Top Unique Spots Near Minsk for Refreshing Walks and Relaxation

Wondering where to travel in Belarus this spring? Look no further! Journalist and writer Olga Davletbaeva, along with her husband and children, has explored nearly all the ecotrails and attractions in Belarus. She shares her unique findings of places perfect for walks near Minsk.

Slalom Channel: A Skater’s Paradise and Kid’s Playground

Location: Minsk District, Zhdanovichi agro-town

The Slalom Channel has gained popularity recently, and while it might be a stretch to call it “unique,” it remains an exceptional spot near Minsk. It’s a fantastic place for everyone: kids can play to their heart’s content while parents enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bank. Experienced skaters can also practice in these unconventional surroundings.

Once filled with water, this artificial mountain river served as the primary training base for the USSR’s canoe slalom team. Until the early 1990s, sports competitions were held here.

This remarkable sports facility was man-made, integrated into the Vileyka-Minsk water system in 1981, inspired by the slalom channel in Munich.

Now, the lock is closed, and the river has dried up. Although some years see the channel’s bottom filled with meltwater in spring, it’s only a few centimeters deep, making canoeing impossible. However, it has become an excellent playground for children who love to climb on every boulder and skaters.

A pleasant bonus is that the mountain river is located in a forest area, making it a delightful place for a walk and to breathe fresh air near Minsk.

How to get there: By car, bus, or train. Cost: Free entry.

Yanka Kupala Village Museum: A Haven for Beauty and Poetry Lovers

Location: Vyazynka village, Maladzyechna District, Minsk Region

The Yanka Kupala Village Museum offers a vast territory for walks amidst beautiful surroundings. The museum features the Vyazynka River, remnants of a former estate, houses, a barn, a well, an apple orchard, and boulders with poems by the Belarusian writer.

Children will enjoy climbing trees (which seem to have lowered their branches just for them), walking on bridges, and sitting on rocks. If you wish, you can visit the house where Yanka Kupala was born and see the interior and lifestyle of the time.

Everything here looks as it did during the famous Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala’s childhood. The museum’s creators meticulously restored the buildings and landscape.

In summer, exhibitions are held here, with special attention given to the Ivan Kupala festival.

How to get there: By car or train. Cost: Free entry to the territory, but visiting the poet’s house costs 4 rubles for adults and 2 rubles for children.

Ecotrail “Holy Springs”: A Walk and a Sip of Spring Water

Location: Minsk District, Minsk Region

The ecotrail is just over a kilometer long. You’ll walk 350 meters on wooden walkways and stairs along gurgling springs that gush from the ground. Then, another kilometer along a picturesque forest path by the river. And don’t forget the return journey!

Children can climb trees and even ring small bells. Adults can rest in gazebos, admire nature, and, of course, drink spring water.

The wooden walkway was initially built for easy access to the springs. They form small waterfalls up to one meter high and do not freeze even in winter. Local residents consider the water healing, and for a good reason: it’s rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Despite the gazebos along the way, lighting fires and picnicking are prohibited as this place is considered a hydrological natural monument. However, you can bring snacks: we stopped at every gazebo ourselves. There’s an unwritten rule in nature: if you want to feed a child, take them to the forest.

Legend has it that a church once stood here but disappeared underground one day, and springs formed in its place. There are fourteen springs in total, flowing into the Udranka River, which then flows into the Baltic Sea.

How to get there: By car. Cost: Free entry.

Nature Reserve “Blue Lakes”: Disconnect from Civilization and Connect with Nature

Location: Myadel District, Minsk Region

The “Blue Lakes” nature reserve is a fantastic place that beckons me to return time and time again. Although it’s quite far from Minsk, it’s definitely worth a visit. Here, you’ll find everything: a forest with mirror-like lakes hidden among the trees, a river, ridges formed by glaciers, and hills.

The reserve has an ecotrail divided into three routes: 3 km, 4 km, and 7 km long. The terrain is hilly, with some uphill and downhill sections, so it might not be very comfortable with small children – pushing strollers along the trail can be challenging. Part of the road is a regular forest trail, while a small section consists of wooden walkways, stairs, and bridges.

The ecotrail is equipped with stands describing the animals and birds that inhabit the forest. On one of the elevations, there’s an observation tower offering a wonderful view of Lake Glubelka.

The forest itself has several lakes – Dead Lake, Glublya, and Glubelka. The water in them is very clean and suitable for swimming. There are gazebos or benches by the water where you can rest and admire nature. On the shore of Lake Glublya, at the Grumbinent beach, there are places for bonfires.

One of the attractions of this place is Dead Lake – a unique lake with dark water, filled with underground waters and formed as a result of a layer of earth collapsing. Additionally, the ecotrail passes by the Stracha River – the most turbulent river in our country, where canoeing takes place.

There are fourteen lakes of glacial origin in these parts, and to explore them all, it’s better to embark on the ecotrail without children, as you can easily cover all 20 km. By the way, mobile reception can be spotty here: it doesn’t work everywhere.

The highest point of the route is 220 meters, which is 125 meters lower than the highest point in Belarus – Dzerzhinskaya Mountain.

How to get there: By car, with a tour company, or on bus route 521-SK “Minsk – Komarovo – Svir.” Cost: 2 rubles.

Text: Olga Davletbaeva. Photos by the author and pexels.com.