Press releases

GRODNO, 5 May (BelTA) – A fifty-kilometer cycling tourist route passing through major tourist attractions is opening at the Augustow Canal, BelTA learned from Sergei Koleda, Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Tourism and Sport Union.

The marking of Yatvyazhsky cycling route No.433 is almost completed. Despite the considerable length of the circular route that runs along the two banks of the Belarusian part of the canal, the cycling trail is expected to be one of the most interesting ones in the region.

“It is important to note that we unveil the route in the run-up to the Victory Day celebrations. Among other sites, the trail will take tourists to the pillboxes of Grodno fortified region No.68. The region witnessed heavy fighting at the beginning of the war. The area near the pillboxes has been cleaned and spruced up. However, I should point out that one should be careful when visiting such places,” Sergei Koleda said. He added that the Augustow Canal also saw events of the First World War, and the cycling route includes places connected with that war.

“The trail passes through many other interesting sites telling about the history of the region and Grodno Oblast. The attractions date back to different historical periods, from ancient to contemporary times,” Sergei Koleda emphasized. The route will be introducing foreign tourists to the Belarusian part of the Augustow Canal as they enter the country through the Lesnaya-Rudawka border checkpoint. The status of Lesnaya-Rudawka has recently been changed from a river border checkpoint to a cyclist- pedestrian- and river checkpoint.

The trail will also take tourists to the oldest sundial in Grodno Oblast that was discovered during the renovation of the canal. The sundial is some two centuries old. Apart from that, the route runs through all the popular sluices, museums and other attractions.

“The circular cycling route has 10km, 20km and 50km options. There are several bike rentals along the trail,” Sergei Koleda pointed out. He said that the route will be of interest even to those who are well familiar with the canal as they will certainly find new things to discover. For tourists from abroad, the route is also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Belarusian part of the canal, especially given that they can enter the country visa-free.

The recreation park Augustow Canal, the city of Grodno and its surroundings have been part of one visa-free zone under Decree No.318 since 26 October. Foreign nationals are allowed to stay on the territory of the park and its surroundings for a period of up to five days. Over 12,000 foreign tourists from 56 countries have visited Grodno Oblast without a visa since 26 October.