Wild camping in Belarus

Toll
There is a high number of toll roads in Belarus. The toll is paid electronically through a device that you can rent at most petrol stations just across the border. If you do not pay the toll, your car can be detained by customs authorities on departure until you have paid.

Entry
When entering the country, there are some points to consider. You need a valid visa, a certified translation of your driving license, and, if you are staying for more than five days, you must register with the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OGIM). If you are staying in a hotel at the beginning of your trip, this will usually take care of the registration for you.

Animals
Besides smaller forest inhabitants like the weasel or beaver, you can also meet bison (also known as European bison), wild boars, and occasionally wolves in Belarus. So take a good look around before you set up camp, so as not to disturb the animals and not to put yourself in unnecessary danger.

Radioactivity
Due to the nuclear disaster of Chernobyl, you should refrain from eating wild fruits, berries, nuts, mushrooms, and other foods in the southwest of the country, even if it would be allowed by law. You should also not drink the tap water here. In the meantime, however, staying in the area is harmless.

Fact #1 - Superstition
In Belarus, you should rather not whistle in a house, because the Belarusians believe that you don't care about all your money.

Fact #2 - Belarusian
Belarusian is spoken very little. Most people speak Russian and in more rural areas Trasyanka, a mixture of Belarusian and other languages.

Fact #3 - Potatoes
Potatoes are the favorite food of the Belarusian population. To avoid boredom, there are over 300 different potato dishes.

Fact #4 - Treasure hunt
On average more treasures are found in Belarus than in any other country in Europe. The reason is that many rulers hid their treasures in the forests.

Fact #5 - No daylight saving time
Compared to most countries, Belarus does not have summertime and keeps its clock set to winter time all year round.

Fact #6 - Independence Boulevard
Independence Boulevard is the longest street in Minsk with a total length of 15 km and runs from the northeast to the city center.

Fact #7 - The unemployment rate
Belarus has a very low unemployment rate. In 2018 it was just 0.4 percent, and according to forecasts, it will be just 1.13 percent by 2024.

Fact #8 - BelAZ-75710
The BelAZ-75710 is the heaviest series-produced truck in the world and comes from Belarus. Its tires alone weigh 5.3 tons each.

Fact #9 - The death penalty
Belarus is the last country in Europe where the death penalty is still in use. In a 1996 vote, over 80% of the population was in favor of the death penalty.

Fact #10 - Highest poll
The Dsjarschynskaja Hara is the highest elevation in Belarus. It lies west of the city of Minsk and reaches a height of 345 m above zero.