Belarus, a land-locked country in one of the bleakest areas of
Eastern Europe, does not at first glance have much to recommend it as a tourist destination. Ruled with an iron fist by its notoriously tyrannical president,
Alexander Lukashenko, and his Soviet-era policies, it is, for starters, not easy to gain entry to the Republic, which has stringent visa requirements for all foreigners (except the now independent former
Soviet Union states like
Ukraine and
Kazakhstan).
Life in Belarus is hard, and the country has suffered more than its fair share of misery in its history, including losing
2.2 million of its people (particularly Jews) during the Nazi occupation of World War II. More recently (1986) it suffered the fall-out from the
Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident just across its border in neighboring Ukraine. Foreign investment is discouraged, and private enterprise is virtually non-existent.
Belarus does, however, have a vivid and enticing official tourist website and, to all intents and purposes, is welcoming to visitors who wish to spend time and money appreciating the country in an appropriate manner. Those who take the trouble to access all that is bright and beautiful in the culture and natural attractions of Belarus will be rewarded with some rare experiences. Beyond the clean lines of its capital,
Minsk, the tiny towns and villages of Belarus are living museums of medieval life, and the national parks contain mysterious forests, murky bogs and swamps, thousands of smooth lakes and a fascinating array of unspoilt eco-systems, fauna and flora.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors in the Vitebsk Region, where there are almost 50 designated tourist routes involving hiking, cycling, boating and plenty of chances for hunting and fishing. Hotels and health spas offer rest and relaxation, and there is even a calendar of art and music festivals in the region.
Anyone willing to toe the line and stick to the rules can have a jolly holiday in Belarus, which is in sore need of the investment of some tourist Dollars.
