Best Things to Do in Belarus This Year

Belarus offers a unique blend of unspoiled nature, rich history, and vibrant cultural experiences, making it an intriguing destination for travelers this year. From the medieval castles of Mir and Nesvizh to the serene landscapes of Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, there’s something for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Minsk’s lively arts scene, Soviet-era architecture, and emerging culinary spots add to the country’s diverse appeal. Whether exploring picturesque villages, attending traditional festivals, or uncovering hidden gems, Belarus provides a fascinating journey through Eastern Europe. This guide highlights the top experiences that make it a must-visit destination in 2025.

Explore the Mir Castle, Belarus’ Most Enchanting Fortress

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Stepping onto the grounds of Mir Castle feels like entering a medieval fairy tale. This UNESCO-listed fortress, built in the 16th century, showcases an architectural blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Towering red-brick walls, turrets, and intricate stone carvings make it one of Belarus’ most photogenic landmarks. Visitors can wander through opulent chambers filled with antique furnishings, explore the defensive towers, and stroll through the peaceful lakeside gardens. The castle’s rich history includes noble families, war conflicts, and a transformation into a war prisoner camp during World War II. Today, it hosts exhibitions and cultural events, offering an immersive look into Belarusian heritage. The scenic surroundings, especially in autumn, add to its charm, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and photographers. Guided tours provide deeper insights into its past, while the on-site café and souvenir shop enhance the experience with local flavors and traditional crafts.

Visit the Hidden BelAZ Factory and Ride a 360-Ton Mining Truck

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Few places in the world offer the chance to sit behind the wheel of a colossal 360-ton mining truck, but the BelAZ Factory in Zhodino makes it possible. This industrial giant, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty haul trucks, opens its doors to curious visitors eager to witness the engineering marvels behind these machines. A factory tour unveils the intricate process of assembling the world’s largest dump trucks, some towering over two-story buildings. The highlight is the opportunity to climb aboard a BelAZ-75710, a record-breaking truck used in the mining industry. Standing next to these mechanical behemoths is an awe-inspiring experience, offering a rare glimpse into Belarus’ industrial prowess. Interactive exhibits and behind-the-scenes access make this visit both educational and thrilling. Adventurous visitors can even experience a short ride inside the truck, feeling the sheer power of these engineering masterpieces in action.

Take a Scenic Boat Ride on the Braslav Lakes

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With over 300 interconnected lakes, the Braslav region is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. A boat ride through this stunning landscape reveals crystal-clear waters, dense pine forests, and rolling green hills stretching to the horizon. The area, often called the “Blue Necklace of Belarus,” is home to rare bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. Visitors can rent a kayak, canoe, or motorboat to explore hidden coves and islands, some of which are home to medieval ruins and mysterious legends. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to catch pike, perch, and zander, while photographers can capture breathtaking sunset reflections on the water. During summer, floating among the gentle ripples of Lake Drivyaty or Snudy feels like an escape into pure tranquility. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, this natural wonder offers a refreshing retreat from city life.

Walk Through the Underground Bunkers of Stalin’s Line

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An extensive network of wartime fortifications lies just outside Minsk, offering a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into Soviet military history. Stalin’s Line, once a critical defensive system, now stands as an open-air museum showcasing underground bunkers, artillery, and Soviet-era tanks. Walking through dimly lit tunnels and reinforced command centers transports visitors to the tense days of World War II and the Cold War. Rusting machine guns, preserved barracks, and massive concrete pillboxes tell stories of soldiers who once stood guard here. For a hands-on experience, visitors can test their marksmanship with Soviet rifles or ride inside an authentic military vehicle. History buffs will appreciate the guided tours detailing strategic battles and secret military operations. The site also hosts live reenactments, offering an immersive look at historical warfare. Surrounded by dense forest, this eerie yet educational destination provides a sobering perspective on Belarus’ wartime past.

Discover the Eerie Beauty of the Abandoned Belarusian Ghost Town of Pripyat

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A haunting reminder of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, Pripyat remains frozen in time, its crumbling buildings overtaken by nature. Once a thriving Soviet city, it was evacuated overnight, leaving behind eerie remnants of daily life—schoolbooks scattered in classrooms, rusting amusement park rides, and abandoned apartments with belongings still in place. The infamous Ferris wheel, now corroded with age, stands as a ghostly landmark of the disaster’s aftermath. Walking through this desolate landscape feels like stepping into a post-apocalyptic world, with radiation meters ticking softly in the background. Guided tours, equipped with Geiger counters, ensure safety while offering chilling yet insightful narratives of the catastrophe and its impact on Belarus. Despite its tragic history, the area exudes a surreal beauty, with wild animals reclaiming the streets and forests creeping through once-bustling squares. This destination serves as both a history lesson and a sobering reflection on human resilience.

See the Towering Ancient Oak Trees of Belovezhskaya Pushcha

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Legends whisper through the towering oak trees of Belovezhskaya Pushcha, a primeval forest that has stood for over a thousand years. Home to some of Europe’s oldest trees, including mighty oaks over 600 years old, this UNESCO-listed national park offers a rare glimpse into untouched wilderness. The forest, shared between Belarus and Poland, shelters the majestic European bison, the continent’s heaviest land mammal. Visitors can walk along well-preserved trails, spotting red deer, lynx, and rare bird species hidden among dense foliage. Some oaks have grown to immense proportions, with trunks wide enough to fit a small group inside. A visit to the on-site nature museum and bison reserve enhances the experience, offering insight into conservation efforts. Autumn transforms the landscape into a golden spectacle, while winter dusts the branches with snow, making it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking unspoiled beauty.

Wander Through the Colorful Old Town of Grodno

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Cobblestone streets, pastel-hued facades, and ornate baroque churches define Grodno’s Old Town, one of Belarus’ most charming historic quarters. Unlike many cities in the region, Grodno retains much of its pre-war architecture, offering a rare glimpse into its multicultural past. Strolling through the city center reveals centuries-old Catholic and Orthodox churches standing side by side, reflecting Belarus’ diverse heritage. The Jesuit Cathedral, with its striking twin towers, dominates the skyline, while the medieval Kalozha Church, built from distinctive stone and brick patterns, rests peacefully on the banks of the Neman River. Cafés and craft shops line Sovetskaya Street, where visitors can sample local delicacies like draniki (potato pancakes) or browse handmade souvenirs. As evening falls, street musicians fill the air with melodies, adding to the timeless ambiance. With its mix of history, culture, and vibrant street life, Grodno remains an essential stop for travelers.

Attend the Slavianski Bazaar Music Festival in Vitebsk

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Thousands of music lovers gather each summer in Vitebsk for the Slavianski Bazaar, Eastern Europe’s largest international music festival. Originating in 1992, this event celebrates Slavic culture through performances by top artists from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and beyond. The festival’s grand stage, an open-air amphitheater, hosts dazzling concerts, while the city transforms into a lively hub of street performances, art exhibitions, and folklore displays. Singing competitions attract young talent, some of whom later become international stars. Visitors can also enjoy craft fairs selling traditional Belarusian embroidery, ceramics, and wooden carvings. Local restaurants join in the festivities, serving dishes like machanka (pork stew) and kvass, a fermented bread drink. As night falls, fireworks illuminate the sky, marking the festival’s climax. For an authentic cultural experience that blends music, dance, and heritage, this annual celebration remains a highlight of Belarus’ event calendar.

Hike to the Secret “Dead Lake” in Narochansky National Park

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Legends and mystery surround a hidden gem deep within Narochansky National Park—Dead Lake, a body of water with an otherworldly stillness. Unlike its name suggests, the lake is not lifeless, but its dark, mineral-rich waters create an eerie, mirror-like reflection, adding to its mystique. Reaching this secluded spot requires a scenic hike through pine forests, where fresh air and birdsong accompany the journey. The lake’s peculiar ecosystem, with low oxygen levels preventing fish from thriving, has fueled myths of its supernatural origins. Photographers are drawn to its glassy surface, which perfectly reflects the sky and dense woodland. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the surrounding flora, including rare orchids and moss-covered clearings. While swimming is discouraged, the peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat for quiet contemplation. Few places in Belarus offer such an untouched, enigmatic landscape, making this hike a truly memorable experience.

Explore the Folk Village of Dudutki and Taste Traditional Belarusian Cuisine

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Centuries-old traditions come alive at Dudutki, an open-air folk museum where visitors step into Belarus’ rural past. Located just outside Minsk, this living-history village showcases artisan workshops, historic wooden houses, and working mills. Skilled craftsmen demonstrate blacksmithing, pottery, and woodworking using age-old techniques. The highlight for many is the culinary experience, with fresh-baked bread, homemade cheese, and smoked meats prepared using traditional methods. Visitors can sample samogon, a strong homemade vodka, served straight from a rustic distillery. Horse-drawn carts and vintage farm machinery add to the immersive atmosphere, offering a hands-on glimpse into peasant life. The on-site windmill, one of the last functioning in Belarus, provides sweeping countryside views. Seasonal festivals bring folk music, dancing, and costumed performers, making each visit unique. Whether savoring hearty Belarusian flavors or exploring the rich cultural heritage, Dudutki offers an unforgettable journey into the country’s rural traditions.

Climb the Observation Tower at Nesvizh Palace for a Royal View

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Sweeping landscapes, historic courtyards, and ornate gardens unfold from the highest point of Nesvizh Palace—the observation tower. Originally built as a fortified residence for the influential Radziwiłł family, this UNESCO-listed estate boasts a blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The climb up the tower rewards visitors with a panoramic view of the sprawling palace grounds, the tranquil Nesvizh Lake, and the town’s historic rooftops. Each level of the ascent reveals architectural details that reflect centuries of royal grandeur. Inside the palace, lavishly decorated halls display antique furnishings, intricate frescoes, and hidden passageways used by past nobility. Walking along the surrounding gardens, designed by Italian landscape architects, adds to the fairytale-like experience. Seasonal changes bring different charms—lush greenery in summer, golden hues in autumn, and a magical frost-covered scene in winter. For history lovers and photographers alike, this iconic landmark offers an unforgettable perspective on Belarusian heritage.

Visit the Underground Art Bunker of Minsk’s Y Gallery

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Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Minsk, Y Gallery’s underground art space presents an avant-garde escape into contemporary Belarusian creativity. This bunker-turned-gallery, once a Cold War-era shelter, now serves as a hub for experimental exhibitions, thought-provoking installations, and alternative performances. Dim lighting and concrete walls create an industrial backdrop for displays ranging from abstract paintings to digital media. Emerging and established artists alike use this unconventional venue to challenge societal narratives and push artistic boundaries. The raw, unpolished atmosphere enhances the impact of the thought-provoking pieces, drawing visitors into an immersive experience. Occasional live music, poetry readings, and interactive showcases add a dynamic energy to the space. Unlike traditional museums, this gallery thrives on artistic freedom, making each visit unpredictable. For those seeking an offbeat cultural experience, this underground enclave offers a rare glimpse into the rebellious and evolving art scene of modern Belarus.

Experience the White Stork Migration in Turov

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Thousands of white storks descend upon the wetlands of Turov each spring, transforming this quiet town into a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Located along the Pripyat River, this region serves as one of Europe’s most important migration stopovers, attracting storks from across the continent. Open fields and floodplains provide an ideal feeding ground, while towering wooden nesting platforms dot the rural landscape. Watching these elegant birds soar overhead, their wingspans reaching over six feet, is a breathtaking sight. The annual migration peaks between April and May, when stork pairs can be seen tending to their nests, engaging in courtship dances, and feeding their young. The Turov Bird Ringing Station offers educational tours, allowing visitors to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Whether observing from the riverbanks or capturing stunning wildlife photography, this seasonal spectacle highlights the rich biodiversity of Belarus’ untouched wetlands.

Ride the Retro Narrow-Gauge Train Through Polesia’s Swamps

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Hidden deep within the untouched landscapes of Polesia, a vintage narrow-gauge train chugs along winding tracks through one of Europe’s last great wildernesses. Dating back to the early 20th century, this railway was originally built for transporting peat but now serves as a nostalgic journey through dense forests, open meadows, and sprawling wetlands. Wooden carriages, antique locomotive whistles, and slow-moving tracks create a timeless experience, offering passengers an up-close look at Belarus’ wild heart. Along the way, rare bird species, wild boars, and even elusive lynxes can sometimes be spotted among the trees. The railway’s rustic charm and historic significance make it a hidden gem for travelers seeking offbeat adventures. Seasonal changes add to the magic—winter blankets the route in snow, while autumn paints the landscape in fiery hues. For those eager to explore Belarus beyond the cities, this forgotten railway provides a truly unique ride.

See the Cosmic-Looking Radar Station at Duga-3

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Looming like a relic from a science fiction film, Duga-3’s massive steel structure dominates the horizon deep within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Once a top-secret Soviet military installation, this over-the-horizon radar system, known as the “Russian Woodpecker,” was designed to detect missile launches during the Cold War. Standing nearly 500 feet tall and stretching over half a mile, its towering latticework remains one of the most surreal sights in Belarus. Despite being abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster, the radar array has developed an eerie beauty, with rusting beams disappearing into the surrounding forest. Graffiti from urban explorers, remnants of control rooms, and Cold War propaganda posters add to the chilling atmosphere. Guided tours provide insight into its former purpose and the secrecy that once surrounded it. For history buffs and adventure seekers, this colossal installation offers a haunting glimpse into Soviet-era military ambitions.