Braslau lakes
Belarus has many fascinating spots that tourists should definitely see. And the lakes are a must-visit, as Belarus is often called the "Land of Lakes" for good reason. Euroradio has put together a selection of the top places you shouldn't miss when visiting Belarus.
Lakeside legends surround this lake, which resembles a pearl framed by picturesque forest shores. One of them goes: “During the reign of Prince Mindaugas, the city of Svityaz stood on this very spot. During a battle with Russian princes, its ruler and his men left to defend Navahrudak. The women, elderly, and children left behind chose to set their homes on fire rather than surrender the city to the enemy at its walls. And the city itself sank into a basin, which later became the lake.”
“The lake is crystal clear, and it’s hard to resist stepping into the clear water to give your tired feet a break and snap a few photos,” one tourist wrote in a review.
You’ll definitely love strolling along the shores of Svityaz. By the way, you can walk around the entire lake in under two hours—the shoreline is just five and a half kilometers long. The water deepens gradually, making it a great spot for families with kids.
The maximum depth of Lake Svityaz is 15 meters.
On the way, you can stop by Navahrudak.
Located in the Myadzyel District of the Minsk Region, this lake lies within Narachansky National Park. It was formed several millennia ago as a glacier retreated. Strolling along Lake Narach is not only delightful, but also incredibly healthy thanks to the fresh scent of pine in the air.
As the legend goes: “Once upon a time, a girl named Nara lived on the shore of this crystal-clear lake. She loved sitting by the water at sunset, playing her gusli and singing.
One day, an old widowed nobleman heard her and decided to take her as his wife. But Nara had a fiancé and refused. The lord’s servants killed her betrothed and brought the girl to his mansion. On the night before the wedding, Nara set the palace on fire and tried to escape. Palace guards caught up with her at the shore. Realizing she couldn’t outrun them, Nara threw herself into the water.
Ever since, the lake has been called by her name—Nara or Narach.”
Tourists often call Narach the “Belarusian Sea” and say that if a city were built to cover its area, it would rank among the ten largest cities in Belarus.
If you're driving here, be sure to make a detour to the Blue Lakes—a cluster of 15 lakes nestled in the pine forests near the village of Hrumbinienty.
Lake Hlubyelka is often called the crown jewel of the "Blue Lakes" natural complex. It's an exceptionally picturesque and romantic spot, featuring a heart-shaped island right in the center that draws plenty of couples in love.
A beautiful pine forest surrounds Hlubyelka, while the rolling, hilly landscape—often dubbed the Belarusian Switzerland—further highlights the lake's beauty.
Braslau Lakes National Park is located in the Braslau District of the Vitebsk Region. It is one of the most stunning parts of Belarus, boasting around 300 lakes and over 20 rivers with their tributaries.
If you travel here, be sure to check out Lake Dryvyaty—the sixth largest lake in Belarus. The most picturesque area is the Ratski Bor tract, where a scenic pine forest grows atop rolling hills, offering magnificent views.
Since the lake lies at the heart of the national park, pitching tents, parking cars, and building campfires are strictly limited to designated areas.
The lake gets its name from an old word for "reddish" (rudy). Early in spring, microscopic algae bloom beneath the ice, giving the water a slight reddish hue. Rest assured, it's totally safe.
Legend has it that a church once stood on this spot before it was submerged. That’s supposedly why the water contains trace amounts of silver, making a dip in the lake great for your skin and health.
With its impressive depth, the lake is a favorite spot for scuba divers.
Despite the endless number of natural lakes and local swimming bans, many Belarusians simply love hanging out at chalk quarries. So, we have some good news to share with you.
The chalk quarry near the agro-town of Kabaki in the Biaroza District of the Brest Region has been removed from the list of forbidden swimming spots.
According to Kobrincity.by, the lake has kept its fairytale turquoise color, guaranteeing you vibrant memories and photos that look like they were taken in the Maldives.
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