Lake Rāzna is Latvia’s largest lake by water volume. Beaches and recreation areas lie along its eastern and southeastern shores; from the observation tower on Lielais Liepukalns, you can look out over the Latgalian lake landscape. Rēzekne Municipality offers several ways to experience nature: from the shore, a viewpoint and the wetlands of protected landscapes.

Lakes and protected nature

Within Rēzekne Municipality, Rāzna National Park includes the parishes of Mākoņkalns, Čornaja, Kaunata and Lūznava. The park is home to 14 habitat types listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. One way to experience the landscape is from the 34-metre-high observation tower on Lielais Liepukalns. The national park has a cycling route, “Around Lake Rāzna”; sailing trips on the lake aboard the Sea Esta are also offered. Check with the provider before your trip to confirm that trips are available.

Another protected landscape is Lubāna Wetland. The part within Rēzekne Municipality includes the parishes of Nagļi, Gaigalava and Dekšāres. Its habitats include floodplain meadows, pristine raised bogs, swamp forests, boreal forests, black alder carrs and park-like meadows. The nature reserve is of international importance, is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network and meets the criteria of the Ramsar Convention.

The Rāzna National Park Nature Centre is accessible to wheelchair users. Its interactive exhibition, “Discover and Experience Rāzna National Park!”, introduces the national park, Lake Rāzna and the natural features found and protected there, and invites visitors to take part. Nature Centre activities take place on the shore of Lake Rāzna, on the Akmeņu Trail, on Mākoņkalns and around Lake Asariņš. Events may take place at several of these locations; advance booking is required, and the programme may vary by season.

There is also a visitor centre at Lake Lubāns: the “Bāka” Water Tourism Centre is located on the lake within the Lubāna Wetland Nature Reserve. Water-skiing equipment is available there; availability may vary seasonally.

Local history and culture

Mākoņkalns brings together panoramic views and history. A staircase leads to the summit, where you can look out over Lake Rāzna and the small Lake Ubagova. Fragments of the surviving defensive walls recall Volkenberg Castle, built by the Livonian Order in 1252. There is also a car park and toilet facilities on Mākoņkalns. Check whether these facilities are available before your visit.

Lūznava Manor combines exhibitions with a varied programme of events. The permanent exhibitions focus on bats and Kerbedzs’s engineering ideas. Guided walks and tastings are offered in the park; the tasting options may vary. Lūznava Manor also hosts concerts, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, festive events, wedding ceremonies and informative guided tours. The chapel was opened and consecrated in early February 2015. Mass is held there regularly on Sundays; check the service time in advance.

At the Franča Trasuna Museum “Kolnasāta,” an exhibition of historic household items offers a glimpse into everyday life on a Latgalian farm in the early 20th century. Museum education programmes explore topics including weddings in Latgale, Frančs Trasuns’s childhood paths and old Tau traditions. Confirm their availability before your trip. The Malta History Museum has collections and exhibitions, as well as regular educational programmes and events for different visitor groups; the specific programme depends on the date.

Plan activities and crafts

At Pīterkolns, traditional Latgalian pottery meets contemporary design. Pottery workshops are available for groups and individual visitors. By prior arrangement, you can watch ceramics being made. Check in advance about visiting and workshop options.

Z/S “Untumi” offers horseback riding and carriage rides, as well as sleigh rides in winter. The services also include hippotherapy and riding lessons led by a certified instructor. As availability should be confirmed with the provider, it is advisable to enquire in advance. Whether you are interested in lakes and viewpoints, protected wetlands, museums or crafts, the places and activities mentioned here offer different ways to experience the nature and culture of Rēzekne Municipality.

Discover more destinations: Rēzekne, Kaunata, Lipuški, Puša, Malta, Čornaja, Bērzgale, Gaiduļi, Gaigalava, Lendži, Seksti, Balda, Astici, Ratnieki, Stoļerova, Rikopole.

For the broader travel overview: Latvia.