LocationsThe new eco-tour route through the Ozery Reserve is set to become a landmark attraction in the Hrodna region.
Unraveling the Paths of Water: A New Eco-Tourism Route in the Ozyory Nature Reserve
October 30, 2024
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
Stretching 12 kilometers, the route winds along the crispy blue waters of Lake Beloe (White), the largest natural lake in the region. Over the course of a one to one-and-a-half-hour journey, visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery but also explore rich flora and fauna unique to the lake and its surrounding reserve.
Lake Beloe, the crown jewel of a network of 16 interconnected lakes, traces its origins to the last glacial period. Its oblong form, encircled by sandy banks, dense shrubs, and lush forests, creates a landscape that feels both pristine and timeless.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
Modern comforts await aboard the new motorboat, equipped with a heated cabin and a tented deck for passengers, ensuring year-round access—save for winter, when the lake is sheathed in ice.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
As travelers make their way, they are treated to spectacular scenes: ancient forests sheltering 200-year-old oaks and towering pines, and the remarkable parabolic dunes that rise some 20 meters above the lake’s shores.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
The route offers rare glimpses of biodiversity, from the delicate Lady’s-slipper orchids to the elusive dark red helleborines, as well as the aquatic and waterfowl species that thrive here, offering views of untouched nature.
Beyond the natural wonders, the tour includes a visit to Belarus’s only narrow-gauge railway bridge, which links the lake’s shores, adding a touch of historical intrigue.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
This water journey complements the existing narrow-gauge railway tour, “The Preserved Pathway”, yet also stands as a unique experience that is easily reachable from the nearby “Ozerny” Sanatorium and other tourist hubs.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
As part of sustainable ecotourism efforts, these water routes allow visitors to connect with nature while minimizing ecological impact. They also serve as educational platforms that foster environmental awareness among all ages.
The water route, developed under the “Ecotourism development to promote green transition to inclusive and sustainable growth” Project, implemented by UNDP in partnership with Belarus’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, and funded by the Russian Federation.
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