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Kotra Landscape Reserve

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

Weather…

The Kotra Landscape Reserve, located on the northwestern border with Lithuania, is a prime example of successful transboundary nature conservation in Europe. Together with the Lithuanian Čepkeliai Reserve, it forms an undivided, massive wetland and forest ecosystem spanning the pristine floodplains of the Kotra River. This vast, barely accessible landscape is dominated by dense transition mires, alder carrs, and ancient pine forests. The reserve plays a crucial role as an undisturbed retreat for shy forest species; for instance, the extremely sensitive Black Stork finds one of its most important breeding grounds here. Thanks to the complete absence of human settlements within the borders of the reserve, populations of the European lynx and the wolf have also been able to develop undisturbed, making Kotra a true wilderness.

Location: Belarus
Nearby: Hrodna Augustow Forest (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-5	0	7	13	17	19	18	13	7	2	-3
Rain mm	50	40	43	44	70	75	93	78	53	63	53	52

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for Kotra Landscape Reserve is from April to September. In spring, floodplain meadows bloom and many migratory birds return; in autumn, the forest colors are particularly beautiful.

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Best time of day

Early morning and dusk are most active for birds, especially songbirds and waterbirds. At midday, wildlife is often quieter, but butterflies and dragonflies are commonly seen.

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Etiquette

Stay on marked trails to protect the sensitive floodplain vegetation. Picking plants and disturbing animals is prohibited.

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What to bring

Binoculars and a camera are recommended to capture the diverse birdlife and landscape. Sturdy footwear is necessary as trails may lead through wet meadows.

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Getting there

The reserve lies on the border with Lithuania, about 30 km northwest of Grodno. It is accessible by car on minor roads; public transport is infrequent.

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What to expect

Birdwatching requires patience; sit quietly at a viewpoint and wait. Animals often appear only after a while.

Geography

Coordinates

53.96600, 24.55000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Čepkeliai Nature Reserve5 km · WExplore →

Čepkeliai Marsh5 km · NWExplore →

Hrodna Augustow Forest15 km · WExplore →

Dzūkija National Park15 km · NWExplore →

Neman River25 km · SWExplore →

Varėna Old Railway Station27 km · NExplore →

Grūtas Park31 km · WExplore →

Merkinė Mound32 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kotra Landscape Reserve (1)

Katra, Lithuania📍 landmark

Katra is a village in Lithuania, near the border with Belarus, set in a rural area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Kotra reserve located?

It is located in the Shchuchyn district, right on the border with the Lithuanian Cepkeliai National Park.

Is it a transboundary protected area?

Yes, together with the Cepkeliai reserve, it forms a significant international wetland and forest area.

What landscapes dominate here?

Pristine bogs, pine forests on sand dunes, and the valley of the Kotra River.

Are there ecological trails?

Yes, there are marked trails demonstrating the diversity of local flora and fauna.

What rare animals live here?

Black storks, cranes, and various rare bat species find good conditions here.

Kotra Landscape Reserve: where is it located?

Kotra Landscape Reserve is located in Belarus.

Kotra Landscape Reserve: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kotra Landscape Reserve: why is it worth visiting?

The Kotra Landscape Reserve, located on the northwestern border with Lithuania, is a prime example of successful transboundary nature conservation in Europe.

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