Ecological and local history trail "Mysterious Doo island".

Doo Island is part of the republican Osveisky Landscape Reserve, which guarantees the preservation of its unique nature. To visit it, you need to arrange a visit or purchase an excursion from a travel company.

The island's history goes back thousands of years. The first settlements appeared here, presumably, 3000-6000 years ago. The name "Doo" is probably of Baltic origin and is associated with the word "two", which may indicate the two main hills on the island.

In the 17th and 19th centuries, the island was inhabited by peasants engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding and fishing. There was a village called Ostrov (Island) with the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

During the Great Patriotic War, the island was occupied by German troops. The village was badly damaged and was never able to fully recover. If there were 72 courtyards here before the war, by the 1970s there were only 25 houses left. Nevertheless, there was still a shop, an elementary school, a collective farm, a cemetery, and even a diesel power plant.

But gradually, life on the island was fading. Young people went to the cities in search of education and work. The lack of reliable communication with the mainland created additional difficulties, especially during the off-season. In the 1970s, a massive outflow of the population began.

By the end of the 20th century, the village had practically ceased to exist. The last inhabitants left the island, leaving behind abandoned houses that are gradually being destroyed by time and nature.

Du Island is the largest uninhabited island in Belarus, not connected to the mainland. Its area is about 5 km2. It will take from 2 to 4 hours of leisurely walking to explore it inside and out. Here you can feel yourself alone with nature, enjoy the peace and quiet that is so lacking in a bustling city.

The island offers many scenic locations for memorable shots. Be sure to visit Pilipovka Mountain, the highest point of the island (162.5 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views.

The island is shrouded in legends and traditions, because pagan rituals were once performed here. Feel the spirit of antiquity by touching the history.

Today, only overgrown foundations of houses, ruins of a power plant, remnants of outbuildings and an abandoned cemetery remind of the former prosperity. The destroyed monuments are silent witnesses of a bygone era, making us think about the fates of the people who lived here.

Instead of people, wild animals became the owners of the island. Moose, deer and more than 200 species of birds can be found here. The island is a true paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

There is practically no infrastructure on the island. There are no equipped beaches, hiking trails, or shops. Boat rentals can also be difficult.

The duration of the tour is about 9.5 hours with departure from Minsk. The program includes coffee/tea stops on the way, a guided tour of Do Island with sightseeing and, possibly, lunch.

What is interesting to see on the island:

• ancient settlements and sacrificial pits: traces of ancient settlements and pagan rituals. The mountain Town, where the locals gathered for rituals, still retains its mystical aura.
•  Mount Perunovka: Associated with the worship of Perun, the god of thunder. The guide will tell you the legends of a shepherd who met mythical creatures and received gold from them.
• Gilzen Manor in Osvey: A beautiful historical place where you can take unique photos.

Additional places to visit are also possible: the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the picturesque suspension bridge, which offers stunning views in the village of Sarya.

Doo Island is a place where history meets nature, where you can touch the past and enjoy the beauty of the present.

This is a journey that will leave an unforgettable impression.