Things To Do
in Novalukoml

Potato pancakes often served with sour cream; ubiquitous and found in cafes and home-style restaurants around town.

Must-Try!

Beetroot soup served hot or cold depending on season, frequently accompanied by rye bread and sour cream.

A thick meat-and-gravy dish served with pancakes or dumplings in some local canteens; hearty and traditional.

Locally caught and smoked fish available at markets or sold by fishermen near the lake in season.

Small town market near the center where vendors sell fresh produce, dairy, smoked fish, homemade preserves and seasonal mushrooms; great for trying local honey and pickles.

In summer you may find temporary stalls near Lukoml Reservoir selling grilled shashlyk (skewered meat), fried potatoes and snacks; these are informal and cash-only.

Use a firm handshake and eye contact when meeting someone. Address people formally with 'Vy' (the polite 'you') until invited to use first names.

Dress modestly in religious settings and show respect at memorials and monuments. Gift small food items or sweets when visiting a local home as a polite gesture.

Political topics, particularly about Belarusian government affairs, can be sensitive—exercise caution and politeness when discussing politics.

Be punctual for appointments; hosts value modesty and gratitude—thank your hosts and remove shoes indoors if offered slippers.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave 5–10% for good service or round up the bill; small tips to taxi drivers or hotel porters are welcome but not expected.

Cash (Belarusian ruble, BYN) is commonly used in small shops, markets and cafes. Major cards are accepted at larger hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants; ATMs are available in town but may be limited, so carry enough cash for rural purchases.

Warm and pleasant (June–August), ideal for swimming, boating on the reservoir and outdoor photography; expect mosquitoes near wetlands—bring repellent. Small seasonal stalls may open and local events take place.

Crisp, colorful foliage and good conditions for hiking and mushroom foraging; temperatures cool and some rainy days appear—layered clothing recommended.

Cold and snowy (December–February), offering scenic snow-covered landscapes and opportunities for cross-country skiing or ice fishing if the lake freezes safely. Services are reduced and some outdoor trails may be inaccessible.

Thawing brings wet and muddy conditions; early spring is cool with budding forests and migrating birds, but expect some lingering cold snaps.

Informal trails and dirt roads around parts of the reservoir provide easy, scenic walking routes for a few hours; expect uneven terrain and reed-lined sections.

Network of forest tracks suitable for short hikes, mushroom and berry picking; trails are largely unmarked so bring a map or GPS.

Guided or self-led routes through nearby wetlands offer good bird-watching and unique landscapes—wear sturdy, water-resistant footwear.

Routes linking Novalukoml with neighboring villages let you explore rural architecture, fields and quiet backroads; combine with stops at local homesteads where possible.

Ice hockey is a popular winter sport in Belarus; local youth teams and community skating are common in the region.

Football is widely played and followed; informal matches are common in local parks and school facilities.

In winter, cross-country skiing is popular in forests and open countryside around the town.

Recreational fishing is a common pastime on Lukoml Reservoir and nearby lakes throughout the warmer months.