Daukstes: Local History and Landscapes

Daukstes brings together a local history of education and libraries with cultural heritage and nature themes in the wider region. When choosing a hotel, you can decide whether the history of the place itself, or also the landscapes and historic sites in the surrounding area, should shape your stay. The topics range from an educational society founded in 1924 to wetlands and a workshop dedicated to sauna traditions.

Getting Here and Finding Your Way

The Daukstes bus stop is on road V427. The route of regional bus line 6028, published in February 2026, runs from Gulbene via Daukstes to Jaungulbene. The two details help with orientation in different ways: the bus stop identifies road V427, while the line information gives the route between the three places. Check the timetable for your travel day before taking the bus so you can plan a suitable connection.

Library and School History

In 1924, a Daukstu educational society was founded with a library of 350 volumes. The present-day Daukstu pagasta library began operating on 1 August 1954. These are two distinct historical dates in Daukstes’ educational and library life: the founding of the educational society and its library, and the start of operations at the present-day library. The figure of 350 volumes gives a tangible sense of the size of the first library.

The former Daukstes school is also part of the local history. Its building was constructed between 1923 and 1925; the school is closed. A tourism club was among the historic extracurricular groups. Miķeļdiena and Christmas were recurring school traditions. The former school’s history thus brings together its construction, activities outside the classroom, and celebrations throughout the year.

Cultural Heritage in the Wider Region

In the wider region around Daukstes, Krapas pilskalns rises 20 metres above the surrounding meadows and fields. It offers expansive views across the flat landscape. In Daukstu parish, Krapa and its hillfort are considered one of the more significant Latgalian settlements in the area. Its elevation and views describe a different aspect of the site from its historical significance as a settlement.

Another heritage site in the wider area is Rožkalnu Raganas akmens, an ancient sacred site. Krusta priede is also in Daukstu parish: the tree stands 200 metres from the Krapa hollows, beside the old Stāķi–Krapa road. At these places, their traditional significance and their specific locations each serve as different points of reference in the regional landscape.

Sauna Traditions and Nature

Pirtslietu darbnīca in the wider region offers a hands-on introduction to sauna traditions. Visitors can take part in making sauna items, gather herbs, and tie sauna whisks there. An introduction to sauna rituals is also provided. The focus is on craft activities and sharing knowledge of rituals. If you are interested in these traditions, they can be part of your travel plans alongside local history.

The Lielais Mārku purvs is another nature destination. The bog has habitats that are particularly suitable for the nesting of waterbirds and waders. While Krapas pilskalns is characterised by its height and expansive views across the flat landscape, the Lielais Mārku purvs stands out for the suitability of its wetlands as nesting habitats. The regional range thus extends from historic sacred sites and settlements to landscapes that provide suitable habitats for particular groups of birds.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lizums, Namsadi, Stāķi, Gulbene, Stāmeriena, Litene, Velēna, Galgauska.

See the main travel overview: Gulbenes Novads.