Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve

The reserve, soon to celebrate its centenary, is home to a multitude of rare plants and animals, including those under threat of extinction. On the territory of the Berezinsky nature protection complex there are majestic forests, picturesque lakes, impenetrable swamps, rivers and water channels. Many parts of the biosphere reserve look the same as they did thousands of years ago. A distinctive feature of the Berezinsky reserve is its swamp-forest ecosystem, forming a unique complex biocenosis. Swamps cover more than 60% of the territory of the nature protection complex – making it one of the largest European swamp arrays.

During the Great Patriotic War, the Berezinsky nature protection area served as a haven for partisans. The Nazi occupation caused significant damage to the reserve. German soldiers destroyed service buildings, wiped out scientific materials and archives. After the war, the reserve was restored, and in the late '60s, it was granted biosphere status.

Today, the reserve is home to more than 50 species of mammals, over 230 species of birds, and grows more than 2,000 species of plants, 58 of which are listed in the Red Book. Here, you can find plants that don't grow anywhere else in Europe – for example, certain species of black orchid. In the Berezinsky Reserve, you can meet bison, elk, brown bears, badgers, red deer, raccoon dogs, waders, black grouse, black storks listed in the Red Book.

Reserve specialists engage in ecological monitoring, protective measures, and scientific research aimed at preserving unique biodiversity. Festivals, lectures, and thematic events are held within the complex. The Berezinsky reserve is a favorite place for ecological tourism enthusiasts.

What Does the Berezinsky Reserve Offer to Visitors?

Visiting the biosphere reserve provides an opportunity to explore the natural treasures of Belarus from within. All conditions for ecotourism and good rest at any time of the year have been created here. Within the nature protection complex, there are guest cottages equipped with all amenities, a hotel, museums, animal enclosures, a café, gazebos, children's playgrounds, and sports areas.

Visitors to the reserve can enjoy:

• hiking along eco-trails;
• pedestrian and bicycle excursions, where you can see rare representatives of Belarusian flora and fauna with your own eyes;
• horse riding;
• fishing;
• ski excursions through upland swamps;
• photography and wildlife watching in their natural habitat;
• canoeing down the Berezina River with stops in picturesque natural zones.

Bicycles, roller skates, scooters, boats, grills, hunting, and fishing equipment can be rented. During the winter period, the reserve offers ski, sled, and skate rentals.

Guests of the Berezinsky nature protection complex are expected:

• a Zoo – where you can see bears, moose, bison, foxes, wolves. Some animals are allowed to be fed by hand;
• a Nature Museum, consisting of exhibits that allow you to learn more about the wildlife of the reserve;
• a Honey Museum, which offers insight into the history of beekeeping in Belarus and allows you to taste honey collected in an ecologically clean zone;
• a Mythology Museum, consisting of three halls dedicated to the underworld, the heavens, and the world of people. Here you will learn about the mythological beliefs of our ancestors and how ancient people imagined the cosmic system;
• a Rope Park – where you can test your agility on a rope course.

Visitors to the biosphere reserve can get acquainted with the virgin beauty of Belarusian nature, walk along bear trails, listen to how black grouse lek and watch the nesting of waterfowl, see ancient boulders left after the retreat of the glacier.

The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is suitable for both secluded relaxation away from urban hustle and bustle and for exciting time-spending with family or a large group. The easiest way to get there from Minsk is by car, along the M3 Minsk-Vitebsk highway. The journey will take about two hours. Regular buses and minibuses from Minsk's Central bus station to Domzheritsy are also available.