved seats and compartment cars with a familiar interior and good service. Interregional business class lines are equipped with modern Swiss trains, which run about 25% faster than usual. Such trains, which are about a quarter more expensive, connect Minsk with regional and major regional centers.
If the city does not have a railway connection, you can get there either by regular bus or by minibus, where you need to book a seat in advance. The second option is faster and cheaper.
In general, passenger transport in Belarus is relatively inexpensive, especially if you travel by train.
Public transport in the cities of the country is represented mainly by buses. In some cities, conductors work in transport, but most often tickets are sold at bus stops or from the driver. The rolling stock is represented mainly by MAZ buses. Shuttle taxis in Belarus - not a very common form of transport. As a rule, the fare in a minibus is about 2 times higher than in a municipal bus. For example, the fare in a Minsk bus is 0.60 BYN, and in a minibus - from 1.20 BYN.
If you intend to use frequently by public transport, a smart decision would be to buy a travel pass. For example, in Minsk you can buy a card with the number of trips you need or with an unlimited number of them, but valid for a certain time.
Transport runs according to the schedule, which is indicated at all stops, sometimes with small deviations of 2 minutes. In Minsk, transport operates until almost 1:00, in other cities - until about 0:00.
Taxis in all cities of Belarus are inexpensive. On average, a trip from the Minsk railway station to a district located on the outskirts will cost about 8 BYN. The minimum price includes landing and 3-4 km of travel. It is better to order a taxi by phone or through mobile applications. However, if you catch a taxi not near the station, the overpayment, if any, is minimal.
Car rental in Belarus
All major international companies are represented in Belarus: Sixt, AVIS, Europcar, InterRent, Budget. There are also local car rental offices: Minskrentacar, Drivecar, Mir-Avto. The average cost of renting an economy class car is 103 BYN, a C-segment sedan is 166 BYN, a premium car is 245 BYN.
V major cities hotels are often located in ordinary panel houses, occupying a separate entrance or several floors of the building.
Money
The monetary unit of the country is the Belarusian ruble (BYN). Current exchange rate: 1 BYN = 31.83 RUB (1 USD = 2.05 BYN, 1 EUR = 2.29 BYN).
On July 1, 2016, in Belarus, the national currency was denominated by 4 zeros at once: 10,000 former "bunnies" turned into 1 new bunny.
You can exchange currency at the branches of any banks or exchange points, which are in all hotels, many large stores and supermarkets. The Belarusian exchange office accepts three currencies: euro, US dollar and Russian ruble. It is to this trio that the Belarusian ruble is pegged. Also, most exchange offices accept Polish zlotys and Ukrainian hryvnias. It is more profitable for Russians to change Russian rubles - the absence of additional conversions will help save money. If Belarusian rubles remain in your wallet after a rest, you can safely hand them over: the reverse exchange does not cause any problems. True, when buying foreign currency (including the Russian ruble), you must present a passport. Belarusian banks do not charge a commission for exchanging cash.
Bank branches are open from 9:00 to 18:00 all days of the week except Sunday. On the railway station and in convenience stores, exchange offices are also open 24 hours.
Generally bank cards are accepted everywhere, problems can only arise in markets and kiosks in small settlements. Therefore, it will be wise to always carry a small amount of Belarusian rubles with you.
- Do I need to change money in advance to travel to Belarus from Russia?
How to avoid problems
Belarus is famous for its security. Some people attribute this to the abundance of police (the country occupies a leading position in the world in terms of the number of police officers per capita), and some say that calmness and good manners are a national trait of Belarusians. In any case, in the cities of the republic, you can not be afraid to walk until late.
In case of emergencies, you can call the following numbers free of charge: fire service - 101, police - 102, ambulance- 102. You can also use the single number 112.
V Lately in Belarus, the fight against smoking has intensified, although most cafes and restaurants can still blow smoke. However, smoking is prohibited at bus stops, in parks (where appropriate signs are available), in stadiums, near schools. At railway stations, including the Central Railway Station in Minsk, it is allowed to smoke only in specially designated areas marked with signs and markings.
In Belarus, there is no list of objects that are forbidden to be photographed in the public domain. Nevertheless, it is better not to shoot on camera (at least not to do it very obviously) the buildings of government bodies, police stations, subway stations.
The country has very high fines for traffic violations, especially for drunk driving. You can not even try to offer a bribe to a traffic police officer, at best, this threatens to draw up an administrative protocol and a fine, at worst - arrest.
Treatment in Belarus
Belarusian sanatoriums are very popular among Russians. Health resorts of the republics are not the cheapest and often not the most modern, but they attract others: effective treatment. However, recently in Belarus there are more and more sanatoriums with a high level of service and modern, rather than "soviet" design. Among such health resorts: "Priozerny" (Minsk region, Lake Naroch), "Alfa Radon" (Grodno region), "Ruzhansky" (Brest region), "Ozerny" (Grodno region).
Official site museum complex old folk crafts and technologies "Dudutki": dudutki.by.
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 of state and 542 regional levels. All national parks offer tourists walks along ecological trails. Once you walk along such a path, laid through the territory of the Blue Lakes natural complex, breathe in 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 the curative climatic and phytotherapeutic factors, deposits of mineral waters and therapeutic mud, Belarus attracts fans of medical and health tourism. People come here to relax, gain strength and improve their health in sanatoriums. There is a well-developed sanatorium base in Belarus. 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 organs of vision.
Belarusian sanatoriums are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment. In total, there are about 30 hospitals of various profiles in the country.
Geographical position Belarus - in the very center of Europe, at the crossroads of trade and military routes - has repeatedly turned the country into an arena of hostilities. 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 Myadelshchyna, Vileyshchyna and Smorgonshchyna. In these places, Russian and German cemeteries of the First World War have been preserved. 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 move inland Russian Empire. In memory of those who died in the last World War II, majestic memorials were created in the Brest Fortress, on the site of the burned village of Khatyn, on the Buinichsky field near Mogilev. Excursion routes, laid in 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, the artist Boris Tsitovich was engaged in its creation. In Zabrodye, a wooden Orthodox Borisoglebskaya 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 the soldiers of the First World War. Every year on May 9, a commemoration of the soldiers of both world wars takes place in Zabrodye.
The temples of Belarus are of particular interest to lovers of history and architecture: in a country that 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 Zhirovitskaya Monastery, where the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Zhirovitskaya is kept. Memorial Day of the Icon of the Mother of God of Yurovichskaya is celebrated on September 13. Every year on this day, in honor of the miraculous image, a religious procession is held from Mozyr to Yurovichi. Every year in early 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 the country not to get acquainted with its monuments or nature, but to find, meet business partners, visit a specialized exhibition or hold 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: obligatory internet in the room, restaurant, swimming pool, guarded parking lot, air and railway tickets, currency exchange, etc. The geographical position of Belarus is a trump card for the development of business tourism: after all, in the center of Europe it is very convenient to spend international exhibitions, business symposia, conferences and business meetings. In search of an ideal venue for 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 holds 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 corporate trip to nature or a rural estate to chat in an informal setting.
In recent years, Belarus has been actively developing such a direction as nostalgic tourism. Most often, trips in a nostalgic style are undertaken by residents of the CIS countries, as well as Poland and Israel. Meeting with the motherland always turns out to be extremely 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 their relatives, and if they are lucky, meet people who remember them.
Many Belarusian rural estates are venues that attract lovers of event tourism. In the Rossony district, the festival of rural tourism "Zaborsky Fest" and the festival of the Belarusian horse are held. The estate "On Zarechnaya Street" (Kobrin district, Brest region) is the center of the traditional culinary competition "Polesye delicacies", in the village of Komarovo (Myadel district, Minsk region) an exhibition-fair of national crafts "Komarovo - a circle of days" is held. The estate "Sandy Coast" (Bykhov district, Mogilev region) at the end of summer invites all fishing enthusiasts and fans of the author's song to the "Big Bard Fishing".
In early May, Turov hosts the traditional Sandpiper Festival, which attracts nature lovers from all over Belarus. The festival takes place next to the unique Turov Meadow, one of the most important nesting and stopping places during the migrations of many species of water birds. It is here that the largest stable settlement in Belarus of the sandpiper listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus is located.
Leisure
For lovers active rest Belarus is a real find. Forests, parks, a huge number of lakes and rivers will make an interesting and memorable journey through the Belarusian land from a simple vacation.
Hiking
For hiking Belarusian cities - expanse. In addition to pedestrian streets, each area has its own interesting hiking trails to local attractions.
In the Vitebsk region, a tourist can take a walk in the "Land of yellow water lilies and gray boulders." If you want to see natural monuments, ancient settlements, burial mounds, by all means go hiking in 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 were fought during the Patriotic War of 1812.
In the Gomel region, walking along the ecological paths of the Pripyat Park is 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. Stories about the fortress itself and the courage of the soldiers who fought, as well as the magnificence 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 to walking tour along the paths of the park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha".
Cycling tourism
Cycling has become a favorite pastime 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 bike paths.
There is a central route for cyclists in every city. Following its direction, the traveler can get acquainted with the parks, water channels and architecture of the city.
The most popular urban route in Minsk has become the central bike path with a length of 27 km.
A bike ride can become a real expedition if you go along the routes of the National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha". 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 way, you can take a breath in special places to relax. The routes are arranged according to the level of training: from beginners to experienced cyclists. A trip along the cycle paths of the forest is available to everyone: you can ride both on your own bike and on a bike rented in the national park.
Water tourism
Let's start with simple arithmetic: there are more than twenty thousand rivers and over eleven thousand lakes in Belarus, in total: more than thirty thousand routes for water expeditions.
You can start a water cruise with a boat trip, this is not only a vacation, 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, which will allow you to feel like one with it.
The organization of water leisure must be taken seriously. Those wishing 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 of the 19th century, inscriptions on the walls of the First World War.
The Oginsky Canal is a route along an old waterway, built back in the 18th century at the expense of the figure of the Commonwealth, Mikhail Kazimir Oginsky. A walk along this route will show you all the beauty of the Belarusian Polissya.
Equestrian tourism
Equestrian tourism in Belarus is represented by equestrian clubs, riding centers, where it is possible not only to ride around the arena, but also to participate in a horse trip from one to several days.
The Golden Horseshoe route in Glubokoe is very popular. Following this route, you can see the former residence of Count Mole, visit rural estates and taste dishes of the national Belarusian cuisine.
To take a horse ride, it is not necessary to go to Glubokoe. 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 time years become a place for ski holidays. The temperate climate, the absence of the possibility of avalanches - conditions that are well suited for pleasant leisure.
In Belarus, winter tourism is concentrated in ski centers and active recreation parks, which are located in Minsk, Gomel and Vitebsk regions.
The famous place for skiing is the Silichi complex. On the territory of the complex there are ski slopes for beginners and professionals, adults and children, tracks for tubing or snowmobile. After a busy day, a tired tourist can relax in a hotel room.
The Yakutskiye Gory Active Leisure Park is located 37 km from Minsk near highest point in Belarus - Mount Dzerzhinskaya (345m). In the winter season, the park offers: ski slope, ride ATVs or snowmobiles.
The ski center "Solnechnaya Dolina" is famous for its location. " Sunny Valley"is located on the banks of the Zaslavsky reservoir or, as the locals call it, the Minsk Sea. In winter, the "sea" becomes a place for skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, and if you like extreme rest, then you should look into the snowpark, where you can ride a snowboard.
