A1 welcomes spring and shares where the company subscribers spent holidays this winter
Winter is coming to an end, the season of long holidays, short days and, as this year has reminded us all, freezing cold is finally over. However, even the cold couldn't keep Belarusians tucked away at home: the on-off statistics within the A1 network continued to show increased activity in many tourist locations. As spring approaches, the company studied the numbers and compiled its own ranking of the most popular winter holiday destinations in our country.
So, where did A1 subscribers go on holiday most often last winter? The top three most trendy destinations were natural parks, architectural landmarks and outdoor activity sites. And here are the locations that turned out to be the most popular.
Natural landmarks
1. Naliboki Forest
An island of pristine wilderness located just 60 km away from Minsk. In summer, people come here for rafting on the Islach River, the healing pine air, to watch grazing herds of wild tarpan horses and experience the Belarusian flora and fauna in all its diversity. And winter, especially one as snowy as this year's, is the best time to observe bison herds. Or even just to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient tales of winter wonderland.
2. Belovezhskaya Pushcha
Another landmark is located 60 km from a major city, Brest, this time. Here we find ourselves in the midst of pristine wilderness again. And not just anywhere, but in Belovezhskaya Pushcha, one of the largest relict forests in Europe. And yet, tourists are welcome here even in winter: the Nature Museum and enclosures with various forest inhabitants are open for them, and sightseeing tours are available.
3. Pripyat National Park
A place separated from major cities by not just tens, but hundreds of kilometers, where even in winter you'll find everything you need for a diverse and comfortable vacation: from a museum dedicated to the history, archeology, and nature of the Belarusian Polesia region, to a safari park where you can observe wild animals and pet the tame ones, from hunting and fishing to spa relaxation and culinary discoveries.
Architectural and historical landmarks
1. The Mir Castle Complex
This ancient monument of Belarusian defensive architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site is beautiful in every kind of weather. There are just as many reasons to visit in winter as there are in summer. There are themed tours and exhibitions, exciting quests based on the castle's history, and lectures that give you the opportunity to see rare exhibits from the museum's storerooms in person. And even traditional winter balls, not only for adults, but also for children.
2. Old Town of Grodno
Grodno is not just breathtaking views of the Neman River and stunningly beautiful parks. It is here that the largest ensemble of historical buildings in Belarus has been preserved, encompassing over 400 architectural monuments. The Old and New Castles, the Kolozha Church and the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, the pedestrian Sovetskaya Street with its historic buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as numerous museums attract thousands of tourists all year-round. This winter season was no exception.
3. Nesvizh Castle
The palace and garden complex in Nesvizh is another site that Belarusians were happy to spend at least one winter day exploring. Nighttime exploration is also a welcome feature: the castle specializes in atmospheric night tours. Visitors can enjoy exciting themed tours (including theatrical ones), meticulously restored antique interiors, and fairytale winter landscapes.
Sports and fitness facilities
1. National Center for Winter Olympic Training "Raubichi"
Raubichi is the true capital of winter sports in Belarus. National teams, from skiers and biathletes to snowboarders and ice-skaters train here and participate in competitions on site. But even casual outdoor enthusiasts will always find something to do here: the ski slopes, ski-ramps, an indoor skating rink and tubing slopes await them.
2. Logoisk Ski Complex
The ski resort is deservedly popular among both experienced and confident skiers, and beginners of all ages. The complex offers five skiing runs of varying difficulty, a training slope, a tubing trail and a snow park. Moreover, you can ski and admire the picturesque snow-covered landscapes not only during the day, but at nighttime as well.
3. Silichy Ski Resort
Another major attraction for winter recreation fans. People come here primarily for extreme sports: the Silichy resort has the longest, most complex and steepest slopes in the country. However, getting started with skiing or snowboarding for the first time is also possible here, some of the runs were designed for beginners, and there is a separate slope for children.
And thus, this winter Belarusians enjoyed active and diverse vacations, their travels spanned the entire country, from large cities to secluded corners of pristine nature.
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