NEMAN RIVER TRAIL

Trail presentation

The Neman River Trail is a trail developed as a greenway, which extends over 10 km, starting in the historic village of Dokudovo, dating back to 1392 and located in Lidsky region in Grodno province. The trail runs to the Neman River and loops back Dokudovo. The outstanding natural and landscape values, watery meadows and forests of the Neman River have special significance for Belarusians, who celebrate them in their art and poetry.

The Neman River Trail provides access to many interesting natural and historical sites in the Lida Region. The trail is used not only by visitors, but serves also education and research purposes. There is potential for extending the trail along the Neman River so as to provide access to additional sites, recognized for their natural, historical or cultural values.

Main tourist attractions and towns along the trail (nature and cultural heritage)

• Dokudovskaja Sviato-Rozhdestvo-Bogorodickaja Church built in Russian style (1865-1867);
• Beaver dams and beaver habitats;
• Pillboxes from the First World War (1914-1918);
• Archeological sites - Belarusian Ponemanje, “Selishche in 9^th - 12^th centuries”;
• Local Folklore Museum in Dokudowo Secondary School;
• 'Nad Nemanon' agro-tourism farm;
• Excursion to Lida (nearly 25 km), the historical centre of the region, which includes a castle;
• White-water rafting;
• 'Dokudovo' Agro tourism farm, which includes a collection of Belarusian artifacts and two educational programs: “The Bread Way” and “From blue linen to white towels”;
• Horse carriage ride along the Neman river;
• Stroove Arc (included on the UNESCO World Heritage List);
• 'Kupalje' folklore holiday;
• 'Dokudovskij' State Biological Reserve;
• Monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War

General characteristics of the Greenway

The main backbone trail extends over nearly 10 km around Dokudovo village, and is dedicated to hikers, and in part adapted for cyclists and horse carriages (signposted in green).

Local trail loops are signposted in blue.

Local trail loops:

• 'Nad Nemanom' agro-tourist farm;
• Excursion to Lida (nearly 25 km), the historical centre of the region, which includes a castle;
• White water rafting;§ Horse carriage ride along the Neman River;
• Stroove Arc (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List)

- Length –. 10 km

- Surface –

forestry/countryside roads – 90 %

quiet asphalt roads – 10 %

- Main users –hikers (nature tours), cyclists, kayakers

- Inter-modality possibilities (connections to closest cities/towns and options for using public transport train/bus) - local buses to Lida, then Berezovka, local train to railway station Baranovichi. Accommodation in agro-tourism farms.

- Relevant web sites or links:

www.ruralbelarus.by and www.holiday.by