Elnja Nature Reserve

Uniqueness: Sixty-five per cent of the Nature Reserve's territory is taken by the approximately 9,000 year-old Elnja bog, which is the largest raised bog in Belarus and one of the largest lake and swamp complexes in Europe.
The landscapes of the Nature Reserve feature a portion of tundra that somehow made its way to Belarus. Plants typical for tundra – Dwarf Birch, Cloudberry, etc. – grow here. More than 400 species of vascular plants are found in the Elnja Nature Reserve, 13 of which are listed in the Red Data Book; there are more than 120 species of birds, 24 of which are listed in the Red Book. As for mammals, Badger is listed in the Red Data Book.
The Nature Reserve has an international Ramsar site status, as well as the status of a globally Important Bird Area, and an Important Plant Area.

Interesting facts:

• - Elnja is known as the "lungs of Europe": one hectare of raised bog produces ten times more oxygen than one hectare of forest;
• - it is listed as one of the cleanest places on the planet;
• - there are 120 amazingly beautiful lakes of various shapes and sizes on the territory of the bog;
• - three rivers flow out of the bog, but no river flows into it;
• - the complex holds the largest cranberry reserves among all bogs of Belarus;
• - during migration in early autumn, several tens of thousands of Common Crane fly through the Nature Reserve.

Ecotourism services: Visiting the unique for Belarus Environmental Visitor Centre (interactive stands, gaming terminals, a wide range of videos and books on environmental topics, interactive classes, workshops). Walking tours in mudder boots, entomological tours (watching butterflies and dragonflies), the unique Ozeravki-Elnja nature trail, watching cranes from a tower, daytime crane watching in the fields, tracking (studying) wild animal tracks, rental of tourist equipment, provision of services related to catering and accommodation.

Ecological routes: Ozeravki-Elnja nature trail (5 km, 1.5-3 hours, best time: May-October), walking tours in mudder boots (6 km, 4-5 hours, May-October), walking ecological routes, crane watching (best time: from the end of August to the end of October), virtual journey through the bog at the Environmental Visitor Centre.