Ratamka brings together waterfront routes, equestrian sports and a distinctive church building. A route starting from Ratamka leads to a small reservoir and can continue to Ratamski Bay. There are also activities related to horses, while the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul offers a distinct architectural focus. For your trip planning, this means you can focus on the landscape and water, equestrian sports, or church architecture, depending on your interests.
Waterfront routes and landscape
A route starting from Ratamka leads to a small reservoir on the Ratamka River. This reservoir was created between Kryzhovka and Ratamka. The route can continue to Ratamski Bay on the Zaslavskoye Reservoir, which is considered the reservoir’s deepest and largest bay. For orientation, note the distinction between the two destinations: the small reservoir is on the Ratamka River, while the bay is on the Zaslavskoye Reservoir. In the wider region around Ratamka, the reservoir was created in 1956 after the floodplain of the Ratamka River was flooded; it is popularly known as Minsk Sea. The forested area between the Ratamka and Chernushka rivers is also nearby. It is home to more than 500 plant species, including 11 species on the Red Data Book of Belarus. For up-to-date information on their protected status, consult the applicable nature conservation list. As local access conditions may change, check them before setting out.
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul stands on a hill among old trees. It was built in the late 1990s on the grounds of a former children’s home. Its exterior features mosaic icons, while the interior is characterized by finely carved wooden furnishings. Its construction period, location and furnishings offer different ways to explore the church building, from its history to its exterior and interior design.
Equestrian sports and visitor opportunities
The Republican Centre for Olympic Training in Equestrian Sports and Horse Breeding in Ratamka offers primary school groups a one-hour guided tour. It includes the riding school, observing training, the stables and contact with horses. The centre also offers horse riding for visitors of all ages and teaches basic horse-handling skills. Confirm tour times and the availability of riding activities before travelling.
The Believe Equestrian Club offers guided 45-minute rides in the forest. The timings are clearly different for planning purposes: the tour lasts one hour and is for primary school groups; the club’s ride is listed as lasting 45 minutes.
From 7 to 14 October 2024, the Republican Centre for Olympic Training in Equestrian Sports and Horse Breeding in Ratamka hosted the dressage competitions of Maxima Masters Eurasia MME Belarus. The programme included international dressage competitions for juniors, youth and children.
Ratamka also has a museum of equestrian sports and horse breeding. It adds a museum perspective to the equestrian sports on offer. Check the current opening hours before planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Astrašycki Haradok, Saslauje.
For the broader travel overview: Minsk District.
