Gomel & Polesie (Pripyat Marshes)
Deep rivers and palace gardens 🌳
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to direct proximity to the conflict zone in Ukraine and military operations in the area, government agencies (including CA, USA, UK, AU, IE, and NZ) advise travelers to avoid all travel to the Gomel region. The presence of military personnel and the risk of spillover conflict create extreme danger. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.
Gomel is the second-largest city in Belarus, known primarily for the Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace. This neoclassical estate sits within a large, landscaped park along the steep banks of the Sozh River. The park is a favorite for local families, featuring paved walking paths, ancient trees, and a population of friendly squirrels that will take nuts directly from visitors' hands. The palace interior houses a museum with historical artifacts, though the grounds themselves are often the highlight for active children.
To the west lies the Polesie region, often called the 'Amazon of Europe' due to its extensive network of marshes and the flood-prone Pripyat River. The Pripyatsky National Park protects this unique ecosystem. In stable times, riverboat tours allow visitors to see the wetlands and birdlife, while the town of Mozyr offers a hilly landscape—rare for Belarus—with a reconstructed wooden castle and a small ski resort that operates in winter. The culture here is distinct, with specific dialects and preserved traditions of wooden boat building.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The 'Amazon of Europe' label is marketing hyperbole. Tourism infrastructure for nature activities is very limited, and parts of the region have restricted access due to Chernobyl contamination zones. The ecological significance is real but visitor-facing adventure/nature offerings don't justify 'very_good' on an international scale.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Features the grand Gomel Palace ensemble and authentic wooden architecture in rural Polesie villages, offering a deep dive into East Slavic heritage. Late spring and autumn provide the best temperatures for architectural tours, whereas winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, limiting outdoor exploration.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides rare scientific and historical insights through its radio-ecological reserves and ethnographic museums focused on marshland survival. Peak periods offer the best accessibility for guided ecological tours, while winter weather restricts access to remote research sites.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The region preserves ancient folk traditions like Kupala Night (summer solstice), which are among the most authentic in Europe. Summer is the peak for these cultural celebrations, though December offers a unique look at traditional winter 'Kolyada' rites despite the cold.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Scenic drives through the floodplain meadows and traditional villages offer a window into a disappearing way of life. The best visibility and road conditions occur in the dry shoulder of spring and autumn, while winter snow and ice make the flat marshland roads treacherous for international travelers.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The winding Pripyat River is an exceptional destination for long-distance kayaking and canoeing through pristine wilderness. May, June, and August offer optimal water conditions and warmth, while July is often avoided as a peak month due to the region's highest rainfall and humidity.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Soviet-style sanatoriums offer a nostalgic and authentic 'forest therapy' experience using local mineral waters. While unique, the facilities lack the luxury standards of global spa destinations and are best enjoyed when the surrounding parklands are in bloom.
Attractions (42 total)
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Chernoye-Tyashkovo Eco-Trail
Lyaskovichi
4.5km easy loop trail within Pripyatsky National Park. This route winds through primeval flooded oak forests and marshes. Typical duration: 1.5 hours. Elevation gain is negligible. Bike and boat rentals are available at the Park HQ in Lyaskovichi (npp.by).
Visit website →Gomel to Vetka Sozh River Route
Gomel
30km easy cycling route along the banks of the Sozh River connecting the city of Gomel to the Old Believer heritage town of Vetka. Features sandy riverbanks and pine groves. Typical duration: 3-4 hours. Flat terrain. Bike rental: Velo-Prokat in Gomel Central Park.
Visit website →Mozyr Ravines Nature Trail
Mozyr
6km moderate hiking and MTB route through the 'Mozyrskiye Ovradi' Landscape Reserve. Features deep glacial ravines, steep slopes (rare for Belarus), and a 150m elevation gain. Typical duration: 2-3 hours. Bike rental: Mozyr Tourist Center.
Visit website →Tsar Oak Eco-Trail
Lyaskovichi
2.2km easy walking route leading to a monumental 600-year-old oak tree within the core zone of Pripyatsky National Park. Typical duration: 1 hour. Well-marked with educational signage about Polesie biodiversity. Flat terrain.
Visit website →Turov Ancient Way
Turov
3.5km easy hiking path exploring the Turov Meadow (Turovsky Lug) and the banks of the Pripyat River. Primarily known for birdwatching and historical significance. Typical duration: 1.5 hours. Flat terrain. Equipment rental: Turov Ecological Center.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Golden Ring of Gomel Region
Gomel
Approximately 900km paved loop (4-5 days). This official tourist route connects the region's historical centers. Key highlights include the Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace in Gomel, the unique Old Believer museum in Vetka, the dramatic river views at the Dnieper-Sozh confluence in Loev, and the ancient stone crosses in Turov. The route offers a mix of architectural heritage and the serene landscapes of the Belarusian forest-steppe.
Visit website →The Pripyat Heartlands Drive
Mozyr
Approximately 130km paved linear route (1 day). Connecting Mozyr to Turov along the P31 and P88 highways, this drive crosses the 'Amazon of Europe.' Highlights include the hilly 'Little Switzerland' landscape of Mozyr, the vast flooded meadows and oak forests of Pripyatsky National Park near Lyaskovichi, and the 12th-century ruins of Turov. The road offers unparalleled views of the Pripyat River floodplains.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble
Gomel
A grand neoclassical 18th-century palace featuring beautifully restored interiors, a large park with a swan pond, and views of the Sozh River.
Visit website →Chechersk Town Hall
Chechersk
A unique 18th-century stone town hall featuring five distinct wooden towers that blend Classicism and Gothic Revival styles.
Visit website →Ancient Turov Settlement and Stone Crosses
Turov
An archaeological site featuring the remains of a 12th-century cathedral and ancient stone crosses that are legendary for supposedly growing from the earth.
Krasny Bereg Estate
Krasny Bereg
A whimsical 19th-century estate known as the 'Alhambra of Belarus' due to its unique blend of Neo-Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish architectural styles.
Visit website →Mozyr Castle
Mozyr
A historic wooden castle reconstruction on a high hill offering panoramic views of the Pripyat River and interactive historical exhibits for families.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Museum of Nature at Pripyatsky National Park
Lyaskovichi
An impressive natural history museum showcasing the unique flora and fauna of the Pripyat Marshes through detailed dioramas and wildlife exhibits.
Visit website →Nature of the Gomel Region Museum
Gomel
Located within the historic Palace and Park ensemble, this museum features extensive collections of regional geology, paleontology, and taxidermy.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Pripyatsky National Park
Lyaskovichi
Europe's 'Amazon' offers wildlife safaris, a nature museum, and boat tours through pristine floodplains and ancient oak forests.
Visit website →Dnepro-Sozhsky Biological Reserve
Loev
A scenic protected area located at the majestic confluence of the Dnieper and Sozh rivers, ideal for birdwatching and eco-tourism.
Mozyr Ravines Landscape Reserve
Mozyr
A unique geological site featuring steep wooded hills and deep ravines with ecological trails suitable for family hiking.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Safari Park (Pripyatsky National Park)
Lyaskovichi
A sprawling 260-hectare wildlife park where families can take a tractor-train safari to see herds of bison, deer, and wild boar in natural marshland habitats.
Visit website →Gomel Zoo
Gomel
The city's primary animal attraction, home to over 200 species including brown bears, lions, and local Belarusian fauna in a family-oriented park setting.
Visit website →Museum of Nature and Traditional Life
Lyaskovichi
An immersive rural experience featuring a 'Polesie Village' with traditional wooden huts, demonstrating the historic marshland lifestyle and local biodiversity.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Vetka Museum of Old Believers and Belarusian Traditions
Vetka
World-renowned for its collection of ornate Orthodox icons and gold-threaded embroidery representing high religious and folk art.
Visit website →Mozyr Art Gallery
Mozyr
Features a diverse collection of regional landscape paintings and works by local Polesie artists in a scenic riverside town.
Visit website →Gavriil Vashchenko Art Gallery
Gomel
Dedicated to one of Belarus's most famous painters, this gallery showcases contemporary and traditional Belarusian fine art.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Gomel State Circus
Gomel
A striking example of Soviet modernist architecture, this flying-saucer-shaped building is a major landmark for urban culture and entertainment.
Visit website →St. Peter and Paul Cathedral
Gomel
An imposing 19th-century Orthodox cathedral located within the palace park, known for its majestic dome and classical architecture.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Gomel Water Palace
Gomel
A modern city aquatic center featuring an Olympic-standard pool, leisure zones with hydromassage, and high-quality wellness facilities.
Visit website →Zhlobin Water Park
Zhlobin
A premier regional water park with multiple indoor slides, a large wave pool, and professional swimming facilities for all ages.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Lyaskovichi Safari Park
Lyaskovichi
The central family attraction of Pripyatsky National Park, featuring wooden-themed play areas, a nature museum, and a dedicated wildlife observation train through the marshes.
Visit website →Mozyr Sports and Recreation Center Alpine Slide
Mozyr
A unique amusement feature in Belarus offering a high-speed bobsled-style toboggan run down the hilly slopes overlooking the city and the Pripyat River.
Visit website →Gomel Amusement Park
Gomel
Located within the historic palace complex, this park features a tall Ferris wheel with panoramic Sozh River views and a variety of family-oriented mechanical rides.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Mozyr Alpine Skiing Center
Mozyr
160-190m elevation range, 3 runs including a 300m main slope, approx 0.6km total pistes, Dec-Mar season, features a chairlift, tubing hill, and equipment rental facilities.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Mozyr City Beach
Mozyr
A popular riverfront recreation area on the Pripyat River, known for its sandy shores and picturesque views of the hilly Mozyr landscape.
Gomel Central Beach
Gomel
A wide sandy beach on the Sozh River, popular for sunbathing and swimming, linked to the famous Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble by a scenic footbridge.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Robin Hood Rope Park
Gomel
A high-rated aerial adventure park located within the historic city park, offering multiple zip-line and climbing courses for families.
Visit website →Mozyr Ski and Sports Complex
Mozyr
A year-round outdoor center featuring the country's only mountain coaster (alpine slide) along with skiing and tubing on picturesque hills.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Turov Meadow
Turov
A world-renowned birdwatching site in the Pripyat floodplain where families can observe thousands of migratory birds in pristine marshlands.
Mozyrskie Ovrazhki (Mozyr Ravines)
Mozyr
A unique landscape reserve featuring deep forested ravines and steep hills that provide dramatic panoramic views of the Pripyat River.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Zhlobin Animal World
Zhlobin
A well-maintained regional zoo featuring a diverse collection of local and exotic animals with interactive exhibits popular for family excursions.
Gomel State Zoo
Gomel
The region's primary zoological park, home to over 80 species including lions, bears, and exotic birds in a family-friendly city-center setting.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Ancient Turov Historical Complex
Turov
One of Belarus's oldest settlements, famous for its ancient stone foundations protected by a glass pavilion and the legendary growing stone crosses.
Visit website →Vetka Museum of Old Believer Faith and Belarusian Traditions
Vetka
Housed in a historic merchant's mansion, this world-class museum displays rare Old Believer icons, unique gold-thread embroidery, and traditional manuscripts.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Gomel Winter Garden
Gomel
A historic greenhouse located within a 19th-century sugar factory building, housing a diverse collection of over 600 species of tropical and subtropical plants.
Visit website →