Types of tourism
Religious organizations
In the Orshansky district, registered and operating 46 religious communities, representing 11 confessions:- Belarusian Orthodox Church
- Religious organization Jehovah's Witnesses
- Roman Catholic Church
- Greek Catholic Church
- Religious Union of the Communities of Full Gospel Christians
- Religious Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists
- Religious Union of Christians of the Evangelical Faith
- Religious union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Churches
- Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Muslim religious association
- Jewish religious union
Holy Ilya Church
The St. Ilya Church in Orsha is the oldest in the city. Already in the distant year 1460, by order of the Polish king Casimir IV, a church was erected on the site where his wife Elizabeth almost drowned in the Dnieper, but was miraculously saved. The building of the first church was wooden and soon burned down, but it was rebuilt anew. A legend has been preserved that it was in the Ilya Church during the Great Northern War that Tsar Peter I prayed for the granting of victory over the Swedes. The stone church, which adorns Orsha today, was built in 1880. The facade of the temple in white‑blue tones is decorated with various architectural elements that give it a special lightness and beauty.
St. Joseph's Church
Full name – the Dominican Church of Joseph (the Betrothed). Built in 1808 on the site of a wooden Dominican chapel from the 17th century, it combines elements of Baroque and Classicism. At the end of the 19th century, due to persecution of Catholics after the Polish uprising, the two bell towers on the main façade of the church were destroyed. The church was closed in 1937. It was significantly rebuilt, and during the Soviet era the building housed a cultural centre. Since 1990, the Church of Saint Joseph has been returned to the faithful, restored, and is now active. The church houses a copy of a painting by an unknown Renaissance artist titled “Battle of Orsha”, which took place on 8 September 1514.
Holy Epiphany Kutey Male Monastery
In 1623, during the flourishing of Catholicism on the outskirts of Orsha, near a dense forest, the Orthodox Kuteysky male monastery appeared and became one of the centers of Orthodoxy on the Belarusian land. The Metropolitan of Kyiv, Peter Mogila, came to consecrate the main throne and the temple precincts. Later, in his notes, he wrote: "I am amazed at how under Orsha an angelic existence is led by 200 monks." They glorified the Kuteysky monastery with their work: this place became a hub of talented icon painters, woodcarvers and ceramists. In 1631, on the monastery’s territory, Spiridon Sobolev printed the first Belarusian "Bukvar".
Church of Venerable Leonid of Ustnedumsk
One of the main attractions of the city – the Church of Venerable Leonid – was built through donations from the residents of Orsha themselves. Moreover, this temple is the only one of its kind in Belarus. There are no other churches in Belarus named after Venerable Leonid. The church was opened in 2006, and since then the townspeople and visitors of Orsha come to Saint Leonid with their joys and sorrows. Services are held in the temple both on weekdays and on holidays. On the feast day of Venerable Leonid, services are held especially solemnly in the temple.
Holy Assumption Women's Monastery
The Holy Dormition Women's Monastery is located on the picturesque left bank of the Dnieper. The monastery was founded in 1631 near the Kuteinka River flowing into the Dnieper. A wooden church dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God was built in the monastery, but it burned down in 1635 and was replaced by a stone church with the main altar dedicated to the descent of the Holy Spirit. In 1655 a stone Dormition cathedral was erected in the monastery. In the 1920s the monastery was closed, and the church was used as a warehouse and smokehouse. In 1996 the Synod decided to establish a sisterhood at the Ilya Church, marking the beginning of the revival of the Holy Dormition Women's Monastery. A new two‑storey building was constructed for the sisters, and in 2006 the new Dormition church was consecrated. In 2017 the convent housed 11 novices.
Church of the Holy Everlasting Trinity
Holy Trinity Church in the urban-type settlement of Orekhovsk is a monument of architecture of the 17th century of republican significance. The building of the still functioning wooden Holy Trinity Church was constructed in 1838 on the site of a previous temple in the centre of the village. The structure that has come down to us represents a cuboid central volume with a semicircular apse and a small vestibule, topped by a spherical dome on a low circular drum. According to church tradition, the erection of this temple marked the victory of Russian arms over the French in the war of 1812.
Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God
This temple was built quite recently. The foundation of the church was discovered in 1987 completely by chance by ordinary workers. The first church was built on this site back in the 17th century. It was the center of religious life in those distant times. The temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The church was built in the 21st century based on surviving drawings and archival documents, on the very same spot where the ancient foundation was found. In 2014, the temple was consecrated. The white church with a blue roof and golden domes is a symbol of the revival and purity of faith.
Church of the Transfiguration
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church in the urban-type settlement of Smolyan – a blue wooden building that stands on a stone foundation. It is known that the church was built in 1590, but it has not been preserved in its original form to this day. The church has been rebuilt several times, and the final changes to the building were made in 1809. In this form, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church has survived to the present day. The church is voluminous in its external appearance: two bell towers, a surrounding gallery, and a four‑sided volume with triangular pediments. Inside, the church is decorated with the painting “The Twelve Apostles”.
Gastronomic tourism
What is gastronomic tourism?Gastronomic tourism is a journey aimed at getting to know a country, region or locality through the lens of its cuisine: cooking traditions, the specifics of producing national dishes and products. It also includes organizing tourist trips aimed at immersing in the gastronomic culture of a particular territory.
Resolution of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus dated August 7, 2023 No. 36 “On maintaining a Unified Classification of Types of Tourism in the Republic of Belarus”24 Publicly accessible food service establishments869 Seating placesTasty and healthy nutrition plays an important role in quality leisure. Recently, gastronomic tourism has been gaining popularity, and Orsha is no exception. Here this type of tourism is gradually developing, offering city guests the opportunity to get acquainted with traditional dishes of Belarusian cuisine, prepared from natural products according to ancient recipes.
Gastronomic tours contribute to the revival of culinary traditions, introduce the cultural heritage of the region and allow one to immerse in the spirit of the local village. In Orsha, thematic events, festivals and master‑classes dedicated to folk cuisine are held.
The history of Belarusian cuisine spans several centuries, and the Orsha region has contributed its share. Influenced by its geographic position and cultural ties with the West and East, unique taste traditions have formed, which today strive to be revived and popularized among tourists.
Food service establishments
Restaurant«Orsha»
g. Orsha, ul. Mira, 11Restaurant«Atmosphere»
g. Orsha, ul. Lenina, d. 79Restaurant«Grand»
Orshansky district, d. Andreyevshchina, ul. Vitebskaya, d. 26Restaurant«Khvamli»
g. Orsha, ul. Ostrovskogo, 2aCafe«Kalaski»
g. Orsha, ul. Vladimira Lenina, 18Cafe«Castle»
g. Orsha, ul. Lenina, 6aCafe«Mirage»
g. Orsha, ul. Komsomolskaya, 13/15Cafe«Kalita»
g. Orsha, prt Textile Workers, d. 6Cafe«Grey»
g. Orsha, ul. 1 May, d. 62ACafe«Milfeu»
g. Orsha, ul. Mira, 5Cafe«Arbat»
g. Orsha, ul. Pioneer, 6Cafe«Eastern Yard»
g. Orsha, ul. Gorokhova, d. 33Cafe«Falvarak»
g. Orsha, ul. 1 May, d. 72Cafe«Viet»
g. Orsha, ul. Friedrich Engels, 10Cafe«Plan B»
g. Orsha, ul. Mira, 6/1Cafe«Beethoven»
g. Orsha, ul. Vladimira Lenina, 19Mini-cafe«Minute»
g. Orsha, ul. Molokova, d. 13aPizzeria«Tmin»
g. Orsha, ul. Vladimira Lenina, 53VPizzeria«DoDo Pizza»
g. Orsha, ul. Sovetskaya, 2VBar«Pint House»
g. Orsha, ul. Komsomolskaya, d. 5/14, office 1Sports bar«Liga»
g. Orsha, ul. Lenina, 183Bar«#Aviator»
village Bolbasovo, ul. Gritsevtsa, d. 36Restobar«Number 216»
g. Orsha, ul. Mira, 11Industrial tourism
What is industrial tourism?Industrial tourism— a tourist trip for the purpose of participating in production tours, as well as activities related to the organization of this tourist trip
Decree of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism
Republic of Belarus dated August 7, 2023 No. 36
«On the maintenance of the Unified Classification of Tourism Types in the Republic of Belarus»RUPTP «Orshansky Flax Plant»
Orsha flax combine is the only enterprise in the Republic of Belarus and the largest in the CIS countries and Europe for the production of linen fabrics. The history of the Orsha flax combine began in December 1930. From a small flax processing factory it turned into a huge complex consisting of 5 factories, which allows the organization of a closed-loop production – from processing flax fiber to finished products. During the tour there is an opportunity to observe how different production units – scutching, spinning, weaving, finishing machines – work in harmony. In the flagship store of the Orsha flax combine “Dom Lna” you can purchase products to suit any taste.
OJSC «Orshansk Instrumental Plant»
Orsha Instrumental Plant was commissioned in 1974. Currently, the plant is one of the leading manufacturers in the Republic of Belarus of auxiliary, clamping and metal‑cutting tools for metalworking machines. JSC “OIZ” is a regular participant in specialized international exhibitions. The plant has repeatedly been awarded for its high image, consumer recognition and product quality. Currently, the plant produces a wide range of product names that have certificates of conformity of the Republic of Belarus. In 2019, the plant was included among the participants of the “MTZ‑HOLDING” holding. Based on the plant, a service center has been created, which provides warranty, technical and post‑warranty service for equipment produced by the “MTZ‑HOLDING” holding and used by consumers.
History of “Steel Highways”
Museum of Revolutionary, Combat and Labor Glory of the Orsha Locomotive Depot
The history of railways in the Orsha region begins with the construction of the Smolensk‑Minsk line in 1871. Transport industry enterprises carefully keep their chronicle. Among them is one of the oldest on the Belarusian Railway – the Orsha locomotive depot named after K.S. Zaslonov. The Museum of revolutionary, combat and labor glory was established here in August 1986. It is located in the building of the diesel‑train repair shop and has 11 exhibits. One of the most noticeable and popular exhibits among visitors is a full‑scale model‑imitation of the SU locomotive cab. The simulation of the locomotive’s operation, the steam‑air pump and the speedometer allows one to momentarily imagine being a driver, and its interactivity evokes genuine enthusiasm among young visitors.
Museums of educational institutions
Museums of educational institutions of Orshansky District
Go to the listActive tourism
What is active tourism?Active tourism – a tourist trip based on active movement along a travel route for educational, training, research, ecological and/or other purposes, as well as activities related to organizing this tourist trip
Resolution of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus dated August 7, 2023 No. 36 “On maintaining a Unified Classification of Tourism Types in the Republic of Belarus”All conditions for engaging in active types of tourism have been created in the Orsha district.
Cycling tourism
Cycling travel is a distinct type of sports tourism, the essence of the activity is overcoming a specific route.
Route “For Our Soviet Motherland”
Route: Cycling Club “Katyusha” – village Pishchalo
Organizer: State Unitary Enterprise “Orsha District Center of Physical Culture, Tourism and Local History for Children and Youth”Phone: +375 216 53 39 69, +375 216 51 04 53Route “Living History”
Route: Olymp stadium, urban-type settlement Bolbasovo – Trofimova spring – agricultural settlement Aleksandriya: school – Petrovsky embankment – Center of Folk Art and Crafts, urban-type settlement Kopys – dendrological park – hunter’s hut – memorial museum of Yanka Kupala “Levki”
Organizer: State Institution “Tourist Information Center “Orsha”Phone: +375 216 54 40 04Water tourism (kayak trips)
One of the most popular forms of active recreation is kayak rafting. Exciting water trips along the rivers of the Orsha region become the best way to escape the hustle and problems and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of sport, drive, energy and complete tranquility with the beauty of nature.
Route “Dnieper Way”
Kayak trip on the Dnieper River (v. Pashino – Orsha – v. Bolshaya Kharkovka)
Route “Rivers of Orsha region – Adrov, Dnieper”
Adrov River, city Baran – Dnieper – v. Bolshaya Kharkovka
Route “Dnieper Expedition”
Kayak trip on the Dnieper River (v. Pashino – Orsha – v. Bolshaya Kharkovka – v. Levki – urban-type settlement Kopys)
Organizer: Individual Entrepreneur Buashova Irina LeonidovnaPhone: +375 29 503 00 11Hiking tourism (eco‑trails)
For those who prefer leisurely walks in fresh air – our district has a hiking trail along eco‑trails.
Route “Eco‑trail”
Route: Memorial museum of Yanka Kupala “Levki” – mixed forest – dendropark of Kopys Forestry – hunter’s hut of the forest hunting estate – spring – Petrovsky embankment.
Organizer: State Forestry Management Unit “Orsha Forestry” (Kopys Forestry)Phone: +375 216 53 08 23, +375 216 53 08 10Rope park “Fort Boyard”
This is a unique trainer consisting of platforms fixed to trees, between which are complexes of various obstacles at a height of 2‑8 meters above ground level, located in a forest mass on the territory of the Tourist and Health Complex “Orsha”.
Address: g. Orsha, 1 May, 72Phone: +375 216 51 94 03Equestrian tourism
The state specialized educational and sports institution “Vitebsk Regional Center of the Olympic Reserve for Equestrian Sport and Horse Breeding” provides horse riding services for tourists.
Address: g. Baran, Naberezhnaya St.,1Phone: +375 216 24 75 05Physical culture and sports facilities
For guests of the Orsha district who prefer physical culture activities, the following physical culture and sports facilities operate:
🏟️ City stadium (Orsha, Lenin St., 39)🏋️ Sports complex “Legmach” (Orsha, Yakubovsky St., 77)⚽ Stadium “Olympian” (Baran, Orshanskaya St., 7)🏃 Stadium “Olymp” (Bolbasovo, Gritsevtsа St., 19)🏐 Sports complex (Orsha, Perekopska St., 58А)🎾 Tennis court (Orsha, Lenin St., 220Ж)🏊 FOK (Zubovo, Postal St., 2А/1)🏃 FOK (Babynichi, Sports St., 16)Phone for inquiries: +375 216 54 08 47Equipment rental for active tourism
Physical culture and health complex
📍 a.g. Babynichi, Sports St., 16
📞 Phone: +375 216 27 17 76GSU “Hockey club “Lokomotiv-Orsha”
📍 Orsha, Lenin St., 79
📞 Phone: +375 216 52 47 85Handball club \"MAZ-Orsha\"
📞 Phone: +375 216 58 79 46Ecotourism
What is ecotourism?Ecotourism – a tourist journey to specially protected natural territories for the purpose of studying natural heritage, interacting with nature, viewing cultural values without negative impact on natural complexes and objects, contributing to the preservation of biological and landscape diversity of natural ecological systems, sustainable development of regions, as well as activities to organize this tourist journey.
Resolution of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism
Republic of Belarus dated August 7, 2023 No. 3642 Water bodies13 Lakes27% Territories — forests10 Species in the Red BookOrsha region is a unique and distinctive region of Belarus. It has a rich history, beautiful nature and a distinctive landscape. In the forests you can find elk, roe deer, noble deer. Ecotourism in the Orsha district is a wonderful opportunity for nature recreation, active leisure, and also getting acquainted with the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the region.Fortified site “Petrovsky Rampart”
Once, in Kopysy there was a castle, documented since 1726. Later all castle structures, including the entrance tower, wooden wall and four bastions, were destroyed. Today the earth mound with a wooden settlement, called Petrovsky Rampart, has survived intact. It reaches a height of 5 meters. In summer and spring the rampart is covered with a green carpet, the spherical crowns of trees create a special fairy‑tale atmosphere. In winter a white sheet covers the briefly sleeping nature and preserves the beauty of the place until spring.
Dendropark
Near the “Hunter’s Cottage” there is a dendropark covering 7 hectares. Hundreds of trees grow there: more than 250 species. The dendropark is divided into 8 sectors, each representing the flora of specific regions of the planet: North America and the Far East, Siberia and Europe, Crimea and the Caucasus. Of course, there is also space for native plants. All sectors are separated by alleys. The dendropark also has its own apiary with 60 hives, twenty of which are occupied by new, “non‑cutting” bee families. According to last year’s results, the Orsha Forest Farm took 1st place in Belarus for honey production.
Ecotrail “Adrov”
The circular route, 1.4 km long, is located between the town of Baran and the village of Zaytsevo on the right and left banks of the Adrov River. A distinctive feature of the right bank of the ecotrail is the presence of many fresh‑water sources. Some of them form springs.
Ecotrail of GLHU “Orsha Forest Farm”
The ecological route is laid out on the territory of the Kopysy forest district and the Kopysy village council. The route is 6.5 km long. Along the route there are objects: the house‑museum of Yanka Kupala, the dendropark of the Kopysy forest district, a hunter’s cottage of the forest‑hunting farm, a spring, and the Petrovsky Rampart.
Historic Park “Mezhevo” (botanical nature monument)
In 1901 the Derozhinsky family founded a landscape park in Mezhevo. They brought and planted many exotic trees, some of which have survived to this day. The park includes a complete water system with ditches and ponds connected to the Vornets and Skupya streams. The park, covering about 8 ha, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Orsha region.
🌿 Nature Monuments of the Orsha District
Of republican and local significance
№ Name of nature monuments Location Protection regime 🏛️ Nature monuments of republican significance Geological 1 Vallun “Big Stone” Kudaevsky 0.6 km south of Kudaevo village, quarter No. 196 of Orsha forest district Prohibited:
• removal and relocation of the boulder, making scratches, pits, inscriptions.
In the protection zone:
• extraction of minerals, plowing, activities causing erosion, drilling, explosive works, pollution of the area.2 Vallun “Zaharov Stone” 0.7 km north of Oreshki village 3 Vallun “Pashinsky‑1” 0.2 km northwest of Pashino village 4 Vallun “Pashinsky‑2” 0.5 km northwest of Pashino village 5 Vallun “Romaldovsky” Zamkhovye area, 2 km northeast of Romaldovo village 6 Range “Oreshkinskaya” Oreshki village and surroundings Prohibited:
• extraction of useful minerals;
• activities that cause soil erosion, washout, landslides;
• drilling wells, explosive works;
• pollution and littering of the area.7 Exposition “Adrov” 0.3 km east of Novoselki, left bank of the Adrov River 8 Exposition “Kobelyaki” 0.17 km south of Pridneprovye, right bank of the Dnieper 9 Exposition “Orsha” center of Orsha city, left bank of the Dnieper, near the “Katyusha” memorial 10 Exposition “Pashino” 0.15 km northeast of Pashino village, left bank of the Dnieper 11 Rudakov Ditch 0.6 km west of the southwestern outskirts of Smyotanka village 12 Hill “Klyuchnikovsky” 0.5 km west of Klyushnikovo village 13 Hill “Medvedevsky” 0.5 km southwest of Medvedovo village 🌳 Nature monuments of local significance Botanical 1 Historic Park “Mezhevo” Mezhevo agro‑settlement Prohibited:
• destruction of woody‑shrub vegetation (except sanitary work);
• removal of the fertile soil layer;
• burning of cut wood residues;
• vehicle movement off roads;
• lighting fires outside designated areas;
• waste disposal;
• hydraulic engineering melioration;
• construction (except small forms and ecotrails);
• development of deposits.2 Historic Park “Vysokoe” Vysokoe settlement 3 “Dendrosad” south‑west outskirts of Kopys town, Kopys forest district 4 Planting of common pine (Pine Park) Baran town, Orshanskaya St., A. Matrosova St., Parkovaya St. 5 Centennial linden alley near Levki village Surroundings of Levki village, Dnieper floodplain 6 Historic oak in Lemna village Southern part of Lemna village, lands of Zubovsky village council Geological 7 “Adrov Ravines” Orsha forest district, quarter 162 Prohibited:
• melioration works, changing the landscape and hydrological regime;
• extraction of minerals;
• plowing within 20 m of ravine edges;
• fires, tents, campsites outside designated areas;
• waste disposal (except authorized sites).8 “Krasnohar’kovskaya Valley” Right bank of the Dnieper between the villages of Ustye and Novoselki 9 “Kobelyak Rapids” Right bank of the Dnieper from Pridneprovye village to the highway bridge 10 “Alantiev Ridge” Mezhevsky village council, surroundings of Alantyevo village 🦌 Hunting tourism
What is hunting tourism?Hunting tourism – a tourist trip aimed at participating in hunting tours or hunts, as well as activities related to organizing such trips
Decree of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus dated August 7, 2023 No. 36 “On maintaining a Unified Classification of Types of Tourism in the Republic of Belarus”11 mln ha Hunting grounds of RGOO “BOOiR”64% All hunting grounds of Belarus19 Hunting farms in the structure2000+ Hunters annually🏹RGOO “Belarusian Society of Hunters and Anglers”
Orsha Interdistrict Organizational Structure
“Belarusian Society of Hunters and Anglers” – the largest lessee of hunting grounds in the Republic of Belarus. It manages about 11 million ha or 64 % of the area of all hunting grounds in the country. It includes 19 hunting farms. It is the only organization that stocks publicly accessible water bodies.
The hunting farm of the institution “Orsha Interdistrict Organizational Structure” of RGOO “Belarusian Society of Hunters and Anglers” is located in the Orsha district of the Vitebsk region. For many years the society has organized tours for hunters from various countries. Experienced hunting guides and foresters gladly organize unforgettable hunts and help obtain the desired trophy.
🐾 Inhabit the grounds:🦌 Moose🦌 Noble deer🦌 European roe deer🦃 Capercaillie🦃 Black grouse🦆 Waterfowl🦆 Marsh game🐺 Wolf🦫 BeaverEach year hunting farms are visited by more than 2,000 hunters from around the world. Many of them gladly return to the grounds.🌲Hunting complex of GLHU “Orsha Forestry”
The complex offers comfortable conditions for nature recreation, ideal for hunting, fishing and active outdoor activities. All types of hunts are conducted in the farm, both for citizens of the Republic of Belarus and for foreign hunters (hunting moose, roe deer, small game). The hunting grounds are rich in many species of game birds and fur‑bearing animals. High density of wildlife species ensures successful hunting. The farm has 19 stationary observation‑shooting towers, 12 km of equipped semi‑tower shooting lines. The hunting farm has a network of good asphalt and dirt roads, convenient for preparation and conducting hunts.
Fishing at the Borodulin Reservoir
Within the hunting farm, 15 km from the town, lies the Borodulin Reservoir covering 70.3 ha, rich in various fish species. Paid recreational fishing is organized.
🐟 Pike🐟 Bream🐟 Roach🐟 Perch🐟 Tench🐟 Crucian carp🐟 Carp+ other species🎫 Hunting permits can be purchased at the forestry or via the ihunt.by system
Address: Orshansky district, urban-type settlement Kopys, Kopys Forestry, dendropark, 1Phone: +375 216 52 47 83Business tourism is business trips, both individual and group, various corporate events that take place both within the country and abroad. These can include press conferences, exhibitions, seminars, forums, symposia, negotiations, organization of business tours in various sectors, and much more. They are aimed at achieving the main goal – finding business partners and concluding promising contracts in the field of tourism.
Advantages of the Orshansky district as a venue for conferences, seminars, exhibitions, as well as corporate meetings:
Transport accessibility.
Orsha is a major railway hub and an important road intersection. This provides convenient communication with various regions.
Belarus and neighboring countries.
Industrial potential.
In the Orshansky district, there are enterprises of machine building, light and food industries, which creates opportunities for organizing business meetings, conferences and exhibitions related to these sectors.
Developing infrastructure.
The area has 9 hotels, conference halls and other facilities needed for holding business events.
History and culture.
Orsha is a city with a rich history. The organization of business events can be complemented by a cultural program that includes visits to attractions and familiarization with local traditions.
Natural resources.
Scenic landscapes of the Orshansky district can attract participants of business events who wish to combine work and leisure in nature.
