The Līvāni Glass Museum is considered the only museum of its kind in the Baltics. Since 2013, it has been housed in the Līvāni Glass and Crafts Centre. It covers the history of the local glass factory from 1887 and the techniques used to make glass vessels. Here, industrial history and craftsmanship come together in one place.
Glass, Textiles and Crafts
Visitors who want to delve deeper into everyday life at the glass factory can spend several hours at the museum watching Soviet-era films about the factory, its work and its employees. Check the current viewing options before your trip. The centre’s exhibitions also showcase different aspects of the craft tradition: the exhibition “Amatnieki Latgalē 19. – 20. gs.” tells the story of the development of crafts in Latgale, and Latvia’s longest traditional belt is also on display. Photographs documenting the spring floods in Līvāni are exhibited in the historic vaulted cellar.
The glassblowing workshop is also part of the glassmaking tradition. Visitors can watch glass objects being made and learn about the craft under the guidance of an experienced glass master. The workshop revives a glassblowing tradition that is more than 100 years old; its arrangements may vary. The centre also offers creative workshops in ceramics, glass and textile art, which you can take part in. Offerings may change. Advance booking is required to make your own glass souvenir; you must also book in advance for workshops in the glass-fusing studio, where various techniques are used.
The “Dubna” applied folk art studio offers a different perspective on craftsmanship. It preserves and develops old weaving traditions by researching historical pattern symbols typical of Latgale and weaving them into modern textiles. Visitors can view the work created there and take part in the activities. The “Turki” folklore group also shares Latgalian traditions through songs, dances and riddles, as well as crafts such as weaving, broom-making, mitten-knitting and churning butter. Its programme is available by arrangement. It is also possible to take part in the “Leivonu jautrī amatnīki” programme with the group; confirm the offer before booking.
History Along Rivers and in Churches
The area’s history stretches far back: more than 1,000 years ago, a trading and crafts settlement called Dubna was established on the banks of the Dubna, near its confluence with the Daugava, along an ancient Viking waterway. The origins of modern-day Līvāni date back to 1533. At that time, the German Baron Jurgens Līvens built an estate and named it Līvenhof.
The Jersika hillfort is located on the banks of the Daugava, between the ravines of two streams. In the 12th and 13th centuries, it was the economic and political centre of the ancient Latgalian state of Jersika. Archaeological excavations suggest that people had lived there as early as the 1st millennium BC. The hillfort is privately owned: visits must be arranged with the owners; reconfirm access before your trip.
The churches also tell stories of different eras and architectural styles. The Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Christ in Jersika is known as the “Iron Church” because its external structural components are made of iron or cast iron. It previously stood in Daugavpils and was transported there by rail from Odesa. The church offers the opportunity to learn more about the beginnings of Orthodoxy in Latvia; the associated information may be out of date. The Old Believers’ prayer house in Līvāni was rebuilt in the 1980s and received a bell tower in 1998. In Znotiņi, there is a restored Catholic brick church dating from 1926.
Bridges, Trails and a River Crossing
The municipality offers visitors the “Over Seven Bridges” route. Each bridge and viewpoint offers a different perspective: from the town bridge in Līvāni, you can see islands in the Dubna, while the Kalvāni footbridge crosses the river. At Švirkstu Bridge, the view extends across unspoilt natural landscapes above the Oša. Rožupe footbridge is a place for walks, creative events and activities. The open-air living room is located at the highest point in Līvāni; from there, you can look out over the town centre and the Dubna Bay.
A longer hike runs from Jersika to Vanagi. It starts at Jersika railway station and introduces the history, key figures and activities of the national partisan movement. The route passes through forests, bogs, swamps, meadows and rural roads. It is about 22 kilometres long and takes approximately six hours to walk. Check the distance and duration before setting off.
To cross the Daugava, the Līvāni–Dignāja ferry links its two banks and offers a direct route from Latgale towards Zemgale. It carries pedestrians, cars and cyclists. Check operating information and the timetable before travelling. In Līvāni, the “Upe” swimming pool features an 11 × 25-metre sports pool with four lanes, a 5 × 7-metre children’s pool, and a spa area with a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and cold plunge pool. The building, interior spaces and pool are also suitable for people with mobility impairments; check the facilities and opening arrangements before your visit.
Every August, the traditional gathering of dance musicians, also known as “Kāzu muzikantu saiets,” takes place at the Rožupe open-air stage. Check the date of this year’s gathering before your trip. For a meal, a food establishment in Līvāni serves home-style cooking for up to 30 people and offers takeaway food; information about the offerings may change.
Discover more destinations: Līvāni, Iecava Municipality, Lielvārde Municipality, Jaunpils, Dagda Municipality, Jēkabpils, Ventspils, Smiltene Municipality.
Return to the main travel overview: Latvia.
