"Braslav Lakes" is a national park that deserves special attention. It seems that there is everything here that can please not only local residents who are accustomed to the beauties of their native land, but also guests from both near and far abroad. Rest on the Braslav lakes is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a stunning world filled with unique nature and amazing animals. In addition, travelers, as a rule, are happy to get acquainted with the historical past of this region.
This article aims to acquaint readers in as much detail as possible with such an object as the Braslav Lakes Park. Having been here once, travelers tend to come back again and again.
Features of the Braslav Lake District
In general, the Braslav Lake District in Belarus is a very large lake region with magnificent relief and landscapes left behind by an ancient glacier. There are about 300 different in area, shape, transparency, depth, diversity of flora and fauna of lakes and reservoirs. Region for extraordinary beautycalled the "blue necklace". The depth of the largest lakes reaches more than 40 m, and the largest in area occupy about 36 km2.
The Braslav Lakes National Park, whose photo can be seen in almost all guidebooks around the country, was formed due to complex glacial processes that created a complex shape of reservoirs and a rugged coastline, a huge number of bays, bays, islands, stones and boulders.
By the way, not everyone knows that some islands even have their own lakes, and in the Middle Ages it was on them that castle fortifications, fishermen's huts and wooden monasteries were built, even today captivating travelers with their unique designs, testifying about the undeniable skill and talent of local architects of that time.
"Braslav Lakes" is a national park famous for its peculiar relief, which consists in the unusual shape of hills, ridges and rounded ridges.
History of occurrence
Since the 19th century, this area has been used for recreational purposes. Aristocrats here equipped their estates for summer holidays, later employees, summer residents and students began to come to these places.
In the 30s of the twentieth century, the tourist infrastructure in Braslav worked at full capacity. Recreation centers, three yacht clubs, children's camps, sports grounds were equipped here, holidays, exhibitions and sailing regattas were constantly held.
Unfortunately, everything was destroyed during the war. Restoretourist facilities began only in the 50s. In 1995, a National Park was formed on the lakes. And it was from then that the reconstruction of this territory began. Until now, various types of work are ongoing to maintain the park.
How to get there
Braslav lakes, photos of which cannot but fascinate even the most sophisticated tourists, are located in the Vitebsk region. This means that it is necessary to overcome a distance of about 250 km from the capital of the state, the city of Minsk, to the lakes.
How to get there depends on the vacationers themselves. In general, we note that you can get to the lakes by any type of transport (own car, bus, taxi). There are regular flights from Polotsk, Vitebsk and Minsk to Bratslav.
However, travelers should remember one thing: if they go to the Braslav Lakes, it is necessary to select and book recreation centers in advance, because there are only five of them. There may not be any available rooms or cabins during the season.
In addition, the park has many tourist camps with improved toilets, wooden gazebos, safe ladders to the water, stone fires and fenced garbage bins.
Recreation on the Braslav lakes. Where to stay?
As mentioned above, in this area today there are five recreation centers of different levels of comfort and about 30 paid tourist stops for independent recreation.
Besides this, experienced travelers offer another very interesting option. Agree, on vacation, each of us wants not only to relax, but also seeks to discover something new. So, staying at the base of the forest and hunting farm, you can look at wild animals in enclosures and participate in regular hunting tours. Also, for a fee, there is the opportunity to go fishing, go on interesting water trips and inquisitive ecological tours.
The recreation center called "Drivyaty" is located on the lake of the same name. Today it consists of 2 buildings with rooms of different comfort, a modern tourist and he alth center, a playground and a steam bath. At the base there is an opportunity to play billiards, have fun on the summer dance floor, go on an excursion, swim in the spacious pool, relax in the Jacuzzi and so on.
There is also a recreation center on the shore of Lake Zolovo. It consists of 3 cottages, a steam bath, free parking, a mini-beach and pavilions, and you can rent boats, barbecue, jump ropes, checkers, and so on. As a rule, those who are interested in fishing on the Braslav Lakes come here.
Climate and terrain
The average temperature in January here reaches +6…+7 °С, in July - +17…+18 °С. The minimum in winter can reach -40 °С, and the maximum in summer up to +36 °С. The heaviest rainfall occurs in July and August. This should be taken into account when going on vacation at this time of the year. Perhaps you should bring warm clothes, rubberboots, raincoats and umbrellas.
It is known that the relief on the territory of the lakes was formed by the Poozersky glacier and is very diverse. 42% of the district's area is covered by forests. In addition, there are approximately 200 lakes, which cover another 10% of the territory.
Flora and fauna of the region
"Braslav Lakes" is a national park in which the reservoirs themselves contributed to the creation of a large variety of flora and fauna.
The main we alth of this area is the water ecological, incredibly diverse and unique system. The flora of this region is represented by more than 800 species of plants, including rare ones listed in the Red Book of the World.
Braslav lakes, reviews of which, as a rule, are the most enthusiastic, are rich in their living creatures. There are about 40 species of fish here.
It should also be noted that 35% of Belarusian birds nest in this territory. Among them, one can single out the mute swan, which almost completely disappeared as a species a few years ago. Now, fortunately, its population has been restored.
Besides, wild boars, brown bears, lynxes, elks, badgers, roe deer, flying squirrels, etc. are found in large numbers in the area.
Also, relic vertebrates live in the lakes, which certainly indicates the purity of the water.
In the southern part of the park there are forests that cover an area of about 31,000 hectares. Spruce forests are especially widespread here.
Walk on the Castle Hill
Whatever type of recreation you choose in the park"Braslav Lakes" (sanatorium, camp site or tent camp), it is a must to see local sights.
Why not go and conquer the local heights? Castle Hill is a historical monument, an ancient settlement located in the center of Braslav. Castle Hill is a high hill with steep slopes and a flat mountain, which rises above the modest houses located at the base. The site of the Castle Hill is surrounded on all sides by ramparts, the height of some of which reaches 7 meters. On the memorial sign attached right there, it is indicated that the mountain is the place where Braslav was founded.
In the settlement itself, materials were found that tell about the ancient history of the city. Legends say that underground passages were dug in the Castle Hill, which, in the event of a siege of the fortress, led the besieged citizens to Lake Drivyaty. More legends tell about treasure chests, golden knightly armor and the mysterious shadow of the princess inside the dungeon.
Features of local fishing
Braslav Lakes is a national park that attracts all lovers of quiet hunting without exception.
The local water system covers 114 km2. The largest lakes in terms of area are Drivyaty, Strusto, Snudy, Voysko, Nespish and Nedrovo. This group of lakes was officially made the core of the national park in 1995.
To go fishing on the Braslav lakes legally, you must either buy a ticket to a local sanatorium, or otherwise you will have to fish on free lakes.
It should be remembered: in order to catch a good catch,skill is needed. But for those who are not very successful in this matter, paid fishing on the ponds in Mekyany is recommended. There are many carp of different weight and age. The ticket price includes a permit to catch 5 kg of fish.
Along the ecological path
Four and a half kilometers long ecological trail stretches along the ridge of the Braslav Lakes.
When the national park was created, the eco-trail underwent a huge transformation aimed at its development. To date, places for tourists, viewpoints, footpaths and information stands about the historical heritage and natural we alth of the territory have been built along the entire route. Such an improved ecological trail allows visitors to the Braslav Lakes to discover this region from a new perspective.
A unique place
To visit the Braslav Lakes, photos of which are found in all guidebooks of Belarus without exception, and it is simply impossible not to visit this settlement. In fact, the village of Slobodka with its surroundings and the esker ridge has recently attracted the greatest interest among tourists.
It is distinguished by a wonderful church and a magnificent lace of lakes. On a unique small esker ridge with a perfectly preserved glacial relief, among rare plant species, ancient towns and settlements of the Middle Ages rise.
What else to see in the neighborhood
In addition to the lakes of the same name, the sights of Braslav also include the Castle Hill, builtback in the IX-XV centuries, the church of the Virgin Mary and the church, built in 1897. Also at the beginning of the twentieth century, the building of the convent was erected.
Besides, you should definitely visit Mount Mayak, 174 m high, which is the best viewpoint of the surroundings and lakes.
Not far from Braslav, you can see island castles in villages, Klyashtor Island on Lake Nespish, the town of Maskovichi, burial mounds, and so on.
