Belarus sounds like an off-beat travel destination to those who have never experienced untouched beauty. With Ukraine, Poland, Russia, and Latvia as neighbors, this landlocked country has its charm. There is so much to see in this abode of clouds.
More than 40% of Belarus is covered with forests and vegetation. Expect to see the picturesque countryside, flora, and an abundance of local wildlife—including the rare European bison. Travelers love to take deep dives into history with the country's numerous castles and forts.
The tourist infrastructure of Belarus is well-developed. The capital, Minsk, provides the perfect setting for modern recreational activities, cafes, and restaurants. It's the perfect destination for a charming European holiday. But before you visit, remember to purchase as a safety net in case anything goes wrong during your trip.
Things to Do for Travelers in Belarus
Visit Bialowieza National Park
Bialoweiza Forest is the oldest and largest forest in Europe. The national park is a great getaway for solo travelers, couples, and families, as it offers a mix of various activities. The national park has museums, hotels, cycle paths, and campsites to entertain guests and make their stay interesting. You will feel close to nature and blow off some steam.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Snowboarding and skiing are the most popular forms of active recreation in Belarus. There aren't very high mountains in the country, but the steep slopes make up for it. The ski resorts are artificial hills that have snow cannons that work
Find Peace at Health Resorts
Health resorts and saunas in Belarus are dedicated to rehabilitation and peace. Relax, warm up, and improve your health in the saunas of Belarus. Travelers find refuge in the health resorts and come here for recovery from various illnesses and maladies. They have excellent facilities and are much cheaper than the ones in the neighboring countries.
Agritourism
This is one of the most popular recreational activities in Belarus that is not offered by any other country. The off-the-wall yet relaxing activity involves living in traditional Belarus farmhouses with all modern facilities. Go fishing, enjoy some time in a sauna, or collect mushrooms & berries, just like the Belarusians do. You can also try Belarusian dishes and delicacies cooked in the traditional style.
Take A Stroll in Minsk
The capital city of Belarus, Minsk is a traveler's delight that offers a lot to visitors. Independent Square is one of the largest public squares in all of Europe and covers nearly 7 hectares of land. The dancing light and pretty water fountains make it a perfect place for an evening stroll.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Belarus
Hepatitis, typhoid, and diphtheria
Diseases like hepatitis A & B, polio, typhoid, and other water-borne illnesses are very common in Belarus. Diphtheria, rabies, and tetanus can be found in the country, too. In most cases, you might require a vaccine for all these diseases.
Tick-borne encephalitis
The dense forests of Belarus are full of ticks. These ticks commonly carry a virus that is responsible for encephalitis. The incubation period of this disease is 7–14 days. If you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Food & water
Avoid drinking water from any other sources unless it is bottled. You should be careful when drinking water from drinking fountains, too. Boil the water or chemically purify it before consumption, as the water tends to be contaminated. Do not eat raw or uncooked food when outside.
Road Safety
Roads in urban areas and cities are well-maintained. But as you travel towards the countryside, you may find roads with inferior quality that are not maintained. Belarus has a very high number of road accidents every year. Always wear a seatbelt when in a car and a helmet when riding a two-wheeler.
Radiation from Chernobyl
Although it's been decades since the Chernobyl disaster, the risk of contamination from radiation is still present. Certain food articles like dairy products, mushrooms, and fruits of the forests should be avoided. These carry high levels of radiation as a long-term legacy of the Chernobyl disaster.
Before You Travel to Belarus – Do This
- Carry a proof or certificate for vaccines taken for hepatitis, rabies, and diphtheria.
- Pack an insect repellent and prescribed medication, if any. These pharmaceuticals may not be available easily in Belarus.