Holiday apartment in Madonas Novads: lakes, bogs and culture

Madonas Novads represents a landscape of striking contrasts: Lubāna is Latvia’s largest lake, Teiči Bog is one of the largest untouched raised bogs in the Baltics, and Gaiziņkalns reaches 312 metres above sea level as the highest point in Latvia. This spectrum is complemented by nature reserves, an arboretum, museums, historic sites, water activities and regional specialities.

Nature and water

The Teiči Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Latvia. Its bog is one of the largest untouched raised bogs in the Baltics. The area is important for the conservation of rare bird species typical of bogs and serves as a feeding and resting place for migratory waterfowl.

Lubāna also combines distinctive landscape and water features. Lake Lubāna is Latvia’s largest lake, while the Lubāna Wetland forms Latvia’s largest inland wetland complex. Boat trips are available on the lake, including sunset trips. Visitors can observe birds in the surrounding area; around 250 bird species have been recorded there. The Lubāna Wetland Information Centre also provides information about the Stone Age in the area around the lake.

At the Brāži Cascades, boat trips are offered on the Ogre; boats and routes are also available there.

The Krustkalni Nature Reserve covers 2,978 hectares and is located in Madonas novads. It is hilly and includes 13 lakes. The Kalsnava Arboretum presents a different botanical landscape: it has the largest collection of woody plants in eastern Latvia. From early spring to late autumn, 2,500 different tree species and 45,000 plant species can be seen there. The arboretum also includes a rhododendron trail and a pond that can be crossed via a bridge offering views of water lilies.

Mountains and winter

The summit of Gaiziņkalns lies 312 metres above sea level and is the highest point in Latvia. A path across the summit is around 1 kilometre long and offers panoramic views of the four slopes. During the winter season, skiing, snowboarding and sledding are possible at Gaiziņkalns; equipment rental is also available. At Smeceres sils, roller skiing and cross-country skiing are offered, as well as ski rental.

The Aiviekstes ozoli Trail combines nature and history. A Stone Age settlement is located there, with clay vessels as well as tools and weapons made of bone, stone, wood and flint. Visitors can try making fire with wood and flint. Various active recreation events take place on the trail throughout the year, including medieval competitions. In winter, the trail becomes a cross-country ski track.

Culture and history

Varakļāni Manor houses the Varakļāni Local History Museum and offers exhibitions, guided tours and a park. A large part of Cesvaine Palace is open to visitors; its authentic interiors have been preserved.

In the city of Madona, the Madona Local History and Art Museum collects, preserves and displays materials relating to the city’s history, culture and art. The museum also includes a permanent exhibition on the archaeology of the municipality. Another cultural destination is the puppet exhibition dedicated to the animated films of A. Burovs, which offers themed tours and hands-on activities.

The area around Lubāna can also be explored through local traditions: it can be discovered on a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour featuring local stories.

Regional specialities

At Henome, quinces are grown, and guided tours and tastings are available. Lancori grows garlic, produces spices and also offers guided tours and tastings. In the area around Lake Lubāna, visitors can enjoy freshly smoked fish. At the Zvejnieki fishermen’s farm, a fish soup from Latgale’s culinary heritage can also be ordered in advance.

Other subregions

Other subregions of Madonas Novads include Madona, Prauliena, Bērzaune, Dzelzava, Kalsnava, Ozoli, Lautere, Stalīdzāni, Jaunlubāna, Tīrumskanuļi and Sarkaņi.

For the main travel overview: Latvia.