Discover Stāmeriena

Stāmeriena between the railway station and the manor house

Historically, Stāmeriena developed around two centers: one at the railway station and another several kilometers away, around the former center of the Stāmeriena manor estate. These landmarks represent different chapters in the area’s history. If you’d like to combine culture and trails in one stay, you can plan around the railway, the manor house and Lake Stāmeriena. The area’s development around two centers helps put its different themes into context.

Rail connection and day planning

Stāmeriena railway station is a stop on the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway. The railway runs daily along the 33-kilometer route between Gulbene and Alūksne, with two trips in each direction according to the timetable. If you plan to make the journey a fixed part of your itinerary, check the timetable in advance. That way, you can factor the train ride into your day rather than assume it is available at any time.

Church and castle: architecture and history

The Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevsky in Stāmeriena is an architectural and artistic monument of national significance. It forms part of the Stāmeriena manor estate building complex and is the only Orthodox church in Gulbene Municipality. Built around 1904, it was funded by the state and Baron Wolf. The church is visited by both worshippers and tourists. Its significance can therefore be viewed from two perspectives: as a place of worship and as part of the area’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Stāmerienas pils Castle is also part of the area’s cultural offerings. It reopened to visitors on November 30, 2019; if you’re planning a visit, please check the current opening hours in advance. The castle features a permanent exhibition of paintings by regional artist Leo Svemps (19.07.1897–07.03.1975). The collection and exhibition spaces in the castle are an outpost of the Gulbene District History and Art Museum. A visit to the building therefore offers a specific glimpse into the work of a regional artist.

Distinguishing between walking and cycling routes

The “Around Lake Stāmeriena” route is suitable for walking, hiking and cycling in every season. For a different kind of outing, cycling route No. 165 runs 30 kilometers from Stāmeriena to Litene and back to Stāmeriena railway station. The route is listed as taking three hours by bicycle and eight hours on foot. Comparing the two makes the different time requirements clear and can help you plan your day.

Route No. 165 connects the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway line with the disused Ieriķi–Pitalova broad-gauge railway line, now used as a Greenway for cyclists. The route can start at Stāmeriena railway station, where visitors can leave their cars in the parking lot. The station is therefore a convenient starting point for this route. The route around the lake and Route No. 165 offer two different options: one is specifically described as suitable for walks, hikes and cycling in every season, while the other has a stated distance and estimated travel times.

Views and lakeside recreation

A four-meter-high observation platform among the trees stands near the railway station. From there, you can look out over the railway line, the station and the surrounding landscape. As viewing facilities can change, check before your visit whether the platform is accessible. It offers a view of the railway from a perspective that also takes in the station and its surroundings.

The “Lāčauss” recreation area on Lake Stāmeriena offers lakeside relaxation with views of the lake landscape. Some services may be seasonal. Together with the route around the lake, described as suitable year-round, it provides another focus alongside rail travel and cultural heritage: the lakeside landscape. When planning your trip, you can choose between a culture-focused stay, a cycling or walking outing, and time by the lake.

Discover more destinations: Ranka, Stāķi, Velēna, Daukstes, Namsadi, Gulbene, Litene, Galgauska

For the main travel overview: Gulbenes Novads.