Latgale in Four Days - A Land of Blue Lakes, Culture and Hospitality
Latgale is a region of crystal-clear lakes, rich cultural heritage, warm-hearted people, and peaceful nature. This four-day itinerary takes you from Daugavpils Fortress and the artistic world of Mark Rothko to the sacred sites of Aglona, the landscapes of Rāzna, the Lubāns wetland, and the stories of local craftspeople.
The programme is suitable for small tourist groups, families, groups of friends, and corporate teams. The itinerary, activities, and accommodation can be tailored to travelers’ interests, available time, and budget.
Latgale - More Than Just the Land of Blue Lakes
Latgale is one of the least densely populated regions of Latvia, which means you can still find peace, open landscapes, and places untouched by mass tourism.
The journey can combine:
exploring towns and manor houses;
religious and cultural heritage;
hiking and nature trails;
Latgalian cuisine;
local crafts and visits to local producers;
gastronomic tastings;
team-building activities.
A Four-Day Travel Itinerary in Latgale
Day 1 — Daugavpils: History and Art
The journey begins in Daugavpils — Latvia’s second-largest city, where a rich heritage of different cultures and religions meets impressive military architecture and contemporary art.
Daugavpils City Tour
With a local guide, you can explore Daugavpils’ historic centre, Church Hill, and the city’s most significant landmarks.
Church Hill is particularly notable for having several churches representing different denominations located within a small area, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.
Daugavpils Shot Factory
The Daugavpils Shot Factory offers an insight into the history of ammunition production. It is home to one of the oldest still-functioning shot towers in Europe.
During the tour, visitors can explore the factory’s historic equipment and learn about the production process.
Daugavpils Fortress
Daugavpils Fortress is a unique 19th-century military architecture complex. Its fortification system has largely retained its original form, making it one of the most significant sites of its kind in the region.
Seen from above, the fortress resembles a star or sun, designed to provide effective surveillance of the surrounding area.
Mark Rothko Art Centre
Located within the grounds of Daugavpils Fortress, the Mark Rothko Art Centre is a place where visitors can see original works by the world-renowned artist, as well as exhibitions by Latvian and international artists.
Šmakovka Museum
The Šmakovka Museum introduces visitors to one of Latgale’s distinctive gastronomic traditions — the production of the traditional homemade spirit known as šmakovka.
The exhibition explores the drink’s origins, production methods, and significance in Latgalian culture.
End of the day: dinner in Daugavpils, free time, and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 2 — Aglona and Rāzna National Park
On the second day, the itinerary takes you to Aglona and Rāzna National Park, combining religious heritage, local traditions, and the natural landscapes of Latgale.
Aglona Basilica
Aglona Basilica is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in Latvia. The late Baroque church features two approximately 60-metre-high towers and an ornate interior.
Every year on August 15, pilgrims gather in Aglona to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Christ the King Hill
Christ the King Hill is an extensive sculpture complex surrounded by gardens, ornamental plants, and artificial ponds. The site covers approximately 20 hectares.
Aglona Bread Museum
At the Aglona Bread Museum, visitors can discover the journey of bread from grain to finished loaf.
The visit can be complemented by:
bread baking;
fresh bread tasting;
herbal tea;
a traditional Latgalian lunch;
purchasing locally made crafts.
Devil’s Lake
Devil’s Lake, also known as Čertoks, is one of Latgale’s most mysterious lakes. It is known for its unusually clear, blue-green water and numerous legends.
No river or stream flows into or out of the lake. Its distinctive landscape and unusual water colour give the site an almost mystical atmosphere.
Mākoņkalns
Mākoņkalns is located near Lake Rāzna. In medieval times, the Volkenberg Castle — one of the oldest Crusader castles in Latgale — stood here.
A staircase leads to the top of the hill, offering expansive views over the surrounding area and Lake Rāzna.
Lūznava Manor
Lūznava Manor is an Art Nouveau gem of Latgale. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century as a residence dedicated to art and music.
Today, the restored manor serves as a venue for cultural, artistic, and creative events.
End of the day: dinner and overnight stay in the Rāzna National Park area.
Day 3 — Rēzekne and the Nature of Lubāns Wetland
The third day is dedicated to Rēzekne, the cultural capital of Latgale, and one of Latvia’s most significant wetland areas.
Rēzekne City Tour
In Rēzekne, you can visit:
Latgale Embassy GORS;
the ruins of Rēzekne Castle Hill;
the “United for Latvia” monument;
the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus;
the Green Synagogue.
A visit to the city provides insight into Latgale’s history, religious diversity, and contemporary cultural life.
Teirumnieki Bog Trail
Teirumnieki Bog is part of the Lubāns Wetland Complex — an internationally important protected natural area.
An approximately 800-metre wooden boardwalk leads around Lake Teirumnieki and through the surrounding bog landscape. It is ideal for a peaceful walk and nature observation.
Lake Lubāns
The area around Lake Lubāns is one of Latvia’s most important birdwatching destinations. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here, including many specially protected species.
Several birdwatching towers are available in the area, offering excellent opportunities to explore the wetland ecosystem.
End of the day: dinner and overnight stay in the Līvāni area.
Day 4 — Līvāni Glass, Preiļi and the Flavours of Latgale
The final day of the journey introduces you to local craftsmanship, a unique art collection, and products from Latgale’s local producers.
Līvāni Glass and Crafts Centre
The Līvāni Glass exhibition tells the story of glass production in the town since the factory was established in the late 19th century.
The exhibition features glass products made during different periods and provides insight into the traditions of glassmaking and processing.
Preiļi Doll Museum
The Preiļi Doll Museum features dolls created by artist Jelena Mikhailova. Each character has its own costume, setting, and story.
Visitors can also step into a fairytale world and take photographs wearing elaborate historical-style costumes.
Farm Visit and Wine Tasting
The journey can conclude with a visit to a local farm, including a tour of the garden and wine cellar.
Depending on the selected programme, you can taste:
local wines;
marmalades;
sweets;
other locally produced Latgalian products.
Who Is This Trip Suitable For?
The programme can be tailored for:
Families
The itinerary can include interactive museums, nature trails, craft workshops, and family-friendly accommodation.
Couples
For a romantic getaway, you can choose manor houses, spas, scenic lakes, private tastings, and a more relaxed pace of travel.
Tourist Groups
For groups, we provide transportation, guides, meals, accommodation, and a pre-arranged sightseeing programme.
Corporate Teams
The journey can be combined with team-building activities, group workshops, tastings, and evening events.
What Can We Include in Your Travel Package?
Depending on the selected programme, Baltic DMC can arrange:
transportation throughout the itinerary;
an accompanying guide;
local guides at attractions;
entrance tickets;
hotels or guesthouses;
breakfast, lunch, and dinner;
tastings;
workshops;
team activities;
a fully customized itinerary.
Let’s Create Your Latgale Journey
Tell us about the size of your group, preferred trip duration, interests, and budget. We will tailor the programme and prepare a personalized travel proposal.
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