Turna can be explored through two specific themes: the lakes of the Turna group and the Turna–Strenči Camino stage. Valdis represents the area’s waters, while the stage runs mostly along rural roads and through the Ziemeļvidzeme Biosphere Reserve. It also crosses the Seda River. This gives you two different starting points for planning: the named lakes or the landscape along the stage. The size, location and route details below can help you put these interests into context.

Comparing the lakes of the Turna group

Valdis, also known as Valžezers, is the largest lake in the Turna lake group, covering 24.8 hectares. A 2023 publication by the University of Latvia gives this ranking and area. The Tēzaurs dictionary, updated in 2026, describes Valdis as a public subglacial flow-through lake southwest of Turna. This classification complements the area figure with information about the lake type and location.

Kukris also belongs to the Turna lake group and covers 21.9 hectares. The updated Tēzaurs dictionary gives its area; Kukris is therefore 2.9 hectares smaller than Valdis. The Turna lake group is in northern Latvia, in the Ērģemes pagasts and Kārķu pagasts municipalities of Valkas novads. This regional location describes the group, while the location southwest of Turna refers to the individual lake Valdis. Together, these details provide a size comparison and two different geographic scales.

On the shore of Valdis is a swimming area set up by Latvijas valsts meži, with a changing cabin and a table. The stage description places it about 500 metres after the start at the community centre. Check the condition of the facilities before visiting. Valdis is one of the most visited swimming areas in Valkas novads. A notice published on 3 July 2026 records that bathing water samples were taken and tested there on 2 June 2026.

Camino stage between Seda and the bog area

The Turna–Strenči Camino stage runs mostly along rural roads and through the Ziemeļvidzeme Biosphere Reserve; it crosses the Seda. In the reserve’s bog area, the route offers opportunities to observe places where birds gather. Lake Rūķu is located to the left of the road along the stage. These details describe different landscape features: the Seda is a river crossed by the stage, while Rūķu is a lake located beside the road. This adds another perspective on bodies of water to the lakes of the Turna group, complemented by the bog area and possible birdwatching.

Events and dates that change

Two different event details are relevant when planning dates. “Lieldienas Ērģemes pagastā” takes place every year on Easter Monday in Ērģemes pagasts; the calendar date changes with Easter. This is separate from the recurring “Lieldienu zaķa skrējiens” run: its six-kilometre route goes from Ērģeme to Turna, and the exact date varies each year. The festival is held in Ērģemes pagasts, while the running route explicitly ends in Turna. If you would like to plan your trip around either event, check the date for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Ērģeme, Zaķi, Valka, Omuļi

For the broader travel overview: Valkas Novads.