In Belarus, there are up to eleven thousand lakes and twenty thousand rivers and streams. Particularly famous and picturesque stand out among them Braslaw Lakes. Braslaw lakes are located in the Braslaw district, Vitebsk region of Belarus. The natural riches of these places are rightfully considered one of the most beautiful not only in the Vitebsk region, but throughout Belarus. Braslaw Lakes is a group of several dozen large lakes and hundreds more small lakes. Braslaw lakes vary greatly in form, area, depth, composition and transparency of water, the diversity of flora and fauna. For this reason, the Braslaw lakes together create a very unique natural picture.

Most of Braslaw lakes are interconnected by small rivers, streams and channels. The total area of ​​Braslaw Lakes is about one hundred thirty square kilometers. In depth, some of the Braslaw lakes reach forty meters. The largest lake in area is Lake Dryviaty, its area is thirty-six square kilometers. The city of Braslaw itself and several other large settlements are located on the shores of the Braslaw lakes, but for the most part the Braslaw lakes are surrounded by pristine untouched nature, which is characterized by an unusual relief for Belarus and beautiful landscapes. Hundreds of lakes of a unique shape, filled with islands, bays and peninsulas, hills that sometimes line up in long chains, numerous swamps and huge boulders, winding rivers and streams - such an splendor was left behind by an ancient glacier, which left these places more than ten thousand years ago.

All this natural wealth is combined into a single conservation zone. The fact is that Braslaw Lakes are located on the territory of the National Park "Braslaw Lakes". This park was created in 1995. Its main element was the Braslaw group of lakes. The park occupies a significant part of the Braslaw region, where in addition to the lakes there are also huge swamps and forests. The total area of ​​the national park is more than seventy thousand hectares. The length of the National Park "Braslaw Lakes" from north to south is about fifty-six kilometers, the width reaches thirty kilometers. About 17% of the territory is occupied by lakes, forests occupy 46% of the surface of the Braslaw Lakes National Park.

Due to the presence of various ecosystems, such as forests, lakes, meadows and swamps, the flora and fauna of the Braslaw Lakes National Park is very rich. The park is home to many species of large mammals and a variety of birds, in the lakes there are numerous species of fish. The flora and fauna of the Braslaw region is not only distinguished by its wealth, but sometimes unique. Many species of animals, birds and fish living here are listed in the Red Book of Belarus. In addition, relic invertebrates live here, which indicates the unique degree of purity of some of the local lakes. Indeed, the transparency of water in some Braslaw lakes reaches ten meters.

Most Braslaw lakes have a very complex shape and a rugged coastline. In addition, there are a lot of islands on local lakes, and one of them even has its own inland lake. Castles and other military fortifications were built on some of these islands in the Middle Ages. And on one of these islands, until the 19th century, there was also a monastery. By the way, the city of Braslaw itself, which is the administrative center of the district and the National Park, and which gave the name to the entire region and lakes, is extremely picturesque located. The city of Braslaw is located on a narrow strip of land between several large lakes, in the center of the main group of Braslaw lakes, that is, almost like on an island.

National Park "Braslaw Lakes" is also rich in sights, architectural and archaeological sites that have been preserved to this day. Moreover, if we talk about those attractions that are located directly on the shores of the main group of Braslaw lakes, then first of all we need to mention the churches, monastery, ordinary historical buildings and the ancient castle hill of Braslaw itself, as well as the Maskavichy settlement and the church in the village of Slabodka. If we talk about those attractions that are located a little away from the main group of Braslaw lakes, within fifteen kilometers from the city of Braslaw, then the palace, church and ordinary historical buildings in the village of Opsa, the church in the village of Miluncy, the churches in the village of Ikazn, and the chapel in the village of Achremaucy deserve special mention. And finally if we talk about the entire territory of the Braslaw Lakes National Park and even wider environs, the list of architectural monuments and attractions of these places, fortunately, will be very long.

The rare beauty of the unique pristine nature, decorated with interesting architectural monuments and sights, as well as the opportunity to have a great rest by the water, go fishing or hunting, makes the Braslaw region one of the main tourist destinations in Belarus. The tourist infrastructure of the Braslaw Lakes National Park includes many facilities. For example, here there are an abundance of recreation centers, hotels, guest houses and equipped tourist camps, which are different in size and level of service; well-thought-out cycling and walking routes, following which will appreciate the beauty of the local nature; rental points for tourist, fishing and hunting equipment, boats and catamarans; equipped beaches; arbors and numerous farmsteads. The National Park "Braslaw Lakes" also organizes special tours for hunters and fishermen, yacht trips and tourist excursions to the sights of the surroundings.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a tourist site as “Mount Mayak”. Mount Mayak is one of the highest hills in all the environs of Braslaw Lakes. Fortunately, this hill is located right in the thick of these same Braslaw lakes. Thanks to this, from this hill, proudly called the mountain, one of the best panoramic views of the Braslaw Lakes from those available to the ground viewer opens. Mount Mayak is considered the best viewing point for tourists in these places.

In addition, it should be noted that the city of Braslaw also has all the necessary basic infrastructure. There are banks, post offices, shops of various profiles, cafes, restaurants, sports grounds, car service facilities, car washes, gas stations, as well as other facilities that tourists and travelers may need. Thanks to all this, Braslaw Lakes have become a very popular holiday destination for numerous tourists and travelers who come here not only from Belarus but also from many other countries.