Address:
- Mogilev region, Mogilev region, Duleby Island Hydrological Reserve
In the east of Belarus, in the Mogilev region, between the Olsa and Drut rivers, lies one of the country’s most unique natural areas – the republican reserve Duleby Islands. This forest and wetland complex, covering more than 26,000 hectares, was established in 1998 and today holds international Ramsar status as a wetland of global importance. For travelers and researchers alike, it is valued for its rich flora and fauna, picturesque landscapes, and historical landmarks.
Where nature has preserved its primeval beauty
Until 1993, the territory of the future reserve was part of the Drutsk military training ground. Ironically, this helped nature remain untouched, as the land was spared from intensive farming or logging. Today, visitors can still find here what is disappearing elsewhere in Belarus: vast raised and transitional bogs, ancient pine forests, and rare plants listed in the Red Book of Belarus.
At the heart of the reserve are the Dulebskoye and Velikoye bogs. They play a crucial role in maintaining the region’s water balance, feeding a cascade of rivers such as the Dolzhanka, Dulebka, Vshivka, Terebol, and others. The reserve also shelters small lakes, the best known being Lake Padozerishche and Lake Druchanskoye.
Forests, bogs and berry treasures
Most of the reserve is covered by forests dominated by pine, spruce, and birch groves. Many trees are more than a hundred years old, and in summer and autumn the woodland is rich in natural gifts. In June, bilberries and lingonberries ripen; the bogs turn red with cranberries, and by autumn mushrooms such as boletus, aspen mushrooms, and porcini appear.
Wetlands account for about 16% of the territory and include all major types typical of the taiga zone: lowland, transitional, and raised bogs. Particularly impressive are the sphagnum bogs, where visitors can encounter carnivorous plants like the intermediate sundew, as well as rare orchids.
Rare species of flora and fauna
The flora of the reserve includes more than 700 species of vascular plants, among them 15 listed in the Red Book of Belarus: bear’s garlic, pasqueflower, bog hammarbya, small-fruited cranberry, and others.
Fauna is equally diverse: 192 species of vertebrates, including 142 bird species and 37 mammals. Moose, roe deer, red deer, beavers, and otters are common. In remote corners, lynx can still be found, and there have been occasional reports of brown bears.
Birdlife is exceptionally rich: grey cranes, lesser spotted eagles, black storks, eagle owls, and short-eared owls nest or pass through here. For ornithologists, the Duleby Islands are a true gem, as they lie along major migration routes of waterfowl and wetland birds.
A land of memory
The reserve is known not only for its natural wealth but also for its history. Its name comes from the ancient Slavic tribe of Dulebs, who lived here in the 6th–8th centuries. Their presence is still marked by numerous burial mounds and hillforts in the central part of the reserve.
During the Second World War, the Duleby Islands became one of the centers of the partisan movement. The underground regional party committee was based here, as well as partisan detachments. In the village of Usakino, a memorial complex was created, including a mass grave of soldiers and a reconstructed partisan camp. The memorial “Split Hut” commemorates the inhabitants of the villages of Vyazen and Selets, who shared the tragic fate of Khatyn.
Ecotourism and trails
Today, the reserve is gradually opening to visitors. Ecological trails have been developed for small groups. One of the most popular excursions is to Veremeyevka Island, located in the middle of a bog. It can be reached by an old wooden causeway. On the island are solitary and mass graves of fighters from the partisan detachment “Slavny,” making the trip both a natural and historical journey.
Hiking tours are also available. Three-day combined (hiking and vehicle) routes include overnight stays in tent camps and visits to historical landmarks in the region.
Where nature and history meet
The Duleby Islands are a rare example of harmony between nature and memory. Here you can see unique wetland ecosystems, observe animals in their natural environment, and at the same time touch upon the pages of Belarusian history.
For those seeking unconventional routes and the true breath of wild nature, the reserve will be a revelation. It offers tranquility and vivid emotions, and the impressions and landscapes will stay with you for years to come.