Rimšāni

The regional examples differ both in scale and in their connection to a specific place. The “Daugavas loki” Nature Park encompasses extensive riverbank landscapes; Velo Latgale is specifically associated with Lake Sargava and Mazie Onzuļi. These differences can help you distinguish your travel interests from your choice of accommodation location.

The Daugava and its great river bends

The “Daugavas loki” Nature Park lies in the Daugava Valley within the Augšdaugava protected landscape area. Covering 12,372 hectares, it encompasses a large natural area and stretches along both banks of the Daugava from Krāslava to Saliena parish in Daugavpils Municipality. Its size alone makes clear that this is an expansive river landscape.

Eight large river bends are especially distinctive. Each is between four and six kilometres long. The recurring curves give the river its distinctive character; this is a different landscape experience from a single lake or a clearly defined activity site. For planning your holiday, this distinction is useful if you are looking for expansive nature and river scenery rather than a single excursion destination.

Nature and history come together in the park: “Daugavas loki” encompasses numerous natural and cultural-historical monuments. In 2011, the nature park was added to Latvia’s national list for UNESCO World Heritage. This brings a cultural-historical perspective together with the landscape, without treating nature and history as separate travel interests.

Crafts and regional culture

The “Skaļu deķi” blanket tradition offers a different cultural perspective and is found exclusively in Latgale. It represents a textile tradition associated with the region, making it quite distinct from the natural scenery of the Daugava bends. If you are interested in regional culture, you can see the connection between landscape and handicrafts as two different ways to experience the area.

Metalworking is another cultural theme: the “Vasars” smithy makes forged, welded, riveted and soldered souvenirs, as well as fences, railings, grilles, containers, furniture and other products from ferrous metals, stainless steel, aluminium and other metals. Its range therefore extends from souvenirs to items for the home and property. Together with the “Skaļu deķi” blanket tradition, this highlights the contrast between metalwork and regional textile culture.

Lake and land activities at Velo Latgale

Velo Latgale is located in Mazie Onzuļi, Izvalta parish, Krāslava Municipality. It is a peaceful rural family retreat on the shore of Lake Sargava, with cosy dome tents. This is a specific example of a rural waterside stay. If you are considering this type of accommodation, ask about current availability in advance.

Velo Latgale also has a countryside therapy trail intended to help visitors experience the rural surroundings. Check current access before visiting. From the start of the 2021 season, Velo Latgale rented out bicycles with equipment for excursions in Izvalta and the surrounding area, as well as on nearby local or regional routes. If cycling is important to your plans, check current availability in advance.

Choosing accommodation to suit your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Rimšāni, it is worth considering your preferred place to stay separately from the experiences you have planned. If you are mainly interested in a peaceful rural lakeside break, Velo Latgale in Mazie Onzuļi offers this kind of setting; if you are looking for a broader connection with nature, you can use “Daugavas loki” Nature Park as a guide. These different connections to places and landscapes can help you sort out your travel interests and include suitable destinations in your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pastari, Krāslava, Kombuļi, Piedruja, Robežnieki, Miglāni, Kaplava.

Back to the main travel overview: Krāslavas Novads.