Information
Landmark: Chelyuskintsev ParkCity: Minsk
Country: Belarus
Continent: Europe
Chelyuskintsev Park, Minsk, Belarus, Europe
Overview
In Minsk, Belarus, Chelyuskintsev Park draws families and nature lovers alike, offering shady paths, open lawns, and plenty of space to unwind.With rolling green hills, deep ties to its past, and lively modern spots, it’s a place where you can wander peacefully in the shade of old trees one moment and catch an evening show the next-something for every age.One of Minsk’s largest and oldest parks, it’s woven into the city’s cultural and leisure life, where families picnic under tall, whispering trees.The park, first set aside in the 1920s, began as a quiet forest reserve where pine needles softened every step.Later, it became a public park named for the crew of the Soviet steamship Chelyuskin, who turned into national heroes after surviving a brutal Arctic ordeal in 1934, huddling for weeks against the wind and ice.The park carries on the Soviet tradition of carving out vast stretches of green where people can stroll, sit on worn wooden benches, and simply breathe.Over the years, it’s gained sleek modern facilities yet kept its wild charm-the sound of wind through the pines still greets visitors, drawing both locals and travelers back again and again.Highlights and must‑see spots.Covering more than 78 hectares, Chelyuskintsev Park unfolds in a sweep of deep-green forests, open meadows, and carefully tended gardens, where rare blossoms brighten the air and offer a quiet break from the city’s noise.Winding trails invite walkers and cyclists alike, while a family-friendly amusement park adds the hum of a Ferris wheel, the spin of carousels, and playground laughter.Tucked within it all, the Children’s Railway-run by young trainees under watchful eyes-clicks along its small tracks, a charming ride in miniature.Kids can enjoy a lively mix of play and learning while the ride winds gently through the park, past shady trees and the scent of fresh grass.Right next door sits the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences-one of Europe’s largest.Although it’s not technically inside the park, it adds to the visit with lush plant displays and themed gardens.The park itself offers wide fields for football, volleyball, and outdoor yoga, and in winter you’ll hear the scrape of sleds and the soft crunch of skis on snow.Across the grounds, monuments honor Soviet heroes and mark historic events, underscoring its cultural roots.You’ll find Chelyuskintsev Park on the northeastern edge of central Minsk, right by the Akademiya Nauk metro station, open all year and free to explore.Some spots, like the amusement park or the little blue-and-red Children’s Railway, have their own hours.You can wander into the park itself for free.Chelyuskintsev Park in Minsk offers a little of everything-small fees for rides and the Children’s Railway, cafés serving snacks, ice cream, and cold drinks, quiet benches under leafy shade, and restrooms near the main attractions-making it a peaceful forest escape with family-friendly fun, rich Soviet-era history, and year-round activities from cycling in summer to sledding in winter, all within walking distance of the Central Botanical Garden and Victory Park.With its rolling green hills, lively trails, and rich history, it’s a place that draws visitors of every age and keeps them coming back for more.You might wander shaded trails, brace yourself for a heart-pounding ride, or linger by an old stone wall steeped in history-whatever you choose, the park leaves you with moments you won’t forget.
