Belarus’ first national park was set up in 1991.

Belovezhskaya Puscha is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world. No man has ever been in some parts of this park, and tourists are banned from entering such places.

In 1992 UNESKO put Belovezhskaya Puscha on its World Heritage List. In 1993 the park received the status of a biosphere reserve, and in 1998 — the status of an international ornithological area. In 1997 Belovezhskaya Puscha was awarded with a diploma of the Council of Europe for an immense contribution to environment protection.

Belovezhskaya Puscha contains Europe’s largest old forest, with some pines aged 200-530 years and oaks aged 330-550 years. The flora is represented by 958 vegetative plants, around 260 moss species, over 290 lichens, 570 kinds of mushrooms. The reserve’s flora contains 65 endangered species.

The fauna of the reserve counts 59 mammals (including 6 rare species), 253 bird species, 11 amphibians, 7 reptiles, 24 fish species and over 11,000 invertebrates. Eleven mammals, 52 fowl species, two reptiles, one amphibian, 8 fish species and 38 insects were included in Belarus’ Red Book.

The reserve takes special pride in its large population of bisons.

About one-third of the territory of the reserve is occupied by swamps. One of the largest swamps in Europe — Dikoye — is located here.

The territory of the reserve is crossed by a number of rivers (the Narev, the Lesnaya Pravaya, etc.). In addition, there are two reservoirs (Bolshoye Lyadskoye and Maloye Lyadskoye).

The national park contains lots of landmarks of ancient culture, such as settlements of the Stone Age, burial places and shrines.

One of the most prominent monuments of architecture situated here is Belaya Vezha (the White Tower Citadel), and the famous royal road.

Another important site is Viskuli Residence, the former mansion of Duke Tyshkevich. The agreement that put an end to the existence of the Soviet Union was signed here in 1991.

Kamenyuki Hotel (capable of accommodating 90 guests) is a perfect place for the organization of conferences and symposiums. It has a sauna and a tennis court.

The park annually hosts a lot of interesting events, such as the celebration of the beginning and the end of winter, the Bird Day, the Pancake Feats, Kupalle, Christmas and the New Year.

Visitors can choose from a variety of guided tours, see the Residence of Ded Moroz (Slavic Santa Claus), a huge ancient oak nicknamed the Tsar-Oak, the nature museum, observe birds and animals in their natural habitat and buy souvenirs made by local craftsmen.

Belovezhskaya Puscha has been known as a place of royal hunting since the 15^th century. To hunt here today one does not need to belong to any royal family.

Hunting tours are supervised by Shereshovskoye Forestry and Hunting Center. The administration of the national park can assist hunters with applications for visas, weapons permits, other necessary papers. Foreign hunters and fishermen arriving in Belovezhskaya Puscha should have a valid passport with a visa, a hunter’s license, a permit for the transportation of weapons and ammunition and a veterinary certificate (if they bring dogs with them).