Table of Contents
Belarus
Belarus is a relatively lesser-known country in Europe that has lots of great places to visit that most people don’t know about. The wide diversity of things to do in Belarus allows everyone to find something interesting.
The country is the best place to visit if you are a nature lover if you want to discover former Soviet Union countries if you like visiting medieval castles or spending time in old historical cities. Here is a list of 10 Best Places to Visit in Belarus:
10 Best Places to Visit in Belarus, Europe
- Bialowieza Forest National Park
- Braslav Lake Group
- Medieval Mir Castle
- Brest Hero-Fortress
- Minsk, capital of Belarus
- Grodno full of architectural sights
- ‘Belarusian Maldives’
- Geographical Center of Europe
- Silichi Ski Resort
- Visit Zabrodie Village that Still Remembers the First World War
Some information about Belarus
Belarus is a country situated in the geographical center of Europe, although many people think it is in the East. It seems so, as the only European country to the East from Belarus is Russia. The Eastern border of Europe, the Ural Mountains, is situated several thousand kilometers away from Belarus.
The country used to be a part of the Soviet Union, the remnants of which you can still see here. In most of the small towns, and even in some places in Minsk, capital of Belarus, you will still find monuments of Lenin and Soviet signs. Still, after over 25 years of independence, Belarus managed to become a European country with cozy cafes, great festivals, and much better service than it used to be. From the beginning of 2017, more than 80 countries don’t need a visa to Belarus, you can check if yours is on the list here.
Belarus borders Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Latvia. Its population is almost 10 million. It is not a tiny country, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands, and Switzerland could altogether fit on the territory of Belarus. For more information, check 50 interesting facts about Belarus here. One of the main places to visit in Belarus is Minsk, while there is much more to see in the country. So, I will tell you about the best attractions and places to visit in Belarus.
Bialowieza Forest National Park
Did you know that the largest and oldest forest in Europe is situated in Belarus, on the border with Poland? It is called Bialowieza Forest National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a great place to visit in Belarus with kids.
If you visit Brest (which I strongly recommend you doing), you can easily get to the Bialowieza Forest situated less than 100 km away from it. There, you can rent and ride a bicycle through one of the numerous bike paths in the national park, go to one of nature and local lore museums, visit Father Frost (Belarusian Santa Claus), or simply walk along the forest alleys enjoying the calmness and fresh air. You can even stay in a house in the center of Bialowieza Forest.
To find out more about activities and things to do in the Bialowieza Forest check this article.
Braslav Lake Group
Braslav lakes are one of the favorite places to visit in Belarus among locals. These lakes are also one of the Belarusian national parks.
The lake group includes dozens of small and big lakes, some have a very well-developed infrastructure around them, but some are just hidden in the forest.
Medieval Mir Castle
Another popular place to visit in Belarus in the Mir Castle Complex. It is situated in the Minsk region and is easily reachable by car or bus.
The castle used to belong to the famous rich family of Radzivills and is surrounded by numerous legends that you can find out during your visit. The architecture of it is a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance. This blend makes the Mir castle special.
In summer, numerous knights and music festivals are held on the territory of the castle gathering thousands of people.
Here is an official website of the Mir Castle.
Brest Hero-Fortress
Brest fortress, which is situated close to the city of Brest, on the south-west of Belarus, is famous for its heroic defense against German invaders during World War II. As you might know, the whole of Poland was conquered in just 2 weeks, while the Brest fortress alone could restrain constant attacks of Germans for 1 month.
The fortress is now part of a big complex of monuments and museums. You can visit the Museum of War, the 5th Fort Museum, as well as Defense Museum. Being in this place lets you feel the atmosphere of those difficult times. Entering the fortress gates, you will hear the original announcement about the Fascist invasion. On the walls of the fortress, you can still find the famous inscriptions of the soldiers. The most famous of them is “I’m dying, but I’m not giving up. Goodbye, Motherland!”
Find out more on the official website of Brest Fortress.
Minsk, capital of Belarus
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is the most visited place in the country. It is a big city with almost 2 million people, but you don’t feel the business, dirt, and noise of a big city. Minsk is a great place to visit with kids. The city is very convenient for tourists, as most of the main attractions of Minsk are located close to each other, in the city center. They include the Grand Theater of Opera and Ballet, cozy houses and cafes of the Trinity suburb, Upper town with the town hall, Independence avenue with its chic boutiques and many other places. Just walk around the city center and you will easily find them all.
One attraction worth visiting that is situated not in the center of Minsk, is the Belarusian National Library having a form of a diamond, one of the largest libraries in the world, the roof of which is also a great panoramic point.
You can go to one of the numerous museums of Minsk: the new Great Patriotic War (World War II on the territory of former the Soviet Union) Museum, Strochitsy Architecture, and Local Lore Museum, the Museum of Stones with a map of Belarus made of huge boulders and many others.
If you like spending time with nature without leaving the city walls, Minsk has a lot of different parks for any taste. Go to the Loshitsa park, which is regarded as the best park in Minsk, and walk along the nice alleys and a fruit garden, visit the Central (Yanka Kupala) park to ride on its numerous attractions, enjoy the Victory park near the Great Patriotic War Museum with a Bird island and outdoor fitness equipment, ride a bike through the Cheluskintsev park, or feed the swans in the third-largest Botanical Garden in the world.
Grodno full of architectural sights
Due to the central position, Belarus has been continuously crossed by enemy troops and was the main battlefield in the region during the First and Second World Wars. Because of that, a lot of architectural sights didn’t survive to our days. For example, Minsk was completely destroyed numerous times, and after the World War II, the government wanted to rebuild the city 30 km away from the place it was situated before but changed their mind in the end.
So, Grodno is the city that preserved the most of architectural sights in the country. That is why it is a great place to visit in Belarus. You should go to Zamkovaya street to see its two castles, the new and the old one. The city is also full of beautiful churches of different religions. Belarus is a country, which is very tolerant of such diversity.
Go to the Grodno Regional Drama Theater, look at this unusual structure and try to think of what it is similar to. Another place I recommend visiting in Grodno is the Old Pharmacy Museum having a collection of old chemist’s utensils and equipment.
‘Belarusian Maldives’
Another great attraction in Belarus that was just recently found, are the ‘Belarusian Maldives’, chalk quarries with turquoise water and cliffs with white sand. The water has such a beautiful color because of the chalk and limestone formerly mined here. There are several places, where you can view the ‘Belarusian Maldives’, the most famous is situated close to the Volkovysk town.
Today, the chalk quarries have limited access, because the government decided to build good infrastructure around them for more safety. Hopefully, in a few months, we will be able to visit the beautiful ‘Belarusian Maldives’ and stay in a tent for a night in such a wonderful place.
Geographical Center of Europe
You have never been to the center of Europe? You have to!
You can visit it in Belarus, in the city of Polotsk, the oldest city on the territory of Belarus with over 1000 years of history. Here, you can find the monument of the center of Europe and get a certificate that you’ve been there.
Silichi Ski Resort
One of the favorite things to do in Belarus among tourists is visiting one of the country’s ski resorts. Despite the fact that Belarus doesn’t have high mountains, there are numerous artificial hills with good infrastructure and low prices. Silichi Ski Resort is one of them. It has ski slopes of all the levels of complexity, so you will definitely find the one, which suits you the most, or ask an experienced instructor to teach you skiing.
Find out more about Silichi and other ski resorts in Belarus here.
Check prices on the official website of Silichi Ski Resort.
Visit Zabrodie Village that Still Remembers the First World War
The last place to visit in Belarus that I will tell you is Zabrodie village, which still remembers the events of the First World War. This complex was created by a Tsitovich family in the place, where the front line of the First World War was situated. Here, you can observe the collection from this war, see and even ride one of the oldtimers and enjoy the atmosphere of the rural life. You can find out more here.
Other places to visit in Belarus
Belarus has lots of great places to visit. This list could include other beautiful castles, like Nesvizh and Kossovo castles, Pripyat and Berezinsky National Parks, other old cities like Slonim, Novogrudok, Gomel and Vitebsk, numerous museums and places to discover the Belarusian culture. Just come here and find the best places to visit in Belarus on your own!
Belarus Tourism
How to Reach Belarus
Belarus is well connected by air and if you are looking to book cheap flights, you can do it right here. Book through either TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and save big on flight bookings to reach Belarus in Europe.
Where To Stay In Belarus
If you are confused with the range of accommodation options that Belarus offers and are looking for the best hotels in Belarus or the best place to stay in Belarus, do check out our favorite booking sites here. We have always used these sites to book our stay. Belarus hotel booking can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline to avail big discounts and save considerably on your stay in Belarus Europe.
| Click here to book the best hotel/resort in Belarus |
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Tours/Activities available in Belarus – Things To Do In Belarus
Belarus points of interest and attractions are many and if you are wondering what to see in Belarus or what to do in Belarus, then look no further. Belarus attractions pass are available for the most recommended Belarus tours. You can now book tours in Belarus as well as activities in Belarus.
| Click here to know more and book Best Attractions and Activities in Belarus |
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We hope you liked the 10 Best Places to Visit in Belarus post. Do share your thoughts in the comments section about what are your favorite places.
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I have never even heard of belarus before, but it definitely sounds like a great place to visit. Maybe I will end up there someday?
your writing just got my bucket list bigger!! thanks and keep up the good work.
I must check how easy it is to get to Belarus from my city! Didn’t know too much about it until I read this so thanks for the inspo.
Looks incredible! I’ve never been there before but now I’m adding it to my bucket list 🙂
That opening image with a waft of mist above the water and the distant church was stunning! Made me want to know about where it was!
I’ve not had the pleasure of visiting Belarus (although Sarah did over 15 years ago), but it’s certainly not from any lack of desire.
What time of year were you guys there?
Belarus is not so close to my hometown in Poland but I feel like I should have visit it earlier! Especially Bialowieza Forest National Park which we share as it looks so wonderful! I haven’t realised you can do so much over there! Your photos are fabulous and definelty convincing to visit that beautiful country!
We would love to visit Belarus. 🙂 This is a guest post by Roman.
I travel a lot and I have never heard of this place. I’m embarrassed to say that. Obviously I need to explore more of the world than what I even knew was out there. I cannot wait to go here.
OMG! What a beautiful scenery! I can’t imagine being in these places! I will practically jump for joy! Going to add this on my travel wishlist!
Europe has some amazing places to visit how absolutely gorgeous does the Belarus look, I think I am going to have to add it to my bucket list of places I would like to visit.
I knew Belarus & Minsk from my history classes – but I had no idea about the beauty of this part of Europe. Sometimes the most beautiful places are not that far away ! Especially the castle & the whole architecture is really worth a roadtrip 🙂
This is a great guide for traveling in Belarus! Traveling through Europe is definitely a dream of mine.
Your photos are beautiful! Haven’t visited Belarus but after seeing this I think I need to put it on my travel list!
Never even heard of Belarus but it looks beautiful! I love that forest, but you absolutely cannot beat a castle. I toured Europe after college and was just astounded by all the history and architecture. I’d love to visit some more off-the-beaten path places like Belarus.
I’ve never been to Belarus before but after seeing how much there is to explore there I’ll definitely be adding it to my travel bucket list. The Medieval Mir Castle is so gorgeous. I’d love to see it in person.
What a hidden gem! Belarus looks incredible. I’d love to visit Bialowieza Forest National Park and Minsk one day – seems like it’s still up-and-coming and not too crowded!
How have I never heard of this place before?! It looks so lovely, I especially like the fortress it looks beautful. Another place for me to check out
I heard of Belarus before, but haven’t thought of going there. Now that you mentioned it, I’m considering to go to this place.
All your trip pictures are great. I have been to Belarus once with my family. I went to Church of the Holy Trinity. It’s a very small church, white walls not a lot of sculptures, but it’s very cozy. I didn’t see much things around there. But will add all these places in my bucket list for the next time.
My kids are waffles fiends…..I swear they would eat the 24/7,
Don’t forget to look after Mike’s post!
Belarus sounds like a great country to visit. I don’t think I have ever heard of it even though it is a huge. There is so much to see there and I would love to visit there some day. I find it interesting that so many don’t need a visa to visit there too. Thanks for sharing the information.
I been to Belarus twice now but both visits have been to Minsk. I really need to get out there again and do the parks etc. The country has so much more to offer. Just wish they sort out the international transport prices and visa prices.
Belarus seems to have some wonderful architecture as well as natural landscape. Love the Bialowieza Forest National Park as well as the Mir Castle and other architectural places. Thanks to you for sharing it. I will add it in my next Europe trip itinerary
The Architecture in Belarus is so beautiful. I especially love the trails
The Belarus Maldives would be a nice place to visit, but I think I would be more interested to get to Polotsk and see the marker for the geographical center of Europe. Its cool that they give you a cerfiticate to prove you’ve been there. Awesome!
Your photos have me CRAVING travel!!!
I would love to go to the Geographical Center of Europe, in Polotsk. That would be so cool to even have a certificate that I can show my friends and family. I have to make sure I get to that monument the next time I am in Europe!
Belarus is totally new to me. But what a great place with such a lot of things to do and see. How many days did you spend there? This list totally demands at least a week.
Wow!! Breathtaking photos. I’ve never been anywhere near Belarus, but looks like a delightful place to visit.
Years ago, I worked with development teams from Belarus, and it always seemed like a wonderful country from their stories. But seeing your photos, and hearing how much love you have for the place makes it even more real. The forest and the Brest Hero-Fortress would be my first stops, but I would love to see Minsk and Grodno, too. LOL! Honestly, I’d love to see it all.
Belarus looks like an absolutely amazing country! I would love to visit the largest and oldest forest in Europe someday!
Spending some time exploring the national park would be amazing. I’d love to absorb some of the history by checking some of the museums and historical sites out too.
Wow, excellent photos! You’ve captured the city very well. I would love to check out Belarus one day. The architecture is beautiful, I would love to visit Mir Castle too!
Wow I’ve never heard much about Belarus but it looks gorgeous. I always love travel posts they give me places to add to my list!
Wow the place looks beautiful! I love that it’s now a quiet town with some charm. I love in that one picture how the light filters through those leaves in the forest. I love forests!
I’ve never fully explored Belarus and it would be nice to visit the historical sites someday. I didn’t know that they have plenty of places to share with the world. I’d love to see the Mir Castle.
Belarus was never on my list of places to visit, but you have totally convinced me. One, the pictures are simply stunning. But what really intrigued me are the medieval castles. I love exploring old historical cities!
Such a beautiful country to go to and get lost in. It’s awesome that there’s so much to see there! I’d love to go there one day and explore the sights. I love places with a rich history!
Never been to Belarus but looks incredible now I will have to add to my list of must visit locations. Many good options. Your pictures are so pretty too =)
This was really interesting, since I knew just about nothing about Belarus when I started at the top of the page! Your photos are stunning. I think I’m finally recovered from all the castles my parents dragged me to and I’m ready to put some of these on my bucket list.
I would love to go to Belarus! It looks like such a beautiful country. I also love to travel to places that aren’t as popular destinations so I don’t have to deal with the crowds.
Never heard of the place Belarus before but this photos looks so awesome that makes me wanna visit it!
This is the first time that I heard Belarus and it looks a nice place to visit with my family and I love all your photos
The article is incredibly insightful and reveals several ‘hideout’ destination in the country of Belarus. Belarusian Maldives appealed to me, I will wait for it to be opened to tourists. Medieval Mir Castle looks so impressive!
My aunt lives near Belarus! I heard she will tour us to the most beautiful places on the City! looking forward to see those in person!
Such a beautiful country! The castles and fortresses are stunning; I will definitely go on a historical tour of Belarus someday!
Wow! So many places to go I just wouldn’t know where to start without your terrific guide!! I particularly like the look of the Bialowieza State Forest – that’s my kind of place! But your photo of Minsk looks like a new-modernist painting, and the Belarus Maldives? Unreal!
This place looks gorgeous! I have never heard of Belarus before.
I had never thought of visiting Belarus but it looks like it’s a great destination. Love the architecture and the beautiful natural scenery too.
What a gorgeous place! Will have to add it to the list of places to see in that part of the world.
Wow Belarus looks so dreamy! All the time I also thought it is in eastern europe haha
Your introduction of Belarus to me makes me hope that it would be easy for us to book a flight in Europe. It’s so beautiful and look so peaceful. Unlike, most of the mainstream European country this look so pure. I love its ambiance and the architecture is really amazing!
Wow. I didnt really thought of visiting Belarus before but your post is very enlightening! Looks like it’s better to explore these hidden gems of Europe first.
Your photos are beautiful! The castles and fortresses are stunning. The castle is definitely on my list now. Thanks to your guide here! We also have a Castle-looking structure here in the PH. But it’s a church. It is here in this post > http://thejerny.com/travel/european-castle-vibes-simala-shrine-sibonga-cebu/
I love the Medieval architecture. Time to get my Rick Steves on. This is definitely a place I would visit in the future.
Hey,
Belarus is one of those places I’ve heard lovely things about but not until reading your post (and seeing these pics), did I decide it needs to be on my list of places to visit.
Thanks for the travel-inspiration,
Nadalie
Even as a European I honestly have to say I haven’t thought about visiting Belarus. It is certainly a country you don’t hear much about. After reading this I am definitely more convinced on visiting. The architecture looks so cool. I would love to see the Mir Castle. I love medieval castles 😀
What an interesting post. Biking through Bialowieza Forest National Park would be amazing with that view ahead of you. Center of Europe sounds like such an offbeat thing to do 🙂 . Loved your post and hopefully I visit Belarus some day
I went to your other post, holding my breath, hoping that the Philippines is included in countries that don’t need visa to Belarus, but of course, as expected we’re not included *le sigh*. What I really want to visit there is the Biolowieza. I learned about it while I was researching for the best national parks in Europe.
I love it that the country is not that popular, I mean, how many people can say I’ve been to Belarus? It is part of its charms and of the reasons I wanna go there. Just looking at your photos I love its overall feel, laid-back and has so much history.
I could spend all day visiting castles and fortresses. Belarus sounds amazing. Never realized how many beautiful things there were to do in this country. Hopefully I can visit one day soon.
Great photos you have here. I hope one day I can visit this place. Thanks for sharing.
Belarus looks absolutely stunning! My husband and I are trying to plan what countries we want to visit on a trip through Eastern Europe and I now what to add this to the list! My husband is a sucker for nature, so I’m going to pitch it with the forest national park!
It was good that I read your post. I did not know much about Belarus. It is a country that is not that popular but I am fascinated now.
I like the places that you have featured. There are something for the nature and architectural design lovers. Minsk looks pleasant, quiet, clean, and beautiful.
Belarusian Maldives huh? Would be cool to see those chalk hills..! I hosted a Belarusian vlogger earlier this year. He showed me footage from his journey so far – especially Iran – but never any of his own country!
Medieval Mir Castle looks like a fairy tale castle. So lovely and worth instagrammable! There’s so much beauty in this country, so sad Filipinos still need a visa here. Your photos make me jealous!
Sold on Belarus….mainly for its heritage sites. There are so many. Castles look so fabulous. I definitely would need 5 days to cover them all.
I had no idea that it was the geographical center of Europe. Belarus seems very nice after reading this post. The forests, lakes and castles seem very peaceful. Minsk seems absolutely incredible. I can’t imagine seeing a city like that. It is hard to believe the photos are real.
Wow! Belarus looks gorgeous. I want to buy a plane ticket today! Bialowieza Forest National Park and Mir Castle look like my kind of places.
Belarusian Maldives have been on my bucket list for years. Unfortunately, the government closed access to that place so it is semi-legal to go there.
I had no idea that Belarus had so many beautiful places to visit. Some of these sights are simply breathtaking.
I had no idea how pretty Belarus is! Funny enough, I thought it was in Eastern Europe so it was interesting to learn that’s not the case despite many making that assumption. I’d like to see this country with my own eyes someday!
I have never been to Europe but I am setting my eyes this year or next. Belarus is such an offbeat choice. The fortress attracts me the most. Its ruined walls speak a thousand words. Those inscriptions are bone chilling.
I think I’m going to love Belarus whenever I get the chance the go there. It has everything that I am interested in like nature trip, historic castles and fortresses and city walks. The photo of the Bialowieza Forest looks stunning.
Beautiful photos there! Heard of Belarus but never really thought of visiting. Now I want to go after seeing your post!
The photos are fantastic. Makes me want to pack my bags and head to Minsk!
Belarus looks so stunning. Mir Castle looks amazing. Belarus was one of the worst affected countries in WW2. Belarusian Maldives and Cemter of Europe are the two attractions that I would love to see.
Wow! Why have I never heard of Belarus? Especially since the geographical center of Europe is located there and it’s not particularly just a dot on a map. Either way, you have certainly piqued my interest and I’d love to visit someday! I do hope they secure the Belarus Maldives, it would be incredible to visit there as well.
Love the photos and details of your post! Definitely another place to add to my never ending travel bucketlist hehe.
You had me sold at nature, discovery and ancient castles. Sign me up for the next trip to Belarus! It’s good to know that Grodno has the most preserved history and war is such a sad thing because it destroys history and tries to write new ones.
Belarus is not a place a ton of people go, but after reading this and looking at your photos I can’t imagine why! It looks so beautiful! I’m a sucker for castles and a history buff to boot. This is all right up my alley!
Belarus is close to my country, Georgia, and yet, I haven’t visited it yet. However, it’s on my bucket list. Good to know there are lots of interesting places to discover. I especially loved the Medieval Mir Castle, it looks soo beautiful