Braslav Lakes National Park

After the climate warmed, the unique hilly landscape was formed in the place of the melting glacier, which led to the formation of a system of natural freshwater bodies.

In 1995, a national park was founded in Braslav, including the southern part of the Braslav district. The purpose of creating the park is to preserve natural landscapes, water resources, and the biodiversity of the Belarusian Lakeland. Its core consists of the largest lakes in the region – Drivyaty, Snudy, Strusto, Nedrovo, Nespish. The scientific and administrative center of the park is located in the city of Braslav. In total, the national park has about 300 lakes. They all vary in configuration, depth, size, nature of the shores, water composition, and the diversity of fauna and flora.

In addition to lakes and forests, the national park, with a total area of more than 70,000 hectares, includes swamps, meadows, and peat bogs. Here you can find ancient boulders left after the glacier's retreat, rare species of plants and trees, archaeological monuments – burial mounds, fortified settlements, cult structures. Among the forest inhabitants of the national park, there are rare representatives of fauna: black storks, brown bears, badgers, mute swans, lynxes. The waters of Braslav are home to more than 30 species of fish, and among the lake's inhabitants, there are relic invertebrates, whose presence testifies to the exceptional purity of the water.

Tourism at Braslav Lakes

Tourism in the region began to develop in the early 20th century when Braslav was part of the Polish state. In the early 1930s, recreation centers were opened, yacht clubs were operating, sporting and sailing competitions were held, along with various festive events. The development of the tourism industry was interrupted by World War II, during which all existing infrastructure was destroyed.

Now the Braslav Lakes National Park is highly popular among lovers of active holidays and ecotourism. Fresh air filled with the aroma of pine, clean lakes, and picturesque nature attract both Belarusian tourists and visitors from near and far abroad. Travelers have a wide choice of locations to stay for relaxation:

• hotels
• equipped tent camps
• guest houses
• agritourism farms
• sanatoriums
• recreation centers

Entertainment and activities offered to tourists by the infrastructure of the Braslav Lakes National Park:

• hiking and cycling along the Belmont Park or Slobodkovskaya Lake Ridge eco-trails;
• kayaking;
• safari park with wild animals;
• sightseeing tours – the park has natural viewpoints – such as Mount Mayak, and specially constructed towers that offer stunning views of the forests and lakes;
• hunting and fishing – licenses can be purchased within the park;
• beach relaxation;
• bird and animal watching in their natural habitat;
• water trips on boats or catamarans.

Sports equipment, necessary gear, and equipment for recreation can be rented.

Lovers of architectural art will appreciate the architectural monuments of the Braslav district:

• the white Church of Divine Providence in the village of Slobodka, built in the early 20th century;
• the Holy Assumption Church of the 19th century;
• the Holy Pantaleon Monastery, located near the Castle Hill;
• the neo-Romanesque Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary of the 19th century, where you can listen to organ music concerts.

In Braslav itself, there are museums, cafes, and restaurants, souvenir shops, a nightclub. Major music and historical festivals are held in the city: "Sword of Brachyslav", "Braslav Lightning", summer open-air "Viva Braslav."

For trips around the lake region, you can plan a route yourself or contact a travel agency for ready-made tours. Regular transport connects the capital with Braslav. Buses and minibuses run daily from Minsk. If you travel to the Braslav Lakes by train, you should get off at the Druya station, and then continue by bus or minibus.