National Parks & Reserves To Visit
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BELAVEZHSKAYA PUSHCHA
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Belavezhskaya Puscha is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world. No man has ever been in some parts of this park, and tourists are banned from entering such places. The intact wood of Belavezhskaya Puscha was first mentioned in chronicles in the 10th century, and in the 14th century Lithuanian Prince Yagailo proclaimed these lands a reserve. In 1992 UNESKO put Belavezhskaya Puscha on its World Heritage List. In 1993 the park received the status of a biosphere reserve, and in 1998 — the status of an international ornithological area. In 1997 Belavezhskaya Puscha was awarded with a diploma of the Council of Europe for an immense contribution to environment protection. Belavezhskaya Puscha contains The fauna of the reserve counts 59 mammals (including 6 rare species), 253 bird species, 11 amphibians, 7 reptiles, 24 fish species and over 11,000 invertebrates. Eleven mammals, 52 fowl species, two reptiles, one amphibian, 8 fish species and 38 insects were included in The reserve takes special pride in its large population of bisons. Other large animals found in Belavezhskaya Puscha include the deer, the boar, the elk, the wolf, the fox. About one-third of the territory of the reserve is occupied by swamps. One of the largest swamps in The territory of the reserve is crossed by a number of rivers (the Narev, the Lesnaya Pravaya, etc.). In addition, there are two reservoirs (Bolshoye Lyadskoye and Maloye Lyadskoye). The national park contains lots of landmarks of ancient culture, such as settlements of the Stone Age, burial places and shrines. One of the most prominent monuments of architecture situated here is Belaya Vezha (the White Tower Citadel), and the famous royal road. Another important site is Viskuli Residence, the former Kamenyuki Hotel (capable of accommodating 90 guests) is a perfect place for the organization of conferences and symposiums. It has a sauna and a tennis court. There are lots of tourist cottages in the park. Local restaurant offers a wide range of Belarusian dishes and drinks. The park annually hosts a lot of interesting events, such as the celebration of the beginning and the end of winter, the Bird Day, the Pancake Feats, Kupalle, Christmas and the New Year. Visitors can choose from a variety of guided tours, see the Residence of Ded Moroz (Slavic Santa Claus), a huge ancient oak nicknamed the Tsar-Oak, the nature museum, observe birds and animals in their natural habitat and buy souvenirs made by local craftsmen. |
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BEREZINSKY BIOSPHERE RESERVE
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For thousands of years nature created these wonderful places. Glaciers moving from the North changed the relief and forms, alternating ridges, hills, islands with lake cavities. The last Valday glacier was melting more then 10 thousands years ago. Since than the contemporary image of the Belarusian lake lands has been formed. A huge, dozens of kilometers territory, glacier lake was moving away, uncovering the bottom with towering moraine ridges, dividing into a number of large and small reservoirs. They started to be overgrown with grass slowly, and then turned into marshes. Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is an isle of virgin nature that makes up an inseparable part of the natural heritage of The abundant flora of the reserve counts over 2,000 plant species (798 vegetative plants, 216 mosses, 463 mushrooms, 317 algae, 238 lichens), including 139 endangered ones. The fauna is represented by 52 mammals, 217 bird species, 10 amphibians, 5 reptiles, 34 fish species. All European predators can be found in Berezinsky reserve. Swampland and woodland make up the most valuable part of the reserve from the point of view of science and environment. The reserve has 69 rivers, including the 110-km-long Berezina — Reserve visitors have at their disposal numerous excursions (by car, boat or on foot) that involve observation of animal species in their natural environment, environmental routes, the museum of nature and environmental enlightenment center. There is a possibility to hire a guide and a translator. Accommodation available at Plavno and Serguch hotels ( Local restaurants offer a wide selection of Belarusian dishes and drinks. And cottages have kitchens where tourists can cook their meals on their own. In addition, there are numerous pick nick sites in the reserve. Visitors who stay at local hotels and cottages receive fishing permits. The administration of the reserve annually arranges around 30 hunting tours and photo safari. The reserve has all the necessary facilities for recreation and organization of symposiums, workshops and high-level meetings. |
(Троицкое Предместье, 300м от метро “Немига")
