Domzheritsy. Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve

Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is a conservation area of about 86,000 hectares, located in the Lepel district, on the border of Vitebsk and Minsk regions. The reserve was founded in 1925 to study and protect natural ecosystems, as well as maintain biodiversity. The center of the reserve is located in the village of Domzheritsy.

Majestic forests, picturesque lakes, impassable swamps, rivers and water channels are located on the territory of the reserve. Many corners of the reserve have been preserved as they were thousands of years ago. A special feature of the reserve is the swampy forest ecosystem, which forms a unique biocenosis. Marshes occupy more than 60% of the reserve's territory and are one of the largest European wetlands.

During the Great Patriotic War, the reserve served as a shelter for partisans. The German occupation caused significant damage to it: office buildings were destroyed, scientific materials and archives were destroyed. After the war, the reserve was restored, and in the late 1960s it was given the status of a biosphere reserve.

Today, the reserve is home to more than 50 species of mammals, more than 230 species of birds and over 2,000 species of plants, 58 of which are listed in the Red Book. Here you can find plants that do not grow anywhere else in Europe, for example, some species of black orchid. You can also see bison, moose, brown bears, badgers, red deer, raccoon dogs, sandpipers, grouse and black storks listed in the Red Book in the reserve.

A visit to the reserve provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the natural treasures of Belarus. All conditions are created here for ecotourism and good rest at any time of the year. On the territory of the reserve there are guest houses with amenities, a hotel, museums, aviaries with animals, cafes, playgrounds and sports grounds.