A narrow-gauge railway carrying passengers every day makes a distinctive mark: Bānītis runs along a 33-kilometre section of the Gulbene–Alūksne railway line. Since 1998, the narrow-gauge railway has been a monument of national significance. If you are planning to include the journey in your trip, it is best to check the timetable in advance.

Railway and cultural history

The multimedia exhibition “Alūksnes Bānīša stacija” is housed in the historic baggage shed at Alūksne railway station. It presents ten individual stories about railway stations. Since opening in 2018, the exhibition has received several national and international awards in the fields of design, architecture and museum culture. The events calendar is also part of the railway experience: its operators regularly organise a variety of events, including the annual Bānītis Festival. Specific dates vary.

The Alūksne Museum offers further insights into the town and region with exhibitions on history, art and cultural heritage. Thematic cultural events and educational activities for families and school groups are held there regularly; programme details may change. The Ernst Glück Bible Museum has a different focus: it displays Bibles in 40 languages. Visitors can also read texts in old scripts, trace the development of language over the centuries, and learn about Gutenberg’s method and mechanism for printing the Bible.

The Viktors-Ķirps-Ate Museum offers a distinctive glimpse into everyday history. Its collection comprises more than 6,500 objects housed in 13 buildings, 12 of which are open to visitors. Visitors can do more than look at their ancestors’ old tools: they can also try using them for themselves. These hands-on activities may depend on the programme and the availability of staff; check the current arrangements before your visit.

Castles, manor house and preserved landscape

Alūksne New Castle was built in the second half of the 19th century as a castle for the Fītinghof family, in the Tudor Gothic style. In Jaunlaicene, the manor park tells a different story: it covers nine hectares and is associated with the 170-year history of the von Wolff family’s ownership. Sixteen buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries have also been preserved at Jaunlaicene Manor. The park has developed walking paths; conditions may change.

The landscape itself is also part of the cultural heritage. The protected Veclaicene landscape area covers 20,846 hectares. Its purpose is to preserve the cultural landscape and natural assets of North Vidzeme, protect specially protected Latvian and European habitats and species, and promote their natural development in balance with recreation and tourism infrastructure. Conservation and recreational use of the landscape thus go hand in hand.

Nature trails and views

The “Bebru valstība” nature trail is one kilometre long and includes part of the Jaunanna Nature Reserve. Along the way, you can see visible traces of beavers’ work as well as various works of forest art. It passes through an area largely untouched by economic activity, with preserved biodiversity and plant species found there. As weather and maintenance can affect a trail’s condition, it is worth checking the conditions before your visit.

There are four nature trails around Korneti. They pass through the Korneti–Peļļi ravine and through valleys, beside lakes and over hills; trail conditions and maintenance may change. The 27-metre-high Korneti observation tower offers views of the Alūksne and Haanja uplands in Estonia. On a clear day, Suur Munamägi is also visible. On Drusku Hill, a panoramic information board helps visitors identify the highest peaks on the Latvian and Estonian sides. Drusku Hillfort is considered one of the steepest hillforts in Latvia.

Trails and experiences at Lake Alūksne

Lake Alūksne has four islands known by name: Cepurīte, Garo sala, Tīklu sala and Pilssala. For a walk around the peninsula, there is the 2.8-kilometre “Ezertaka” trail. The loop can be walked in either direction; possible starting points are the car park by the footbridge on Tempļakalna Street or the car park at the “Melnums” bathing area. For comparison, the “Bebru valstība” nature trail is one kilometre long.

Tempļakalna Park includes Alūksne’s highest point; the Alūksne observation tower has 153 steps. Access to it may be seasonal. Swimming and trips by boat, catamaran and speedboat are possible on the lake. The “ZZZIPPP” zipline also crosses Lake Alūksne. For these seasonal activities, some of which depend on operators, it is advisable to check availability in advance. On cycle route No. 129 around the lake, cycling can be combined with swimming or fishing; opportunities depend on the season and location.

Local cuisine and tradition

The “Pierobežas garšas Veclaicenē” home café day brings together local dishes and stories about them, told with a Malēnija accent. What is on offer varies by participating household and year. This event adds a culinary perspective to impressions of the museums and landscape, without assuming a particular programme or content each year.

Discover more destinations: Alūksne, Jaunlaicene, Jaunanna, Visikums, Korneti, Kolberģis.

Return to the main travel overview: Latvia.