10 reasons to visit the Vitebsk region

Vitebsk region is a picturesque north-eastern corner of Belarus. The region is famous for its dense forests and picturesque lakes, making it an ideal place for outdoor recreation. The undoubted advantage of the Vitebsk region is its historical cities – Vitebsk, Glubokoe, Orsha – narrow streets, ancient castles and cathedrals, ancient houses recreate the image of the old city. We have collected the top 10 reasons why you should visit the Vitebsk region.

  • Enjoy the atmosphere of the old city in Vitebsk.

  • Get acquainted with the only biosphere reserve in the country.

  • Visit a unique museum in a water tower.

  • Visit the literary capital of Belarus.

  • Appreciate the sophistication of the «Belarusian Versailles».

  • Find mysterious waterfalls.

  • To honor the memory of the great Belarusian artist – Marc Chagall.

  • Walk through a swamp from the Ice Age.

  • Enjoy the architecture of ancient temples.

  • See one of the largest fortification systems in Belarus.

  • City of Vitebsk
  • Berezin Biosphere Reserve
  • Natural and Ecological Museum
  • Polatsk City
  • Church of Saint Anna
  • Mior waterfalls
  • Marc Chagall Museum
  • Yelnia Swamp
  • Temples
  • City of Orsha
  • Reason №1 – Enjoy the atmosphere of the old city in Vitebsk.

    Vitebsk is a unique city that is shrouded in historical legends and cultural heritage. The city has a rich historical heritage: you can stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town , see the ensemble Town Hall Square, Sunday Church, Church of St. Barbara and enjoy the views from great heights. Visit the Vitebsk Tram History Museum, the open-air retro tram park and take a photo with the tram monument. Vitebsk offers a unique combination of history, culture, nature and hospitality, making it a great place to visit.

  • Reason №2 – To get acquainted with the only biosphere reserve in the country.

    Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is an oasis of natural beauty and tranquility in the very heart of Belarus. Spread over a vast territory, the reserve covers picturesque forests, mysterious swamps, quiet lakes and numerous rivers. The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is one of the first on the territory of modern Belarus, formed in 1935. The reserve is home to more than 260 species of birds, 60 mammals and 900 plants. A visit to the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the natural resources of Belarus and protected natural areas.

  • Reason №3 – Visit the unique museum in the water tower.

    The Natural-Ecological Museumin Polotsk is located in the building of a former water tower. The central staircase of the museum symbolizes the Tree of Life, divided into three «worlds»: the unique Belarusian nature, the modern city with its environmental problems and the protected world. The museum provides an opportunity to get to know representatives of the local flora and fauna better and learn about the problems of nature conservation in the context of urbanization.

  • Reason №4 – Visit the literary capital of Belarus.

    Polotsk is one of the oldest cities in Belarus, founded more than a thousand years ago. The city was the capital of the Principality of Polotsk and there are many historical monuments here: the majestic Sofia and Epiphany cathedrals, Spaso Euphrosyne Monastery, house of Peter I and much more. It was in Polotsk that many Belarusian writers and great figures began their literary careers; many monuments and museums are dedicated to them: the monument to Francis Skorina, Simeon of Polotsk, Euphrosyne of Polotsk and Prince Vseslav the Magician.

  • Reason №5 – Appreciate the sophistication of the «Belarusian Versailles».

    Mosar is a small village in the Glubokoe district, however, it is known to everyone as «Belarusian Versailles». In the 18th century The famous Polotsk castellan Robert Brzostovsky lived in the village and a palace with a church was built, named after his wife, Anna. The Church of St. Anne has been completely preserved until our days and is a monument to the era of classicism. Around the church there is a luxurious park with many ponds decorated with roses and white water lilies, a decorative bridge and gilded angels.

  • Reason №6 – Find mysterious waterfalls.

    Near the small village of Prudniki there is a unique place with the so-called «Miory waterfalls». In the 20th century, the waterfall became the main means of powering a power plant located near the city of Miory. Now the waterfalls amaze with clean air and powerful jets of water, being a tourist attraction. The area around the waterfalls is landscaped with cozy gazebos, benches and tables.

  • Reason №7 – To honor the memory of the great Belarusian artist – Marc Chagall.

    Marc Chagall is one of the most famous natives of Belarus, an outstanding avant-garde artist. In Vitebsk there is a museum, including House-Museum and Art Center, named after the artist. The Marc Chagall Museum presents one of the largest collections of his works. Here you will find canvases, graphics, sculptures, ceramics and other works of art that will allow you to become more familiar with the work of this outstanding artist.

  • Reason №8 – Walk through a swamp from the Ice Age.

    The swamp «Yelnya»has existed for more than 9,000 years. This is 25 thousand hectares of nature, the balance of which was practically not disturbed by people; this is a wild and unique place. The swamp «Yelnya» is the fifth largest in Europe. The hallmark of the swamp is the gray cranes – more than 6,000 birds feed here before each migration season.

  • Reason №9 – Enjoy the architecture of ancient temples.

    Vitebsk region is rich in ancient and beautiful temples that represent constitute an important part of the religious heritage of Belarus. You will be able to see unique frescoes Assumption Cathedral in Vitebsk, marvel at the sophistication of Gothic Church of St. Barbara and majesty St. Sophia Cathedral. A visit to the churches of the Vitebsk region will allow you to see and appreciate the historical and architectural value of the region, as well as feel the spiritual and cultural significance of this place.

  • Reason №10 – See one of the largest fortification systems in Belarus.

    Orsha is one of the oldest cities in Belarus, founded in the 9th century. Orsha is a city of monasteries and churches, on its territory there is the Ilinskaya Church, which is more than five hundred years old; for many years it was one of the centers of Belarusian book veneration. Here you can visit the enographic museum – Water Mill – a unique red brick building from 1902. The museum exposition allows you to learn more about the life of previous generations of Orsha residents and residents of nearby areas. The surrounding nature of Orsha will also not leave you indifferent. Forested areas and ponds located outside the city create an ideal atmosphere for rest and relaxation.

  • Reason №1
    Enjoy the atmosphere of the old town in Vitebsk.

  • Reason №2
    Get to know the country's only biosphere reserve.

  • Reason №3
    Visit a unique museum in a water tower.

  • Reason №4
    Visit the literary capital of Belarus.

  • Reason №5
    To appreciate the sophistication of the «Belarusian Versailles».

  • Reason №6
    Find mysterious waterfalls.

  • Reason №7
    To honor the memory of the great Belarusian artist – Marc Chagall.

  • Reason №8
    Walk through the Ice Age swamp.

  • Reason №9
    Enjoy the architecture of ancient temples.

  • Reason №10
    See one of the largest serf systems in Belarus.

On the portal Ekskursii.by You can view all excursions around Belarus and sign up for the route you like in composed of team group.

You also have the opportunity to book an individual tour to Belarus for any number of days of stay in the country, highly qualified specialists of the excursion department will create for you the optimal route with catering, accommodation in comfortable hotels , balanced excursion program. You can get advice on organizing a trip to Belarus in the following ways: