Grāveri – Lakescape, Cycling Route and Culture

• The Čertoka ezers (Valnezers) protected area covers 53 hectares, surrounds Velnezers and was established in 1977.
• Velnezers is 17 metres deep in the vicinity of Grāveri; in some places, visibility extends to a depth of 12 metres.
• A local cycling route connects Aglona, Grāveri, Kombuļi, Krāslava railway station and Krāslava.
• The Ezerzemes route passing through Grāveri is designated as a recommended EuroVelo 11 route.

Velnezers characterises the natural surroundings of Grāveri with its clear green-blue water. Its depth of 17 metres and possible visibility down to 12 metres give the lake a distinctive landscape profile. The Čertoka ezers (Valnezers) protected area safeguards the lake's ecosystem and the surrounding landscape. Its establishment in 1977 forms part of the history of this natural area.

The wider surroundings also include Lake Cārmaņa. Its highly indented shoreline and wooded shores distinguish it from Velnezers. There are also specially protected habitats and the specially protected plant species mieturu hidrilla. Those who value nature observation and different lake views when choosing accommodation can include these two bodies of water as separate focal points in their travel plans.

The local route is of interest to cycling travellers because it includes several named stops: It connects Aglona, Grāveri, Kombuļi, Krāslava railway station and Krāslava. In addition, the section of the Ezerzemes route passing through Grāveri is designated as a recommended EuroVelo 11 route. This designation helps you place Grāveri within a longer cycling trip without reducing the location to a single type of excursion.

In the wider surroundings of Grāveri, the recreation area at Velnezers offers a viewing platform on the water, an elevated observation platform and an almost 700-metre circular trail around the lake. In the surrounding area, the Locu sala holiday village also offers boats, kayaks, SUP boards and fishing opportunities. These options suit different travel plans: You can combine a stay by the lake with observation and a circular walk, or focus on activities on the water.

If you would like to compare other places, you can also find information about Aglona, Ladiškina and Priežmale.

For journey planning, the P60 first-class state road is a specific point of reference. It is paved and has a 6- to 7-metre-wide carriageway. No further information on distances or travel times is available for the destinations described here. Therefore, when planning your personal route, consider which accommodation location and which excursion destinations you would like to combine.

The Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel is located at 34 Ezeru iela in Grāveri. Grāveri is also recorded as the home village of Metropolitan Alexander (Kudrjašovs). This historical connection adds a cultural perspective to the nature and cycling experiences.

When looking for a hotel in Grāveri, you should first define the focus of your trip. For a cycling trip, the local connection and the designated Ezerzemes route are important considerations. If you would like to explore lakes and landscapes, Velnezers, the protected area, Lake Cārmaņa and the recreation area at Velnezers offer different points of reference. For a culturally oriented trip, you can take the Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the recorded connection to Alexander Kudrjašovs into account. The location of the specific accommodation on offer is decisive, not any general proximity to all the destinations mentioned.

How deep is Velnezers near Grāveri?

Velnezers is 17 metres deep. In some places, visibility extends to a depth of 12 metres.

Which cycling route passes through Grāveri?

A local cycling route connects Aglona, Grāveri, Kombuļi, Krāslava railway station and Krāslava. The section of the Ezerzemes route through Grāveri is also designated as a recommended EuroVelo 11 route.

What does the recreation area at Velnezers offer?

It has a viewing platform on the water, an elevated observation platform and an almost 700-metre circular trail around the lake.

Which road is relevant for the journey?

The P60 first-class state road is paved and has a 6- to 7-metre-wide carriageway.

For the higher-level travel overview: Aglonas Novads.