Ratnieki: Village Pond, Culture and Getting There

The village pond and the cultural groups of Ratnieku tautas nams are among the local points of interest in Ratnieki. The folklore group Rateņš preserves Latgalian songs and memories, while the JURIS dance group performs Latvian folk dances. For your journey, you can check the Rēzekne–Ratnieki–Baltiņi bus connection and the named road routes.

Village Pond and Swimming Conditions

In 2018, Ratnieku ciema dīķis was among the waters monitored in the context of bathing waters in Rēzekne Municipality and was then municipal property. Swimming there was permitted on 14 August 2023. Check the current conditions at the pond before planning a swim. The fishing competition “Lielā zive” was also scheduled to take place there in 2025.

Folklore at the Cultural Centre

Rateņš was founded in 2012. On 1 February 2013, a joint singing evening for folklore groups was held at Ratnieku tautas nams for Candlemas; the newly formed Ratnieki group joined the district’s network of cultural groups. The members focus on Latgalian folk songs, games, dances and traditional instruments. They collect residents’ memories of Christmas celebrations, weddings and funerals. After Friday rehearsals, they uphold the tradition of gathering to tell stories and learn traditional crafts.

A performance by Rateņš at the Baltica concert in Riga was announced for 16 June 2018, and participation in the Baltica Festival in Viļaka for 21 June. In the 2025 national directory, the group was listed under Ratnieki in Čornajas pagasts. If you would like to attend a performance, ask about dates during your travel period. Also check the venue and whether advance registration is required.

Latvian Folk Dances with JURIS

The JURIS middle-generation dance group began its activities at Ratnieku tautas nams in 2017, having previously been based at the cultural centre in Viļāni. The cultural centre is located at Rēzeknes iela 2. For 2025, the cultural portal lists 25 members. Its repertoire includes Latvian folk dances; the group has taken part in nationwide song and dance festivals and performed in Latvian cities and municipalities.

Getting There and Regional Context

A dated timetable for regional bus route 6536 Rēzekne–Ratnieki–Baltiņi lists Ratnieki as a stop. Check departures for your travel day. The 2020 road directory lists routes 4610 Ratnieki–Knutova–Treuhi and 4612 Anči–Ratnieki; check current road conditions before driving.

In the wider travel area, Rāzna National Park includes the pagasti of Kaunatas, Čornajas and Lūznavas in Rēzeknes novads. Plan regional outings based on their respective starting points. When searching for hotels, compare the location of the accommodation on offer with your travel arrangements and the routes to your chosen destinations.

Discover more destinations: Balda, Rēzekne, Malta, Kaunata, Lendži, Gaigalava, Gaiduļi, Seksti.

See the wider travel overview: Rēzeknes Novads.