Minsk is not Copenhagen or Amsterdam, but some pro-cycling efforts have been made over the past few years. The city is becoming more bike-friendly as more people opt for sustainable transport options.

A bike ride is a great way to explore Minsk from another perspective. The biking route along the Śvisłač river (red line on the map) is probably the safest way to discover Minsk’s unexpected sides on two wheels. It’s particularly impressive, as it is the longest (27 km) continuous (well, almost) bike path crossing the entire city, from the northwest to the southeast.

The bike path doesn’t exclusively belong to cyclists. It’s a popular promenade and cycling route, so you can meet roller skaters, scooter riders and carefree people strolling around with kids along the way. Mind the pedestrians! I decidedly prefer the southeastern part of this biking route because of the stunning sunsets. It’s also a finer option for a relaxing cycling escapade.

As I don’t have my own bike, I’ve got some experience with bike rentals, and Velodisco is my favourite one so far. One of their rental spots is located by the river, so it’s very convenient to hop on the bike to pedal your way along the Śvisłač cycle path. If you happen to visit Belarus in the summer, you can also join one of Velodisco’s biking tours to the countryside.