"Only a variety of creatures, excluding the bears and wolves, have likely crossed your path."
Discovering the Beauty of Belarus: A Couple's Hiking Journey
Alexei and Anna Kushnerevich, a passionate hiking duo from Gomel, have been exploring the natural wonders of Belarus for years, venturing off-trail and covering distances of up to 30 km a day. Their adventures showcase some of the best hiking destinations in the country, suitable for both novice and experienced hikers.
The couple's hiking season begins in the spring and ends in the fall, carrying essentials in backpacks weighing no more than 6 kg. They prefer synthetic clothing for their hikes, avoiding cotton, and filter and boil water if necessary during their expeditions. For safety, they carry pepper spray and a signal flare.
For novice hikers, Braslav Lakes National Park is an ideal starting point. With its mixture of easy to moderate trails and well-marked paths, the popular Lake Naroch Trail, a 10 km route that is mostly flat with some uneven sections, offers scenic lake views and dense forests. Accessible by bus from Minsk, this destination provides a peaceful nature immersion.
Pripyatsky National Park, known as the "Lungs of Europe," offers accessible routes combined with educational experiences. The 6 km Dokudovo route provides a chance to see European bison and abundant bird species. Guided hikes and forest lodging with a guide are available for an immersive experience.
For experienced hikers, Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park (near Hrodna) presents a challenge with its dense ancient forests. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its European bison. The park offers numerous hiking options, including routes around the former wooden bridge area, combining natural beauty with wildlife viewing opportunities.
The couple dries meat and vegetables beforehand for their hikes, planning interesting routes along rivers, lakes, and forests. They recommend using offline map apps like Yandex Maps or MAPS.ME for hiking preparation.
As they continue to explore Belarus, Alexei and Anna dream of embarking on a global trek of up to 1000 km. Having grown up exploring on foot, paddling in canoes, and cycling, their love for nature and adventure is evident in every step they take. They advise paying attention to national parks and reserves like Narochansky and Braslav Lakes for hiking.
These destinations highlight Belarus’s rich natural heritage with lakes, forests, wildlife, and well-maintained trails suited for different hiking competencies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, Belarus offers a diverse range of hiking opportunities waiting to be discovered.
- For those seeking a taste of adventure-travel and outdoor-living, the Braslav Lakes National Park offers a perfect introduction to hiking, with its well-marked trails and picturesque lake views.
- Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents a thrilling challenge for experienced hikers, with its dense ancient forests and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- To complement their hiking journey and broaden their lifestyle, Alexei and Anna Kushnerevich aspire to embark on a lengthy travel experience, covering up to 1000 km, showcasing their passion for nature and adventure.
