Balvu Municipality is best explored along its nature trails: in the Stompaku purvi, moorland and forest provide habitats for rare species side by side, while an island in Lake Viļaka can be reached via a 144-metre-long pontoon walkway. Cultural history and craftsmanship add their own places and experiences to these discoveries.
Moorland, Island and Sandstone
The Stompaku purvi are a Natura 2000 protected nature area in Balvu Municipality, comprising a complex of moorlands and forests. 84 specially protected species have been recorded there, including the black stork, capercaillie and white-tailed eagle. The Stompaku National Partisan Settlement Memorial Site combines a nature trail with information boards and restored bunkers. A marked trail leads over boardwalks through wetter sections of moorland to the settlement, which comprised 24 bunkers.
The island in Lake Viļaka offers a different kind of trail. A birdwatching platform is located right at the start of the pontoon walkway. On the island, a 442-metre-long walking trail has been laid out with wooden boardwalks, a boat landing and information boards. It passes fragments of Marienhausen Castle dating from 1509, as well as a model of the castle. The trail also includes a birdwatching platform.
The Stiglova Nature Trail is 2.5 kilometres long one way and is rated moderate to difficult. It runs through the valley of the Stiglova stream, passing sandstone outcrops 3 to 4 metres high that are a geological natural monument. The trail is currently inaccessible because of wind damage; check its current status before visiting.
Forest Landscapes and Trails in Motion
In the approximately 20-hectare Balkanu kalni Nature Park, trails lead to wooden sculptures and through various types of forest. Hills, slopes, animal burrows and anthills are also features of the landscape. There are picnic spots and fire pits for a break; camping and swimming in a pond are also possible. In winter, the park offers a sledding hill and a cross-country ski trail. As these activities are seasonal, check winter operating conditions before your trip.
Those wishing to explore the landscape by bike can take Greenway Cycling Route No. 15, a marked route adapted for non-motorised traffic along the former railway line from Gulbene to Balvi. It is 36 kilometres long, rated moderate and takes about four hours. This makes it possible to consider route length, time and difficulty together when planning.
History, Craftsmanship and Flavours
Balvi Manor was built at the end of the 18th century and later adapted for use as a school. Its grounds include a stone garden with 23 arrangements made from 49 stones. The Balvi Chamber Music Festival takes place there every year on the last weekend of August. Check the programme for your year of travel.
At the Balvi District Museum, a digital exhibition in five halls presents the intangible cultural heritage of Northern Latgale. The museum is also accessible to visitors with special needs. Guided tours of the museum, the town and the manor ensemble are available by prior arrangement. The Viļaka Museum focuses on local history in its exhibition “Viļakas apkārtne in the Windings of History”: from the manor era and Latvian independence through the Soviet period to the Second World War and military heritage.
At the Vēršukalns cultural heritage farmstead, restored as a farm from the mid-20th century, textiles and ceramics by masters from Susāju parish are on display. You can also sample a Latgalian meal featuring bread freshly baked in a rural oven and other delicacies. Check the current arrangements for visits in advance.
At the Briežuciems village of traditional craft masters, you can attend weaving workshops, learn about weaving traditions and sing Latgalian folk songs with local groups. At Meža labumu village, the activities include workshops and tastings featuring wild plants. The tastings also focus on forest and meadow produce, speciality teas and a soup with a wild flavour.
Discover more destinations: Balvi, Gailīši, Bērzkalne, Vītoli, Smiltene Municipality, Mērsraga Municipality, Gudenieki Parish, Ērgļi Municipality
For the broader travel overview: Latvia.
