Vileika reservoir.
Natural site
Belarus, Minsk region, Vileysky district, Krivoselsky village Council
Description
The Vileika reservoir is one of the most popular recreation areas for Minsk residents and residents of other nearby settlements. The Vileika "sea" is considered the largest artificial reservoir in Belarus and the second largest reservoir in the country (after Lake Naroch). It took 5 years to create the "sea" in 1968, and nine local villages were resettled due to its construction. The area of the Vileika reservoir is 65 km2, and its maximum depth is 13 meters.
Categories

With children

Outdoor activity
Comments
Reviews to the Place
1Ольга Ерёменко
16.03.2025
The Vileika reservoir is one of the most popular recreation areas for Minsk residents and residents of nearby settlements.
The purpose of creating the Vileika reservoir was to provide several districts of the sprawling Minsk with drinking water. In addition to its practical value, the Vileyskoye reservoir is of great interest in the field of tourist and ecological recreation. Here you can practice water skiing, water-motor, rowing and sailing.
Fishing is a separate topic in this region. Sport fishing competitions are often held here. Fishing enthusiasts know these places very well. Crucian carp, ruffs, carp, pike, bream, perch, walleye, catfish, roach are perfectly caught here. The reservoir is rich in large-sized fish, which is practically not found on other lakes.
Around such a large area, everyone will find a suitable place for centralized recreation in one of the many manors and bases, as well as for hiking and living in tents.
The shores of the Vileika reservoir have a gentle slope and are covered with forest, so here you can combine a rest by the water with a hike in the forest area. From the high shores of the Vileika reservoir, a beautiful view of a large expanse of water opens up, and the Vilia River is a suitable place for kayaking. There are specially equipped comfortable gazebos and designated places for a campfire. Special tent cities are equipped for tourists.
These places have a unique natural environment that combines elements of forest and aquatic ecosystems. The local vegetation is represented by rare species typical of swampy areas and moist meadows, as well as extensive forests. There are many mushrooms and berries in the forest. The diversity of the animal world includes many species of birds, fish, and mammals that are adapted to local conditions.
There are areas for cycling and jogging around the reservoir. The shores of the reservoir are perfect for walking along the water and observing nature.
In summer, the water warms up to 18-22 degrees, and in shallow water the temperature can reach 24 degrees. In winter, in early December, the reservoir freezes, the ice thickness is about 70 cm.
Winter fishing enthusiasts really appreciate these places. There is a legend among fishermen that if you put your ear to the ice of a reservoir in winter during Orthodox holidays, you can hear the bells of churches that were flooded during its construction. There are whole legends about the resettled villages. All of them are about the "relocation" of cemeteries during the construction of the reservoir. Even the French appealed to the construction management with a request to preserve a small island on which the remains of soldiers of Napoleon's army rest. The management met it halfway, and today the island can still be seen against the background of a silver pond.
There are several camping sites on the territory of the reservoir. Here you can rent boats, speedboats, ATVs, and spend the night in specially equipped wooden houses on the shore.
The Vileika reservoir is a symbol of the region, created by human hands and characterized by incredible beauty. If you don't know its history, you'll never guess that it's man-made, not a natural object. A rich selection of fish, luxurious places, and clean air attract more and more people to these places.