Things To Do
in Shklow
Shklow (Shklov) is a small riverside town in Mogilev Region, Belarus, situated on the Dnieper River with a long history as a trading and Jewish cultural center. The town has a compact historic core, quiet streets, Soviet-era architecture and scenic riverbanks that appeal to photographers and day-trippers. Visitors can explore local museums, war memorials and the remnants of historic synagogues alongside everyday Belarusian town life.
Shklow makes a good base for short nature excursions, fishing, and experiencing provincial Belarus away from major tourist routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Shklow and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, getting a feel for the local atmosphere and culture. Visit the nearby park to enjoy your first Belarusian sunrise.
Explore the town's historical sites, including the Saint Michael's Church, which showcases beautiful architecture and rich history. Enjoy a lunch at a local café, tasting traditional Belarusian dishes. Engage with local artisans to learn about traditional crafts.
Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at a restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. Immerse yourself in the evening ambiance, possibly catching a local music performance. Reflect on your first impressions of Shklow while enjoying a quiet walk.
Begin your day with a hike to the picturesque landscapes around Shklow. The fresh air and serene surroundings set a perfect tone for your nature exploration. Bring some snacks to enjoy amidst the beauty of Belarusian nature.
After a morning in nature, have a picnic lunch by the river and soak in the tranquility. Spend some time birdwatching and appreciating the local wildlife. Capture stunning photographs to remember your nature retreat.
Return to Shklow for a cozy dinner in a locally loved spot. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals over traditional Belarusian drinks. Enjoy the simple ambiance of the town as night falls.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| ☕Coffee / cappuccino | $1.50-3.00 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-7 |
| 🚌Local bus ticket | $0.20-0.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic small-town Belarusian experience
- Scenic Dnieper River and good opportunities for photography
- Low costs compared with major cities
- Close access to nature and rural landscapes
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English-language services
- Sparse nightlife and few entertainment options
- Public transport options and direct connections are limited
- Fewer modern amenities and international dining choices
- "Добры дзень (Добрый день)" - Good day / Hello
- "Дзякуй / Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Колькі каштуе? / Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
- "Дзе знаходзіцца ...? / Где находится ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Ці вы кажаце па-англійску? / Вы говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "Прабачце / Извините" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Shklow
Visit one of these nice places.
Long riverside walk with reflections, boats, and sunrise/sunset scenes—great for landscape and documentary shots of daily life.
Soviet-era buildings, monuments and the central square provide classic Eastern European small-town compositions.
Historic memorials and older gravestones offer poignant black-and-white or detail-focused images; be respectful when photographing.
Nearby villages, wooden houses and expansive fields are perfect for golden-hour and seasonal landscape photography.
Food in Shklow
Shklow Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy grated potato pancakes often served with sour cream; find them at local cafés and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Beetroot soup with vegetables and sometimes meat, common in homes and restaurants around town.
Baked or fried stuffed pastries with meat, cabbage or sweet cheese, widely available at bakeries and markets.
Locally caught pike, perch or bream prepared pan-fried or baked—ask for seasonal specials in modest restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market near the town center where locals buy produce, dairy and baked goods; try fresh rye bread, cheeses and seasonal berries from vendors.
In summer you may find temporary stalls selling grilled fish, snacks and cold drinks near the river promenade.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Belarusian and Russian are commonly spoken; a simple greeting in Russian (Здравствуйте) or Belarusian (Добры дзень) is polite. Handshakes are common when meeting.
Remove shoes when entering private homes if asked; modest dress for church visits is advisable and photography in religious sites should be done respectfully.
Political topics can be sensitive—avoid confrontational or judgmental public discussions and exercise caution when expressing opinions.
Safety
Tipping in Shklow
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary—rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is appreciated. Taxi drivers expect small rounding-up; hotel porters rarely expect tips but a small gesture is welcome.
Cash in Belarusian rubles (BYN) is widely used in small towns; larger shops and some restaurants accept cards but many local businesses prefer cash. ATMs are available in larger towns; plan ahead when heading to rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Melting snow and rising river levels bring muddy conditions in April–May; wildflowers and budding trees make it attractive for nature walks from late May.
June–August is warm and pleasant, ideal for river activities, fishing and outdoor photography; expect daytime highs around 20–25°C and the most tourism activity.
September–November features colorful foliage and cooler temperatures; early frosts may begin in late October, and rain increases in November.
December–March are cold with snow and ice; temperatures commonly fall below freezing and winter travel may be affected by snow-covered roads—good for snowy landscapes and quiet streets.
Shklow at Night
Hiking in Shklow
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Informal paths along the river suitable for short hikes, birdwatching and photography; terrain is easy to moderate with seasonal variations.
Small forested areas and tracks around nearby villages provide peaceful walks, mushroom-foraging opportunities in season, and good autumn color.
A well-known protected area (further afield, about 60–120 km depending on route) offering marked trails, diverse wildlife and boardwalks—great for a full-day nature excursion if you have transport.
Airports
How to reach Shklow by plane.
Regional airport near Mogilev roughly 50–80 km from Shklow; limited commercial flights — check schedules and seasonal services. Ground transport or taxi needed to reach Shklow.
Belarus's main international airport near Minsk, about 160–220 km from Shklow depending on route; frequent international connections and the best option for most international travelers, reachable by car or bus to Mogilev then local transport.
Smaller regional airport in Gomel region; occasional domestic or regional flights and a longer drive (2+ hours) but can be an alternative depending on connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population; local culture, language and traditions are predominantly Belarusian with Russian widely used.
Russian-speaking communities and small numbers of other ethnic groups live in the area; historically there was a significant Jewish community, traces of which remain in cultural memory and some sites.
Like many provincial towns, Shklow has a relatively older demographic and strong ties to surrounding rural communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide; local amateur teams and youth leagues are active, and community matches are common.
Popular especially in winter — skating and amateur hockey are common recreational activities.
River fishing on the Dnieper is a popular pastime for locals, both recreationally and as a tradition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shklow.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; focus on potato dishes, mushrooms, salads and dairy-based items—communicate needs in Russian or Belarusian (e.g., “Я вегетарианец/вегетарианка”).
Vegan choices are more scarce outside larger cities; plan ahead, buy fresh produce at the market, and look for vegetable soups and buckwheat-based dishes.
Bread and pastries are central to the cuisine, so gluten-free options are uncommon—bring staples if you have strict needs and ask chefs about ingredients when possible.