Route in Belarus by car. Traveling by car in Belarus "Rus-Belarus"

With the onset of warmth, the soul asks for new travels - get on a car, train or bike and go to explore Belarus. Together with the guide in Belarus VETLIVA, we have compiled a list of the main reasons to ride around the country with a breeze - from springs with medicinal water and eco-paths to powerful objects of military tourism, chamber museums and estates that have not lost their magnificence.

BREST REGION

1. Palace of the Puslovskys

Kosovo, Ivatsevichi district

2. Palace complex Sapieha in Ruzhany

Ruzhany, Pruzhany district

In the guidebooks, the ruins of the palace are proudly called the “Belarusian Versailles”, but coming here is not for the chic views and interiors (not so much has been preserved here), but rather for the powerful energy that is inherent in such places of power. Just imagine: at the beginning of the 17th century a castle was laid here - the Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Lev Sapega took part in this matter. To live in it was not only comfortable, but also safe, three powerful defensive towers were added to the complex. Important state issues were discussed in Ruzhany, receptions of top managers of the GDL came, the Sapieha archive and the state treasury were also located here. After the uprising was defeated, the Sapiehas left the residence, and a weaving factory was organized in the palace. During the First World War, the ensemble burned down, then they tried to restore it, but after the Second World War, this business was abandoned.

Now you can visit the museum (ul. Urbanovicha, 15a) and learn the whole history of the place - for this there are 4 halls and an exciting tour.

How to get there? Your chance is a bus from Minsk or 244 km by car. In Ruzhany, look for the address of the museum - st. Urbanovich, 15a.

3. Brest Fortress

Brest

A powerful defensive structure and a large-scale open-air museum of Soviet heroic monumental art. The fortress itself was built in the 19th century, and its history is impressive. In 1596, a church union was declared here, and during the First World War, a decree on peace was signed. But the fortress became famous after the heroic events of World War II.

Follow the chronology: on the Volyn fortification, look at the Berestye Museum - archaeological excavations where you can see the remains of the settlement and wooden buildings of the 11th-13th centuries, street pavements, even a few household items. Then move to the museum of the defenders of the Brest Fortress. The territory of the museum is simply huge - it will take about three hours to get around everything and not lose your breath. Most of all it sneaks in Fort V - a semi-abandoned fortification with armored doors, narrow loopholes, underground corridors and complete silence. Most likely, you will be the only tourist here.

How to get there? The easiest way is to go by train - € 4-10, three to four hours - and you are there. The same 350 km can be overcome by bus (€ 7-9) or by car (M1 highway).

4. Olman swamps

Stolin district

These swamps occupy 75% of the area of ​​the Stolin region - the only complex of upland, transitional and low-lying swamps that has survived in our natural state. Ecologists can't be happier: 687 species of plants, 151 species of birds (25 from the Red Book) and 26 species of mammals live here. It is interesting that in the 60s of the last century there was an aviation training ground in Olmany, so there are still unexploded shells and bombs in the swamps.

Of particular interest is the eco-trail almost one and a half kilometers long. It goes along Bolshoye Zasominoye Lake, on the other side of which Ukraine is already. The second route will take you to a 40-meter tower, from which it is very convenient to view the surroundings and biodiversity. Ask the locals where the “sea of ​​Herodotus” is here - Big and Small Zasominoe and 23 more lakes.

Please note that if you are a foreigner, you will have to pay 10 base (€ 114) in advance to visit the swamps. More information about excursions -.

How to get there? Classics of the genre - bus or minibus from Minsk to Stolin.

5. Belovezhskaya Pushcha

The Belarusian reason for pride is the largest and oldest forest area in Europe, protected by UNESCO. Yes, there are bison in the wild here. Yes, you can even hunt them (if you have enough conscience). Yes, it was here that the agreement on the collapse of the USSR was signed. Yes, this is where the Belarusian Grandfather Frost lives (his residence is open even in summer - but his grandfather's suit is light). Breathe the relict air, ride a bicycle, feed the bison in the aviary with bread from your hand, drive to see the Kamenetskaya Vezha, which is more than 700 years old.

How to get there? We advise you to overcome the distance Minsk - Brest by train, and then go to Kamenets by bus. For the more impatient, there are direct minibuses.

6. Jesuit Collegium

Pinsk, st. Lenina, 1

Pinsk is the second in Belarus in terms of the number of preserved sights (Grodno is in the first place). Particularly noteworthy is the collegium building, built in the 17th century as a super-prestigious educational institution. They took talented students there, regardless of their wealth. If you go around the building, the view will be different: from the river it is an impregnable fortress, from the yard - an open book. Now in the collegium there is a nice museum of Belarusian Polissya, where you can look at non-smelly stuffed animals or sit on a wooden bicycle. Further along the Lenin - the Franciscan monastery with the "Pinsk Madonna" and cool magnets, the Butrimovich Palace (it now has a registry office), the house of the Horde and the campus of Polesye University. The embankment in Pinsk is 2.5 km long - you can walk for a long time with a beautiful view.

How to get there? In three hours you can get there by minibus - prepare € 3 for the fare. Once every two days you can take the evening train - you get off in Minsk at 17.37, at 22.55 you are in Pinsk. Very comfortably!

7. Polissya

Brest region

The largest of the European wetlands, which occupies approximately 30% of the map of Belarus. Terra Incognita is the size of a compact country, with isolated villages and indigenous people, the Poleshuks, who have their own distinct language. To feel all the charm of life in Polissya, you need to wait for the spring flood of Pripyat. The ideal option is to take a boat and sail through the Belarusian villages, which are flooded every spring. Choose to your taste - from Turov to Pinsk.

How to get there? How to get to Pinsk - see above.

THE GRODNO REGION

8. Mir Castle

World, st. Krasnoarmeyskaya, 2

9. Kolozha Church

Grodno, st. Kolozha, 6

The Borisoglebskaya or Kolozhskaya church appeared on a pagan site near the Castle Hill in Grodno as early as the 11th century - this is one of the few buildings of the period of Ancient Rus' in Belarus, however, it was notably rebuilt. The church is not plastered from the outside, and therefore you can look at all the engineering solutions of the then builders. The church stands on the steep bank of the Neman

How to get there? Grodno can be reached from any point in the country by railway - the city is connected with 142 stations in Belarus. Trains leave Minsk several times a day, electrons even more often. There are also buses and minibuses at your disposal (€ 7).

10. Church of the Holy Trinity in Gervyaty

Gervyaty village, Ostrovets district

The highest church in Belarus - 61 meters (24-storey building!), And the only one built according to all the canons of neo-Gothic. It was erected on the site of a wooden church of the 16th century by the architect Alshalovsky. For the construction, a brick backwater was specially organized or eggs were collected from all the surroundings in parallel - they were added to strengthen the lime solution. Slate was specially brought from Germany. Here you can find out what a flying buttress looks like - an outdoor semi-arch that distributes the load from the main wall and stands separately (remember Notre Dame de Paris) - this is completely atypical for Belarus. Be sure to listen to the mass - it is in Belarusian, Polish and Lithuanian, and take a walk in the park - it may even be cooler than the church. By the way, in the vicinity too.

How to get there? The best option, of course, is to travel by car. If this is not possible, go to Astravets, and then hitchhike to Gervyat (via Vornany).

Nemnovo, Grodno region

A shipping canal built in the 19th century to create a route from the Black Sea to the Baltic. There are only two cool engineering structures, thought out so cunningly, for a long time, and preserved almost in their original form - in Great Britain and Sweden. The length of the canal is 101 km, 22 of them are on the territory of Belarus in the border zone. Hello, simplified visa regime! Locks, drawbridges, columns - it's amazing how well everything works. You can ride along the canal on the Neman motor ship, walk along it, go to the canal museum, go kayaking, look at the surviving estate in Svyatsk, created in the 18th century by the Italian architect Giuseppe de Sacco.

How to get there? Start from Minsk by car (direction Volozhin - Lida - Skidel, 327 km). From Grodno you can go by car or bus (Grodno - Goryachki, Grodno - Nemnovo, Grodno - Kaleta, stop "Augustovsky Canal" or "Sonichi").

12. Slonim synagogue

Slonim, st. Soviet, 1

Baroque synagogue from 1642, one of the oldest in the country. The pompous and rich interior decoration has been preserved in the dilapidated building. The synagogue was badly damaged during the war of 1812, but was quickly restored - the Jewish community in Slonim was then considered one of the most powerful in the country. At the end of the 19th century, there were 21 synagogues in the city, and more than 70% of the inhabitants were Jews. In 2000, the building was returned to believers, but no restoration work was carried out. Be sure to look at the stucco molding, aron ha-kadesh and murals - all this is perfectly preserved.

How to get there? Jump into the minibus - you will get home in two and a half hours.

13. Murovanka church-fortress

Murovanka village, Shchuchinsky district

The 600-year-old temple was conceived not only as a place for worship, but also as a defensive structure - in the 16th century it was no different. The church looks like a real castle - two-meter-thick walls, loophole windows, towers. The temple in Murovanka survived many wars and was badly damaged during the Russian-Polish war. In 1882, a powerful restoration was carried out, a bell tower was made on one of the towers. A successful mix of gothic and renaissance, stone, brick and a rose window. Brick, by the way, is special - the "royal lily" - a symbol of the purity of the Mother of God. Historical facts and legends say that many underground passages were dug out of the church - however, it is not clear now where they started and where they led.

How to get there? You can get from Minsk to Shchuchin by bus, the church itself is located 3 km from the village of Mozheikovo.

14. Novogrudok Castle

Novogrudok

Novogrudok is an ancient Belarusian city, which was the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The main point of attraction in the city is the ruins of the castle, which stood here in the 12th century. 6 centuries after the first mention, it was destroyed by the Swedes - almost to the present state. Of all the structures, two walls remained - Kostelnaya and Shield - opposite each other. There is a beautiful view from the Castle Hill - you won't find a better place for a picnic. Be sure to visit the house-museum of Adam Mickiewicz, who was born and lived in Novogrudok, go to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, perfectly preserved in 1714, pay attention to the Boris and Gleb Church, which is already over 500 years old.

How to get there? The best way to get from Minsk is by minibus (€ 2) or by bus, but you should not count on the railway.

15. Church of St. Michael the Archangel

Synkovichi, Zelvensky district

The largest defense-type temple in Belarus. A powerful impregnable church was built in the 15th century - towers, loopholes of not serious height, thick walls - this is a real small castle. The entrance gate, by the way, also deserves attention - it has been preserved since 1880. In walking distance - the building of the estate of the XIX century, which was later turned into a distillery. By the way, the legend about why the place is called Synkovichi is interesting. The temple was built by a father and son. At some point, the son fell from the scaffolding and crashed to death. His father shouted to him in despair: “Son, son!” This is how the name of the village surrounding the church appeared. Above the entrance to the church, you can see a ledge that resembles a coffin lid.

How to get there? It is relatively easy to get to Zelva from Minsk - by regular bus. Further - only by car or a ride.

16. Chetvertinsky Palace

Zheludok village, Shchuchinsky district

One of the most cinematic places in the country - it’s not without reason that the first (and last) Belarusian horror film called Masakra was filmed here. There are cinematic scenery even now: plywood tiles, traces of fire painted on the facade. A movie club with a booth and star symbols remained in the palace from Soviet times.

17. Kreva Castle

Krevo

Perhaps the most picturesque ruins from our guide. The castle in Kreva dates back to the 14th century. These walls have seen a lot: in 1382, Prince Keistut, Vitovt's father, was killed here, in 1385 a union was signed, in the 16th century the castle repelled the attacks of the Tatars and Muscovites, and already in the 19th century it was no longer considered as a sensible fortification and was abandoned. The ruins were mothballed in 1929 - so they still stand.

Listen to the wind blowing between the walls, go to the beautiful church of Alexander Nevsky or a strict church, find the former temple of the pagans - even though Krevo is now considered a village, there are plenty of witnesses of its former greatness.

How to get there? Minsk - Smorgon - bus or train, and then - on a green MAZ regional bus with curtains.

MINSK REGION

18. Nesvizh Castle

Nesvizh

In the 16th century, Nesvizh became the family nest of the Radziwills, the main dynasty in the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. For example, the king of Poland often visited here, and representatives of the magnate family occupied the most important positions in the state. You understand the scale of the buildings - the palace and park complex occupies 90 hectares. In the Nesvizh Castle, you can look at the early Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism and Modernism. Ask them to tell you about the revenge of Bonna Sforza and show you the gilded apostles as tall as a man.

How to get there? You can get to Nesvizh by moving from Minsk along the Brest highway. If you decide to go by bus, you can find the timetable.

19. City of the Sun in Minsk

Minsk

Minsk is a witness and a victim of the imperial ambitions of the Soviet authorities. You can feel it while walking along Independence Avenue - a straight paved arrow that stretches for 15 km and cuts the city in half. The writer Artur Klinov coined the term "City of the Sun" to refer to the Stalinist Empire style in Minsk. Minsk as the main artery of the Big Communist Dream, built in the likeness of Rome. Station Square with a "gate", Lenin Square, Marx, Kirov, Sverdlov streets - a solid building of an ideal city for life, according to the Soviet authorities.

How to get there? We tell in.

20. Khatyn

Khatyn village / Mokrad village, Logoisk district

High-quality Soviet documentary. was created on the site of the village, which was burned by the Nazis during World War II. All the inhabitants were herded into a barn and set on fire - and the same was done with the inhabitants of 628 villages. To prepare for the trip, be sure to check out the 1985 film Come and See directed by Elem Klimov. Information on tickets and opening hours of the complex.

How to get there? If you go by car, you are on the M3 highway (59 km). Public transport does not run - if you hitchhike, you will have to walk 5 km from the highway.

21. Nalibokskaya Pushcha

Volozhinsky district

The largest forest in Belarus - three times the size of Malta! Here is the richest flora, a quarter of the plants are medicinal, many are listed in the Red Book. With animals, too, everything is in order - for example, 29 species of rare birds live here. Pushcha is surrounded by three large rivers - Neman, Berezina and Usoy, and therefore the places here are incredibly picturesque. And not particularly accessible - like Svaneti in Georgia. For example, during World War II, 20,000 people hid in Nalibokskaya Pushcha. Be brave or bold and make a march into the thick of the age-old forest. Be sure to look at Lake Kroman, the Lavryshevsky Monastery founded in the 13th century, the Tyszkiewicz estate in the village of Vyaloye and swim naked in the river - here you can afford it.

How to get there? Your only chance is a car, you can get from Minsk in an hour.

22. Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Strochitsy

Ozertso village, Minsk region

Peasant Belarus in miniature. An open-air museum, which presents the ancient buildings of three regions of Belarus: the Central part, the Poozerye and the Dnieper region. Ethnological research will have to be carried out on the material of the church, parish school, mill, bathhouse and peasant huts. All this is scattered in picturesque fields - do not forget to charge your phone for a photo. For the mood, we advise you to wave the horseradish in the tavern at the entrance!

How to get there? All details are on the website.

GOMEL REGION

23. Gomel park

Gomel

You need to go to the palace and park ensemble in Gomel in the spring, when the huge park turns green and blooms sharply, the Sozh becomes full-flowing, and the evenings are already warm enough to wander thoughtfully near the Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace and look at the dark water. The palace ensemble is the largest piece of historical buildings in size, preserved without violating its solidity. The Russian Empress Catherine II presented Gomel to her favorite Count Rumyantsev for fun, and he lined up on the banks of the Sozh. Then the palace passed to the commander Paskevich, who, by a strong-willed decision, built a whole complex of outbuildings: a hunter's house, a winter garden, several churches. The best preserved landscape park is 24 hectares - you can walk here for half a day if you first refresh yourself with Gomel chocolate "Spartak" with 90% cocoa.

24. Gerard's Manor

Demyanki, Dobrush region

Nice homestead with pseudo-Russian style - in the resettlement zone. The red brick building was built at the expense of a Russian official, the Governor-General of Finland, Nikolai Gerard, in the second half of the 19th century. The estate stands on a hillock crossed by a moat - a bridge plays a decorative role, a park with rare species of trees has been perfectly preserved and amazing silence. If you are looking for a place where there will definitely not be tourists - you are here. By the way, you can get here completely legally.

How to get there? You can get to Radunitsa - then they let you in without a pass. The rest of the time, the pass must be issued in Dobrush. To get to Dobrush, buy train tickets Minsk - Gomel, and then go by train or suburban bus.

25. Museum of the Old Believers

Vetka, Red Square, 5

In the 17th century, the city of Vetka was chosen by the persecuted Old Believers. Pathologically tolerant Belarusians did not touch them, and therefore Old Believer icons, manuscripts and printed books of the 16th-19th centuries, collections of fabrics and household items are still preserved here in excellent condition. The museum is interactive - here, for example, you can learn traditional weaving.

How to get there? How to get to Gomel, and then take a suburban bus - you need to overcome only 22 km.

MOGILEV REGION

26. Bobruisk fortress

Bobruisk

This powerful fortification is a planned construction in preparation for the war with Napoleon. For its construction, they actually destroyed the city that existed here before. The fortress nevertheless withstood a long siege by the French, and after the war served as a prison. Rumor has it that in one of the forts of the Bobruisk fortress there is an egg-shaped cell in which the prisoners went crazy after a couple of weeks of confinement. It was not for nothing that Herzen, recalling Bobruisk, wrote: "Let Siberia, let it be anything, but not this terrible prison on the Berezina River." Now it’s just fun to climb the fortress that has grown into the ground, for example, to visit an abandoned guardhouse, rebuilt from a Jesuit church. Now the fortress is 7 bastions stretched over an area of ​​several kilometers. Some are concreted, others can be climbed up and down. Grab a flashlight! The fortress burned several times, and therefore do not wear dress pants - you can get dirty in soot. A couple of steps from the fortress, it seems, aliens have landed. In fact, this is the Bobruisk Ice Arena for 7,000 spectators.

How to get there? An hour and a half by train from Minsk on the trendy Stadler train (or 2 on a regular train) - and you are already walking around the colorful Bobruisk and trying to count all the mentions of beavers. The second option is to go by bus or private minibus.

27. Manor of the count family of Tolstoy

Grudinovka village, Bykhovsky district

One of the most beautiful and mysterious places in the country is the Tolstoy count's house. And although Lev Nikolaevich never made it home, it’s worth a look at the estate. A two-story manor with domes, columns, a grand staircase and an open terrace overlooking the park awaits you. Wander around the 10-hectare park, find here the Siberian cedar, which has been growing here for more than 100 years, take a walk around the palace - quite recently a school and a sanatorium for sick children were located here, and therefore the walls painted green and the soviet wardrobe with numbers were preserved here - a strange contrast with

Many travelers planning to travel to Belarus for the first time are wondering if they need a passport to enter. Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a passport to travel to the Republic of Belarus. You can also enter Belarus by presenting a passport, but no marks will be put on it. The Western European architecture of the cities of Belarus will allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of old Europe even for those travelers who do not have a passport.

Usually, excursions in Belarus start from the capital of the country, the city of Minsk. A trip to Minsk from Moscow by car will take approximately 12 hours. It is also possible to get from Moscow by train, you will have to spend about 9-10 hours on the way. The fastest way to travel from Moscow to Minsk is by plane. Direct flights are carried out daily by several airlines.
You can exchange Russian rubles for Belarusian rubles at any bank branch or currency exchange office. You will need to present your passport or international passport with which you entered the country. One Russian ruble is equal to approximately 275 Belarusian.

A trip by car to Belarus will be especially interesting. You can rent a car in Minsk. This will give you complete freedom of movement and the opportunity to travel to any part of Belarus. The cost of renting a car at the airport depends on the rental period and starts from 350,000 rubles per day.

Cheap hotels in most cities are located near the railway station. You can check into a budget hotel from 140,000 rubles per bed. Hotels offer private rooms from 350,000 rubles.

The most interesting objects of Minsk are:

• City Hall.
• Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
• Church of St. Simeon and St. Helena, Virgin Mary, St. Roch.
• The ensemble of the former monasteries of the Bernardines and Bernardines, St. Elizabeth's Monastery.

• Trinity suburb.
• Churches of Peter and Paul, Alexander Nevsky, Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist and the chapel of all Belarusian saints.
• Pishchalovsky castle.
• National Library of Belarus.

Where to go in Minsk in winter is to the skating rink, which is filled in front of the Palace of the Republic, and also to visit the Silichi ski resort, 30 km from Minsk. In addition, the Khatyn memorial complex is located 50 km north of Minsk. The cost of visiting is 40,000 rubles for adults, 25,000 for students.

Mir Castle is one of those places where you should definitely go, especially if you are traveling around Belarus by car. It is located 90 km from Minsk. Mir Castle is the easternmost Gothic architectural complex in Europe. Since 2000, it has been part of the UNESCO cultural heritage.

To enter the Mir Castle you need a ticket, its cost is 200,000 rubles. On the territory of the castle there is a restaurant and a hotel with room rates starting from a million rubles, so those who want to save money should go here for one day, returning to the hotel in Minsk in the evening or continue their journey towards the city of Nesvizh.

The next place to visit by car is Nesvizh Castle. This castle complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located 30 km from the Mir Castle, so both castles can be seen in one day. When visiting Nesvizh Castle, you can stay in the city of Nesvizh. A small private hotel will cost from 180,000 rubles for a single room. Nesvizh Castle also has a hotel on its territory.

The castle is open to visitors daily, in summer from 9.30 to 18.30, in winter - from 9.00 to 18.00. You will also need a ticket, ticket prices: 50,000 rubles for children, 100,000 for adults. It is possible to visit Nesvizh Castle for free, on the last Monday of any month. Nesvizh Castle is also famous for the oldest town hall in Belarus, the entrance to it is paid separately, and the church of the Body of God.

If, thinking about where to go next, you decide to move west, then you should visit Grodno. It is quite easy to go to Grodno by car from anywhere in Belarus, the roads here are good. There will be no problem finding a hotel. There are many offers from private individuals at the station, the prices offered there are very loyal. The hotel will cost an average of 350,000 rubles.

Where to go in Grodno is to museums. There are seven of them, the average price for an entrance ticket for adults is 15,000 - 30,000 rubles, for schoolchildren - 10,000 - 20,000. In general, the main sights of Grodno can be seen in one day. These include:

• The old castle is a medieval palace.
• New Castle - located opposite the Old Castle.
• The Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier is a Catholic church in the Baroque style.

The historical center of Grodno is a pleasant place for walking. Many different European styles are intertwined in the architectural ensembles of the center of Grodno, so a trip to Belarus can give a unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of old Europe, but you won’t even need a passport.

Brest is located on the border with Poland and is one of the five oldest cities in Belarus. In the presence of a Schengen visa and taking a passport with them, tourists get the opportunity to travel to Poland. Here's what to see in Brest will be the most interesting:

• Brest fortress-hero. To see it, you need a ticket, admission prices: 30,000 rubles for adults, 15,000 for students.
• Archaeological Museum Berestye. Entrance ticket for adults - 20,000 rubles, for schoolchildren - 10,000. Every second Wednesday of the month, the museum is open to visitors free of charge.
• St. Simeon Cathedral.
• Holy Cross Church.

Budget hotels in Brest offer beds from 200,000 rubles. It is possible to check into an inexpensive hotel from 250,000 rubles per room.

Another place worth visiting when visiting Brest is the National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha", which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are hotels and guest houses on the territory of the reserve. The cost of rooms is on average from 500,000 rubles. In winter, there is a Santa Claus house for children.

In the north of Belarus, it is worth visiting the city of Vitebsk - the cultural capital of the country. From what to see in Vitebsk and where to go, it is worth highlighting such objects as:

• City Hall.
• Governor's Palace.
• Art Museum.
• Chagall Museum and Exhibition Complex.
• The building of the regional executive committee, which previously housed the women's diocesan school.
• Victory Square is the largest in Belarus.
• Churches and cathedrals of the 18th - 19th centuries.

Renting a hotel in the city is quite simple, but prices in Vitebsk are somewhat overpriced. When choosing a budget hotel, you should count on a bed from 180,000 rubles.

DAY 1: MINSK
We arrived in Minsk on a rainy May morning and immediately went to the VIVA hotel to leave our things. A huge plus of the hostel is that it is within walking distance from the train station, in a fairly convenient location. We booked places in advance, as everything is usually busy during the May holidays. At a cost - about 600 rubles per person in a quadruple room.

If you check in before 12, you can leave your luggage in the luggage room.
The main disadvantage of the hostel is very little space. There is no separate kitchen, the refrigerator and microwave are located right in the corridor, and you have to have breakfast at low, uncomfortable coffee tables near the entrance and reception.

The bunk beds are very low, you can't sit on the first floor, just lie down. There are only two showers combined with toilets for the entire hostel, so getting to the toilet in the morning is quite difficult. On the plus side, very good comfortable mattresses and friendly staff.
Last year I was also in Minsk, but we stayed at the Jazz Hostel. There is much more space in Jazz, a spacious cozy kitchen, at a cost we got about 350 rubles. per person in a 9-bed room (it was not the season and we lived in a 9-bed room alone). But there is one significant minus that covers all the pluses - it is very far from the center. First you need to go by tram for 20-30 minutes to the end, then go through the private sector for another 10-15 minutes.

Leaving our things, we went for a walk around the city with Zmitser. This is just a wonderful person and an excellent guide who knows almost everything about Belarus. Zmitser (and in Russian Dima) studies at the Belarusian State University with a degree in History of Belarus, knows all the most interesting places, can answer any question about Belarus and loves his country so much that he infects others with it :-) It was he who invited me to see Belarus last year (then we went along the Minsk-Gomel-Polotsk-Vitebsk route), and I liked it so much that I wanted to return this year. Here is a link to his page: http://by.holiday.by/gid/111

Since it was raining on the first day of our trip, Dima suggested a route that runs indoors as much as possible.
Coming out of the railway station to the gates of Minsk and turning left, we ended up at the Belarusian State University at the Faculty of International Relations. Entrance to all Belarusian universities is free, and we calmly climbed to the last floor (I think the 12th), where a wonderful panorama of the Station Square opens (on the right is the railway station, on the left is the gates of Minsk):

And from below the gates of Minsk look like this:

The gate was built in 1954, each tower has 4 sculptures: a worker, a collective farmer, an engineer and a soldier (the sculptures were dismantled in the 70s)

From the gate it is convenient to walk to the main square of the city - Nezalezhnosti (Independence) Square. On the square are the Government House, the Belarusian State Pedagogical University, Lenin (and how could it be without him!), the Main Post Office, the Red Church, and underground the Stolitsa shopping center, which is very reminiscent of Okhotny Ryad in Moscow.
BSPU building:

One of the unusual places in Minsk is the National Library of Belarus. According to the site "Village of Joy", which evaluates the most amazing, interesting, fantastic and incomprehensible things in the world, the National Library in Minsk entered the TOP 50 of the most unusual buildings in the world and took 24th place. And according to the American magazineTravel + Leisure library has been included in the list of the ugliest buildings in the world.

Books inside the library move in small boxes-trains under the ceiling. When you enter, you can’t even believe that you are in the library. Travelers need to issue a one-time pass on their passport. The building hosts many exhibitions, tours to the observation deck. But there is nothing special to see there - the building is located on the outskirts (Metro Vostok"), there are only gray residential areas around). But the exhibitions are quite interesting. Now it is a year of frugality in Belarus, so such posters are hung everywhere:

In the evening, the library building looks rather unusual, like a big New Year's toy:

DAY 2: MINSK
Walking around the center of Minsk is great - wherever you turn, you will find something interesting everywhere.

It is especially interesting to walk along the Trinity suburb, the historical center of Minsk. And although all the houses here have been restored and do not give the impression of old ones, the atmosphere is still somehow special, not the same as in other parts of the city:

Near the Trinity Suburb, you can ride a catamaran on the Svisloch River, it's inexpensive, however, there are restrictions on where you can sail and where you can't. And when we began to explore the route, it turned out that it was practically impossible to swim anywhere except around the Isle of Tears.

Ducks chased us in the hope that we would treat them to something.

And the fishermen were happy to be photographed

We got to Easter

In Minsk, Orthodox churches coexist with Catholic ones, it seems that Catholics and Orthodox are about the same, although according to official data in Belarus, 80% are Orthodox and 14% are Catholics

The shopping center on Nemiga (Nemiga is an underground river) still has a Soviet atmosphere, as if from childhood. But for shopping, in my opinion, Belarus is not the best place. And although it is generally accepted that Belarusian things are quite high quality (this is indeed true), but the models are most often some kind of outdated, as if from the Soviet Union, and it is quite difficult to find something really beautiful (but if you set yourself such a goal, you can).

It is an amazing fact that the sights of Belarus a month ago were not even considered in my life rhythm, and I did not even think about an independent trip by car around Belarus to its monuments and interesting places.

But the circumstances so developed that in early April I decided to go for the weekend to Minsk, the capital of Belarus on. And already in the process of preparing for this trip, an idea came up about the sights of Belarus, and about the possibility of a car trip around this country.

Suddenly, school memories of the beauties of Belovezhskaya Pushcha and the legendary Brest Fortress surfaced in my memory. After analyzing the Minsk-Brest route, I found many more interesting places that could also be easily seen along the way by car.

This is how my excursion route gradually developed, in which in just one week I managed to visit many amazing historical and modern places, walk through ancient parks and climb narrow stone stairs in the ancient towers of knightly castles, see many unusual representatives of the animal world and even meet a fairy tale in the person of such an unusual character as Santa Claus! 🙂

Well, now about everything in order ... To learn more about any excursion or tourist site, you can follow the link.

It was in the spring. Nature gradually came to its senses after a winter sleepy state. In the suburbs, on a gloomy early April morning, it was raining. The airfield of Vnukovo airport and the planes weeping on it also looked sad.

Flight UT835 on the Moscow-Minsk route from UTair departed as scheduled. At 10 o'clock in the morning we boarded a small plane. Outside the windows, the Moscow morning was still frowning, and in my soul, oddly enough, it was sunny and a little exciting in front of the unknown.

This always happens at the very beginning of the trip. And this is the feeling that, probably, so attracts to itself in every journey.

The flight lasted only 1 hour 20 minutes, and I took up a more detailed study of the details of the preliminary route of my independent trip. Initial actions, such as transfer from the airport, renting an apartment in Minsk, booking a car, I carried out at home. But the whole excursion program was not yet completely thought out.

What can you see in Belarus by car? Before me were interesting sights of Belarus and the general direction where I would like to go. And where I would stop, how long it would take to inspect each object, what day I would be in what place - it was still very foggy.

Day 1-4. Hello Minsk city

First Impressions

And now I'm already there, at the international airport of the Belarusian capital, in Minsk. It is also cloudy here, but dry and warmer.

First of all, I decide to acquire local currency. Money in Belarus is generally a special conversation. Getting full-fledged millions for your Russian rubles ... that's cool! You immediately feel like if not a Rockefeller, then at least his relative. 😀

Having given 10 thousand Russian rubles, I received almost 3 million Belarusian rubles in return.

It turned out that this is a very pleasant experience - "rustling" millions. 😆

It's good to have friends! Especially in the places where you plan to visit. My old friend met me at the airport and very quickly took me to the capital, telling me about the main subtleties and secrets of Belarusian life as well as any guide. 🙂

The first impression from the view outside the windows is amazing cleanliness! And this despite the fact that here, too, is still the off-season, that is, fresh grass does not close the winter debris. There is simply nothing to hide here. In contrast to the Russian routes - it looks amazing!

We got to Minsk very comfortably, and I went to meet the owner of my rented apartment. A little more about renting a house and a car, as well as traveling by public transport and taxis, I will tell at the end of this article.

I spent the first 4 days in Minsk: 2 of them were mainly devoted to learning, and the rest of the time I just walked around the city. She came to the apartment in the evening, only to spend the night. I wanted to see so many things that I said to myself: “I will have a rest at home.”

Now let's move on to the sights. In addition, all of them are indicated on the map at the bottom of this article, it will be easier to navigate what and where is located and how easier it is to get to each attraction.

And I will start my review of the trip with a trip to.

City walks

Independence of Belarus

Perhaps it would be more logical to start it from the main square of the city - Independence Square (or, as it is funnyly called in Belarusian, Nezalezhnosti). What a beauty around!

Over the entire long history, the square has changed its name 14 times. Until 1991, it was, like all central city squares, Lenin Square. Now, decorated with fountains, it attracts the attention of tourists with its unique beauty. And the locals like to take a walk here in the evening, when the lights turn on, and the square is illuminated with delightful light.

A huge shopping center with a parking lot has been built underground here. Independence Square gives rise to Independence Avenue, which runs almost through the entire city. Here is the main building of the country - the Government House.

The first Belarusian skyscraper is how Minsk residents proudly and respectfully call this building. There is still a seven-meter monument to V.I. Lenin in front of the entrance. During the war years, the monument was destroyed, but after the capitulation of the Germans, it was quickly restored. And the building itself, as well as the nearby Catholic Church of Saints Simon and Helena, became one of the few buildings that survived the war years without much damage.

Catholic church with a sad history

Nearby stands the Church of Saints Simeon and Helena, built entirely of red brick.

In memory of two children who died early from illness, it was built with their own money by inconsolable parents - Edward and Olimpia Voinilovichi. Once Elena saw this beautiful building in a dream, and in the morning she painted it. And now it is rightfully considered one of the decorations of the Belarusian capital.

If you're nearby, be sure to go inside. It is very beautiful and a little mysterious here. Beautiful sculptures, bronze details of the temple, superbly painted walls and vaults, amazing stained glass windows - all this creates a solemn atmosphere. And in combination with organ music, one of the oldest in Europe, it is simply an amazing experience.

The temple contains one of the seven copies of the Shroud of Turin. An extensive library of old books has been collected. The ashes of the founder of the church, Edward Voynilovich, are also buried here. Right at the entrance there is a statue where the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of Belarus, pierces the winged serpent of darkness with his sword.

Right there, very close by, is another monument "The Bell of Nagasaki", it was erected in memory of those who died in nuclear disasters. Very dramatic!

Belarusian Bastille

Now it carries out the death penalty for criminals - execution. Quite unusual: a shooting in the center of a metropolis... though! “Crosses” in St. Petersburg, Lubyanka with its cellars in the center of Moscow…

fertile place

Next, your attention will undoubtedly be attracted by the white stone.

This majestic building was originally built as a Catholic church. But over time, after a small repair, it became Orthodox. In addition to other Orthodox shrines, the icon of the Mother of God, now called Minsk, is kept in the cathedral.

It was once written by the holy apostle Luke. Many events happened in the life of the icon, she visited many churches. According to legend, she sailed to Minsk along the Svisloch River and was placed, not immediately of course, in the Holy Spirit Cathedral. And now this miraculous Image helps everyone who turns to him for help in difficult life situations.

And so I went to the embankment of the jumper (this is how the word “beauty” will sound in Belarusian) Svisloch! How beautiful it is here!

The birds are singing, the sun is shining, making the water surface shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. Gulls fly and cry, ducks swim near the shore. If you have a desire and a bun in your purse, then you can feed them, then they will swim closer.

Beautiful weather and, which is immediately very noticeable, perfect cleanliness and order around! And not only here! It is immediately clear that the janitors are conscientiously doing their job, and Minsk residents, of course, care about the cleanliness of their hometown. Well done!

Blessed memory of the heroes!

A small figured bridge leads to an artificial island located not far from the shore. A monument to soldiers who died on the battlefields has recently been opened here. At first, this monument was conceived as a tribute to those who died in Afghanistan.

But, unfortunately, there were many more terrible events in the world where Belarusian soldiers took part. This monument is dedicated to all of them.

The figurine of a small Weeping Angel, who cries inconsolably for those who died, who could not return to their beloved and loving wife, mother or bride, is very touchingly made.

Trinity suburb - history and legends

Directly opposite is a very beautiful place in which the spirit of old Minsk is still preserved. This Trinity Suburb is the historical center of the city.

There are a lot of benches to sit, breathe fresh air and a large number of all kinds of cafes and restaurants. And yet such beauty is hidden in the greenery of trees.

"Girl with an owl" is considered a symbol of the Trinity suburb. The girl is holding an owl, and she herself is standing on a branch of a flowering fern, a lizard is sitting near her feet. The whole sculpture is located on a large stone, and two more lie nearby. There are only three - a place called Troitskoye.

According to the existing legend, it is at this place that every poet or artist must make a choice for himself what is more important to him:

• girl personifying the muse;
• the owl is a symbol of wisdom;
• flowering branch - a symbol of glory;
• the lizard is a symbol of wealth.

What choice would you make?

And here's another ... The first public toilet of the city is located very close. Yes, yes, sorry. I will now tell you what it attracts special attention. According to the existing legend, in 1912 a very famous architect Senkevich built a palace for a noble count. But he refused to pay, and did not pay a penny for the work.

Then the angry architect decided to take revenge on the greedy count and built a public toilet in Alexander Square with his own money. An exact reduced copy of the same castle. Now in this small house they sell tickets to the Yanka Kupala Theater. But from 1912 to 2012 - exactly one hundred years - it was used for its original purpose.

The pride of contemporaries is the Belarusian “Diamond of Knowledge”

Of course, I really wanted to take a closer look at the famous National Library of Belarus. I was very interested in this unusual structure.

Indeed, the shape of the library building resembles a cut diamond. The “Diamond of Knowledge”, as the Belarusians also call it, contains 9 million book volumes. This unique building is equipped with the latest technology.

For children there is a playroom, and for adults there is a special room for relaxation, there are gyms, a cafe and a restaurant.

An observation deck is equipped at a height of 73 meters, from where you can admire the beautiful views of Minsk.

In the evening, the backlight turns on, and the facade of the building turns into a huge multi-colored screen. The spectacle is amazing!

Day 5. On the way to Brest

My training is over, and the main sights of Minsk have been studied. Now you can safely go for new adventures! The issue with the car rental was resolved very successfully the day before, and it is waiting for me under the windows of my rented apartment.

Details about renting housing, cars and other necessary things, I will tell at the end of the article.

In the morning, having collected things, throwing a farewell glance at the awakening Minsk

and saying goodbye to the hostess, I leave Minsk on a rented car in the direction of Brest. The main goal of today is Belovezhskaya Pushcha, about which so much has been heard over the years of life in the Soviet Union.

And just now my old dream of walking through the protected forest, looking at live bison is starting to come true. I described my route in more detail in.

In total for today I have driven 447 kilometers. And here are the sights that we managed to look at along the way.

Nesvizh - the patrimony of the Radziwills

Nesvizh Castle

Moving along an excellent highway, I turn to Nesvizh, about which many reviews have been read.

And now, having overcome 120 km from Minsk, I am on the spot. In the city, I am met by beautiful swans and the striking of the clock on the city tower in the city center. Every 15 minutes they remind you of the past tense.

The small town of Nesvizh has been known for a very long time. But it began to develop especially rapidly when it began to belong in 1533 to Jan Radziwill, a representative of the majestic, influential and very wealthy family of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

For centuries, the Radziwills owned vast lands, they owned towns and cities. Kings without a crown - that's what their compatriots called them.

Indeed, the Radziwills occupied the highest state and military positions. The opinion of the representatives of this clan influenced the fate of the entire state. And their untold wealth would be the envy of the king himself.

4 parks surround the Nesvizh Castle of the Radziwills. And each has its own history, its own, in a special way, decorated territory, its own monuments, original sculptures, its own legends.

So I took a walk in these parks.

Very beautiful, young leaves bloom on the trees, the birds sing.

But cold…

Brest Fortress - Citadel of Courage

On June 22, 1941, the soldiers of the Brest Fortress were the first to come under fire from the Nazis and for more than a month, completely surrounded, without food and water, without medicines and ammunition, held the line, not letting the Nazis go further.

After the war, the fortress was not fully restored. For an eternal reminder to the descendants of the feat of the defenders of the Motherland, a whole memorial complex was created here, and the Eternal Flame burns without fading.

On November 3-4, 2016, the memorial complex celebrated memorable dates. The Defense Museum is 60 years old! And the State Institution Memorial Complex “Brest Fortress-Hero! — 45!

Brest is a city of unusual museums

And about 900 species of plants grow in the reserve, including rare and endangered species. Some trees are over 500 years old. 227 species of birds delight visitors with their beauty and iridescent singing.

But the biggest pride of Bialowieza is the bison living here.

Today, there is the largest population of these forest giants in Europe. And, among other things, I was surprised by the fantastically clean air in Pushcha. I have not seen such an amount of oxygen anywhere else! Just a fairy tale!

Belarusian Father Frost lives here

By the way, there is a fairy tale here too! Believe it or not, but here, in Belovezhskaya Pushcha, in his wonderful residence, Father Frost lives and gladly receives numerous guests with his assistants.

The estate of a good wizard includes the owner's own house with workshops where gifts are made; the house where the Snow Maiden lives; a magic well that grants wishes; a windmill that grinds everything bad, sculptural figures of heroes of favorite fairy tales and much, much more.

At any time of the year, guests are absolutely always welcome here. Previously, an incomparable spruce grew here for more than 120 years. Its height was 40 meters. Unfortunately, she died a few years ago. But a new young beauty has been planted in its place. Children and adults are happy to dance around her.

In the residence of Father Frost, you can take part in funny games and contests, taste the most delicious potato pancakes and other national dishes.

You definitely won't be bored! So if you're in the area, be sure to check it out! Santa Claus lives about 10 km from the main entrance to the reserved forest!

The way of the Belarusian family in the museum of the village of Pererov

The Museum of Folk Life and Ancient Technologies is another interesting place that I managed to visit here. It is located in the village of Pererov. This museum complex was created on the basis of an old manor of the 19th century, which was restored in the spirit of that time and filled with things that no rural family could do without.

Every corner of the house used to have its own purpose. Be sure to have icons in the house - the image of the Savior and the image of the Virgin. Each member of the family had their own rights and obligations. Men and women have their own trades. For example, in a museum, your attention will be drawn to an old loom for weaving. This art is currently included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of Belarus.

And here you will be treated to the most real moonshine. This is one of the few places in Belarus where moonshine is officially allowed, and there is a license for the moonshine still installed here.

Here you will learn about all this, about the traditions and customs of our ancestors.

Day 8. Belovezhskaya Pushcha - Kossovo - Ruzhany - Synkovichi - Zhirovichi - Baranovichi

So the time has come for my departure from the amazing nature reserve. Belovezhskaya Pushcha did not disappoint, but, on the contrary, fascinated me even more. And now I want to go back there even more.

Well, my path now lies in the direction of Minsk. But on the way, Belarus prepared many more sights for me. These are amazing and Orthodox shrines. It is difficult to do everything in one day, so I plan to stretch my road to the capital for 2 days.

During this day, I traveled 389 km from Belovezhskaya Pushcha to the place of my overnight stay in the city of Baranovichi.

Kossovsky Palace "Knight's Dreams"

And in Kosovo there is a castle that once belonged to the magnates Puslovsky. For its luxurious interior decoration and external grandeur, it was called the "Knight's Dream".

The palace had some features that made it inimitable and unique. For example, in the Main Hall the floor was made of glass. And you could see fish swimming under it. Under the floor was a huge aquarium.

A lion lived in the castle. At night, the owners released him, and he freely moved throughout the palace.

Throughout its history, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. He received very severe damage in a multi-day fire during the Great Patriotic War. It is currently under renovation and is scheduled to be completed in 2018. But even now!

Directly opposite, on the shore of the lake is the estate of Tadeusz Kosciuszko - the national hero of the four countries he visited: Belarus, Poland, Lithuania and the USA, and also an honorary citizen of France. Now he would be called a professional revolutionary. The house in which he was born and lived for some time has been made into a museum of the hero.

This is a two-storey house with 8 rooms. Near the house there is a huge stone with a commemorative plaque in honor of Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The museum contains items found during excavations at this site, which once belonged to the Kosciuszko family.

A collection of stamps dedicated to Tadeusz, a copy of his saber and other valuables. Here you can buy souvenirs, participate in various events and ... get married. Yes, now you can officially register a marriage here.

By the way, this place is amazing! Welcome to visit .

Ruzhany and its castle-fortress

And here is the town of Ruzhany, known since the 15th century. In 1598, it was bought by the famous politician, the creator of the Statute - the code of laws of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania - Lev Sapega. He built a grandiose palace here, which combined elements of a fortress and a luxurious castle.

The entire treasury of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the weapons arsenal, documents of state importance, food supplies and barrels of wine were stored in the huge cellars of the palace.

Many times the castle was rebuilt and changed owners. At one time, the pride of the palace was the presence of a theater within its walls. The theater troupe consisted of 60 actors and 40 musicians. The theater productions were famous all over Europe. Noble guests were often received in the palace: kings, ambassadors of distant countries and other celebrities. According to legend, there was an underground passage that connected Ruzhany Castle and Kossovsky.

Zhirovichi Monastery

For more than 500 years, the Holy Assumption Monastery in Zhirovichi has existed. And his story began with a small icon on a stone, which is currently one of the most revered in the world of Orthodoxy.

According to legend, once upon a time, shepherds saw an unusual radiance in the crown of trees. It was a small Image of the Mother of God, which the shepherds took to the owner of the land. A little later, a temple was built on this site. Thus began the history of the monastery.

Today it is a whole architectural complex, famous not only in Belarus, but also far beyond its borders. Never, in its entire long history, the temple has closed its doors to pilgrims.

Now the complex combines, 2 churches, a bell tower, the Theological Academy and Seminary and other buildings adjacent to them. The House of the Pilgrim was also built, where people who come to pray to the miraculous icon can, if necessary, rest and spend the night.

Well, my overnight stay is planned in the city of Borovichi, where I booked an apartment. Tomorrow I will continue my route with renewed vigor.

Day 9. Mir Castle - history and modernity

Mir Castle, built in the 16th century, rises in the Grodno region of Belarus.

The construction was started by a wealthy landowner Yuri Ilyinich. But after his death, 4 of his sons also did not live long. One was poisoned, the other died of an illness - so the Ilyinich family died out. And the Radziwills began to own the castle. But they, after a while, sold it. The last owner of the castle died in 1938, and since then it has been in a state of neglect.

A whole trail of fantastic legends and scary stories envelops the beautiful castle. This is also a legend about a stone that looks like a ram's head, which, according to some laws of magic, is called upon to protect the castle and its owners; a story about a cut down garden and a brutal reprisal for it; ghost stories, yes, there are more than one; and of course about the countless treasures hidden somewhere here. There is such a mysterious place in Belarus.

Dudutki - is it from the word "dutki"?

In the afternoon, I part with the car that I rented and which for a whole week was my faithful assistant. Therefore, I am going on the next excursion as part of a tourist group.

While our bus is driving to the museum complex, the guide talks about Minsk and other sights of Belarus. How interesting it is to listen to him now, when I have just visited many objects personally, and the impressions are still so fresh! I am happy to immerse myself in my memories of an independent trip.

The Dudutki Museum Complex is located 40 km from Minsk, in the Pukhovichi district. Here you can get acquainted with the crafts of our ancestors, try dishes according to old recipes, ride horses and even fly on an airplane.

So much is presented here that in 2 hours, allotted to us by the guide, it is impossible to do everything! Read on for details on how you can have fun at.

So the time that I could devote to a trip around Belarus ended. It's time to go home. It's a bit of a pity, I would like to stay here for a few more days - there are so many more interesting things to see! But after all, nothing prevents me from coming here again, and maybe not alone.

What passport do you need

Do I need a passport to travel to Belarus? This is the first question that, for sure, is asked by everyone who plans to visit Belarus for the first time.

The very good news is that Russians do not need a foreign passport to enter Belarus. Enough Russian. A visa is also not needed when crossing the border, even a stamp is not put in the passport.

The only important point. If you issue tickets, for example, for an airplane, and indicate the data of a foreign document, then in this case you will need to present it when boarding. If the data is indicated from a Russian passport, then other identity documents will not be required for Russian citizens.

And for citizens of other countries, a visa can be obtained directly at the National Airport of Minsk, after sending your documents here. But, of course, it is better to clarify all these questions in advance.

Where and how to rent a house in Belarus

It turned out that renting an apartment in Minsk is very simple. Through you can book a room in numerous hotels, and on the service you can choose accommodation in any area of ​​the city. By the way, it turns out much cheaper than a hotel room. And if you travel not alone, but in a company, then the benefit is very significant.

I rented a very comfortable apartment in Minsk near the metro.

From here it was possible to get to any point of the city by any means of transport, and in 20 minutes walk to the center. Hotels in this area were much more expensive.

But, having returned back to Minsk from my car trip, I booked the hotel "". It was located far from the center, but its location and cost suited me quite well, since I could easily move around in a rented car.

In other cities of Belarus, you can also rent a house, but here the choice will be smaller. Here is my apartment in the city of Baranovichi.

I liked its location: close to the highway. It was very convenient to spend the night and hit the road again in the morning.

I wrote in detail about the amazing hotel complex on the territory of Belovezhskaya Pushcha.

Transport in Minsk

Transport links in the capital of Belarus are excellent. Buses and trolleybuses, numerous minibuses run around the city. There is also intercity communication. But I had no “communication” with this type of transport.

I enjoyed using the metro, which was the easiest way to get to any desired point in the city.

For a tourist who has got into the Belarusian subway for the first time, it is very easy to navigate: there are only 2 branches: red and blue. All stations are quite clearly called, although they are written in the local language.

It is also very convenient to use a taxi. They work according to the meter, and if you go for short distances, you get 1 trip around the city within 200-300 Russian rubles.

I also booked a return transfer to the airport. In this case, the taxi cost me 390,000 Belarusian rubles. (this is 1320 Russian rubles or $20)

You can get to the Minsk National Airport and back more budget by train (for only 25,000 Belarusian rubles). This is what the poster says.

In this case, you arrive from the airport to the Minsk railway station, from where you can already get to the desired place in the city by public transport. The big disadvantage is that these trains run infrequently.

Car rental in Minsk

Of course, it is most convenient to travel by car, and in Minsk you can easily rent a car for any convenient period. Having studied the prices in different rental offices, I settled on a company with an optimistic name: Maya the Bee.

Why car rental is called so unusual, it turned out later when I signed the lease. It turned out that this office was registered at the IP Pchelka Denis Viktorovich. These are the positive surnames in Belarus. 🙂

To get a car, it is enough to have a driver's license, make a copy of a Russian passport, and sign an agreement! Yes, and do not forget, of course, to pay! But not only the amount specified in the contract. There is also an additional deposit, which in my case amounted to 10,000 Russian rubles (it was returned at the end of the lease).

And here are the keys to the silver Peugeot 206 in my hands.

When renting a car, there were some surprises: the condition was to drive no more than 350 km per day. First time I hear this! Well, okay, I was, in general, satisfied. I don't get that far in a week. After all, the longest distances are from Minsk to Brest and back, all other sights can be seen along the way, only briefly deviating from the main route.

If, as a result, it would not be possible to meet these limits, then you would have to pay extra $ 10 for every extra 350 km per day.

The cost of the 95th gasoline in the country, on average, amounted to 40 Russian rubles per 1 liter ($0.6).

There was also unexpected news about the terms of the lease, which I had not encountered before when booking a car abroad.

It turns out that the car must be returned perfectly clean or you will have to pay extra $ 25 to the rental price. Fortunately, there was a car wash near the hotel where I lived the last few days. And for $ 5 there the car was perfectly washed. 🙂

How much does a vacation cost (results and prices)

This time, according to my subjective feelings, the total cost of the trip was quite high. No, prices in Belarus are quite acceptable, and in some places even lower than European ones, and even more so Russian ones. It's just that this time I traveled alone, so all the costs were solely at my expense.

Indeed, for example, accommodation and car rental cost almost the same: for one, for two people. And the costs in the 2nd case are easily divided in half.

Excursion program:

1. Entrance tickets to all attractions cost me 1620 rubles.
2. Booked excursions, including audio guides - 4320 rubles.

And here are the results:

Money has come and gone, they are no longer remembered. And here are the impressions of a great time spent! And after all, this is the most important thing, why people seek to travel! 🙂

The map below shows all the sights of Belarus, where I managed to visit. You can see more about each of them.