LocationsThe Preserved Pathway: Immersing Deep into Belarus’ Nature via a Narrow-gauge Railway
September 18, 2024
The Preserved Pathway, a newly renovated ecotrail in the Republican Landscape Reserve Aziory, has opened in the Grodno region. This unique narrow-gauge railway route is the only one in Belarus that traverses a protected natural area. The trail spans 20 kilometers, with a travel time of 2.5 to 3 hours.
With the help of the new ecotrail, the reserve aims to attract more visitors while contributing to biodiversity conservation and promoting green education. The narrow-gauge railway offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of pristine nature and discover ancient bogs, rare plants, and breathtaking forest bogs and meadows.
“By immersing themselves in the environment, tourists establish a special physical, intellectual, and emotional connection with nature,” – said Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Belarus. “This way of traveling is attracting more and more people.”
As part of the Development of Ecotourism to Promote a Green Transition Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Growth project, the route has been reconstructed to provide a safe and comfortable journey. The improved narrow-gauge railway reaches the reserve’s most remote corners and includes specially equipped platforms to minimize environmental impact, even during peak visiting seasons.
At the very beginning of the journey, tourists cross a bridge, one of the most memorable attractions of the trip. The bridge is the second longest in the country and is the only one spanning a lake. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes.
The route then passes through forest bogs, oak groves, and meadows that have retained their pristine beauty. These areas are home to unique species of birds and animals that can only be observed in such untouched environments.
The Preserved Pathway offers more than scenic views. Information boards with QR codes along the ecotrail provide educational content on the reserve's landscape formation and highlight natural attractions. Tourists can also explore local flora and fauna and learn intriguing facts about the unique lake system.
In addition, interactive quizzes reinforce the knowledge gained, making the tours more engaging for people of all ages and fostering meaningful interactions with nature.
The renovation of the Preserved Pathway ecotrail was carried within the Development of Ecotourism to Promote a Green Transition Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Growth project implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, with funding from the Russian Federation.
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