Gamarnya. Ecotropa and cascade of springs "Zakharenka".

In the depths of Bykhov district, in a dense spruce forest near the village of Gamarnya, one of the most mystical and fertile places in Belarus is hidden - the cascade of springs "Zakharenka". This is not just a natural monument, but a real oasis of silence and legends, where even the air seems to be saturated with antiquity. Every year this place is becoming more and more popular, and in 2025, declared the Year of Landscaping, work began on creating a full-fledged ecological trail that will make Zakharenka even more accessible to tourists.

The cascade received the official status of a hydrological natural monument of local importance back in 1994. And this is not surprising: in a tiny area of only 0.15 hectares, more than 10 powerful springs are gushing from the ground! There is hardly another place like this in Belarus, where so many life-giving springs are concentrated in such a small area. Old-timers say that fairs were held near springs several hundred years ago, and locals still find coins of the 17th century in these parts, which confirms the ancient history of this land.

The name "Zakharenka" is shrouded in many legends, and they are all beautiful in their own way.

The most famous of them is the story of a forest nymph. It says that one day two tired ploughmen, returning from work on a hot day, came to the springs to drink cold water. At the springs, they saw a beautiful woman with long, ankle-length hair washing her face. Taken aback by such unearthly beauty, the men asked: "Who are you and where are you from?" The girl, surprised to be seen, turned her head and replied, "My name is Zakharenka", and then disappeared without a trace. Since then, this name has been fixed for the springs. Some locals still believe that the spirit of this girl protects the springs, and the place itself does not like noise and fuss.

The second legend is more mystical and is connected with the Orthodox faith. It is said that there used to be a church on this very spot, the foundation of which has been undermined by groundwater for centuries. One day, the temple in which Saint Zachary served went completely underground. Older people still believe that the church has not disappeared forever and will one day "grow" out of the ground again. It is from here that the second, popular name of the springs originates - Ilyinsky, in honor of the church that supposedly stood here, and the feast of the prophet Elijah.

The water in the springs is surprisingly clear, transparent and sweet in taste. Locals believe in its healing power and come here for healing. It is no coincidence that a few years ago a small wooden chapel was built here, where divine services are held on church holidays.

Thanks to the efforts of employees of the Dunaykov forestry and Bykhov forestry, the territory of the natural monument is constantly being improved. The three main stairs are equipped with neat wooden log cabins, with convenient boardwalks leading to them. A closed font has been built for those who want to plunge into the holy waters. Every year on August 2, on the feast of the prophet Elijah, a small consecration of water is performed here, attracting many pilgrims and tourists from all over the region.

You can get to the springs through the village of Gamarnya. A winding forest path about one kilometer long leads from it into the depths of the forest, which smoothly turns into a well-equipped ecotrope. For those who want to stay in this quiet place longer, the Bykhov Forestry hunting complex operates in the village of Gamarnya. This is a comfortable house that offers various recreation options: from a simple visit to an eco-trail with a sauna to a full-fledged stay with hunting and fishing at the nearby Chigirinsky reservoir (which is home to catfish weighing more than 30 kg!).

The Zakharenka Springs Cascade is a unique place where nature, history and mysticism are intertwined. It is worth coming here at least once to touch the origins and recharge the energy of the ancient land.