Narochansky National Park

Narochansky covers a group of glacial lakes northwest of Minsk, of which Narach is the largest body of water in Belarus at around eighty square kilometres, shallow and sandy-bottomed with pine forest running down to the shore. The area was developed as a resort from the Soviet period and a line of sanatoria and rest houses stands along the northern shore, still operating on the treatment-course model with mineral water and physiotherapy alongside ordinary holidaymaking. Swimming, boating and fishing are the summer activities; in winter the lakes freeze and ice fishing and skiing take over. The park also holds smaller lakes, bogs and the Blue Lakes trail in its northern corner.

What you actually see

• Lake Narach - the largest lake in the country with its sandy shore.
• The sanatoria - the Soviet-era resort belt along the northern shore.
• Pine forest - the woodland running down to the water.
• Smaller lakes - the glacial group across the rest of the park.

When to go

June to August for swimming and the full resort season; January and February for ice fishing and skiing. Spring and autumn are quiet. The lake can turn rough quickly in wind.

Honest expectations

Sanatoria operate on treatment programmes rather than as hotels, and booking works differently. The shore is developed along the northern side. Water quality varies and swimming areas are designated. Facilities outside the resort belt are thin.

Nearby

The Blue Lakes trail lies north; Myadzyel is the local town.