Belarus is a land-locked country in eastern Europe with a wide-range of experiences to offer. Whether you're spending the weekend at the dacha, hiking around the multiple national parks, visiting grand historical monuments, or exploring the modern metropolises, there's plenty to do around this small country.
Even more than its sightseeing opportunities, what I really fell in love within Belarus (or "whom" I should say) was the people. Belarus was the first country I visited as a solo-traveler, and, I can personally attest to the hospitable and gracious character of the locals who helped me throughout my trip. Belarusians are a strong, resilient, and truly kind people who will make you feel at home throughout your stay in their country.
I couldn't recommend Belarus enough for your next travel adventure. --
So, let's dive in!
Official Language(s) – Belarusian, Russian
Currency – Belarusian rouble (BYN)
Capital City – Minsk
Credit Cards & ATMs – Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities, but less common in rural areas. If you venture into the countryside, be sure to withdraw or exchange currency beforehand.
Outlets – C & F
Popular SIM Card Providers – MTS/MTC, Velcom, life:)
Belarus' climate is mostly continental, especially as you travel south east towards Eastern Europe. Frigid winter snow thaws into rather muddy springs, so it is generally recommended to visit Belarus in the summer, or even early autumn. With long days of sunlight and warmth, summer is a great time to visit the cities, and then also see the countryside. If you're interested in experiencing a Belarussian winter, February is the preferred month due to its longer days. Average temperatures per month and region are as follows:
Yandex.Weather
Average Maximum: 6 °C // 43 °F
Average Minimum: -1 °C // 30 °F
Average Sunshine: 5 hours
Rainy days: 12 days
Average Maximum: 14 °C // 57 °F
Average Minimum: 3 °C // 38 °F
Average Sunshine: 7 hours
Rainy days: 12 days
Average Maximum: 20 °C // 68 °F
Average Minimum: 9 °C // 48 °F
Average Sunshine: 11 hours
Rainy days: 16 days
Average Maximum: 4 °C // 39 °F
Average Minimum: -3 °C // 27 °F
Average Sunshine: 4 hours
Rainy days: 10 days
Average Maximum: 12 °C // 54 °F
Average Minimum: 3 °C // 37 °F
Average Sunshine: 6 hours
Rainy days: 9 days
Average Maximum: 19 °C // 66 °F
Average Minimum: 8°C // 46 °F
Average Sunshine: 8 hours
Rainy days: 9 days
Average Maximum: 22 °C // 72 °F
Average Minimum: 12 °C // 53 °F
Average Sunshine: 12 hours
Rainy days: 15 days
Average Maximum: 25 °C // 77 °F
Average Minimum: 14 °C // 57 °F
Average Sunshine: 13 hours
Rainy days: 16 days
Average Maximum: 24 °C // 75 °F
Average Minimum: 13 °C // 55 °F
Average Sunshine: 10 hours
Rainy days: 12 days
Average Maximum: 22 °C // 72 °F
Average Minimum: 12 °C // 54 °F
Average Sunshine: 9 hours
Rainy days: 11 days
Average Maximum: 24 °C // 75 °F
Average Minimum: 13 °C // 55 °F
Average Sunshine: 9 hours
Rainy days: 11 days
Average Maximum: 23 °C // 73 °F
Average Minimum: 13 °C // 55 °F
Average Sunshine: 8 hours
Rainy days: 9 days
Average Maximum: 18 °C // 64 °F
Average Minimum: 9 °C // 48 °F
Average Sunshine: 7 hours
Rainy days: 11 days
Average Maximum: 12 °C // 54 °F
Average Minimum: 5 °C // 41 °F
Average Sunshine: 6 hours
Rainy days: 11 days
Average Maximum: 5 °C // 41 °F
Average Minimum: 0 °C // 32 °F
Average Sunshine: 3 hours
Rainy days: 9 days
Average Maximum: 17 °C // 63 °F
Average Minimum: 8 °C // 46 °F
Average Sunshine: 6 hours
Rainy days: 9 days
Average Maximum: 10 °C // 50 °F
Average Minimum: 4 °C // 39 °F
Average Sunshine: 3 hours
Rainy days: 9 days
Average Maximum: 3 °C // 37 °F
Average Minimum: -1 °C // 30 °F
Average Sunshine: 1 hour
Rainy days: 11 days
Average Maximum: 1 °C // 33 °F
Average Minimum: -3 °C // 25 °F
Average Sunshine: 2 hours
Rainy days: 6 days
Average Maximum: 0 °C // 32 °F
Average Minimum: -5 °C // 23 °F
Average Sunshine: 2 hours
Rainy days: 6 days
Average Maximum: 1 °C // 33 °F
Average Minimum: -5 °C // 23 °F
Average Sunshine: 3 hours
Rainy days: 5 days
Average Maximum: -1 °C // 30 °F
Average Minimum: -6 °C // 21 °F
Average Sunshine: 1 hour
Rainy days: 12 days
Average Maximum: -2 °C // 28 °F
Average Minimum: -7 °C // 19 °F
Average Sunshine: 1 hour
Rainy days: 10 days
Average Maximum: -1 °C // 30 °F
Average Minimum: -7 °C // 19 °F
Average Sunshine: 2 hours
Rainy days: 9 days
приятного аппетита!
Machanka is a traditional Belarusian stew made of beef stock, flour, pork, and, of course, sour cream. Additional toppings include mushrooms, onions, and dill. Machanka are typically paired with Belarusian draniki, which are dipped into the stew. This yummy dish is often served on the pagan holiday Maslenitsa, which is celebrated in Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.
Kulaga is a traditional Belarusian berry and honey dish with a jam-like consistency. Much like jam, kulaga is typically served alongside pancakes for a sweet treat. This berry mix has cultural significance with respect to the Slavic holiday, Kupala. Kupala is associated with the summer solstice, and is celebrated in Belarus annually in July. Learn more about Kupala here.
Lazanki is an eastern European pasta dish which was introduced to Belarus in the 1500s. Lazanki is actually a distant relative of Italian lasagne, but with its own eastern European accent. After the pasta dough is mixed, shaped into either triangles or rectangles, and boiled, onions and lard are added on top. Depending on where it is served, lazanki can also feature additional toppings such as meat, cheese, and sour cream.
Sbiten is a Belarusian mulled wine, perfect for cozy winter evenings! This drink can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic and is largely honey-based. In addition to honey and water, sugar, ginger, birch leaves, and other spices are added for flavoring. Sbiten was particularly popular in Belarus in the 18th-19th centuries, and was regarded as a medicinal drink with immune-boosting capabilities.
приятного аппетита!
Head over to the Language & Travel Shop to check out my favorite goodies I use for learning Russian and traveling! I've compiled all my favorite products I use when #onthebloc so that you can benefit from them when you travel abroad. Help yourself prepare and support this blog at the same time :) Счастливого пути!