Belozersk is one of the oldest Russian towns - it was first mentioned in the Russian chronicles in 862. The legend says that the town was governed by one of the Ryurik brothers - founders of Russian tsar dynasty - prince Sineus. At that times Belozersk was located of the northern shore of lake Beloye (White lake), but in X century the town moved to the southern shore, where it existed till 1352. In 1238 Belozersk became the capital of an independent princedom. The town belonged to Ristov-Suzdal princedom, which existed for about 150 years, before that.

In 1352 pestilence came to the town and killed almost all citizens. However, due to important position of Belozersk on the water way, which connected norther territories with Volga regions, as well as with settlements, located along Sukhona and Severnaya Dvina rivers, the town was rebuilt (it was the third reconstruction).In 1363-1364 Belozersk moved 17 kilometers westwards, and still stands there today. Those were the times of flourishing for the little town. Belozersk rapidly got rich and entered Muscovia. However, in 1612 Polish and Lithuanian troops entered the town and destroyed it. Historians tend to think that happened due to old fortifications of Belozersk - walls, made of soil, and wooden walls could not prevent enemies, armed with cannons and rifles, from entering the town anymore. Neighbouring town Kirillov, which was surrounded by a stone wall in the proper time, succeeded in the fight for independence. Since that times Belozersk has been a quiet provincial town. Civilization didn't dare to change everything, and town dwellers led a peaceful and quiet life. Another reason for Belozersk remaining on the backyard of the Russian Empire was rapidly changing geopolitical situation, which wasn't favourable for northern Russian territories. The town seemed to maintain its old look. ХIХ and ХХ centuries in Russia were notable for technological progress - active construction of railways, which turned small provincial towns and villages into large industrial centres. Little Cherepovets, which was near Belozersk, hosted the railway, connecting St. Petersburg with Siberia via the Urals, and now it is a huge industrial city without a hint of individuality. Belozersk was away from October Revolution and World War II fights and avoided Soviet construction boom.

Today Belozersk is not a tourist Mecca - it lacks convenient roads and is relatively far from main Russian tourist attractions. The town has several shops, a small fishery, river port and a bakery. Belozersk is the great opportunity for inquiring minds to dive into real Russian life away from globalization and oil prices. The town has several churches and cathedrals, built in XVI and XVII century - gems of Russian architecture, both wooden and stone buildings. In winter many houses of Belozersk burn coal to warm their dwellers, and the town acquires a weak but pleasant smell of burning coal. You will not regret visiting this small town.