Stāmeriena can be explored during a stay through a range of interests: castle and church history, the narrow-gauge railway and paths by the lake. Particularly specific features are the permanent painting exhibition in the castle and the journey time information for cycle route No. 165. For your planning, you can assess cultural interests and time for physical activity separately.
Art and architectural history
Stāmerienas pils Castle houses a permanent exhibition of paintings by regional artist Leo Svemps. He lived from 19 July 1897 to 7 March 1975. The collection and exhibition rooms in the castle are an off-site branch of the Gulbene District History and Art Museum. The castle reopened to visitors on 30 November 2019; check the current opening hours before your visit.
The Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky is an architectural and artistic monument of national significance and part of the Stāmeriena Manor building complex. It was built around 1904 with state funds and funds from Baron Wolf. As the only Orthodox church in Gulbene Municipality, it is visited by both worshippers and tourists. The history of the manor and that of the church thus offer distinct points of interest for a visit focused on architectural and cultural history.
Narrow-gauge railway and getting oriented
Stāmeriena has a station on the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway. The Gulbene–Alūksne Bānītis runs the 33-kilometre route between Gulbene and Alūksne daily; according to the timetable, there are two trips in each direction. Check the timetable before your trip if you plan to include the railway.
Historically, Stāmeriena developed around two centres: one by the railway station and another several kilometres away at the former manor centre. This division is a useful reference point for the history of the area when distinguishing between the station and the manor as you find your way around.
Paths, the lake and planning your time
The “Around Lake Stāmeriena” route is suitable for walking, hiking and cycling in every season. It can start at Stāmeriena station, where visitors can leave their cars in the car park. The “Lāčauss” recreation area by Lake Stāmeriena offers relaxation by the water with views of the lake landscape. Some facilities may be seasonal.
A four-metre-high viewing platform among the trees is located near the station. From it, you can see the railway line, the station and the landscape around the station. As infrastructure can change, check current access arrangements before your visit.
Cycle route No. 165 runs 30 kilometres from Stāmeriena to Litene and back to Stāmeriena station. The stated journey times are three hours by bicycle and eight hours on foot. This lets you compare the time required depending on your mode of travel. The route connects the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway line with the disused Ieriķi–Pitalova broad-gauge railway line, now used as a Green Way that is safe for cyclists.
When choosing a holiday rental in Stāmeriena, you can use the character of your trip as a guide: will you spend most of your time on architectural and art history, the railway or a longer route? The timetable and the castle’s current opening hours can help with planning your day. The two routes offer different planning options: a choice of activities around the lake described as available year-round, and specified journey times for route No. 165.
Discover more destinations: Daukstes, Velēna, Namsadi, Ranka, Lizums, Stāķi, Gulbene, Litene
Back to the regional travel overview: Gulbenes Novads.
