Minsk is the capital and largest city in Belarus, located in the center of the country along the Svislach River. This Slavic city has changed hands several times, and was most recently a part of the Soviet Union until Belarus’ official declaration of independence in 1991. The variety of cultural influences has made Minsk into a fascinating medley of architectural styles, and its great nightlife and rich food only add to the charm. We should also mention that the whole city has a clean and walkable feel, with lots of paths and parkland, so Minsk is a great destination for running.
The best choice for running in Minsk is the long paved bike path (Velodorozhka) along the Svislach, which runners can access from many points throughout the city. The Velodorozhka also connects many of Minsk’s best parks, which are great running options on their own. Some of our favorites include Victory Park, Gorky Park, and Lošyсki Park. Other good park running options include Caliuskincau Park and the trails of Drazdy Forest Park and Zialiony Luh Forest Park. Another great way to see the city is our Minsk Runseeing Tour, which visits some of the most interesting sights in the capital.
Minsk’s two Metro lines, which form an X across the city, are typically considered the easiest way to get around the city. There are also bus and tram lines. Most of our routes are near the center or accessible via transport. Note: Be prepared for winter running in Minsk and seasonal variations in daylight length.
