One of the best-kept secrets in Belarus is the excellent Pripyatsky National Park, a relatively untouched swathe of marshes, swampland and floodplains known locally as 'the lungs of Europe'. Flora and fauna particular to wetlands are found here, including more than 800 plant species, some 50 mammal species and more than 200 species of birds.
At the park headquarters and museum you can tour a great display of the flora and fauna specific to the area, and make all the arrangements you need. Excursions range from one day to a week and can include extended fishing, hunting and boating expeditions deep into the marshlands. Cruises on the river are particularly recommended.
Park staff can also put you up at one of their guest houses in town, arrange accommodation in a private home or, even better, put you up in the middle of the park itself. Several comfy cottages have been kitted out with kitchens and saunas and are set in sublimely peaceful settings. The park organises winter ice-fishing expeditions (followed by vodka and a sauna, of course) and many summer activities. Prices vary, but generally a person need only spend about €75 per day, including accommodation, three meals and guided tours.
From Minsk there are at least two daily buses to Turau (BR50,000, four to seven hours), plus one daily marshrutka (BR78,000, four hours) from Minsk's Vostochny Bus Station.
