Discover Ranka: Manor, Culture and the Green Way

Ranka combines cultural and historical discoveries with paths through the landscape. At the centre is Ranka Manor: a complete visit includes a one-kilometre health trail, a library with 5,500 books and two pianos, as well as several unusual collections. This makes it possible to enjoy a varied stay—with culture, exercise and special details for anyone who wants to get to know a place rather than merely pass through it.

Ranka Manor: History, Art and Music

The history of Ranka Manor dates back to the 16th century. Records of the estate survive from the period when it was granted in fief to vassals of the Archbishop of Riga. Today, the complex includes an art gallery with works by Dace Saulīte, Aija Bāliņa, Sarmīte Caune, Edgars Mucenieks and Andris Vītols. The different names give the collection its own character and make a visit interesting also for travellers who enjoy discovering art in a historical setting.

Another special feature is the collection of vintage vehicles. At Ranka Manor, vehicles by Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce and Volga can be viewed. This focus adds a distinct element alongside the library and art gallery: you can divide your visit between books, paintings, technology and architecture instead of planning around just one attraction.

Various concerts, including chamber music and other musical genres, take place in the White Hall of Ranka Manor. If you would like to make your trip cultural in focus, this venue offers another facet. The café at Ranka Manor complements the visit with coffee, tea and hot lunch dishes.

Routes and Cultural and Historical Sites

The Green Way was created along the former railway line through Ranka parish. The route can be used by cyclists and pedestrians and makes it possible to include the area’s cultural and historical sites, observe nature and learn about business activity in Ranka. Together with the health trail, this offers a choice between a visit with several indoor areas and a more active outdoor exploration. When planning, consider whether you would rather spend the day at Ranka Manor or on the Green Way.

Other cultural points of interest include the Ranka Cemetery Chapel. It is a locally significant architectural monument, was built between 1932 and 1933, and was renovated in 2007 for 3,000 lats. In addition, the geodetic point of the Struve Geodetic Arc, “Ranka”, has been included in the state list of protected cultural monuments as a nationally significant industrial monument since 2017.

Ranka as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Ranka, it is worth considering how you would like to spend your days. Anyone wishing to combine the library, gallery, vehicle collection, concert and café can make Ranka Manor the cultural focus. Those who prefer travelling on foot or by bicycle can include the Green Way and the one-kilometre health trail in their plans. The places and activities mentioned offer different travel ideas without requiring you to commit to just one type of stay.

For regional comparison, you can also include Daukstes, Namsadi, Stāmeriena, Gulbene, Stāķi, Galgauska, Lizums and Litene in your further travel planning.

For the overarching travel overview: Gulbenes Municipality.