Andrei Halias

Minsk Sea, or Zaslawskaye Reservoir, is one of the most popular artificial water bodies in Belarus, located just a few kilometers from Minsk. This place attracts both the capital's residents and tourists with its beauty, variety of leisure activities, and convenient infrastructure. The water body was created in 1956 by constructing a dam on the Svisloch River to protect the city from floods and to provide drinking water. Minsk Sea covers an area of 31.1 square kilometers, is approximately 10 km long, and its width reaches up to 4.5 km at its widest point. Its shoreline stretches over 55 km, providing many opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

History of Creation 
The initial plans for creating a reservoir near Minsk arose back in the 1930s. The construction was planned to regulate the flow of the Svisloch River, which regularly flooded Minsk. However, the project was delayed. It was only in 1953 that active work began, including the resettlement of residents from the flooding zone. Initially, there were difficulties: hydrogeologists did not account for the presence of quicksand, a water-saturated soil in the reservoir basin. This required additional efforts, such as explosive works, to prepare the area for the future reservoir. Thanks to the efforts of the builders, in 1956, Minsk Sea was opened, and the first beach season started that same year.

Beaches and Recreation Areas 
Minsk Sea offers several equipped <a href="https://findit.city/en/belarus/minsk/leisure/recreation/beaches/map?entity=17">beaches</a>, known by numbers – from 1 to 9. They are located on different shores of the reservoir and are equipped with changing rooms, toilets, sunbeds, and tents. You can also rent equipment here, including boats, catamarans, and jet skis. There are fitness equipment and ping-pong nets installed at the beaches.

The most popular beaches are near the "Yunost" sanatorium, where there are tented areas, barbecues, and equipped fire pits. These places are surrounded by pine trees. Additionally, the administration has created unique decorative elements such as artificial palms, giving a sense of being by the sea.

Sanatoriums and Resorts 
On the shores of Minsk Sea are popular sanatoriums and resorts offering a full range of services for health improvement and comfortable accommodation. Among the most famous are the "Ogonyok" health complex, and the "Yunost", "Primorski", "Praleska", "Belorusočka", and "Ratomka" sanatoriums. Here, visitors can undergo wellness treatments, use sports equipment, enjoy nature, and restore their strength. The sanatoriums maintain a light "Soviet" style, which adds comfort and authenticity.

Additionally, near the sanatoriums, there are resorts with hotels, sports grounds, and the option to rent sports equipment. You can also rent gazebos and barbecues at these resorts.

Fishing 
Minsk Sea is also a popular spot for fishermen. The reservoir is home to various fish species, such as bream, pikeperch, perch, roach, pike, and tench. Less commonly found are ruff, crucian carp, and gudgeon. The total length of the shoreline of the reservoir is over 55 kilometers, but not all sections are suitable for fishing. Due to the shallowness along the shores, it is better to search for fishing spots in areas away from the beaches, especially on weekdays when it is quieter. Both summer and winter fishing attract enthusiasts from across the country. Minsk Sea is also an important stop for migratory birds.

Sports and Entertainment Events 
Water sports and tourism infrastructure are actively developing at Minsk Sea. On the north-western side of the reservoir is the Olympic Training Center for water sports, where international competitions are often held. In the summer, mass events and sports competitions take place, attracting spectators and participants from across Belarus and abroad.

Popular activities include renting sports equipment and practicing water sports such as swimming, jet skiing, and sailing. Near the "Yunost" sanatorium, there is the so-called "Island of Love," where outdoor events are regularly held, including themed parties and concerts.

Transportation and Accessibility 
Minsk Sea is accessible by buses, with routes passing from the "Druznaya" station (bus No. 219D) and from the "Odoevskogo" station (buses No. 219, 225, 227, 419). The reservoir is also accessible to visitors by car: from the MKAD, take the P28 highway towards Molodechno. For navigation, you can use GPS coordinates – 53.979680, 27.387731.

You can also take an electric train from Minsk to Molodechno. Trains run daily from 5 am to 11 pm, and the travel time is about 20 minutes. The "Minsk Sea" stop is located close to the beaches and recreation areas, making trips to nature especially convenient for capital residents.

Nature and Ecology 
Minsk Sea is surrounded by picturesque forests, including pine and mixed forests. The catchment area of the Zaslawskaye Reservoir covers 562 square kilometers and features a diverse landscape with valleys and ravines. Forests make up about 43% of the catchment area.

The reservoir freezes in December and thaws in April. During the freezing period, winter sports such as ice fishing and ice skating are organized on Minsk Sea. In summer, you can observe a large number of waterfowl migrating through Belarus. Minsk Sea has become a favorite place for thousands of birds that use the reservoir for rest and feeding during seasonal migrations.

Nearby Attractions 
Not far from the reservoir is Zaslavl, one of the oldest cities in Belarus. Here you can see the Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church of a defensive type, built in 1577, as well as the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the late 18th century. Zaslavl also has an ethnographic museum with a unique wooden mill and a complex of farm buildings.

Conclusion 
Minsk Sea, known by its unofficial name, remains a unique place for nature recreation, located just a few kilometers from the capital. It offers everything for a comfortable and varied leisure experience: from beaches and sanatoriums to sports grounds and picturesque fishing spots.

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