Minsk Sea in autumn

The Zaslavskoye reservoir, long known under the romantic name of the Minsk Sea, was one of the most popular holiday spots for Minskers before the pandemic. Being 31.1km2 big, this artificial water reservoir is second in size only to the Vileika water reservoir  It is located just 10km away from Minsk.

The Minsk Sea was created in 1956, when a dam and other hydraulic structures were built on the Svisloch River to combat spring floods, regulate water flow and provide Minsk with drinking water. Before that, it was a swampy floodplain of the Svisloch, Vyacha, Ratomka and Chernyavka rivers. In 1977, the reservoir was included in the Vileika-Minsk water system. The Minsk Sea has become a favorite place for recreation of Minskers as nice beaches, a yacht club, health spas have been built on its shores…

Today the Minsk Sea is a picturesque place where one can take a stroll, have a picnic, enjoy the sunset at the end of the day. Sailing enthusiasts take part in races and teach boat sailing skills. Athletes and fans of outdoor activities use a regatta course built in the north-western part of the reservoir to train for competitions in rowing and canoe sprint.