The scent of spring

Spring is rightfully considered the most beautiful time of the year. Nature is revived after long winter hibernation. The singing of birds outside the window, the flowing stream and warm rays of the sun create a wonderful atmosphere of joy, harmony and movement. The higher the sun rises, the more enthusiastic about travelling everyone gets. We will guide you through the places to visit in Belarus where you can catch the first warm days.

Turov 

The inhabitants of Polesie are the first in the Blue-eyed country [Belarus’ nickname] to feel the departure of winter — as snow begins to melt, the rivers overflow their banks in a matter of hours, and local fields and swamps turn into one big endless sea. No roads, no bridges — some sections can only be crossed by boat. The locals are certainly used to it, while visitors are completely delighted with the waywardness of nature. That is why spring is the peak of the tourist season in Polesie. Kayaking and boat rides are top activities.
Ancient Turov boasts an authentic floating hotel with cabins instead of rooms, and portholes instead of windows. The famous Turovsky Meadow Nature Reserve is located along the banks of the Pripyat River. Hundreds of thousands of birds flock to nest there in early spring, making it a unique place for birdwatching.

Brest

The southernmost city of the country knows how to pleasantly surprise tourists. When Vitebsk is still covered with a thick layer of snow, people in Brest already show off their spring coats and walk bareheaded. It is in Brest that you can see the first snowdrops, the first storks, and the first thunderstorm.  
Also, it is in Brest Region that they start harvesting birch sap earlier than in other regions. By the way, Kirill Kvetka, a famous Belarusian gardening blogger, lives in the city over the Bug River. The young man became famous on the Internet thanks to his impressive flower collection. He seems to know absolutely everything about seeds, seedlings and cuttings. What is most important is that the guy willingly shares his knowledge with others. Kirill has set up a luxurious Kvetka Park on the territory of the Brest State Technical University, which will blossom vigorously with the onset of warmth. 

The Botanical Garden

The garden of the Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences has such secluded corners that winter never reaches them at all. A ticket of only ten Belarusian rubles will take you to the tropics — the temperature in the central part of the greenhouse is +25 degrees. There is a lot of light in the glass building, pleasant music is playing in the background, and colourful parrots are chirping in a lively manner.
A variety of palm trees, cacti, citrus fruits impress visitors right from the doorstep — there are about sixty types of lemon alone here, not to mention oranges and grapefruits. The garden has bananas, avocados, macadamia, and even a coffee tree that blossoms with white buds. The marvellous scents you can smell in the air deserve a special mention — from familiar jasmine and mimosa to completely exotic ones that are difficult to describe. By the way, in case you get hungry, there is a cafe right inside the greenhouse.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha

If you want to see the awakening of nature in all its glory, go to legendary Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Snow-white galanthus bells are about to show up on the thawed areas. There will be bluebells, lungwort, primroses, pasqueflowers... The main rule is to admire but keep your hands to yourself. Plucking early bloomers may lead to a considerable fine.  
The old-growth forest in early spring is especially delightful not only for its flora, but also for fauna. Wild animals are happy about the approaching warmth and leave their burrows to frolic in the sun. Thus, during hiking or cycling along the Pushcha routes, there is a great chance to unexpectedly encounter its fluffy inhabitants. Some places even provide equipped observation towers, from which bison, deer, wild boars, foxes and cranes are perfectly visible. 

Sanatoriums

Prices for health resort vouchers traditionally rise from April, before the start of a new holiday season. Therefore, if you have long planned to improve your health in Belarus, now is the time. Pine forests with the purest air and a countless number of different wellness procedures are just what the doctor prescribed for everyone tired of the prolonged cold and snow.
Forget the stereotypes that sanatoriums are for pensioners. Belarus follows the latest trends in the wellness industry and is ready to offer all the best — from mud and pearl baths to Thai massage. Here is also a real exclusive — the Sosnovy Bor health resort in Minsk Region features the amber room that helps get rid of migraines and chronic ear, nose and throat diseases. And sanatoriums in Grodno Region are located next to unique radon springs.

By Sofia Arsenyeva