Belarus: Travelling

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
mink (MHP)	31 km / 19 miles	USD 25-40 / 30-40 min	USD 1 / 50-90 min	-	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Train reservation services

Belarusian Railways (only in Belarus)

Major airlines

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

-Minsk, the capital, rebuilt right after the war with all its big monuments could be a historic museum. An artificial lake, up the hills in the North, makes the city more attractive since 1956.
-Bereste's archaeological museum houses relics of the XIII century
-The national park of Bieloviejskaia Pouchtcha, located 60 km North of Brest.
-Polotsk which was the capital of the Kievian principality. The Saint Sophia cathedral is one of the three Russian cathedrals that have been inspired by the one in Constantinople.

Cultural

The cultural scene in Minsk is very diverse with the Belarusian Ballet and good museums such as the National Museum of Belarusian History and Culture, the National Arts Museum, the Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War and the Museum of Old Belarusian Culture. Other interesting museums deal with the major Belarusian writers, Kolas, Kupala, Bogdanovich and Brovka. Museums generally open Tues-Sun 1000-1900.

Nature

National parks are the pride of Belarus. They are of the world importance. They represent specially protected natural areas, unequalled by their beauty, having no analogues in Europe. One-third of the Belarusian territory is covered with forests where birches, oaks, maple and pine trees dominate with a rich and diverse fauna: here one can find European bison, elk and deer, wild boar and wolf, bear and fox, beaver and lynx — not to mention myriad birds.

Religious

The suburb of Troitskoye Predmestye should not be missed; it gives an insight into the way Minsk once looked – 19th-century houses with colorful facades line the streets. There are also excellent examples of baroque architecture, such as the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (1642), the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul (1613) and the Maryinsky Cathedral, which has been rebuilt to its original shape.
The centre of Christianity during the time of Rus (the first Russian state) lay in the Slavic town of Polotsk. Polotsk is the oldest of the Belarusian cities, founded in 862. An excellent example of architecture of the period is the 11th-century Church of St Sophia. There is also a 12th-century convent, St Ephrosinia of Polotsk, and a 16th- to 17th-century Epiphany Monastery.

Thermal

Inexistent.

Beach

The Braslav Lake District situated in the north and northeast of the country, near the borders of Lithuania and Latvia, is ideal for boating holidays. Several of the 30 lakes, situated in an atmospheric forest, are connected by canals. Accommodation in the area is usually in small dachas along the lakeshore.

Winter Sports

In spite of the fact that the highest point in Belarus is only 345 m above the sea level and the average relief of Belarus is 160 m, mountain skiing in Belarus now is a reality. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy excellent cross-country skiing in the Raubichy Olympic Sports Complex, 22km (14 miles) from Minsk, while for lovers of mountain skiing, there are two modern resorts (Logoysk and Silichy) situated 30km (19 miles) from Minsk. Skating is also popular.

Outdoor Activities

All outdoor activities can be found in Belarus: biking, hiking, walking but also fishing.

Shopping

There are few types of shopping available. But it is possible to buy souvenirs in indoor markets.

Tourism Organisations

Belarus tourist information portal
Information portal on tourism in Belarus
Belarus.by

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

Medical care in Belarus is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Travelers are encouraged to ensure that they bring an adequate supply of prescription medications in the event that there are delays in departing Belarus . Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Belarus.
Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

MD Travel Health Information

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

U.S. Department of State - Travel advice: Belarus

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Minsk (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer)

Summer Time Period

Summer time from March to October