Balvi: Culture, Lake and Active Experiences

Balvi can be explored from different perspectives: on the shores of Lake Balvi, through active pursuits, and at places connected with history and culture. When planning, it is worth checking the specific arrangements for each activity: some are freely accessible, while others require a booking or prior arrangement. This lets you tailor your stay to your interests.

At Lake Balvi and in the Old Park

Balvi’s Old Park is on the shore of Lake Balvi. A pontoon-style pier provides access to the water for fishing and swimming. The park has developed recreation and picnic areas. This combines access to the lake with opportunities to take a break among the greenery. Conditions at the water may vary by season, and the condition of park facilities may also change over time. Check these details before your visit.

Boat, catamaran and SUP rentals are available at Lake Balvi, as is a wake park with floating water attractions. SUP expeditions across three of the city’s lakes are also offered in Balvi; these require a booking. The motorised raft Vilnītis operates on Lake Balvi and can accommodate up to 25 people. Raft trips are offered by prior arrangement. The options take different forms, ranging from renting individual watercraft and organised SUP tours to an arranged raft trip. Equipment and operating arrangements may vary.

Water Sports and Activities on Land

The “Wake up Balvi” wake park offers a 200-metre cable wakeboarding course and an inflatable water attraction park covering almost 1,000 square metres. Water sports equipment and SUP boards are also available for hire. Operations may be seasonal, and rental availability may vary. The course and attraction park offer different kinds of water-based activities, while equipment and boards can be rented.

If you prefer getting around on two wheels, the bike park has a paved cycling track, an adventure track and a jump track. The cycling track can be used free of charge, regardless of age or riding ability. This information applies specifically to that track; the three types of track also give an overview of the park’s different features. Disc golf is another activity in Balvi: the course can be used free of charge with your own equipment.

Manor House, Museum and Special Places

Balvi Manor House was built at the end of the 18th century. The Balvi Regional Museum is located in a reconstructed manor estate carriage house within the manor grounds. Visitors interested in historic architecture can place the manor house in its historical context; the museum, in turn, is defined by its location in the carriage house. These details offer different perspectives on the manor estate without implying that the two have the same function.

Another distinctive feature is “Gaiss”, a symbolic wind chime tree. It consists of 324 wind pipes and 48 wind chimes; the coats of arms of all the regions of Latgale are depicted on the pipes. The Bear Garden also contains a rock garden with 23 compositions made from a total of 49 stones. These figures give a precise sense of the scale of two very differently designed features: a wind chime tree bearing regional coats of arms, and arrangements of stone compositions.

The Centre for Sacred Culture is also part of the cultural offering. It hosts lectures on Christian themes, exhibitions, concerts and other themed events. Visits are arranged upon request. If you would like to include the centre in your plans, allow for prior coordination. This makes a visit different from activities that can be accessed without such an arrangement.

Workshops and Local Offerings

The “Pie Eglītes” ceramics studio runs workshops for small groups of four to five people. A workshop lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, and booking is required. The “Azote” studio offers various creative workshops; dates may vary. The details therefore differ: the ceramics workshops specify group size and duration, while the changing dates are important to consider when planning a visit to “Azote”.

Arnitas Wellness Atelier offers Latvian sauna rituals featuring sauna whisks, herbal scrubs, masks, foot baths and herbal teas. Tastings and sales are also available for home-baked bread, North Latgalian herbal teas, syrups and other homemade products. Participation is arranged with the provider. The offerings combine a ritual with regional products, so prior coordination is important when planning.

Discover more destinations: Bērzkalne, Gailīši, Vītoli

Go to the main travel overview: Balvu Novads.