National parks and reserves in Belarus
Biosphere Reserve “Berezinsky”
Berezinsky Reserve was established in 1925 for the protection of rare animal species. It is situated in the northern part of Belarus 120 km from Minsk in the direction of St. Petersburg. Its total area is 82 000 hectares. In 1979, Berezinsky Reserve received the status of a biosphere reserve. It has been included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves World Network. Because of its biological diversity and unique combinations of natural conditions, the reserve is very important not only for Belarus but also for Europe. There are four types of ecological systems at the Reserve: forests, bogs, water reservoirs and meadows. Woodland makes up around 80% f the Reserve’s territory. Special significance is paid to indigenous natural formations of pine, black alder and fluffy birchen marsh forests existing as huge marsh lands with an area of 10 000-20 000 hectares.
The reserve’s natural bogs make up 43 000 hectares and are some of Europe’s biggest marshes. The main water artery of the reserve is River Berezina (110 km inside the reserve) that has more than 50 small tributaries. There are also plenty of lakes, for example Palik (712 ha), Plavno (332 ha), Domzheritskoye (191 ha), Manets (113 ha), Postrezhskoye (40 ha), Moskovitsa (16 ha). The total area of the water reservoirs is more than 2 000 ha. Among inhabitants of the reserve are various species of plants and animals many of which are listed in the Red Book (Belarus’ list of endangered species). More than half of the representatives of Belarusian flora can be found here: 768 species of vascular plants, 218 species of moss, 198 species of lichen and 463 species of fungi. The main kinds of trees are birch, alder, aspen, oak and ash. There are more than 50 mammal species (badger, elk, otter, bear, lynx, beaver, zubr); 230 birds species (osprey, black stork, golden eagle, erne, eagle owl, peregrine, ptarmigan, woodpecker, plover); 10 amphibian species, 5 reptile species and 34 kinds of fish. The onsite nature museum’s 50 year collection puts on display about 300 kinds of animals. Among sites of historical significance are Slavonic barrows, the Berezinskaya water system (once a section of the ancient trade route “From Vangarians to Greeks”), remnants of canals of the 19th century, and the battlefields of the Patriotic War of 1812.
TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE
Domzheritsy Hotel Complex was opened in 1998. It is situated in the heart of the Berezinsky Reserve and has a reputation as an “elite” site. The hotel’s capacity is 70 people with 36 first class rooms. There is also a restaurant serving national cuisine and organic food dishes, a bar, a banqueting hall and a billiard room.
Hotel “Plavno” is situated inside a forest on the banks of the Plavno Lake. The hotel offers high standards of comfort (it has long been the residence of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Belarus Petr Masherov). The facilities count nine rooms (four first class rooms and five singles rooms); its maximum capacity is 20 guests at any one time. Every room is equipped with a TV set and a fridge. There is a fireplace hall, a billiard room, a restaurant, a sauna with a swimming pool, cable TV, a beach and a helicopter-landing site nearby. Holidaymakers can indulge in sports (tennis, volleyball, handball, football, badminton). Hunting and fishing can also be organized; equipment is available for rent.
“Nivki” Guest House consists of five separate rooms that could accommodate 10-12 people. There is a toilet, a kitchen, a sauna, a shower and a Russian bathhouse.
“Domzheritskoye Ozero” Guest House. House is a two-story cottage accommodating 6-8 people. There is a kitchen and a Russian bathhouse. The guesthouse operates waking, water and bicycle tourist routes.
The “Ecological Path” route passes through various types of forests and bogs typical to the South Taiga zone. All trees growing in the serve and more than 190 types of grass can be found along the route. There are special constructions for animal feeding and settlement, and a viewing platform to gaze at the panorama of the marshes. The path finishes at demonstrational, outdoor cages of 10 animals: includes bears, wolves, zubr and elks. An excursion service along the eco_ logical path, during trips to the museum and animal watching is also available. The renting of boats, bicycles, billiards, kitchen utensils and ware are available.
