Top Destinations in Belarus

Explore the 300 lakes in Braslav, an ancient castle in Mir, and experience the Belarusian city life in its capital in Minsk. Whatever your reasons for coming to Belarus, they’ve got you. Enjoy as you continue to discover the wonders of Belarus. A lot of people declare to be Russian there but there are also residents from Ukraine and other neighboring countries. It's not the best destination if you want to go and relax on the beach like in Brazil or Qatar, but it has some very popular and amusing destinations and it's close to Chernobyl Ukraine.

Independence Avenue

Before leaving the city for that countryside trip, do not miss Independence Avenue right in the heart of Minsk City. It is considered one of the largest public squares in Europe, with an area of seven hectares. Be with the beauty of pretty water fountains and dancing lights as you stroll around the square during the night. Experience the city life in Minsk and try their cafés, restaurants, music events, clubs, and shopping opportunities.

Driving Directions:

• Extensive planning is needed when you travel to a foreign land. Aside from budgeting your money, your itinerary has to be plotted and considerations on weather conditions of the country you are to visit. With visa-free programs opened to more countries, Belarus is ready to accept you and more tourists. And what a way to explore the rich history and culture of this country than driving at your own comfort. Be sure your IDP and driver’s license are still valid, not to jeopardize your Belarusian journey.
• Head northeast.
• Continue onto М2.
• Get on E30/M1.
• Continue on E30/M1. Take M4 to Partizansky Avenue.
• Then continue on Partizansky Avenue. Drive to Partizansky District. Continue to Independence Avenue.

Braslav Lake Area

If you are curious about what's left of an ancient glacier, then Braslav Lake Area is for you. About 300 lakes in the region are also called the “Blue Necklace” because of their azure waters. Each lake is unique in its size, form, depth, composition, flora and fauna, and water transparency. Most forests here belong to the group of coniferous-deciduous.

Boginskoe is one beautiful forest lake that you should see. You might as well visit Braslav Lake during the summer between June and August. During this season, tourists can take a cruise on Drivyaty Lake, one of the most popular lakes in all the 300 lakes in Braslav.

Driving Directions:

• You can start your drive from Minsk City. Travel time is around three hours and twelve minutes.
• Follow Independence Avenue, Yakub Kolas Square Lachowski trakt to М3.
• Then follow М3 and Р3 to Slabadskaja St. in Braslav.
• Drive to Lenina St.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

A natural reserve and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park in Brest and Grodno regions is what is left of the primeval forest in the European woodlands that used to stretch across the European Plains. It houses the European bison, Konik, wild boar, and Eurasian elk. It is estimated to have 300,000 visitors every year, where Eco Educations Center, Museum of Nature, hotels, and cafés are built here to cater to tourists, foreign and locals alike. It is best to visit the national park between October to April. This time of the year is mostly winter, where a holiday museum is placed at the park that showcases Father Christmas the Belarusian way, which is a hit to kids. You can avail of an organized tour upon reaching the Kamenyuki village. Cars are not allowed inside the national park without a special permit.

You can start your drive from Minsk to Kamenyuki. Travel time will take about 3 hours and 53 minutes.

Driving Directions:

• Take Dzerzhinsky Avenue.
• Then follow E30/M1 to Р84 in the Brest Region. Exit from E30/M1.
• Take Р101, Р85, and Р98 to Pushchanskaya Street. Pushchanskaya in Kamianiuki.

Chalk Pits

Fondly called the “Belarusian Maldives,” this turquoise-like water was seen after chalk or limestone mining. The four chalk pits on the side of Volkovysk are the most popular among tourists. You can also see those in Soligorsk and Bereza as the pit is about four kilometers long and has a depth of 15 meters.

Infrastructure near the chalk pits is not very common since this is only a new attraction for tourists in Belarus. If you are into backpacking, then you can mount a tent here and stay overnight. The best time to visit the chalk pits is during the summer months - from June to August. It’s this time of the year when eye-catching turquoise-colored eaters can be seen from the pit.

Driving Directions:

• Your travel will take about three hours and 52 minutes from Minsk.
• Take Dzerzhinsky Avenue to Р1.
• Then take E30/M1 to P2/Р99 in the Brest Region. Exit from E30/M1.
• Follow Р99 to Sovetskaya Street in Vaŭkavysk.

Mir Castle

Belarus is also famous for its ancient castles. One of them can be seen in the town of Mir. Mir castle is a 16th-century castle and considered one of the premium attractions in Belarus. It features Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance architecture that is very pleasing to the eyes. The castle is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the few architectural monuments of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth that still stand today.

You can go strolling along with the Italian-style flower gardens and enjoy the vast artificial lake’s scenery inside the property. You can visit Mir Castle all year round. They accept visitors from 10 AM to 6 PM, Mondays through Sundays.

Driving Directions:

• Coming from Minsk, you can take a drive to Mir Castle for one hour and eight minutes.
• Take Dzerzhinsky Avenue.
• Then follow E30/M1 to Р64. Exit from E30/M1.
• Lastly, follow Р64 to your destination in Мір.

Nesvizh Castle

Another castle in Belarus is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Nesvizh is a residential castle in Niasviž, Belarus. The castle was owned by the Radziwill family during the 16th century and stayed until 1939. It went through many renovations through the years, resulting in a wide array of architectural features such as Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Neo-gothic, and Modernism.

Nesvizh Castle is known to be the most beautiful palace in Belarus. One of its mai attractions visited by thousands of people yearly in the gardens with ornamental lakes and perfectly landscaped gardens. You can witness the beauty of the palace, Monday through Fridays, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Driving Directions:

• Nesvizh is part of the Minsk Region, so you can start driving from Minsk. Driving time is about one hour and thirty minutes.
• Take Dzerzhinsky Avenue.
• Follow Р1 and E30/M1 to P2. Exit from E30/M1.
• Lastly, follow P2 and P54 to your destination.

Brest Fortress

One of the largest tourist attractions and a must-visit in Brest, Belarus is the Brest Fortress. This depicts one of the most significant events in Belarusian history and shows the symbol of the Soviet resistance during the Second World War. Here also lies the memorial complex where a huge five-pointed star cut concrete is placed in the main entrance.

Brest Fortress also earned the title of the “Hero Fortress” for the bravery of Soviet soldiers against the army from Germany in 1941. This became a shrine and served as a memoir of the events that happened here. Starting from 9 AM to 5 PM, except for Mondays, you can visit here to witness and learn Brest’s rich history.

Driving Directions:

• If you are coming from Minsk, you need to travel for 3 hours and 56 minutes to reach Brest.
• Take Dzerzhinsky Avenue.
• Merge onto E30/M1.
• Continue on E30/M1 to your destination in Brest.

Kalozha Church of Saints Boris and Gleb

This is for architecture and antiquity lovers; the Kalozha Church of Saints Boris and Gleb before 1183 is considered the oldest existing structure in Grodno, Belarus. The church is of Black Ruthenian architecture, which shows polychrome faceted stones of blue, green, or red tint. Pilgrims will visit this cross-domed building, and regular services are held here as well as church ordinances. The busiest times of the day in Kalozha church are from 9 AM to 10 AM and busiest days include Tuesday, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Driving Directions:

• You can start your drive from Minsk, which is approximately three hours and four minutes away.
• Get on M6/Е28 from Prospekt Pobediteley Avenue and MKAD/М9.
• Continue to Grodno.
• Continue on Belusha Street. Take Zavodskaya St. Factory to Fisherman's Street..

Pripyatsky National Park

Tagged as the Amazon of Belarus, Pripyatsky National Park is 51 species of mammals and 250 bird species. You can see several forests and swamps here where visitors visit in the Gomel Region for this. And if you are into safari and photography, then this national park is for you. Explore the different tour packages here and see for yourself deer, elks, raccoons, beavers, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some lynx and mink.

Boat tours and fishing activities can be done here to witness the aquatic life of animals. Hunting trips are also available here. You can visit this national park from September to May for the best chance to spot some bison, moose, and other animals.

Driving Directions:

• Travel will be about 3 hours and 25 minutes from Minsk.
• Take Sverdlov Street, Valadzko Street/Volodko Street and Serov Street to Р23.
• Continue to Р23 to Zarana.
• Drive to your destination.

Brest Railway Museum

If you happen to visit Brest Fortress, don’t leave Brest just yet and check out its Railway Museum. Located just near the Brest Fortress, this museum, established in 2002, showcases different historical locomotives. Some of them are even used in films and various festivals.

This is the first outdoor railway museum in Belarus where steam engines, two steam cranes, retro passenger cabs, and diesel/electric engines are exhibited. Visit this place to learn more about the history of the railway system of Belarus. It opens every day except Mondays from 11 AM to 7 PM.

Driving Directions:

• The destination is just nine minutes away from Brest Fortress.
• Head north.
• Continue straight onto Heroes of Defense of Brest Fortress street.
• Turn left onto Poplavsky Street.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Street of Brest Divisions.
• Turn right onto Station Square.
• At the roundabout, continue straight.
• Destination will be on the right.

Dudutki Ethnological Museum Complex

If you wish to know more about Belarus’s rural cultures, you should visit the Dudutki Ethnological Museum Complex. Go back in time and experience Belarusian history and folklore. The museum presents various buildings, such as a craft courtyard with a creamery that showcases traditional cheeses and techniques in making cheese. Learn and witness how local horseshoes are made, watch local potters do their work, and experience the Belarusian sauna.

Indulge in local Belarusian meals through a cafe in the area. Also, Check stables, museums on vintage cars, and romantic courtyards. It opens every day except Mondays, from 10 AM through 6 PM.

Driving Directions:

• Dudutki is just a 44-minute car ride from Minsk.
• Drive along Kozinets Street, Р23, Н 9038, and Н9342.
• There may be exceptions to securing an International Driving Permit, but a driver or tourist should be sure before traveling to Belarus or any foreign land. Better be sure than spoiling your international trip, right? Anyway, getting an IDP is just a few clicks away on your gadgets.

Most Important Driving Rules

If you are a traveler who wishes to drive in foreign lands like Belarus, you must be familiar with the essential "Belarus driving rules" to avoid getting into trouble. Some limitations may be unfamiliar to you. It's never pleasant to get stopped by traffic police in Belarus, but you need to have your driving license in this case. If you have an international driving license, it will be translated so they can check it. Most commonly, it is translated to English if it's not your native language, but the most important thing is to have a valid driver's license.

IDP is established by the convention on road traffic and as mentioned more than 150 countries are included like the republic of Belarus. Depending on where you come from, it can be very easy to get a green card with your international driving licence. It's hard to say that their police will be as great as in the Philippines or Zimbabwe but they understand the regulations when it comes to people from foreign countries.

Basic Traffic Rules

Be sure to drive on the right side of the road. It’s one of the primary things you should know when driving in Belarus. Most countries drive on the right side, so it won’t be tough for you to familiarize it.

Always Bring Your IDP With You

Checkpoints are frequent in Belarus, and authorities might ask for your travel documents. You need an International Driver's Permit as you drive in Belarus together with a number of documents like a driver’s license and passport. Your IDP is a translation of your local driver’s license, so the two must always be available.

An International Driver's Permit is essential in Belarus, for you to rent any vehicle from a car rental company or corporation. You need to secure the essential information when applying for an International Driver's Permit for your trip in Belarus, like your name, contact number, and address are some information needed online. After you submit your application, it will be reviewed and approved. You will then receive an email with a digital copy of your IDP. Its physical copy will be shipped to your desired location.

Don’t Forget to Carry the Required Documents

When driving to foreign places, know that authorities have to identify you, especially in areas where checkpoints are frequent such as Belarus. Be sure to bring your driver’s license, IDP, passport, visa, and other travel documents with you. Make them readily available in case authorities might ask for them.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Is Strictly Prohibited

If you plan on driving after a night’s drink, think again! Authorities never tolerate drunk driving in Belarus. They have the right to stop you and test you for any alcohol on your body; if they suspect drunk driving. Huge penalties and possible confiscation may be charged. Belarusian is naturally friendly and warm people to tourists but not to those who violate driving rules. Driving without your focus on the road traffic because of any liquor or drug influence can lead to accidents.

Obey the Speed Limit of the Road

Speed cameras are everywhere in Belarus, and police are monitoring on the roadside for vehicles over speeding. So to avoid accidents and fines, follow the respective speed limits. You are to drive at a maximum speed of 60KPH, 90KPH on rural roads, and 120KPH on motorways in urban areas. There are no speed limits designated for cars with winter tires, generally in winter, but you still have to be vigilant.

Wearing A Seatbelt and Securing Child's Safety

The driver and passengers must fasten seatbelts throughout their travel. Upon renting a car, if you have a child aged 12 years old below, it is mandatory to provide the car seats. You can ask them as add-ons from your chosen car rental company.

Using Handheld Phones While Driving Is Not Allowed

Don’t be too caught up with your phone viewing all the sceneries and landscapes you took in every destination in Belarus. You can do that during your stopover. If you need to navigate on your mobile phone, you can use the hands-free system. Your task while holding the steering wheel is to focus on the road traffic and drive.

Do Not Drive With an Expired License

It is illegal in any country to drive with an invalid and expired license. So you must see to it to check on your important documents that it is still valid before you travel. Aside from your local driver’s license, your International Driver's Permit also has an expiration date. The International Driver’s Association issues IDP with a validity of 1 to 3 years, depending on how long you want it to be valid.

You can always renew your IDP through the website. Some information needed for your International Driver's Permit in Belarus includes your address, zip code, full name, and email address. An IDP with one-year validity costs $49. If you want to avoid experiencing delays on the shipment of your International Driver's Permit, a verified address, either in Belarus or your home country and its zip code, must be provided.