Holiday apartment in Gulbene Municipality: Bānītis, castles and nature

Gulbene Municipality is known for its railway tradition, castle history, nature and activities to take part in, listen to and sample. The Gulbene–Alūksne Bānītis is the only railway in Latvia recognised as a cultural monument of national significance that is still in operation today. The 33-kilometre Gulbene–Alūksne railway line is Latvia’s last narrow-gauge railway with regular passenger services. The Bānītis stops at ten stations, including Stāmeriena, Kalniene, Paparde and Umernieki.

Culture and history

Velēna Church is a cultural monument of national significance. The Neo-Gothic building was consecrated in 1898 and houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the church and parish. Lizums Castle is also classified as a cultural monument of national significance. It was built in the first half of the 19th century and has housed a school since 1937.

Stāmeriena Castle was built in the 1820s, remodelled in 1835 and is surrounded by a landscaped park. The castle houses a multimedia exhibition about the Wolf family as well as an extensive photographic exhibition on the history of the castle. In Druviena, visitors can see a rural school from Vidzeme dating from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as an exhibition on former rural life.

Literary audio trails can be found in Druviena, Lizums, Tirza, Lejasciems and Stāmeriena. Along the route from one stopping point to the next, visitors are accompanied by reflections and observations from five contemporary writers on Latvian classics. An open-air stage was built for Rūdolfs Blaumanis’ play “Skroderdienas Silmačos”, and a museum with props from the play was established. An art and history experience is offered in the barn of the Vecgulbene Manor, in the Red Castle and in the “Kolorītais Leo Svemps” exhibition at Stāmeriena Castle. The grounds also contain the Roman Catholic Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette, a library and a sculpture park.

Nature

In the Litenes parish of Gulbene Municipality, the Sita–Pededze floodplain is a Natura 2000 nature reserve. It comprises natural, largely untouched flood meadows, oxbow lakes, groups of oaks, park-like meadows, as well as mixed riverside forests of oak, elm and ash. The floodplain is also home to more than 18 protected animal species, including three globally threatened bird species.

The “Siltie” meadow golf course offers nine-hole meadow golf and equipment rental. Kayaks and SUP boards are available.

Experiences

The Bānītis railway organises the annual Bānītis Festival together with local municipalities. The historic Gulbene–Alūksne train offers guided tours of the Gulbene depot, rides on a hand-operated rail trolley and an experience in a Soviet-era salon carriage.

Creative themed courses, an escape room, exhibition visits, guided tours, participation in traditional festivals and traditional games are offered for school groups, families and other interested visitors. In the workshop, visitors can take part in making sauna items, gathering herbs and binding sauna whisks, as well as learn about sauna rituals.

Food and drink

“Zaļā vaļā” offers guided tours of the freeze-drying process, practical insights into product manufacturing, a blind tasting, as well as tastings and purchases of the products on offer. During a tour, visitors can learn about the cheese-making process, sample common types of cheese and buy products. “Silmaču” pancakes are available by prior reservation.

Other places

Other places in Gulbene Municipality: Ranka, Gulbene, Velēna, Stāmeriena, Litene, Namsadi, Daukstes, Lizums, Galgauska, Stāķi.

To the higher-level travel overview: Latvia.