Popular tourist routes in Belarus. Self-guided excursion by car to the best castles in Belarus. Our driving route around Belarus
Our family loves to travel by car. This year we decided to go to Belarus, so to speak, to the places of military glory of the Soviet people. We started on July 1 at 5 am from the far north of Moscow and freely, without traffic jams, left the city along the Minsk Highway.
The road to our destination - we rented an apartment almost in the center of Minsk, on the street. Nemiga - took 8.5 hours. We made two stops - for gas and a snack. By the way, gasoline in Belarus is more expensive than in Russia, the price at all gas stations is the same - a liter of AI-95, for example, costs 11,900 Belarusian rubles(BYR), i.e. approximately 44 Russian rubles, so we recommend refueling at a border gas station on the Russian side. The M-1 highway is quite good, in the Smolensk region there is some road repair and narrowing.
On the territory of Belarus there are unusually few passing and oncoming cars; there were periods of time when we were driving alone along the highway. And, by the way, we were more likely to see cars with Russian license plates from different regions than local ones. On the way to Brest we came across cars even from the Trans-Baikal region!
So, at 13-30 we reached “our” apartment. We had lunch and went to explore the city. While still in Moscow, while planning my trip, I found that in Minsk there is a city excursion route, Minsk City tour - nothing more than the familiar red double-decker. The bus is based at the station square and goes non-stop along the following route: Station - Independence Square - Palace of the Republic - Circus - Victory Square - Academy of Sciences - Botanical Garden— National Library — Yakub Kolas Square — Trinity Suburb— Victory Park — Minsk Arena — Sports Palace — Town Hall — Station.
The duration of the trip is approximately two hours, there is an audio guide in Belarusian, Russian, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Departures four times a day - at 11, 13-30, 16-00, 18-30, cost for an adult 300,000 BYR, for children from 7 to 15 years 150,000 BYR, under 7 years free. For our family (2 adults and 2 children), the trip cost 900,000 BYR (i.e. approximately 3,300 Russian rubles), payment only in cash. The audio guide offers a brief historical information about the country and a more detailed story about the capital. From the height of the second floor of the bus, we saw a beautiful, well-kept city, quite European, but with recognizable Soviet architecture.
For example, the building of the State Security Committee can be identified without a hint, as well as other administrative buildings, GUM and TSUM. However, there are also modern buildings that are striking in their appearance: the rhombicuboctahedron of the National Library (popularly called “dyamant” - a diamond), the Palace of the Republic, Grand Theatre opera and ballet, cultural and sports complex "Minsk Arena", Palace of Independence.
National Library in Minsk
We really liked the excursion and after its completion we decided to visit National Library, or rather, observation deck on her roof.
The original design of this building at 116 Independence Avenue was adopted in 1989, but construction began only in 2002, and in 2006 the library opened its doors to visitors. There is an art gallery, a book museum, a restaurant and cafe, and even a fitness center. You can take a guided tour of the building and the book museum. We took the opportunity to look at Minsk from a height of 73 meters, from the 23rd floor of the building, where a high-speed panoramic elevator took us. The cost of tickets to the site for adults is 30,000 BYR, for schoolchildren and students - 20,000 BYR. Please note that the entrance to the observation deck is located on the opposite side from the main entrance.
Water park in Minsk
The next day, according to plan, there was the Lebyazhy water park - it was my son’s birthday and it was decided to celebrate in this way. The address of the water park is Pobediteley Avenue, 120 The cost of visiting varies depending on the day and time of visit, and on the set of desired services. In our case, the tickets cost 928,000 BYR, and they gave a 30% discount on a ticket for the birthday boy, but asked to show a supporting document.
We were a little unlucky - on this day, children from a health camp were brought to the water park, about 15 groups, when we left the water park, it was already crowded with children. It’s good that we arrived almost at opening time - at 9 o’clock, and had time to swim freely for two out of four hours. The children really enjoyed this excursion.
Military Museum "Stalin Line"
After the water park, it was planned to visit the historical and cultural complex “Stalin Line”, which is located in the vicinity of the city of Zaslavl (north of Minsk). This is a military museum under open air, opened in 2005. The system of central defensive structures was created in the 1930s; during the construction of the museum, machine gun pillboxes, an artillery semi-gunner and a command and observation post were restored using archival pre-war drawings; the situation inside the pillboxes was reconstructed from the pre-war period. The museum contains a collection of equipment from the Second World War, as well as armored caps that have been preserved from the First World War. You can touch most of the exhibits with your hands, you can go down into the trenches, and there is a field kitchen. Historical reconstructions of the battles of the Great Patriotic War are regularly held. Ticket price: adults - 100,000 BYR, schoolchildren and students - 50,000 BYR, car parking - 20,000 BYR.
We didn’t take a tour; we walked around the museum for more than two hours; my husband and son told my daughter and me about many of the exhibits - they are interested in this topic and know a lot.
Brest. Brest Fortress
Of course, when planning a trip to Belarus, a visit to the Brest Fortress was made a must. And also a museum of steam locomotives - my son is partial to them. On July 3, the Independence Day of Belarus, we went to Brest.
The distance of 350 km was covered in 3.5 hours and at 12 noon we parked near the railway museum. We decided to visit it first, because... Opening hours until 17:00, and then the fortress.
The Museum of Railway Equipment in Brest opened in 2002. The exhibition includes steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, freight and passenger cars, a railroad railcar, a snowplow, a diesel train, a mail car, an armored train cannon and much more!
170 exhibits of technical equipment railway transport different periods of history. Exhibits are on the move, participating in filming and excursions. Museum address: Brest, Masherova street, 2.
For adults, the ticket price is 20,000 BYR, for schoolchildren - 10,000 BYR.
The Brest Hero Fortress - its history began much earlier than the well-known events of the Second World War. A fortified military fortress built in the mid-19th century to defend the western borders Russian Empire, in the 20th century its improvement continued, for some time Brest was part of the territory of Poland - until 1939.
On June 22, 1941, at 04:15, German troops opened artillery fire on the fortress. About 300 officer families were surrounded, but they opposed 9,000 German soldiers and the defenders of the fortress held the line for more than a month. After the war, the Brest Fortress became a symbol of the resilience of the Soviet people. In the 70s of the 20th century, a memorial Complex"Brest Hero Fortress".
The territory of the complex is large; the Museum of Defense of the Brest Fortress, the V Fort Museum and the Museum of War - Territory of Peace are also located here, and sightseeing tours are held.
On Hospital Island there is Archaeological Museum“Berestye” - here is the craft quarter of the city of the 16th century, found during excavations. The visit to the fortress left no one indifferent; this memory is with us forever.
Continuing the theme of memory, the next day we went to Khatyn. The memorial complex is located in the Logoisk district of the Minsk region, approximately 30 kilometers from Minsk along the Minsk-Vitebsk highway. But the village of Khatyn cannot be found on any map now. It was destroyed by German invaders in the spring of 1943. During the war, the entire territory of Belarus was occupied, and such a village was not the only one; there were huge losses among the civilian population; historians believe that every fourth resident of Belarus died.
On the site of Khatyn, a memorial complex was built in memory of all the dead civilians; it repeats the layout of the village, only instead of houses there are log houses, inside of which there are obelisks in the form of chimneys. The trumpet bells ring every minute... This is a very emotional place, but people must remember the past.
Mound of Glory (Minsk)
Another place of memory of the Great Patriotic War is the memorial complex “Mound of Glory”, located in the Smolevichi district, at 21 km of the M2 highway Minsk - Minsk National Airport. It was erected in honor of the operation to liberate Belarus (Operation Bagration).
It was here, in the “Minsk Cauldron”, in July 1944 that the Soviet army defeated enemy troops. The 35-meter-high hill was built almost by hand; people literally carried the earth in their hands, bringing it from other cities and battlefields. The mound is crowned with four bayonets, which symbolize the fronts that liberated Belarus: the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Belorussian Fronts and the Baltic Front. 35-meter bayonets stretch into the sky, their base is surrounded by a wide ring, on the inner surface of which it is written: “Glory to the Soviet Army, the Liberator Army!” Two spiral staircases lead to the top of the mound, each consisting of 241 steps. From the height there is a magnificent view on all four sides.
At the foot of the mound there is a small exhibition of military equipment - D-44, ZIS-2, ZIS-3 cannons and T-10, T-34, ISU-152, IS-2, IS-3 tanks. This is a sincere and impressive monument to our history.
Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk
Of course, we could not ignore the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk. Belorussian state museum History of the Great Patriotic War is located in Minsk at the address: Pobediteley Avenue, 8, on the territory of the Pobeda museum and park complex.
This new museum building, opening timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from German invaders, took place on July 3, 2014. The museum is considered the first in the world on this topic, because the first visitors came to the exhibition on July 22, 1944, then at the address Freedom Square, the House of Trade Unions.
In 1966, the museum was moved to a newly built building at 25a Leninsky Prospekt (now Independence Avenue). The new, modern building of the museum is striking in its size, the halls smoothly transition from one to another, even with a quick inspection the entire museum will probably take at least 1.5 hours.
Very beautiful and impressive Victory Hall - round, with a glass dome, around the perimeter there is detailed information about fronts, armies, flotillas, as well as Heroes Soviet Union. Also on display is military equipment life-size, various installations, uniforms of different troops, many documents and personal belongings of soldiers and much more. There are also interactive screens where you can learn the history of the exhibits. We recommend visiting this museum!
Mir Castle
On the last day of our stay in Belarus, we chose to visit the Mir Castle. It was interesting to look at the ancient Belarusian castle. In fact, it turned out that there wasn’t much of the ancient stuff left in the castle. The buildings were destroyed many times for various reasons and then restored. As a result, practically nothing remained of the original idea of Prince Yuri Ilyinich, the first owner of the castle. However, the atmosphere of antiquity is the walls three meters thick, narrow loopholes and spiral staircases with high steps in the walls of the towers, where two cannot be separated, a prison, knights in armor and utensils, interesting exhibitions inside the castle - from the cellars to the ballroom, personal belongings of the owners, music in the yard - of course, present.
The area is landscaped and well-groomed, next to the castle there is a small pond and a park. The children walked around the cellars and towers with interest, but the museum exhibition was a little tiring. In addition, there are many tour groups in the palace, and some halls are not huge enough to accommodate everyone. The conclusion was this: it’s an interesting attraction, but it wouldn’t be worth going to Belarus just to visit the castle.
The hour of departure has now arrived. Overall the impressions are very good, but a little lacking tourist information— there are few signs with signs in cities, information stands at excursion sites.
Belarus is a beautiful, well-kept country, with endless farmland and a leisurely lifestyle.
Personal experience
Belarus is a country located in the eastern part of Europe. The famous Belovezhskaya Pushcha is located here, the famous “Pesnyary” comes from here, and only here you can buy products manufactured in accordance with GOST of the USSR. This country is famous for its beautiful nature, magnificent castles and unsurpassed architectural objects. It is best to explore by car, because this is the only way to fully enjoy their splendor. All excursions in the state begin from its capital - Minsk. The hero city, like a Phoenix, was reborn after almost complete destruction, which overtook him during the Second World War. Today there is something to pay attention to and where to go.
Yes we ask or Welcome
A tour of Minsk begins from its airport or railway station. It all depends on how exactly you got here. If you are planning to go around the sights of Belarus by car, then still start from here.
National Airport Minsk 2 is located 42 kilometers from the city. On its territory there is an open-air museum, which displays aircraft from the times of the Soviet Union. Models of such aircraft as Tu-134A, Yak-40 and An-2 are exhibited here.
The main cultural and architectural object Minsk is considered Train Station and the “Minsk Gate”, located on Station Square. The railway station building is incredibly functional and beautiful. Here you can exchange money, buy medicines and souvenirs, and have a snack.
“Minsk Gate” is two towers, each eleven meters high. They were built in the manner of Stalinist classicism. The towers are among the most recognizable city landmarks and are considered business card The facility was built during 1947-1953. The left tower is decorated with a clock, the diameter of which reaches four meters, and the right one is decorated with the coat of arms of the Belarusian SSR.
Conquer Belarus
Let's go further to see the sights of Belarus by car. The Khatyn memorial complex, located in the village of the same name, evokes both sadness and delight. The village itself was burned to the ground along with all its inhabitants in March 1943. Only three people from the village were able to survive - an elderly man and two boys.
The authorities of the Soviet Union considered it their duty to perpetuate the memory of the victims of that terrible event and similar horrors of the war period. Therefore, in 1969 they opened the Khatyn memorial complex. It includes a sculpture of a surviving village elder carrying a dying child in his arms. Sculpting conveys enormous emotional power. The prototype of the artifact was Joseph Kaminsky, a blacksmith who found his dying son under a pile of corpses. Every half minute, bells ring in Khatyn, enhancing the effect of what you see.
Castle Country
The sights of Belarus, photos of which are demonstrated in our review, are great amount palaces. Each of them received separate praise and description. For example, it is a monument of defensive architecture of the 16th-17th centuries. It is located in the village of Golshany and was built by order of Pavel Stefan Sapieha in 1610. Once upon a time it was a majestic rectangular building with an area of 89 meters * 69 meters. And today it has turned into ruins, overgrown with bushes. The dungeons, where in the old days the history of the country was made, are covered with earth and are not of particular interest. The east wing and a pair of towers boast slightly better condition.
The sights of Belarus, especially castles, arouse great interest among tourists. The state can be proud of another fortress. This is Borisov Castle. It was built for quite a long time: from the end of the 12th century until the beginning of the 14th century. The object played a significant strategic role, because under its control there was a shipping route that ran from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. Little has survived to the present day, but Belarus can truly admire such a “hero.”
Lida
This is the name of a city in Belarus. It is located 160 kilometers from the capital. Here you can also explore some of the sights of Belarus. The best way to get around is by car. Locality located on the Lydia River and was founded in 1323. At one time it was the largest center in the country. True, it was a long time ago, but still... In the 14th century, the great Lithuanian Duke Gediminas founded a castle near Lydia. A settlement began to form around it, which soon became a large and powerful city. The owners of Lida changed several times, which left an imprint on its culture, architecture and history.
What to see here
Lida (Belarus), whose attractions are the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, the Mound of Immortality and other objects, is ancient city, and therefore there is a lot of interesting things here. For example, Lida Gediminas Castle, which is built of gravel and sand on a piece island. Or the Church of the Immaculate Conception, created at the turn of the past and present centuries. Here you can also visit the sundial monument and other amazing objects.
And finally
After admiring the beauty of the country and already leaving it, pay a little more attention to the Dudutki Museum of Ancient Folk Crafts, the path to which will be indicated by a map of Belarus with attractions. Previously, it was a farm type farm. And now it has turned into a huge tourist complex, on the territory of which there is a forge, a bakery, a menagerie and a mill.
Those who know me personally will not be surprised if I once again sing praises in the style of “I adore the country of Belarus” and say that going there on vacation is very right and good!
I share my experience. I am writing my opinion. Briefly, about 40 minutes :)
I’ve been to Belarus three times, and I’m going to visit again. I love this country so much that I want to live there - the only thing that is preventing me from doing this now is only business and projects that require my presence in Moscow for now :) So let's go forays for now!
In this topic, I will not spill my thoughts all over the tree and will try to be more compact.
General.
Money:
Take your card with you. Paying with it is really noticeably profitable, and payment machines are available almost everywhere (almost all gas stations, hotels mostly (only in the most budget ones with cash. And I’m still in shock about shops - also almost everywhere, even in the most seedy ones)
In general, my advice is to pay by card wherever possible.
Cash, of course, also needs to be exchanged. It turned out to be more profitable to change at Belagroprombank than at Belarusbank (state-owned, like Sberbank, and the colors are the same)
We remember that the Banks' work schedule is Soviet. There is lunch, and weekends in the form of Saturday and Sunday. There's a problem with the graphics there - it's the same thing in stores), so just take this into account and you'll be able to avoid surprises :) Believe me, this is not even an inconvenience compared to all the advantages of this beautiful country!
Kmk, it’s more logical to divide the entire budget into three parts, exchange a third in cash, and pay the rest with a card. By the way, if you buy euros in the Russian Federation and exchange them for Belarusian rubles there, it will also be more profitable (I exchanged euros there).
Here's a help to look/estimate prices:
Petrol- cheap and high quality. A liter of 95 was 7 rubles cheaper in January. But I poured 92, there was no difference at all, not like in the Russian Federation.
Documentation
For Russians, you don’t need anything special with you. Passport for those over 14 years old and birth certificate for those under 14 years old. If minors are not traveling with their parents (at least with one), then they need to have an agreement drawn up with a notary from the parents for their child to travel with the person they are traveling with (I haven’t drawn it up yet, I think the notary has all the details).
On the car - everything that we use in Russia (if not the owner - a notarized power of attorney for driving)
Well, get a Green Card (car insurance like our OSAGO). Moreover, it’s cheaper at home near any insurance company.
Roads
Amazing!
Cool in all respects. Traffic rules must be strictly followed - traffic cops are not corrupt, the fines are serious. But traffic rules in Belarus are logical and correct. Gas stations sell traffic regulations, etc. - buy it, let it be.
M1 is absolutely great! Europe. The speed limit for passenger cars is 120 km/h.
Alcohol
Bourgeois - expensive. Sambuca cost twice as much as in Moscow Auchan.
Belarusian - cheap and high quality. Moreover. In Belarus they make Georgian wines under license - they make them very well and sell them very inexpensively. Georgian wines from Georgia are also sold there, by the way (unlike the Russian Federation), so go to Belarus for Georgian wine, yes! In addition, they also sell Borjomi there, if anyone is interested. And the prices for all this are very attractive.
Pay attention to - Alivaria beer in glass (white unfiltered), Lida beer and kvass, and other Belarusian beer and kvass.
Cool soda with blueberries, megafruit:
Multifruit niale, kmk :)
And lovers of Sheridans/Baileys should take note of this information. If somewhere in restaurants, shops, cafes you come across something like this:
Buy it, it's a cool thing :) I bought it at the Peter restaurant in Kobrin, they told me that it was contraband from Poland :) Well, the status is not important, the essence is important :) It's a soft thing, you can't feel the alcohol, 20 degrees, chocolate-caramel like this: )
In shops
You can write about Belarusian products for months. EVERYTHING there is delicious, high quality, and cheap. A hundred times better than Russian!!! AND EVERYTHING IS!!! The shelves are bursting!!!
Moreover, everything that they bring to us is like Savushkin’s product and so on. No need to buy. Buy what you don’t see in Russia. It tastes better and is cheaper!!! No empty counters or queues, don’t trust our media and you’ll throw the TV in the trash))).
The only product I would particularly highlight is ketchup. ABC seems to be in bags, like milk. It is very tasty. But…. I am forced to refuse to buy it in the future - despite the fact that it is really very tasty, its composition includes certain elements that would be superfluous in the human body. In Belarus it is customary to write the composition honestly.
Judging by the composition, Heinz doesn’t have these (and only) these things, so Heinz rules, so I’ll take it with me, as well as:
Coffee, Tea - take it with you. Because in Belarus they are expensive.
But there are many places where you can buy real German cocoa, an amazingly tasty drink (it’s expensive, 100 grams is about 60 rubles)
Belarusian CHOCOLATE!!! "Spartak" It's just "NO WORDS, JUST EMOTIONS"!!! for 40 Russian rubles you get a bar of awesome chocolate to your taste!!! Real 90% cocoa or milk with almonds, or mint!!! Etc.
And cookies and waffles, of course:)
Catering (restaurants, cafes, canteens)
Everything is great everywhere! Usually.
Well, except for coffee - because for my biased taste as a coffee gourmet, the coffee in catering establishments in Belarus is sooooo weak :)
Cafe "smile", which I will talk about below:
Restaurant prices are at the same level as prices in Moscow cafes such as mu-mu or McDucks. It’s more expensive to eat at a McDuck in Moscow than in restaurants in Belarus with alcohol on the bill. In other establishments, accordingly, it is much cheaper. The canteens generally amaze the imagination - you can eat for 60 rubles (Russian Federation) so that it’s difficult to go afterwards)) Moreover, it’s tasty and of high quality, and you can take a couple of cakes with you)))
Housing
And in general, there is a chain of “tourist” hotels operating in Belarus, it’s ambiguous there, because the budget rooms are full of the USSR of the 80s. new ones - nothing wrong, but in the entire network, it seems to me, compared to Belarus as a whole, the prices are clearly a little too high))
In general, you can search for hotels in advance in Belarus either on , or everything is very loyal, it is also convenient to look for a suitable hotel there. There are even GPS coordinates.
Or using this algorithm:
You go to the Yandex homepage - you interrupt the city, like you are, say, in Bobruisk - Yandex is deceived and thinks that you are in Belarus)) - you enter specifics into the search bar like “Borisov Hotel” - it gives you .
And there at the top is just a list of hotels known to Yandex - you need to call them, because not everyone has a website and, as practice has shown, you just need to call. I don’t know, maybe this is some kind of New Year’s glitch, but it seemed to us that if we switch Yandex in this way, then somehow more information is found, namely Belarusian sites.
On the territory of Belarus there are several, as I called them, travel magnates)) who cooperate with hotels and will always offer you a room - they always have it in stock, only at a slightly different price. Therefore, on their websites there are descriptions of hotels, detailed and all that, but their contacts. Last resort is also an option, of course, but I don’t like paying for something I can do myself :)
There is also such a thing in Belarus as agro-estates or eco-estates, here is an example:
We used it this January in Pruzhany and Kobrin and really liked it.
Many people rent apartments and houses there.
Telephone and Internet
mobile connection Cheap, excellent coverage. We used a package with internet - the internet was excellent! Still used it. There are also no complaints about the quality of the connection (we didn’t use the Internet through it).
Wi-Fi in cities. In Belarus it’s great with this (in the forest it’s not there, of course, and in small villages for now too, but there it’s everywhere Mobile Internet showed himself very well).
It's cheap and the connection is good. Payment by cards that you buy at the post office, for example, or at any hotel reception. It seems that there are also union seals (these are kiosks on which the mysterious word chasopisy is often written))).
If we call Belarus from the Russian Federation (or from a Russian mobile phone):
From Russia, call from a landline: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 375 - area code - local telephone number of the subscriber in Belarus
8 - intercity access
10 - access to international line
375 - international telephone code Belarus
From Russia with mobile phone call: +375-<код города>-<номер телефона>
If we call in Belarus from a purchased Belarusian SIM card to Belarusian phones, everything will be written there in the package. How to call.
Chips
All cities are ancient, many hundreds of years old. The steles in front of them will definitely tell you about this.
Attitude to the monuments of the Great Patriotic War, the War of 1812 and other monuments of history, culture and architecture. Amazing attitude!!! An example for the entire CIS!
This photo is from DisaV:
Catholicism. This means there are a lot of churches and other Catholic paraphernalia. Which means it’s beautiful, festive and positive! :) And gothic))
On the billboards, as a rule, there is either the patriotic “I love Belarus”
Or patriotism on a regional scale:
Flickers.
These are reflective things to make it safer for pedestrians to move along the streets at night. As a driver, I will say - this is an excellent law!
Wear such flickers. Moreover. mutually beneficial.
You can buy flickers of various modifications - bright stripes with Velcro (like the adult version) or various toy characters, and simply reflective toys everywhere. I will definitely take them to the Russian Federation.
By the way. Also, regarding pedestrians, and in comparison with the Russian Federation, the correct thing:
Giant "70" sign on some highways. Divided in half and standing on different sides roads - it pops up suddenly in the high beams, don’t be alarmed)))
On all roads, every few kilometers there are nice, well-maintained, clean rest areas for motorists.
Drive into the woods to a site where there are gazebos and some other colorful stuff like a giant stork (N 52 43.054 E 24 41.920).
As a rule, there is a toilet and a trash container.
Storks. Alive, in the sense) The country of storks is simple! They don’t pay attention to people at all, they go about their own business))
Throughout the country you will be haunted by the symbols of Belarus - the ornament, the cornflower and the Belarusian flag. And often also Bison, Stork and Swans. In the design of everything)
Very beautiful steles. Cities, regions and so on. Everywhere with invention, everywhere something of its own.
There are also a lot of Soviet paraphernalia left on the streets. Moreover, it is carefully guarded, renovated and in excellent condition.
Everywhere, everywhere, everywhere, and in big cities, and in small villages. away from the main tourist and transit routes, both public and private - cute ideas for decorating your living space :)! This is so cool :) And so positive :) A vivid illustration of the fact that what our life will be like depends entirely on ourselves! Wait for mercy from DEZ or go to your yard, under your window and make something cute with your own hands!!!
Or like this, just on the most ordinary roadside in the village of Vorony near Vitebsk there are such copies of the real ones (photo by DisaV):
Websites:
Useful addresses:
Brest, st. Moskovskaya, 210
Bobruisk, st. 50 years of the Komsomol, 33
Vitebsk, st. Beshenkovichskoe highway, 3
Grodno st. Gorky, 91
Minsk st. Kalvariyskaya, 24
Volkovysk cafe-pizza, delicious 53 09.738 24 27.730
If you are in the Zhirovichi and Synkovichi area, be sure to taxi to the Zhirovichi Monastery N 53° 0.950" E 25° 20.597" and have a meal at the refectory there!!! Open from 9am to 6pm.
It's amazing! Amazingly delicious and almost free!!!
And the assortment is amazing to the point of numbness :)
Well, you can get some water from the Holy Spring in Synkovichi N 53ᵒ 06.985 E 25ᵒ 09.416
I think I told you about the general stuff in a nutshell. I'll add more as it comes in, I think.
Now from personal practice. By city.
ORSHA
The most positive city! A must visit! Low-rise buildings, all houses are painted in gentle, positive, light colors, no dullness or dampness :)
And I’m simply delighted with the Orsha townhouses!!! It seems to me that it is so cozy there, and I really want to live there at least a little :)
Live in a hotel, st. Mira, 11 coordinates from the belhoutel website: 54 30.786""N, 30 25.452""E You can pay by card.
Amazing hotel!!! The quality exceeds the price. They paid 600 rubles for 2- local number. The quality is clearly higher than ***cat.
Downstairs at the reception you can buy a bunch of all sorts of goodies and white unfiltered Alivaria))), etc. without extra charge. And also a lot of linen products at very reasonable prices.
View from the hotel window (the weather that day, however, whispered “pour it and drink it”))))
Flax - Belarus in general and ORSHA in particular are famous for this, because it is there that the famous flax mill is located (the company store will surprise and shock you even more, with choice, prices and quality - it will shock you positively, of course) N 54 29.420" E 30 23.731" from 9 to 18 on weekdays . There is a canteen and a hotel at the plant (but the hotel is a little cheaper than ORSHA, however, it is completely destroyed)
And in Niko chain stores you must buy smoked eggs!!! - I haven’t seen them anywhere else in Belarus)
The attractions are all there on geocaching. It is very pleasant to walk in the center. There are many cafes, we ate at pizza. We were satisfied.
ORSHA websites
And there are others on the network.
Mogilev
Where to live? Definitely in Korchma!!! Rating "5" and recommendation!!!
This place is worth the money on all counts and more!!! You just need to make a reservation there in advance, there are only a few rooms and there are a lot of people willing :)
Luxurious rooms (***** stars, instead of the stated ***), the price is average, fifteen hundred thousand per room.
A very tasty restaurant, and the whole complex is a MEGA attraction. THERE IS A MUST!!! Especially if you romantic trip do it together;) or travel with children!!!
And over the years I will write in more detail about this complex in a separate topic, I really like it :)))
If you happen to be in Mogilev and decide to go to the cinema, Prospekt Mira, 23, I recommend it!! The price and quality will pleasantly surprise you!
And definitely to the square, to the Astrologer!!!
Nice to walk around historical center Mogilev in principle.
Well, you should visit the town hall :)
We ate there in the ISS cafe on Star Square and in some other national cafe in the basement, everything was fine.
Downstairs in the bar there is Belarusian chocolate with mint (and not only) (prices in the bar are the same as in a store, without extra charges)
Vitebsk
I have stayed in this glorious city twice.
This is all our double room was like this in 2010 for 2-something thousand Russian rubles per day:
There is information about this place: st. Suvorova 10/2. Manager: +375-29-515-25-84, Reception: +375-212-23-66-26. We called each other, even made a reservation, but due to bad weather we didn’t get there and settled in Orsha. The prices there are different, we were offered 7 bucks per night, and this is not the minimum price there.
Nice big hotel a good place, in the center. You should ask about the quality of the rooms at the reception desk, they will tell you everything and give you a choice. Parking near the entrance. You can pay by card.
In general, I liked the hotel, although it is far from budget) On the 9th floor, double room 909 is awesome!!! I recommend;)
Next to the hotel, to the right of the entrance is the Department Store - the flavor of the USSR! Cool :) Be sure to go to the toy department there and buy harmless soft toys from the Gomel plant, and there are also souvenirs on the 3rd floor. And on the first stage there is delicious drinking local yoghurt :)
Opposite the entrance to the hotel, if you cross the road, on the left there will be a Guliver cafe (sort of) - it’s tasty and good!
Night Vitebsk is a song! Take a tripod :) I didn’t have a tripod, and I regret it)))
Famous Slavic Bazaar
It's on that stage that everything happens:
This is how the THEME OF THE Cornflower, ORNAMENT AND BELARUSIAN FLAG is revealed:
Vitebsk is full of attractions, information about which is abundant both on geocaching, and on the globe of Belarus and in general on the Internet. By the way, on both links to hotels you can also find interesting and useful information about the city.
We also (in the summer) had great fun at the amusement park, magically low prices- not far from the Slavic Bazaar, under the bridge on the embankment. Oxygen cocktail, cotton candy - immersion in childhood :)
On the same square near the Slavic Bazaar there is:
A jewelry store that sells refrigerator magnets and awesome badges with the Belarusian flag. Jewelry is also at Belarusian prices, I have silver earrings from there for 93 Russian rubles)). Opposite the Slavic Bazaar, you won’t be able to pass by BULBYANAYA either. You can eat there quickly and inexpensively, using the canteen-with-a-tray principle! :)
POLOTSK and NOVOPOLOTSK
Polotsk is the most ancient Belarusian city, and, undoubtedly, it is a must-visit!!! This is one of my favorite cities in BR.
By the way, on the website to which Dvina belongs there is useful information about cafes, for example, and so on.
Certificates for visiting the Center of Europe are sold in the hotel lobby, and the same ones are sold at the post office nearby.
The center itself N 55° 29.083" E 28° 46.567"
Photo again from Denis:
I really liked the potato pancakes and generally everything in the cafe, I don’t remember the name, but it is located at the end of this entire boulevard with the Center of Europe, if you move along it. driving past the Dvina Hotel, leaving it on the right and looks like this:
Holidays in Belarus – great option for a weekend trip. Affordable prices, lack language barrier, a simplified passport control procedure and no visas - all this will make the trip easy and enjoyable, especially if you have to travel by car. It is much more difficult to decide what to see in Belarus in these 2-3 days, because the country’s territory is considerable, and there are a huge number of historical and natural attractions in it.
We offer to include in your travel plan the most famous reminders, unusual and simply Beautiful places countries. For convenience, they are divided into directions so that everyone can highlight the most interesting attractions.
Hero cities and places of glory
Brest and its fortress
The famous stronghold of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War is located at the mouth of the Mukhavets River, within the city of Brest. Construction of the fortifications began in 1833 according to the design of military topographer K. Opperman, and was completed in 1842. The stronghold became famous for the inaccessibility of its walls and the steadfastness of its defenders, about which many documentaries and feature films have been made.
At 4:15 am on June 22, 1941, enemy artillery opened powerful fire on the citadel. The defense of the fortress was one of the bloodiest operations - about 2,000 Soviet soldiers were killed, more than 5,000 were captured. After the war, the ruins of the fortress were preserved. And to this day it is a monument to military valor, crowned with a colossal gray block - monument "Courage"(pictured above).
Minsk
The capital of Belarus has a lot of interesting and memorable places:
- Upper Town and Trinity Suburb – historical districts with buildings from the 12th and 17th centuries, the least damaged during the war;
- The center and its expressive Victory Square with a granite obelisk;
- Red Church on Independence Square;
- Nemiga is one of the oldest streets in the city, built back in the 12th century;
- Island of Tears with a monument to Afghan soldiers;
- Holy Spirit Cathedral, Church of the Virgin Mary;
- The Boulder Museum, where more than 2,000 huge stones are placed outdoors;
- unusual sculptures and monuments - for example, “Lady with a Dog”, “Grandmother with Seeds”, “Girl with an Umbrella”, “Photographer” and many others.
Stalin line
The opening of the fortification ensemble and open-air museum was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Victory. The complex, consisting of bunkers of the Minsk fortified area, has today become great place For family vacation, where you can sail a boat on the lake, try “soldier’s” porridge over a fire, ride a tank or armored personnel carrier and test weapons from the Second World War - from a rifle to a Maxim machine gun.
Khatyn
The memorial complex was built in 1962 in memory of the burning of an entire village by a Nazi punitive detachment. Today there is a cemetery with 185 obelisks with the names of villages destroyed during the war. The only street is paved with gray slabs, and along it there are monuments with the names of the dead villagers.
Bobruisk fortress
At one time, Napoleon did not besiege this impregnable citadel, admiring the power of its fortifications and walls. But surviving World War II Bobruisk fortress I could not. Today its ruins are recognized as a national monument and one of the seven wonders of Belarus.
Natural beauty
Even if you are limited in time and planning what to see in Belarus in 3 days, be sure to include at least one of the following attractions in your route:
Belovezhskaya Pushcha
One of the largest and untouched forests in Europe, familiar to us from the works of “Pesnyary”, is located on the border with Poland, in the Brest region. Here you can meet the famous bison, wolf, lynx, wild boar or fox, admire the centuries-old trees, and visit the Museum of Nature.
And children will have special entertainment - the residence of the Belarusian Father Frost, to whom you can personally inform about your behavior for the year and expected New Year gifts. At the entrance to the fairy-tale complex, children are greeted by knights - Elm Vyazovich and Oak Dubovich, then the route runs past the Magic Staircase and the Fairytale Bridge. Father Frost and Snow Maiden organize fun activities, competitions and dance round dances with children around a 40-meter spruce tree.
Berezinsky Reserve
In the Vitebsk region there is a unique natural monument, where all conditions are created for eco-tourism and recreation with children. In ancient times, the famous route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed through this territory. Now there are several large lakes here (Olshitsa, Manets, Domzheritskoe, Plavno), and in the dense forests you can find bear, lynx, badger, marten, elk and a huge number of beavers, thanks to which the lake was created. biosphere reserve.
Narochansky National Park
Located in the Minsk region largest lake Belarus – Naroch. In the same name resort village you can fish, hunt or ride a horse, admiring the beauty nature reserve. Here you can see a cluster of mounds and the remains of settlements of ancient people. In the center of neighboring Lake Mastro there is an island with fortifications from the 11th century, and on the shore stands the Church of the Virgin Mary.
Palaces and castles
Nesvizh Palace
The former residence of the Radzwill princes, and today the most famous palace and park complex in Belarus, is known for its unique fortification system and protracted construction - it was built over three centuries (16-19 centuries). The castle housed a musical chapel, a court theater, an archive of the Principality of Lithuania, art Gallery with a collection of thousands of paintings, a private library.
Mir Castle
Today it is a red brick fortress with white accents, but since its foundation in the 16th century, the castle has been in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The result is a surprisingly harmonious architectural “mixture”, which, together with medieval fortifications, complemented by the traditions of Belarusian architecture, annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to Mir Castle.
Gomel Park and Palace Ensemble
One of the first museum institutions in Belarus includes not only unique architectural monuments (the Rumyantsev and Paskevich palace, the administrative building, observation tower, chapel and Winter Garden), but also a magnificent park. If you get tired of admiring multi-colored majolica tiles, ancient icons, handwritten books and other antiquities, welcome to a walk in the park. Shady alleys lead to the picturesque Swan Pond, next to which unique tree species and flowers are planted.
Most ancient palace Belarus was erected by order of Prince Gedemin in the city of Lida (Grodno region) in 1323. The peculiarity of the castle is that it was built on an island artificially created from gravel and sand. For many centuries, the complex was a reliable protection for residents of the city and nearby settlements. Many loopholes, strong walls, a church, several wells, a fort and various outbuildings made it possible to withstand numerous wars with honor.
Today, the castle hosts knightly tournaments and festivals, and a historical museum is opened in one of the towers.
Churches, temples, holy places
St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk
The oldest Christian shrine in Belarus and the fourth in the world, the Church of St. Sophia was built in the 11th century. Initially, it served as a fortress and reception place for the most important ambassadors and diplomats. But in the 18th century the building was blown up. In the newly rebuilt cathedral, ancient frescoes have been preserved; you can see the model ancient temple, medieval coins, listen to organ music.
Vitebsk Holy Assumption Cathedral
One of the newest religious buildings in the country - Cathedral, whose construction was completed in 2011. It was built according to the prototype of the Assumption Church, which was blown up in 1934 to build a grinding machine factory. During excavation work at the site of the cathedral, the remains of hundreds of people were discovered, presumably victims of the Gestapo.
Cathedral Church of St. Francis Xavier in Grodno
Previously, it was the richest Polish church, today it is one of the outstanding architectural monuments of Belarus, dating back to the 17th century. Inside, the Church of St. Francis Xavier is framed by a unique fresco painting from the 18th century. But the main decoration of the building is the 15th century tower clock, which still works.
A spring flowing at the bottom of a picturesque ravine near the village. Polykovichi, Mogilev region, was discovered in the 16th century. Its waters are considered healing, and the stone grotto and chapel of St. Paraskeva, built in the 18th century by Count Rimsky-Korsakov, have become a place of worship for believers.
Minsk Cathedral of All Saints
Although the temple is not ancient (opened in 2008), it is considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox buildings in Belarus and a masterpiece of modern architecture. The height of the cathedral is 74 meters, the building can simultaneously accommodate 1,200 parishioners.
Reminder for motorists traveling to Belarus
If you have already made a list of what to see in Belarus by car, do not forget about the important little things so as not to ruin the trip for yourself and the “crew” of your car. Although the traffic rules here are practically no different from Russian ones, pay attention to the following nuances:
- do not forget to issue an “entry sheet” at the border checkpoint - a civil liability policy, the absence of which during inspection will cost $200;
- to manage vehicle, it is enough to have your license, a civil liability policy, a ticket with a technical inspection mark and a registration certificate - no powers of attorney are required;
- always let people pass at crossings, do not honk or “blink” lights to speed up the process - in Belarus the pedestrian is indeed always right;
- do not try to “negotiate” with the inspector or offer a bribe;
- The driver and passenger sitting in the front seat must wear seat belts, otherwise a fine of 400 rubles cannot be avoided (and this is for the first time, with repeated violations - significantly more). The same amount is due for using a mobile phone while driving;
- The following fines are also imposed: speeding - from 400 to 5850 rubles and deprivation of rights, failure to comply with traffic lights or traffic controller signs, violations of overtaking rules, lane rows and even the absence of turn signals.
However, this is only a small fly in the ointment, which can be easily avoided by observing basic traffic rules. But the silver lining for car travelers is much more significant: clean and smooth roads, an excellent driver information system and other bonuses that will make traveling around Belarus enjoyable and full of positive impressions.
Belarus, our closest neighbor, is also a beautiful country. No matter what anyone says, there really is something to see there – and not only in the capital Minsk. You can get to Belarus different ways. For some it will be easier to fly by plane, others will prefer the sound of wheels railway. Our material is intended for those who decide to go on a trip to Belarus by car. What do you need for this, besides four wheels?
Briefly about Belarus
The fact that Belarus is a neighboring power and was previously part of the Soviet Union is probably known to everyone. However, what other information do you need to know about this country?
The population of Belarus is just over nine million people (as of last year), the entire country covers an area of two hundred seven thousand square kilometers. In addition to Russia, in its closest neighbors the Republic of Belarus (such is its official name) has Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine. In addition to Belarusian, official language is also Russian. Belarus appeared as a state in 1919, but this does not mean that it did not exist before. On the contrary, the term “White Rus'”, from which the modern name of our neighboring power comes, has been known since the thirteenth century and was widely used in relation to some territories of Ancient Rus'.
Why should you go to Belarus?
Belarus is not a resort country at all, but it seems so only at first glance. In fact, you can relax in a neighboring country – and how! There is a lot there that is surprising and unusual for a Russian person. For example, as if Soviet time- ubiquitous monuments to Lenin, place names unchanged since the Soviet era, even collective farms there! At the same time, the country of potatoes is very clean - both on the streets and in the courtyards, and on the roads. The roads there are generally of the highest class - they fully correspond to European standards, and this is at least a good reason to come to Belarus by car.
We talked about the country of potatoes. Now is the time to talk about traveling to Belarus by car. What do you need for this?
Budget holiday
Of course, if you are planning to travel to Belarus by car from Vladivostok or at least Tyumen, your route and the whole trip in general will be somewhat different. Our material is aimed more at Muscovites, St. Petersburg residents and residents of neighboring regions, for whom getting to the country of potatoes by car is, as they say, easier than steamed turnips, since it is the most convenient. Moreover, for them this is at the same time the most budget option similar journey.
About distance and speed
From Moscow to Minsk along the M-1 highway (you can also get to Brest along it) approximately 720 kilometers. However, at normal speed limits (without breaking - which is important!), you can cover this distance in eight to nine hours, which is quite acceptable. But don’t think that you can drive a little faster to get to your destination even earlier.
There are a lot of cameras, both photo and video, located along the entire route. And therefore, all the cunning and impudent people are always caught - first, they are fined (which reaches up to seven thousand rubles), and then, when caught again, they are deprived of their rights for up to a year.
Road inspection
Traffic cops in Belarus are very strict guardians of the law. They do not compromise, and if they catch you in any violation, then do not expect mercy. And in general, when you enter Belarus by car, do not relax - the road inspection in the country of potatoes does not sleep. Very often, local traffic cops drive around in ordinary civilian cars without identification marks (that is, you can’t immediately understand that in front of you is a traffic policeman). As mentioned above, a huge number of cameras have been installed on the roads to help law enforcement officers, so if you have violated something, catching you will be a breeze. The fine in Belarus is measured in basic units. For the last two years, the base value has been twenty-three Belarusian rubles.
It is important to know
If you are planning a trip to Belarus by car from Moscow, you should know that on some sections of the road in our country you will have to fork out money. In other words, travel on these sections is paid. Such places include, for example, the distance from the Moscow Ring Road to the Minsk Highway. And although the amounts that will need to be left are relatively small (in the above area, for example, around three hundred rubles), you need to know about this in advance in order to take care of additional money for such expenses.
"Green map"
Not to be confused with the “green book”. A “green card” is a compulsory motor vehicle insurance policy, which is required when traveling abroad. Since Belarus is a foreign country, when going on a trip there, this policy is also needed. And this is perhaps the only one required document on a car trip to Belarus - well, of course, except for passports (foreign and Russian) and papers for the car. However, you do not need any visas or anything else that may be required when crossing the border. And, in fact, by and large, there is no border. Belarus has opened entry for many countries. Customs officers can selectively stop a car for inspection Russian documents, but absolutely all cars do not brake. And even if you are stopped, it will not take up your time, and there are no traces of any queues or traffic jams at the Belarusian customs.
As for the green card, it is not difficult to obtain it. Starting from Smolensk, along the road there are many kiosks with flashy signs “ Green map" Feel free to drive up to any of them and purchase required document. However, in order not to waste time on the way, you can apply for a card in advance. A “green card” will cost you less than a thousand rubles. In this case, insurance is issued for approximately two weeks - and, as experienced ones say, this time is more than enough to see all the sights of the potato state.
On the way to the capital
Closest to Russian border Vitebsk is located - from Smolensk, the extreme Russian city, only one hundred and thirty kilometers, about six hundred from Moscow and St. Petersburg. It’s not worth driving past Vitebsk - spend at least a couple of hours getting at least a superficial acquaintance with this ancient city (chronicles mention Vitebsk since 974). Please note that it is located a little away from the main highway.
If you are traveling to Belarus by car from Moscow, then it is Smolensk, Vitebsk, Minsk and, finally, Brest that await you along the road (M-1 “Belarus”, as already mentioned above). If you move out of Northern Palmyra, then on the way to Brest you will pass Pskov, and then Polotsk. Each of these cities is more than worthy of at least a quick tour.
What to see?
What to see in Belarus by car? There are plenty of attractions. In Minsk alone and around it there is an overwhelming darkness of them. For example, museum complex“Dudutki” - they tell and show about ancient folk crafts, professions, life and customs.
You should also definitely go to the Mir and Nesvizh castles (not far from Minsk in the direction of the southwest) - there is stunning nature and incredibly beautiful parks next to them. Visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha- one of the most ancient and certainly the largest of all modern forests in Europe.
Of course, we should not forget about the monuments of the Great Patriotic War - it is no secret to anyone that Belarus suffered greatly at the hands of the Nazis, and therefore there is still a lot of historical evidence of those terrible years. Brest Fortress, Khatyn, Buynicheskoye Field are just the most famous of them. When thinking about your route for traveling to Belarus by car, you must definitely include these places in it.
Housing
Living in Minsk is inexpensive even in holidays. Room rate in three star hotel is approximately two and a half thousand rubles. This is a single room - double and triple rooms are more expensive (a double room is about four and a half thousand, a triple room is about six thousand rubles). However, if you are traveling with a group, it is most profitable for you to book an apartment - then the cost per person is even less than two and a half thousand. If you are unpretentious and have nothing against hotels of a lower “rank”, then it is quite possible to rent a “kopeck piece” for up to two thousand rubles. For example, in the hotel on Bogdanovich - the prices there are generally very affordable.
Finding a hotel is not a problem at all, whether in Minsk or in any other Belarusian city. Some hotels still have a certain “Soviet” touch, but this does not mean that these hotels are bad. In some places, parking is paid, but the price is relatively low. However, throughout the city (as throughout Belarus) there are plenty of parking spaces.
Food
As with housing, food prices in Belarus in general and in Minsk in particular are quite acceptable. Even if you go to the most expensive restaurant and eat to your heart’s content, as they say, you are unlikely to spend more than two or two and a half thousand Belarusian rubles (Belarusian, please note, not Russian). At the same time, the potato food in the country is tasty and very satisfying.
Trip to Belarus by car: reviews
Most travelers who have visited a neighboring country by car note the quality as a plus Belarusian roads– this is a sore subject for Russian drivers. People write that the surface is flat almost everywhere, there are very few places where there would be any holes or potholes. An important detail: along federal highway, near the fishing lines, along the entire path there is a large number of neatly equipped stopping points - even with toilets. They also note that there are many gas stations along the way, many of them combined with campsites. There is a separate conversation about Belarusian campsites - this is what arouses the admiration of all travelers: spacious, clean, well-groomed sites, equipped with benches, tables, and free toilets.
Those who traveled to Belarus by car were pleasantly pleased by the politeness of our neighbors, including at the border, and good service in all areas - both in restaurants and in hotels. You can pay by card everywhere; as for terminals, we have our Sberbank. Many travelers, when describing Belarus, use two epithets: “cozy” and “homey,” adding that in this country one can breathe calmly, freely and easily.
A few facts
That's all you need to know about crossing the border with Belarus by car, about the travel route and its features. Have a nice trip and happy holidays!