Ludza Between Lakes, the Old Town and Vibrant Latgalian Culture

Ludza combines historic townscapes, two lakes and a remarkable variety of cultural experiences. Those planning a trip that brings together urban history, nature and regional traditions will find a range of options here for active and more relaxing days. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ludza, it is worth defining your priorities first: would you like to explore historic sites, spend time on the water, experience traditional crafts or combine different interests in one trip?

Old Town, Castle and Jewish History

The historic centre of Ludza is a state-protected example of urban development. Narrow streets, 19th-century wooden and brick houses, and enclosed courtyards shape its character. Upon registration, city guides introduce visitors to the history and present-day development of the historic centre. An audio guide is also available for independent exploration.

Among the city’s prominent historic sites are the medieval ruins of Ludza Castle. The castle was built in 1399 by German crusaders on a castle mound between Greater and Lesser Ludza Lake to secure the eastern border of the Livonian Order. Today, the medieval castle ruins remain. A viewing platform, an upgraded footbridge and castle walls illuminated at night enhance the visitor experience. The theatrical tour “Lūcijas nakts pasakas” brings the castle ruins to life through legends, active participation and stylised medieval costumes.

The Great Synagogue is also part of the city’s history. It is considered the oldest wooden synagogue in the Baltics and was built as a wooden structure in 1800 during the time of Rabbi V. Altšuler. It was destroyed during the war years and restored in 2016 to its original appearance as a branch of the Ludza Local History Museum. The synagogue includes a prayer room as well as modern exhibitions about the documentary filmmaker Herz Frank, his father, the Ludza photographer Vulf Frank, and the fates of Jewish families from Ludza.

Lake Landscapes with a Circular Trail and Water Experiences

Lesser Ludza Lake offers a clearly defined route for planning a day out: the circular trail is 5.14 kilometres long and can also be cycled. From the trail, there are views of Ludza’s church towers and the ruins of the Livonian Order’s castle. A pontoon bridge almost 300 metres long leads across the lake. It connects the area of Ludza’s Old Town near Mazā Ezerkrasta Street with the activity area and “Radziņš” beach.

Those who would like to experience Ludza from the water can plan a trip on a wooden raft on Lesser Ludza Lake, located in the town centre. The trip offers views of the Old Town panorama; musical accompaniment or a Latgalian meal may be available. Water scooters, boats, water skis, SUP boards, windsurfing equipment, fishing equipment and a recreational raft are also available for hire in Ludza.

At Greater Ludza Lake, there is an equipped recreation area and a beach at the foot of the castle mound on L Ezerkrasta Street. The lake is used for boating and fishing. When planning a trip, this makes it possible to balance historic sightseeing, walks and activities on the water in different ways, without limiting the destination to just one type of holiday.

Crafts, Regional Cuisine and Special Experiences

The Ludza Crafts Centre offers practical activities in traditional crafts such as ceramics, weaving and sewing in the Suprātku Room and its workshops. Around 70 craftworks are sold in the salon of the Ludza Crafts Courtyard, including ceramics, textiles, metalwork, handicrafts and wooden products. The Ludza Crafts Centre also organises recurring annual markets featuring rural produce, including Christmas, Martinmas and Easter markets as well as the Great Latgalian Market.

For excursion groups registered in advance, Latgaļu kukņa in Ludza offers the opportunity to sample Latgalian dishes. Another special experience trail is the “Ežuļa sajūtu taka”, featuring a barefoot path as well as sensory experiences involving gifts from nature and floral scents. These activities open up different travel ideas: you can explore culture and crafts in greater depth, spend a day by the lake or include a special regional experience in your plans.

Choose Accommodation Based on the Type of Trip You Want

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Ludza is a suitable option to search for if you would like to plan your stay around the town’s sights and activities. For culture-focused days, the Old Town, castle ruins, synagogue, museum and guided tours take centre stage. Those who prefer movement and water can consider the circular trail around Lesser Ludza Lake, the pontoon bridge and the activities available at both lakes. For groups with different interests, Ludza offers a correspondingly broad range of themes, from history and crafts to boat trips and regional cuisine.

Other Places at This Level

If you would like to view other places in this selection besides Ludza, here are the direct nearby destinations: Isnauda, Kušneri, Tutāni and Nirza.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ludzas Municipality.