One of my autumn trips took place in the Vitebsk region to the Yelnya swamp massif - one of the leading swamps in Europe, which covers an area of 25 thousand hectares. This is a unique place with a history of 9 thousand years, which has preserved an almost pristine appearance.
The nature and landscapes here are reminiscent of the tundra, and for beginner tourists there are several eco-trails that can be walked alone or with a guide.
I recommend going with guides, who are the locals, because they orientate themselves well in the swamp, love and take care of it, they will tell you about the flora of the swamp, its inhabitants and the value for the planet.
very nice to see your pictures. I currently are working not far away from a moor and this is something equal to a swamp when you go there. So, I totally agree. If you take on the right clothes it is really a place to fully relax.
Thanks for this nice post @Rymaszewsca I am always interested to know more about Belarus as I have a friend there. Your photos and the detailed description gave me a nice idea about that beautiful swamp in Belarus.
@MukulR Thank you so much for your tagging. It would be so pity to miss this great post.
@Rymaszewsca Really great theme! I haven’t visited Yelnya swamps yet, but I really dream about it. I saw a lot of photos of this place and literally fall in love with it. I’d like to spend a whole day here, to meet cranes, to investigate unique plants and maybe to see some wild animals.
By the word such places are rich in cranberries. And it’s ripe now, in Autumn, and may be gathered till winter.
I shared a recipe of sour cake for your meet-up, do you remember, @MukulR ?
@Rymaszewsca Did you go there yourself or with tourist group? Was you so lucky to meet cranes? Have you gathered cranberries?
Thank you for sharing such a nice place. It’s a rare gem which not all Belarussians still know and it’s the place to feel fully our wonderful nature and Belarussian soul.
Please keep sharing interesting places here and in Maps.
Yes, I can clearly remember the delicious cranberry cake recipe that you shared for meet-up @OlgaKlimchik . The photo of that cake was really amazing. Thanks for reminding me. I will be waiting to see a great post with nice video from you on Yelnya after the pandemic. Stay safe. Regards.
Hi @OlgaKlimchik I left Bobruisk and joined the group in Vitebsk. I can send you a link to this tour, it will take place again.
The cranes have already flown south )
About cranberries: I saw several berries, but did not pick them. The berries were already picked along the path, and I was in the wrong shoes and could not get into the swamp. But I bought cranberries from the locals)
@Rymaszewsca Сейчас много предложений по турам на Ельнянские болота, в том числе и из Минска. Кстати, 20 сентября во время праздника “Журавли и Журавины” в Миорах был день открытых дверей в Ельне с бесплатным автобусом из Миор. Но в этом году как-то не вышло, может уже в следующем. Сейчас уже холодно для семейной поездки на болото.
))
Have you written anything about the swamps near which you work?
I left Bobruisk and joined the group in Vitebsk. I can send you a link to this tour, it will take place again.
)
