Belarus does not deserve its reputation as a transit area on the way to or from Russia. Wide plains, picturesque villages, ancient castles and monasteries, deep forests, scenic landscapes, and thousands of lakes await nature-lovers, culture fans and sport enthusiasts. One-third of the Belarusian territory is covered with forests where birches, oaks, maple and pine trees dominate with a rich and diverse fauna: here one can find European bison, elk and deer, wild boar and wolf, bear and fox, beaver and lynx — not to mention myriad birds. Belarus also has a unique history and a rich cultural heritage, with hundreds of architectural monuments dating back to the 12th century.