Kaplava: Landscape, History and Culture

Discover Kaplava through its landscape, historical sites and selected regional attractions. The settlement lies between two streams that flow into the Daugava; its character is also shaped by archaeological heritage and an Orthodox church with a documented construction date. If you are looking for a hotel in Kaplava, these different highlights can help you choose a destination that matches your interests.

Landscape between tributaries and protected areas

The settlement of Kaplavas is located in the Augšdaugava Protected Landscape Area and in the “Daugavas loki” Nature Park. Together with its location between the two streams that flow into the Daugava, this gives the area a clear landscape setting. Kaplava can therefore be viewed through more than just individual sights: its location within both protected areas is also part of what defines it. If you first orient your travel decision around landscapes, these names provide a specific starting point. If you are mainly interested in cultural history, you can then connect the landscape perspective with the historical sites.

Archaeological heritage and church history

One historical landmark is Podvinku Baznīcas kalns, an archaeological monument of regional significance. The site is associated with a medieval cemetery and a church site. The focus is therefore not just on a single building, but on two elements of an archaeological site. This place adds a distinct historical perspective to the landscape features that help define Kaplava.

Kaplava’s Orthodox church is also a cultural monument of national significance. It was built in Veckaplava in 1895. The settlement’s history points to a different period: a village or sloboda developed at the Kaplavas settlement during the 16th to 18th centuries. These references can therefore be distinguished chronologically: the stated period concerns the development of the village or sloboda, while 1895 is the church’s construction date. When exploring the area’s history, you can consider settlement development and church construction as distinct aspects.

Distinguishing hiking and cycling connections

The long-distance hiking trail “Ezertaka” includes a 16 km section from Krāslava via Klajumi to Lielborne. The distance refers to this named section, and the three place names indicate its route. Klajumi is also a regional point of interest associated with Kaplava. The regional cycling route No. 35, “Daugavas Loki,” offers a different connection: Kaplava’s Orthodox church is mentioned as additional information about the route. This provides two distinct ways to orient yourself—a specified section of a long-distance hiking trail and a cultural point of interest associated with the cycling route. The 16 km refers to the named hiking section, not the cycling route.

Regional cuisine near Klajumi

One specific culinary attraction is the “Klajumi” horse farm. It serves dishes from Latgale’s culinary heritage in the rustic style of “Klajumi” cuisine. Advance booking is required; take this into account when planning. If regional cuisine plays a role in choosing your destination, you can consider this specific offering alongside the landscape and monuments. The culinary aspect thus complements the landscape and historical themes with an offering of its own.

Discover more destinations: Piedruja, Krāslava, Kombuļi, Pastari, Miglāni, Robežnieki, Rimšāni

For the broader travel overview: Krāslavas Novads.