Where to spend winter holidays in Belarus? The best routes in Belarus in winter: a checklist for tourists

Holidays in Belarus are an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle, engage in active sports and get acquainted with another culture. You can travel to a friendly country at any time of the year, and experienced tourists and even go to White Rus' in winter. What does hospitable Belarus offer in winter? First of all, it is a healthy, active holiday and a guaranteed positive mood.

The most popular holiday in Belarus

• Excursions;
• Ski resorts;
• Health improvement in sanatoriums;
• Rest in a cottage;
• Ice fishing;
• Tracking.

Everyone will find a suitable type of activity for themselves. You won’t be bored on vacation in Belarus!

Winter excursions

While vacationing in Belarus, you can’t help but visit iconic places countries. One of the oldest cities is Grodno, where the famous sights of Belarus have been preserved: the Cathedral Church of St. Francis Xavier, the Boris and Gleb Church, the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery. In Brest, visit the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, in Vitebsk - the Church of the Annunciation, in Gomel - the beautiful Rumyantsev Palace.

If you go to Mogilev, be sure to visit the Cathedral of the Three Saints, the regional drama theater. The prices for bus excursions around Minsk and Khatyn are very attractive - only $10-15. Also popular sightseeing tours V nature reserves and monuments. Book good tour for New Year's holidays you can.

Winter fishing

Frosts are not an obstacle to going out on the ice; such little things do not frighten avid fishermen. The catch in winter may be even greater than in summer. There are many lakes in Belarus. There are 2,500 lakes in the Belarusian Lake District alone, most of which are famous as fishing spots.

When fishing in winter you need to pay special attention to your equipment. To winter fishing and, accordingly, your vacation was a success, follow these tips:

• Clothes should be warm and waterproof;
• It is advisable to have thermal underwear;
• Bring several pairs of wool socks;
• Pay special attention to warm shoes;
• Bring a winter tent.

Don't forget to bring a thermos with hot tea or coffee. Some fishermen also bring strong drinks with them.

Ski resorts

Belarus in winter is a real find for lovers of active recreation. The most beloved resorts by tourists are located in the capital area; there is everything for snowboarding, skiing and sledding. It offers European service, developed infrastructure, good even by European standards transport connection with Minsk.

Sanatoriums in winter

If the purpose of your holiday trip is relaxation and recovery, choose one of the medical and health institutions when visiting Belarus. The most famous sanatoriums in the country are “Belorusochka”, “Yunost”, “Energetik”. You can be treated in a sanatorium and at the same time live in comfortable cottage, explore the sights of Belarus, get acquainted with the culture and history of a wonderful country.

Winter trekking

Hiking through wonderful places is trekking, a newfangled activity for children, the elderly and curious youth. For them, Belarus provides recreation centers with interesting comprehensive programs, including hiking.

Trekking is especially popular during the New Year celebrations and winter holidays. The price of accommodation at the recreation center is only $30 per guest. The price includes food and accommodation.

As you can see, there are many places in Belarus that you want to visit and events in which you want to participate. Winter trips to Belaya Rus' will be remembered for a long time, and you will definitely want to return. Yes we ask!

Winter has arrived and sub-zero temperatures are forcing many people to stay indoors or take short walks around the city. But what to do if your soul craves new experiences? Of course, go on a trip! To dedicate Christmas and New Year holidays getting to know the country no longer requires a visa: visa-free regime extended to 30 days! Snow-white fields, rivers and lakes bound by ice, beautiful cities with festive illumination - there are many reasons to travel around Belarus. The Belarus 24 TV channel presents you with its list of places in Belarus that you should definitely visit in winter.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha

To the question “ Where to go in winter in Belarus?“The first thing any person will answer is: “To Belovezhskaya Pushcha!” Why this national park first comes to mind? There are several reasons for this:

1. In Belovezhskaya Pushcha there is the famous residence of the Belarusian Father Frost. Fairytale wizard receives guests all year round, but only in winter does the atmosphere of a real holiday reign on his estate.
2. Seeing majestic bison against the backdrop of snow-white expanses is a truly impressive sight!
3. Walk along the paths in the ancient forest, go skiing or just play in the snow - lovers of active recreation will be pleased.
4. Try it at local restaurants, meet New Year and Christmas surrounded by magnificent Belarusian nature - you will remember this winter for a long time!

You will find all the necessary information before your trip in the episodes of our program “”.

Dudutki

Take a breeze in a horse-drawn chaise, try bread from the oven and real "garbatu"(herbal tea), visit inside an ancient mill - that's just a small part cultural program, which awaits you in Dudutki. The open-air museum complex is open all year round, but in winter it is especially beautiful. The interactive format will not allow either adults or children to get bored, because here everyone is invited to take part in various master classes and unravel the secrets of ancient crafts.

Minsk

It is impossible to imagine traveling around Belarus without a walk around Minsk. National Library, Trinity Suburb, Holy Spirit Cathedral, Upper town- the list of attractions worthy of attention can be continued endlessly. Moreover, we have already introduced you to the top attractions of the capital - use it to create your route.

The main highlight of winter Minsk is its incredible festive illumination. The National Library alone is worth it! In addition to the capital, Belarus has many interesting places and cities, their attractions and features are dedicated to our program "".

Mir and Nesvizh castles

The fourth place in our rating is shared by two iconic attractions. Mir and Nesvizh are an ideal route for those who don’t know what to see in Belarus in one day. Both attractions are only 30 km away from each other. Another undoubted advantage of traveling to Mir and Nesvizh castles in winter will be the absence of crowds of tourists. Also, if possible, visit the traditional Christmas masquerade ball at Mir Castle.

Silichi, Raubichi, Logoisk

As Vladimir Vysotsky wrote, « Better than the mountains there can only be mountains". And although there are no mountains in Belarus, you can go skiing here in winter. Our list of winter attractions is completed by three locations - Silichi, Raubichi and Logoisk. Ski or snowboard along the slopes, go ice skating and tubing, ski jumping and visit an extreme park - there are many options for active winter recreation. Wondering where to go in Belarus in winter To spend time actively and usefully, the answer is obvious - to the ski resorts of Belarus.

Watch travel programs and travel with us

Tourism is one of best views pastime. The team of the TV channel “Belarus 24” also loves to travel, and shares their impressions in the episodes of the program “”. Sights unknown to a wide range of people, mysterious places, historically significant monuments - all this awaits you. Watch programs about travel and discover Belarus with us!

Belarus is often seen as a former Soviet republic, or as a close and familiar neighbor, but not as a place for have a fascinating trip. In this article we will try to dispel this stereotype and tell you about where to relax in Belarus in winter.

There is a choice for every taste: from sanatoriums and ski resorts to sparkling lights major cities, you can combine both. There are always attractions that are interesting to see at any time of the year.

Weather in Belarus in winter - what to expect?

Type in country - temperate continental, in the west passing from maritime to continental due to the influence of Atlantic air masses. The seasons are not too pronounced, extreme temperatures are quite rare.

Precipitation is heavy, but most of their volume occurs in the summer months.

Winter in Belarus is mild and humid. Thaws are common, although the snow cover is usually dense and lasts a long time, especially in the northern regions, which is good for skiing and sledding.

Average air temperature is -3°C, and the average minimum is -15°C, the average maximum is +5°C. In some areas, snow is occasionally interspersed with rain. The sun rarely appears, cloudy skies are more typical. In addition, dense fogs appear until mid-December.

Winter weather in the north colder, and in the south it is warmer and softer, this difference is quite noticeable, so choose a location for your vacation in accordance with your plans.

It is thanks to this mild climate that it is comfortable to spend a winter holiday in nature, doing active pastime and walks.

Winter holidays

A popular option is to rent cottages outside the city, this is called "health for the lazy"— the absence of a tiring routine, fresh air and unity with nature will help you get in shape.

In the last decade, the country has become more and more Europeanized, and the level of tourism has increased accordingly.

Since in winter prices for planes/trains and accommodation below, you can get a piece for practically nothing, especially since you don’t need a visa to visit Belarus.

Best places

Let's start with ski resorts. There are no mountains in Belarus, but the hilly and gully terrain made it possible to create conditions for skiing and snowboarding. You won’t have to travel far from the capital, since the most popular locations for ski holidays are located in the Minsk region.

Where to go with children?

Children are sure to enjoy all the outdoor activities that parents enjoy, but there are some things that will be especially fun for them. For example, husky riding. This opportunity is provided by the picnic hotel "Expedition" in the Logoisk district of the Minsk region.

It is especially pleasant for both children and adults to swim in the cold outdoor swimming pools With hot water. Many sanatoriums offer swimming in large wooden barrels right on the street. Japanese baths are no less popular; there are many places with them throughout the country.

In Belarus there are many children's and teen camps, including winter shifts. One of the most famous:

1. Jagged(Minsk Region);
2. Only English Land(language camp on the territory of the sanatorium “Belarus”);
3. DreamCamp(language camp in Minsk);
4. Health camp named after. Gastello(city of Zaslavl, Minsk region).

Which sanatorium should I go to?

Primary goal - recovery, so choose your location based on this. Here we will try to list the best health complexes.

If you do not want to travel far from Minsk, then a sanatorium is suitable for you "Belarusian" 7 km from the capital. This place specializes in treating diabetes. The sanatorium was built on the banks of the Drozdy reservoir, in an ecologically clean area.

Many vacationers prefer to combine treatment with active pastime.

• Another sanatorium near the capital - "Lakeside", where treatment of nervous diseases and the musculoskeletal system is carried out. There is a swimming pool for all guests mineral water. The sanatorium is surrounded by picturesque birch groves.



• If you are going to the Mogilev region, a sanatorium is suitable for you "Pines", where the respiratory organs are restored. The sanatorium was built 350 km from the Dnieper. Unlike many sanatoriums, they not only accept children here, but also prescribe procedures for them from the age of three.
• In the Grodno region you should pay attention to two sanatoriums - "Energetik" and "Ozerny". The first one provides treatment for the musculoskeletal system; it is located on the shore of the Volpyansky reservoir. “Ozerny” is also an excellent health complex, which, in addition, will delight guests with a water park.
• Those who are drawn to pine forests can go to a sanatorium "Borovoye" in the Vitebsk region. After reconstruction in 2016, the sanatorium received the highest rating from the commission. There is a lot of entertainment here for both adults and children.

Guests of the sanatorium are also taken on excursions to local attractions.

What to see?

Belarus and winter time year can surprise you with an abundance of entertainment and excursion activities.

Sights and entertainment - photos

You can safely put it in first place Minsk: the capital is beautifully decorated for the New Year holidays, there are also many skating rinks and games for children. The city is also full of trees, which are no less beautiful in winter.

Very popular among tourists Grodno, which promises to give you a real winter fairy tale. In this ancient city with cobblestone streets, at every step you can find a sight, of which there are a great many: the Old and New Castles, Grodno necropolises, the Grodno Switzerland park and much more are beautiful at any time of the year.

Occupies a special place for tourists Mogilev. In that beautiful city There are many cathedrals and churches that are worth visiting. Parks, squares, the regional drama theater - all this cannot but attract visitors here.



If you are interested in attractions outside the cities, pay attention to Mirsky and Nesvizhsky castles that are visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Also worth visiting are the Kossovo Castle, the Brest Fortress and the ruins in Ruzhany.

Belarus is rightfully considered a very green country, and this is not surprising considering how many nature reserves and national parks there are:

1. The biggest one is Belovezhskaya Pushcha, founded in 1939 and protected by UNESCO since 1979. Its area is more than 1.5 thousand square kilometers, and more than 70 species of rare animals were found in this house. The park is located in the southwestern part of the country and part of it is located in Poland;
2. Another beautiful reserve - Narochansky National Park on the border of Minsk and Vitebsk regions. on his vast territory in 97 hectares there are 40 lakes, of which the most amazing are Naroch, as well as blue Lakes Dead and Glublya;
3. Smaller in territory, but unique in natural components is Polesie Nature Reserve. This amazing landscape is very similar to the taiga; there are no such forests anywhere else in the country. Not only the flora and fauna are interesting here, but also beekeeping - a special type of beekeeping.

Each of the listed reserves offers car and walking excursions, which must be booked in advance. This trip will be unforgettable at any time of the year.

Travel by car

Since Belarus is close to us neighbor, this is at the same time popular destination for traveling by car.

It should be borne in mind that in Belarus the road rules are very strict and sometimes you can’t get away with just a fine. Before entering the country you are buying Green card on short term. Also remember that many roads in Belarus paid, especially those that connect Minsk with regional centers. It is better to take care of payment in advance and on your own.

Now let's move directly to route:

• The first point can be assigned Minsk, having arrived here from Moscow along the E30 highway. But even before Minsk there are two interesting cities: Mogilev and Vitebsk, many travelers prefer to first stop at one of these points;
• The next destination is usually Brest. On the way there you can see many attractions, for example, Mir Castle and the “Stalin Line”;

In Brest itself, tourists are attracted by the Brest Fortress - an impressive red brick structure, as well as railway and archaeological museums, and many religious sites.

• North of Brest, not far from the borders with Poland and Lithuania, there is a wonderful city Grodno, although it is more convenient to get there from Minsk than from Brest. We have already written about some Grodno places above, to which we can add the regional drama theater, the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, the Kunstkamera and the pharmacy-museum;
• The south of the country is worth a visit Pinsk, famous for his rich history and a huge variety of temples and monasteries. Mozyr and Gomel are all located on the same road, which is convenient to travel from Brest. There is a very beautiful palace and park complex in Gomel. This cozy town also has fountains, interesting statues, a circus and several theaters.

Trains in Belarus never it won't be boring, it doesn’t matter whether you think through each point in advance or go where the road takes you. We hope that our article has inspired you to big Adventure around this country.

see also video about what places in Belarus you can visit in winter:

Holidays in Belarus in winter have become increasingly popular among many travelers from Russia. It's not surprising! After all, prices for tourist tours in Europe are quite high, and for the average citizen of the Russian Federation the material component is in one of the first places. However, Belarus and its capital offer quite a large variety of entertainment that will certainly appeal to many and will not empty your wallet.

Speaking about winter holidays in Belarus in winter, one cannot fail to mention the type of climate that the country has, because it is this fact that often becomes decisive when choosing tourist destination to have a good time. Thanks to the influence of western air masses from the Atlantic, a temperate continental climate was established on the territory of the state. This means that the seasons here are not very pronounced, so travelers should not expect sudden changes in temperature or extreme conditions.

Winter here is quite mild and humid. In 2019, weather forecasters predict slight thaws, although the snow cover will be dense enough and will remain for quite a long time to enjoy all the charm of a winter fairy tale. The northern regions of the country are ideal for skiing, skating or snowboarding, since negative temperatures here remain not only at night, but also in winter ( average temperature is approximately -3 degrees Celsius). The sun comes out quite often, which allows you to enjoy active recreation in good weather.

Due to the fact that the country’s climate is not particularly harsh, this destination began to attract the attention of tourists not only from Russia, but also from some European countries.

After all, what could be better than a winter walk in the middle of a coniferous forest or traditional sledding. Schoolchildren from southern points Russia, where snow falls extremely rarely, for example, from Krasnodar region or the Republic of Adygea. And plane ticket prices remain quite reasonable in December.

In simple terms, the weather in Belarus is similar to what can be seen in fairy tales filmed in the Soviet Union, for example, in Morozko.

The climate is quite mild, but large snowdrifts allow us to believe that it is winter right now. Best month The only month left to visit the country is January, when the cover is already 30-40 centimeters, and the city hosts various fairs and traditional New Year's events every day.

In order to properly relax during the winter holidays, but not spend all your savings, it is best to follow certain recommendations that tourists leave on various thematic forums. Here are just a few of them that we recommend paying close attention to:

1. Where to sleep? It is best to rent a country cottage, especially if you plan to spend time with your family. Such a house will cost a little more than a double room in a hotel, but the tourist will have his own yard where he can enjoy winter fun, for example, build a snow fort, play snowballs or build a snow slide. In addition, most country cottages are designed in a rustic style.
2. What is? You should refrain from visiting expensive restaurants, since during the Christmas and New Year holidays the prices there can hardly be called affordable. Of course, the best thing to do would be to buy groceries and try to cook dinner yourself. However, if you don’t have time for this, then it would be best to visit some traditional cafe or canteen that serves delicious modern cuisine: borscht, cabbage rolls, dumplings, porridge, and so on. Such food is inexpensive and yet appeals to most vacationers.
3. Where to shop? Of course, you can’t leave a trip empty-handed, so you’ll have to buy a few accessories for friends or some souvenirs for close relatives. In addition, you can treat yourself to purchasing a traditional outfit or some household item. It is best to do this not in souvenir shops, where you can often stumble upon Chinese-made products, but at specialized fairs where only goods produced in Belarus are sold.

If you manage your available funds wisely, you will not only be able to spend an unforgettable winter holiday in Belarus, but also save a significant amount Money. Unlike some Egypt, where lunch costs 1000 rubles per person, in Minsk or another city you can have lunch for 300-400 rubles, and the impressions from viewing local attractions will be no less than from seeing the pyramids.

Ski resorts

Where to go with your family and child in Belarus, if not to ski resort, where everyone can relax not only their body, but also their soul, and also learn to ski or snowboard? Fortunately, the country has quite a large number of different resorts that allow their visitors to enjoy all the delights of a winter holiday for a very modest fee. The most interesting of them:

1. Silichi. This place is located just 32 kilometers from Minsk, so you can even get to the ski resort by car. public transport. In addition, it is very convenient to stay in a country house in the capital, since the cost of renting rooms in the complex itself can be quite expensive. A distinctive feature of Silichi is a large number of very long trails for both beginners and professionals. In addition, on the territory of the ski resort there are several cafes that serve food for children and adults.
2. Logoisk. Another very popular ski resort in the Minsk region, which is famous for its large ski lift, whose capacity is 2 thousand people per hour. In addition to the developed infrastructure, most tourists highlight another feature of this complex - a large number of trails designed for beginners, as well as the opportunity to order the services of an experienced trainer. In addition, another joy for visitors will be a snow cannon, the action of which will be especially pleasant for young travelers.
3. Yakut mountains. Here you can rent one of the most inexpensive cottages throughout Belarus. In addition to accommodation services, ski resort also provides the opportunity to rent all the necessary equipment (from gloves and a ski mask to a snowboard) or even a snowmobile. The only drawback is that the complex is located at a fairly large distance from the city, so you will have to rent a house on its territory. However, prices here are considered one of the most affordable, and the service remains very high quality.

Of course, in Belarus you can find a large number of other resorts that are popular among tourists, but these three deserve close attention for people who are in this country for the first time. Although you can go to some other resorts, for example, Bialystok, which is located in Poland. Traveling from Belarus for a few days is visa-free).

The best sanatoriums

Looking at the beauty of the mountains and skiing is a good thing. However, what should a person who decides to go to Belarus for health purposes do? Visit one of several sanatoriums and go through healing procedures at quite affordable prices. The most popular health complexes with very democratic policies:

1. "Belarusian girl." This simple but very popular sanatorium is located just 7 kilometers from the capital. The main specialization of the complex is the treatment of diabetes, but various preventive procedures are also available here. Services include: hot tub, healthy menu, special workouts in the gym, hiking clean air and a large variety of therapies suitable for both adults and children. What deserves special mention is that the sanatorium is located on the shore of a reservoir.
2. "Lakeside". Another place located near the capital and specializing in the treatment of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the nervous system. Guests of the complex can enjoy a therapeutic bath with mineral water, walks through picturesque birch groves, as well as various individual activities designed for rehabilitation after surgery or injury. Of course, accommodation and three meals a day are provided.
3. "Pines". If a traveler is going to visit the Mogilev region, then you should definitely sign up for several sessions of therapeutic therapy at this ultra-modern sanatorium, the main specialization of which is the treatment of respiratory diseases. The sanatorium was built just 350 meters from the Dnieper, and accepts not only adults, but also the smallest children (3 years or more). The complex provides three meals a day, accommodation on site, as well as ozone cocktails and various events to restore the respiratory system.

Even if a tourist does not have health problems, he still should not neglect the opportunity to go to one of the sanatoriums to spend a few unforgettable days of relaxation there.

In these places there will not only be something to see (picturesque landscapes, beautiful nature), but also the opportunity to organize the prevention of any disease, which will significantly improve well-being and tone up even a healthy person.

Popular cities

Speaking about winter holidays in Belarus, one cannot fail to mention three best cities, which look great this time of year. In addition, these places have a huge number of interesting sights that look best against the backdrop of white snow:

1. Minsk. The capital of Belarus and one of the most beautiful cities countries. Every year Minsk is decorated for the New Year holidays at the beginning of December, so every tourist will certainly find something to see and where to go. On winter holidays in the parks, various events are held almost every day entertainment programs and excursion activities. For example, you can go to a Christmas show and receive a gift from Santa Claus himself.
2. The city has become quite popular among tourists lately. Grodno, which will give its visitors a real winter fairy tale. In the city, at almost every step you can find some kind of attraction, the largest number of which are old and new castles, as well as necropolises. It is also worth mentioning the park called “Grodno Switzerland”, which is especially beautiful in the winter season.
3. The city of Mogilev deserves special mention, as it houses a large number of cathedrals, churches and churches that are open to everyone. Of course, don’t forget about public gardens, parks and drama theatres. In addition, the cost of a holiday in this city is one of the lowest, and the quality of service remains high.

Over the past few years, Belarus has transformed from a post-Soviet country into a European one, but with a nostalgic touch of the Soviet past. Here you will find castles and estates among untouched nature, and in Minsk there are well-groomed streets, contemporary art exhibitions, cozy bars and a lot of themed coffee shops. If you miss something familiar, head out to the central streets of the capital into the atmosphere of the famous Stalinist Empire style. Read a short guide to winter holidays in Belarus, or even better - .

Two Christmases

In Belarus, Christmas is celebrated on an equal scale according to both the Orthodox and Catholic calendars. On December 25, children look with interest at the figures of Christmas nativity scenes in front of the festively decorated churches, and on January 7, the bells solemnly ring already at Orthodox churches. Both of these days are public holidays in the country; the streets of cities and villages are in a festive mood throughout the two weeks.

New Year's balls

From December to January, New Year's balls are held in Belarus. Some can be looked at from the outside, while others will not be allowed in without a costume that matches the spirit of the times. If you don’t want to take a corset with you, you can buy a ticket to the New Year’s ball at the Palace of the Republic - an evening dress is enough, and they will provide you with the atmosphere of a noble holiday.

© Photo: National Academic Bolshoi Ballet Theater

The real Santa Claus lives in Belovezhskaya Pushcha! He has a whole residence there, where you will see a real New Year's fairy tale: a magic mill that turns bad deeds into dust and sand, a glade of twelve months, Mother Winter's workshop and a museum of ice life. Winter in Belovezhskaya Pushcha is also an opportunity to spend time in a unique relict forest.

© Sputnik / Viktor Tolochko

Country idyll

You can live in a house with a real stove, learn traditional crafts, ride a horse through a snowy forest and try Belarusian cuisine in many parts of Belarus. At your service are both large ethno-tourist complexes (Dudutki, Nanosy-Novoselye, Sula, etc.) and more than two thousand small agricultural estates. Let us add that in 2016 Belarus won in the “Agritourism” category of the National Geographic Traveler Awards.

Ski resorts

There are no mountains in Belarus, but there are plenty of high hills with steep slopes. The mild winter climate, safety, equipped trails and geographic proximity have long attracted Belarusian ski centers There are many lovers of active recreation. Not far from Minsk there are the Logoisk, Silichi, Raubichi, Yakut Mountains complexes, the Solnechnaya Dolina complex is located within the city limits of the capital. In addition to Minsk and its surroundings, there are ski centers in the Gomel and Vitebsk regions.

How to get there: Moscow - Minsk

By car: 690 km (from MKAD)
By bus: 10-12 hours journey
By train: 8-11 hours
By plane: 1 hour 20 minutes

When to go to Belarus in winter

The most eventful time is from December 24 to January 7. But prices during these two weeks will be quite high, so if you want to save money, you can arrive earlier - store windows will already be decorated, and the cities will be illuminated with festive illumination. Most of Father Frost's estates, of which there are nine in Belarus, began operating on December 5.

Where to stay in Minsk

For the World Hockey Championship, which took place four years ago, many new comfortable hotels with average European prices were built in Minsk. For students or those who do not want to spend money on housing, there are hostels. In all regional centers there are state hotels with high level comfort and private hotels.

What to do with children

There are about a dozen residences of Father Frost on the territory of Belarus, one of them is right in the center of the capital in Children's park Gorky. You will meet Santa Claus everywhere: somewhere he lives in botanical garden, and sometimes chooses an estate to live. A house in the Berezinsky Nature Reserve, an estate in the Gomel region, a residence in Stankovo ​​- choose any one.

If in the midst of the cold weather you want a little summer, go to the capital’s Lebyazhy water park, the largest in Belarus and the fifth largest in Europe. In addition to water attractions, the water park has two children's entertainment center. You can get to the water park by bus No. 119C from the train station.

Throughout the pre-New Year week, an interactive 3D mapping show is taking place on the square near the City Hall (Freedom Square). The three-dimensional residence of Father Frost, inhabited by many fairy-tale characters, is projected onto the façade of the building. Children enjoy communicating with grandfather, reciting poems, singing songs and receiving prizes.

In Minsk, the Children's Center has been preserved and operates since Soviet times. Railway. It doesn't work in winter, but during Christmas and New Year's holidays A festive train runs along the picturesque route. A few minutes from the bustling city center - and you are already in a fabulous forest clearing, where theatrical performances, dancing, competitions and a New Year tree await you.

Fans of cultural entertainment in Minsk will enjoy colorful performances at the Belgoztsirk, the Theater for Young Spectators, and the Puppet Theater. Traditionally, they prepare for New Year's celebrations holiday programs and "adult" theaters. In the Museum of Childhood, visitors can play with rare toys or make something, and in the Museum of the Cat, they can cuddle meowing “exhibits.”

If the energy is overflowing, get busy active recreation. In the shopping and entertainment centers of Minsk you can find laser fights, climbing walls, and children's bowling. Adventure seekers should enjoy the Claustrophobia quests, and young racers should enjoy karting. The main thing is not to be lazy; in Belarus you can find entertainment for any age.

Christmas kirmas (fairs) last for a whole month. For children, skating rinks are filled, attractions are installed and performances are staged.

© Sputnik / Viktor Tolochko

Andrey Zhvalevsky: Belarus is interesting to Russians, first of all, due to its noble flavor: we have knight clubs, and much more that cannot be found in Russia. I usually recommend traveling around my native Grodno region at any time of the year. Many churches, churches, castles have been preserved there - the real Middle Ages. There are excellent tour guides who can immerse you in the era. For example, excursions of the “Land of Castles” project.

What and where to try

The restaurant industry in Belarus is developing, prices are not high, especially outside the capital.

Loft on Oktyabrskaya. Minskaya Oktyabrskaya Street is gradually turning from an old industrial area into one of the points of attraction for young people. Factory walls are painted by street art masters, and cultural events are held in former workshops. In the local cafes you can try pancakes with hundreds of fillings, New York-style hot dogs, and a dozen types of burgers.

Potato abundance. Everyone associates Belarusian cuisine with potato pancakes, but there are many more potato dishes in it. This includes potato babka with various fillings, dumplings, and a variety of dishes in a pot or frying pan. And the pancakes themselves are not just potato pancakes here - they are baked with sauce, stuffed with meat, fish or mushrooms.

Bar-hopping on Zybitskaya. Zybitskaya Street in Minsk, like the entire Upper Town, is full of bars, cafes and restaurants. The trendy phenomenon of bar hopping is thriving here, where you can indulge in fun all night long, moving from bar to bar. Each establishment tries to surprise visitors with something of its own: in some places it’s unusual shots, in others it’s Belarusian craft beer. The main thing is to stop in time.

Machanka (Makanka). This rather unusual dish of Belarusian cuisine consists of two parts. The sauce is served in a pot with meat on the bone and homemade sausages, and pancakes, pancakes or potato pancakes are served separately. The method of consumption is clear from the name - pancakes are dipped into a pot.

Cranberries in sugar. Belarusian woodland is famous for cranberries. Natural cranberry dragees in powdered sugar or chocolate can be bought in Belarusian stores in the sweets department. This is an excellent alternative to sweets and an inexpensive souvenir from Belarus.

Krambambula. This light tincture of honey and spices has been known for centuries, but the drink received well-deserved recognition only in the 2000s. Now each establishment has its own recipe for krambambuli: strong or lighter, chilled or heated, like grog.

© Sputnik / Viktor Tolochko

Kutia is a traditional dish for all Eastern Slavs. On Christmas Eve, Belarusians prepare poor kutia (without cream) from wheat. Kutya is poured with honey and sprinkled with nuts and raisins.

Olesya Gribok: Belarus captivates with the opportunity to stay overnight at the Radziwill Castle and order traditional cuisine for breakfast. When you wake up in the morning in such a place, you are imbued with history. In general, I think that in a new country, the first thing you need to do is eat deliciously, then the trip will be smooth from the very beginning. First of all, try the dumplings - something that is not easy to find in Russia. And behind them - everything that is cooked and simmered in pots, and of course - potato pancakes with fresh mushrooms.

Little tricks

Belarus is close and understandable for tourists from Russia, but there are still some minor nuances

Belarusian ruble. In Belarus you need to pay in Belarusian rubles almost everywhere; do not try to pay in any other currency - it is useless. IN major cities a lot of exchange offices and ATMs, you can pay with a bank card almost everywhere. But if you are going on vacation to an agricultural estate or Belovezhskaya Pushcha, it is better to stock up on cash in advance. You can watch it in Sputnik materials.

mobile connection. If you plan to stay in the country for longer than a couple of days, it is more profitable to buy a local SIM card and not spend money on roaming calls. There are three mobile operators in Belarus - MTS, Velcom, life:). Each of them has tariffs cellular communications without a subscription fee, to which guests of the country can connect by presenting their passport at any of the offices of the selected companies.

Urban transport. The cost of travel on buses, trolleybuses and trams in Minsk is 60 kopecks; to pay you need to purchase paper tickets at Minsktrans kiosks or from the driver (65 kopecks). Short-term passes are not worth buying; they require a reusable card with a deposit value.

Metro and minibuses. Minsk has two metro lines, which operate from 05:30 to 01:00. The fare is 65 kopecks, tokens are used for payment, it is also possible to pay using mobile phone. Fare to minibus taxis about three times more expensive than other transport.

Victor Martinovich: In Minsk, I would take tourists to the place where there was a pagan temple. Another very interesting collection of Belarusian Soviet painting is housed in the National Art Museum. But the strongest impression of Belarus is to drive for a long time along the Moscow-Brest highway, get off in Brest near the Intourist Hotel, check into a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and go for a walk to the fortress late at night. This is an experience almost like the Egypt of the pharaohs.