Eight large bends of the Daugava shape the Daugavas Loki Nature Park in the Ūdrīši and Kaplava parishes. In 2011, the nature park was added to Latvia’s national UNESCO World Heritage List. In Krāslava Municipality, alongside this river landscape, you will find lakes, nature trails and places where history and crafts come to life. From the Karnicky Monument, and through the telescope, you can enjoy views of the Daugava bends and Krāslava’s architecture.
Lakes, protected areas and nature trails
The lakes each have their own distinctive features: Lake Drīdzis has nine islands and is part of a Natura 2000 site. Lake Ežezers is described as the lake with the most islands in the Baltics. There are public recreation areas at Lake Ežezers for swimming and active leisure. The beaches at Ezernieki and Andzeļi are freely accessible because they are on municipal land. Check current access and facility conditions before your visit.
The Jaundome nature trail leads to Lake Ežezers and past several natural and historical sites, including the ruins of an ice cellar and a brewery. At the Piloru Oak Grove by the lake, there is a small car park, a trail, an information board and a rest area with a pier and toilets. Velnezers is another protected landscape: established in 1977, the nature reserve covers 53 hectares. Its slopes are covered with dry coniferous forests, considered a forest habitat protected in Europe. A visitor trail has been created at Velnezers.
The Jaundome Environmental Education Centre also focuses on nature: it displays one of Latvia’s largest collections of freshwater fish replicas and introduces visitors to the diversity of waterbirds in Latgale. This lets you experience the natural environment outdoors and explore topics such as fish species and waterbirds in greater depth.
Exploring by water and along trails
Cycling Route No. 789, “In the Latvian-Belarusian Border Area,” begins in Krāslava Parish, passes through Kalnieši Parish and ends in Piedruja Parish, Krāslava Municipality. It is about 27 kilometres long and runs mainly along forest, field and gravel roads. If you prefer to travel on foot, Cycling Route No. 35 through Daugavas Loki Nature Park can also be walked. Check current trail and route conditions before setting out.
On the water, LOST IN LATGALE offers a guided 15-kilometre boat tour through the Sauleskalns lake system, which consists of four lakes. Before planning, it is advisable to check current booking and operating conditions. Horseback riding is offered in Daugavas Loki Nature Park and in the Latvian-Belarusian border area. Seasonal offerings also include carriage rides in summer and sleigh rides in winter; check in advance which activities can currently be arranged for your travel dates.
Architecture, collections and crafts
Krāslava is home to the Plāter Counts’ castle complex, a nationally significant cultural monument dating from the 18th century. St. Louis Catholic Church is another striking destination for architecture enthusiasts: it is considered an outstanding example of Latgale Baroque architecture. The chancel contains an 18th-century fresco by Filippo Castaldi, titled “Saint Louis Sets Out on the Crusade.”
The Krāslava Regional Museum preserves 27,000 collection items documenting the region’s distinctive character and uniqueness from the earliest times to the present day. One exhibition is devoted to the historic architecture of wooden houses and the craft heritage of local artisans. The Krāslava Crafts Centre has seven workshops and offers guided tours with demonstrations, as well as hands-on master classes. The centre’s culinary heritage workshop invites visitors to sample smoked products, bread, Krāslava pickles, cheese, tea and confectionery.
In Piedruja, two churches offer further insight into the region’s architectural and artistic history. The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, a six-domed church, was built in 1883–1885. The Catholic church houses cultural and historical objects from several centuries: three 18th-century altars, a pulpit from the early 19th century, a fresco of the Holy Trinity and church furnishings from the 17th century.
Local experiences and flavours
The Andrupene Rural Farmstead Museum presents rural life in Latgale at the beginning of the 20th century. With advance booking, you can also sample dishes from Latgale’s culinary heritage. Visits to Kurmīši are by prior arrangement: you can make beeswax candles yourself, take master classes in making beeswax cosmetics or sample herbal teas during a guided visit.
Mežvīni also offers activities by advance booking. Depending on the seasonal programme, you can gather and sample herbal tea, bake bread, weave wreaths, pick mushrooms or take part in arts activities. In Indra, the Museum of Happiness invites visitors to interact, feel and reflect through its interactive exhibition. Exploring Krāslava Municipality thus takes you from protected landscapes and trails to architectural history, collections and hands-on encounters with crafts and regional cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Kombuļi, Kaplava, Miglāni, Krāslava, Pastari, Robežnieki, Rimšāni, Piedruja.
For the broader travel overview: Latvia.
