Moorlands, island trails and culture in Balvu Municipality

Moorlands and forests, routes to historic sites and insights into the culture of Northern Latgale define Balvu Municipality. When planning your trip, you can choose different areas of focus, such as the birdlife of the Stompaku bogs, the island in Lake Viļaka, regional exhibitions or seasonal activities in Balkanu kalni Nature Park.

Moorlands, forests and nature trails

Stompaku purvi is a Natura 2000 nature reserve in Balvu Municipality. This complex of moorlands and forests provides a habitat for rare and endangered species. A total of 84 specially protected species have been recorded there, including the black stork, capercaillie and white-tailed eagle. Nature and history meet at the Stompaku National Partisan Settlement Memorial Site, which combines a nature trail with information boards and restored bunkers. A marked route with boardwalks leads through the wetter sections of the bog; the settlement comprised 24 bunkers.

The Stiglova Nature Trail follows the valley of the Stiglova stream and passes 3- to 4-metre-high sandstone outcrops, which are designated a geological natural monument. The trail is 2.5 kilometres long one way and rated moderate to difficult. It is currently inaccessible due to wind damage; check access conditions before visiting.

Island trails and landscapes through the seasons

You can reach the island in Lake Viļaka via a 144-metre-long pontoon bridge. Its 442-metre walking trail includes wooden boardwalks, a boat landing and information boards. Stops along the way include fragments of Marienhausen Castle dating from 1509, a model of the castle and a birdwatching platform. Another birdwatching platform is located at the start of the pontoon walkway.

Balkanu kalni Nature Park covers about 20 hectares. Its trails lead to wooden sculptures, different types of forest, hills and slopes, as well as animal burrows and anthills. There are picnic areas and fire pits for breaks; camping and swimming in a pond are also available. In winter, a sledding hill and a cross-country ski trail are added. Check local conditions before taking part in winter activities.

If you are planning a longer bike ride, Greenway Cycling Route No. 15 is a moderate 36-kilometre route, with an estimated duration of about four hours. It follows the former railway line from Gulbene to Balvi, is signposted and adapted for non-motorised traffic. The route length, approximate duration and difficulty rating provide useful guidance for fitting the ride into your day.

History and collections

Balvi Manor was built in the late 18th century and later adapted for use as a school. The grounds include a stone garden with 23 compositions made up of 49 stones. The Balvi Chamber Music Festival takes place on the grounds every year on the last weekend of August; check the programme for the relevant year.

At the Balvi District Museum, the digital exhibition on the intangible cultural heritage of Northern Latgale is spread across five exhibition halls. The museum is also accessible to visitors with special needs. Guided tours of the museum, the town and the manor ensemble are available by prior arrangement. At the Viļaka Museum, the exhibition “Viļaka’s Surroundings in the Turns of History” covers local history from the manor era through Latvia’s independence and the Soviet period, up to the events of the Second World War and the military heritage.

The Egļava Forestry Administration Museum presents the forest cycle, from tree seeds to finished wood products. It also features an insect collection, forestry tools, and collections of Northern Latgalian textiles and ceramics. Check current access arrangements before visiting. The Cīrulīši collection includes more than 40 historic mopeds and motorcycles; motorcycle rides are also offered. Here, too, it is advisable to check current visiting arrangements.

Crafts and regional tastings

The Vēršukalns cultural heritage farm has been restored as a farmstead from the mid-20th century. It displays textiles and ceramics by craftspeople from Susāju Parish. You can also sample a Latgalian meal there, with freshly baked bread from a traditional rural oven and other treats. It is advisable to enquire in advance about current visitor arrangements.

At the Briežuciems Village of Old Crafts Masters, the hosts at the Kronīši farm demonstrate how bread is baked in an oven and offer warm bread for tasting. The cultural programme also includes weaving workshops, explanations of weaving traditions and singing Latgalian folk songs together with local groups. At Meža labumu, you can sample products from forests and meadows, distinctive teas and soup with a wild flavour; workshops and tastings featuring wild-plant products are also available.

Water activities and other excursions

On Lake Balvi, Wake up Balvi combines a 200-metre cable wakeboarding course with an inflatable water park covering almost 1,000 square metres. Water sports equipment and SUP boards are also available to rent on site. For a different view of Balvi, take a ride on the motorised raft “Vilnītis”: it can accommodate up to 25 people and offers sightseeing tours of the town from the water; booking is required.

Balvi Municipality’s attractions range from moorland landscapes and island trails to exhibitions, crafts and water activities. To choose your hotel stay, first decide which of these themes matter most for your trip, then plan your excursions accordingly.

Discover more destinations

Bērzkalne, Vītoli, Balvi, Gailīši, Raunas Municipality, Aizpute Municipality, Limbaži Municipality, Ludza Municipality

For the broader travel overview: Latvia.