Pastavy Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable vacation in Pastavy with this comprehensive travel guide featuring information on the town's attractions, food, culture, safety, transportation, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Pastavy

Located in the Vitebsk Oblast of Belarus, Pastavy is a charming town connected to the country’s rich history, culture, and nature. Founded in the 15th century, Pastavy has evolved into a popular destination for tourists seeking a dose of heritage, outdoor activities, and rustic cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Pastavy

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pastavy Regional Museum of Local History - Explore the town’s fascinating history and cultural heritage through this museum’s exhibits, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art.
  • Church of the Holy Trinity - Built in the 18th century, this beautiful Orthodox church stands as one of Pastavy’s most iconic landmarks, featuring unique architectural elements and intricate frescoes.
  • House-Museum of Ivan Shamiakin - Discover the life and works of Ivan Shamiakin, a renowned Belarusian writer and translator, through personal belongings, manuscripts, and interactive exhibits.
  • Gosudarstvenny Nauchno-Issledovatel’skiy Institut Phytopathologii im. N. I. Vavilova - This research institute is dedicated to the study of plant diseases and presents an interesting scientific perspective on the local flora and fauna.

Natural Attractions of Pastavy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Pobede - Located just a few kilometers from Pastavy, this scenic lake offers a range of activities, such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding forests.
  • Berezinskaya Pushcha National Park - This massive nature reserve covers over 1,771 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, with diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including the rare European bison.
  • Nalibokskaya Pushcha National Park - Another nearby nature reserve, Nalibokskaya Pushcha is a unique mix of forest, swamps, and hills, with biodiverse flora and fauna, such as wolves, badgers, and eagles.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pastavy

  • Lake Pobede Circular Trail - A 15-kilometer route circling around the lake, passing through forests, meadows, and villages, and offering scenic vistas of the lake and surrounding hills, suitable for both hiking and cycling.
  • Berezina-Buguliski Trail - A 20-kilometer trail crossing through the Berezinskaya Pushcha National Park, featuring diverse landscapes, wildlife, and historical landmarks, with challenging terrains for experienced hikers and bikers.
  • Gostilitsy-Bychki Trail - A 10-kilometer route connecting two picturesque villages, passing through forests, fields, and landscapes, offering glimpses of traditional Belarusian lifestyle and culture.

Best Things to Do in Pastavy: Activities and Tours

  • Crafts Workshops - Learn traditional Belarusian crafts, like weaving, pottery, and embroidery, through thematic workshops and classes offered by local artisans.
  • Countryside Tours - Explore the rural landscapes and traditions of the surrounding villages, such as Gostilitsy, Bychki, and Yelnitsy, through guided tours and excursions.
  • Fishing and Hunting - Enjoy recreational fishing and hunting experiences in the many lakes, rivers, and forests of the Vitebsk Oblast, accompanied by experienced guides and outfitters.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pastavy

Day 1 Arrive in Pastavy, check into hotel, visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Explore the Pastavy Regional Museum of Local History and the House-Museum of Ivan Shamiakin.
Day 3 Take a cycling tour around Lake Pobede and have a picnic lunch in the forest.
Day 4 Spend the day hiking in the Berezinskaya Pushcha National Park and have a picnic lunch in the wild.
Day 5 Join a crafts workshop and learn how to make pottery or weaving.
Day 6 Take a countryside tour of the neighboring villages and have lunch at a homestead.
Day 7 Spend the day fishing or hunting, and have a farewell dinner with traditional local dishes.

Food and Drink Scene of Pastavy

Must-Try Dishes

Pastavy is famous for its hearty, rustic cuisine, with dishes that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage, such as:

  • Draniki - Potato pancakes fried in butter and served with sour cream or mushroom sauce
  • Kolduny - Meat-filled dumplings, usually served with potatoes and bacon
  • Hurel - Salt-cured pork, often grilled or fried, and served with potatoes and onion
  • Kvass - A traditional Belarusian drink made from fermented rye bread, with a tangy, sweet-sour taste

Local Beverages

Besides kvass, Pastavy offers a range of popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as:

  • Belaruskaye Pryhazhonaje - A strong, herbal liqueur made from 40 herbs and spices, and served as a digestive or tonic
  • Krambambula - A sweet, spiced liqueur made from honey, wine, and herbs, with a warming, aromatic flavor
  • Sbiten - A traditional drink made from honey, spices, and water, heated and served warm, often with medicinal properties

Where to Stay in Pastavy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pastavy has a variety of accommodation options for every preference and budget, such as:

  • Guest House Pastavy - A cozy, family-run guest house with comfortable rooms, home-style breakfast, and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Hotel Belorusochka - A modern, 3-star hotel with spacious rooms, restaurant, conference facilities, and easy access to the town center.
  • Hostel Pastavy - A budget-friendly hostel with shared dorms, private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in Pastavy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Linen Textiles - Pastavy is famous for its high-quality linen fabrics and products, such as tablecloths, napkins, and towels, usually embroidered with traditional motifs and patterns.
  • Pottery - Local potters produce a variety of clay items, like cups, bowls, and figurines, often decorated with intricate designs and colors.
  • Honey - The Vitebsk Oblast is known for its honey production, with different flavors and types, such as acacia, linden, and meadow honey.
  • Wooden Souvenirs - Artisans carve and paint wooden figures, toys, and ornaments, reflecting the Belarusian folklore and traditions.

Local Culture and Customs of Pastavy

Pastavy has a rich, distinctive, and often quirky culture, influenced by its long history, rural lifestyle, and creative spirit. Some aspects of local culture and customs include:

  • Kupalle Festival - A pagan-inspired Midsummer festival celebrated on the 7th of July, featuring bonfires, folk rituals, and traditional games.
  • Belarusian Cuisine - Pastavy is part of the Belarusian culinary region, which emphasizes simple, wholesome dishes made with natural ingredients and seasonal produce.
  • Belarusian Folk Music - The town has a vibrant music scene, with many local bands and artists playing traditional instruments, like the accordion, violin, and cimbalom.
  • Religious Pilgrimages - Pastavy is also a popular destination for Christian pilgrimages, particularly to the local Church of the Holy Trinity and the nearby St. Michael’s Monastery.

Best Time to Visit Pastavy

The best time to visit Pastavy depends on your preferences and interests. The town experiences a continental, temperate climate, with four distinct seasons:

  • Spring (April-June) - A beautiful time to experience the awakening of nature, with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists.
  • Summer (July-August) - The peak tourist season, with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and many events and festivals.
  • Fall (September-November) - A colorful, romantic time to see the changing foliage, enjoy outdoor activities, and try hearty seasonal dishes.
  • Winter (December-March) - A snowy, festive season, perfect for winter sports, Christmas markets, and cozy indoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pastavy

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks, especially in traditional settings, like homesteads and rural restaurants.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions, such as dress codes in religious buildings and behavior during festivals.
  • Take appropriate safety measures when engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, hunting, and fishing.
  • Learn some Belarusian phrases and manners, and show genuine interest in the local culture and history.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local ecological rules and regulations, such as littering, poaching, and damaging the flora and fauna.
  • Disrespect the local people, their beliefs, and their way of life, or engage in any form of discrimination or prejudice.
  • Underestimate the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear, especially in extreme temperatures or seasons.
  • Photograph or record people or places without their permission or knowledge.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pastavy

Pastavy is a generally safe town, with low crime rates and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. However, as in any tourist destination, some precautions are necessary, such as:

  • Avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables in crowded places or public transports.
  • Use only licensed and reputable transportation services, and negotiate the prices beforehand.
  • Follow the local traffic rules and signs when driving or cycling, and wear appropriate safety gear.

Health in Pastavy

Pastavy has basic healthcare facilities, such as clinics and pharmacies, but in case of serious or emergency health issues, it is recommended to seek medical assistance in the nearby cities or towns. Also, it is advisable to:

  • Check your health and travel insurance coverage before your trip, and bring any necessary medications or prescriptions.
  • Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice cubes or tap water in restaurants and bars.
  • Protect yourself from insect bites and diseases, like ticks and mosquitoes, particularly in rural areas and forests.

Getting to Pastavy: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pastavy is located in the central-north part of Belarus, and can be easily reached by different means of transportation:

Airports Near Pastavy

  • Minsk National Airport (MSQ) - The main international airport of Belarus, serving numerous destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa, located 200 kilometers from Pastavy.

Bus Stations Near Pastavy

  • Pastavy Bus Station - A centrally located bus station, offering connections to many regional cities, such as Vitebsk, Smolensk, and Moscow.

Other Options

  • Car Rental - It is possible to rent a car or a taxi from Minsk or Vitebsk, and drive to Pastavy using the M1/E30 motorway, taking around 3 hours.
  • Train - There is a railway station in Pastavy, but only offering local trains, with connections to Vitebsk and Moscow.

How to Get Around in Pastavy

Pastavy is a small town that can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Also, taxis and buses are available for longer distances or specific destinations.

Where to Go Next from Pastavy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pastavy serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Vitebsk Oblast, with many interesting destinations and attractions, such as:

  • Vitebsk - The cultural and intellectual center of Belarus, famous for its art, music, and architecture, such as the Marc Chagall Art Center and the Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local History and Culture.
  • Borisov - A historic town located on the banks of the Berezina River, known for its ancient fortifications, churches, and museums.
  • Polotsk - One of the oldest cities in Belarus, Polotsk boasts a rich cultural and religious heritage, with landmarks like the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Polotsk National Historical and Cultural Museum.

Conclusion

Pastavy is a hidden gem in the heart of Belarus, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your perfect vacation, exploring the town’s attractions, cuisine, customs, and surroundings, and creating unforgettable memories along the way.

A view of Pastavy with St. Anthony's church. A view of Pastavy with St. Anthony's church. Tyzenhauz and Przeździecki Palace Tyzenhauz and Przeździecki Palace