Discover Gulbene: Culture, Railways and Walking Trails

Gulbene Lutheran Church was built between 1838 and 1843 on castle ruins. It stands on a hill in a bend of the Krustalīce River, which is considered the original centre of the city of Gulbene. Next to the church, a monument was unveiled in 1883 to mark the 400th anniversary of Martin Luther’s birth. In the granary of Vecgulbene Manor, the “Tautsaimniecība” exhibition displays more than 1,300 collection items connected with the history of Gulbene. There, you can mill flour with hand mills and spin flax yarn. The landscape park of Vecgulbene Manor includes the Mīlas kalniņš and Kafijas kalniņš hills as well as small ponds.

At the Gulbene depot, you can visit the repair workshops, the Gr-319 “Ferdinands” steam locomotive and other narrow-gauge rolling stock. The site thus focuses on the technical side of railway history as well as on specific vehicles and work areas. A different perspective is offered by the educational and interactive centre “Dzelzceļš un Tvaiks” at Gulbene railway station. The station is a historic building connected with Latvia’s cultural, historical and industrial heritage. At the centre, you can explore the development of the railway sector and future trends using 30 interactive devices. Advance registration is required for visits, which you should take into account when planning.

The Heinrich Trail in the Spārīte and Emze park area is a 3.2 km linear walking trail. Walking time is approximately one hour. The Marisa Trail is also located in the Spārīte and Emze park area, but is designed as a 2.2 km circular route with a walking time of approximately 40 minutes. The two trails therefore differ in their route structure as well as in their length and approximate walking time. Spārīte Park has the status of a nature monument of local importance. This classification is just as much a part of the character of the park area as the two types of trails described above. Depending on whether you prefer a linear trail or a shorter circular route, you will find different options here for a walk.

If you would like to review other entries in addition to Gulbene, you can also open Galgauska, Daukstes, Stāķi, Ranka, Velēna, Lizums, Stāmeriena and Litene. These links make it easier to compare other destinations without equating Gulbene’s distinctive features with those of other places.

What is the difference between the depot and the centre?

The depot and the centre have different focuses: the depot centres on work areas and vehicles, while “Dzelzceļš un Tvaiks” presents the development of the railway sector and future trends interactively.

What is the “Parka stāsti” audio guide?

“Parka stāsti” is a 30-minute audio guide designed as a dialogue between the former owners of a manor. The historical perspective is conveyed through a conversational format.

What culinary offerings are available at “Gardums”?

The “Gardums” tasting tour includes a prepared selection of confectionery products and coffee. In addition, “Gardums” offers practical confectionery workshops where participants prepare sweets together. A confectionery tour with tasting is also part of the “Gardums” offering.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Gulbene Municipality.