Alūksne – Lake, Culture and Historic Islands

Lake Alūksne is the eleventh-largest lake in Latvia and has four islands: Cepurītes, also known as Mīlestības sala, Garo sala, Tīklu sala and Pilssala. The castle island of Pilssala is therefore an important point of reference for the history of the town and for the watercraft rentals available there during the summer season. Another prominent landmark is the Alūksne observation tower. It is 37.8 metres high, and 153 steps lead to its upper viewing platform.

Tempļakalns is a state-protected cultural monument, an ancient Latgalian hillfort and the site of an old settlement. This means that the focus of this place is not merely a viewpoint or park, but an explicitly protected testament to the region’s history.

The buildings around the castle island also tell the story of different eras. The Livonian Order completed the construction of a stone castle there in 1342. Of the medieval complex, the restored Southern Tower is the only one of the eight towers that has survived to a significant extent to this day. Alūksne New Castle provides a much more recent historical accent. Alexander von Vietinghoff commissioned it, and it was built from 1859 to 1863 in the English Gothic Revival style.

These places represent different historical layers: a Latgalian hillfort, a medieval Order castle and a Gothic Revival castle. You can therefore structure your stay around several cultural and historical themes without limiting yourself to just one era.

For a short walk, the nature trail in Tempļakalns Park is suitable. The circular trail is 1 km long and can be walked in either direction. A longer option is the “Ezertaka”: the 2.8 km hiking trail leads around a peninsula of Lake Alūksne. The two routes therefore differ clearly in both their course and length.

The lake can also be incorporated into your trip as a cycling theme. Official cycle route No. 129 runs for 22 km around Lake Alūksne. Velo Osta rents classic bicycles, modern electric bicycle equipment and special family bicycles for four to six people. For families or mixed groups, this documented selection of bicycle types is a specific point to consider when planning your day, without equating the different offerings.

On the castle island of Alūksnes Pilssala, you can rent boats, catamarans, single and double kayaks, SUP boards and a motorboat during the summer season. In addition, ZZZIPPP offers a 350 m-long zipline with an average top speed of 50 km/h. Water activities and the zipline are independent offerings involving different forms of movement.

Alūksne Cultural Centre is located in a building dating from the late 19th century. It formerly belonged to the Alūksne Manor complex as a distillery and brewery. The applied folk art studio “Kalme” also operates in the cultural centre and welcomes guests.

The baggage room of the Alūksnes Bānītis station offers another perspective on the history of the town. In the baggage room, you can see snapshots of different eras and a narrow-gauge railway that has served as a helper, workplace and source of inspiration for more than a century. The Elevators exhibition presents an extensive collection of retro cars from different eras of automotive history across three floors.

For comparing further destinations, you can also include Jaunlaicene, Korneti, Kolberģis, Visikums and Jaunanna in your further travel planning.

How many islands does Lake Alūksne have?

The lake has four islands.

How long is the “Ezertaka”?

It is 2.8 km long.

Who commissioned Alūksne New Castle?

Alexander von Vietinghoff commissioned the castle.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alūksnes Novads.