Namsadi: Palace, Lakes and Narrow-Gauge Railway
For planning your trip to Namsadi, this page provides factual guidance on culture, landscapes, railway heritage and special activities in Stāmerienas pagasts. The documented destinations combine a historic palace with a large landscape park, several lakes, a regularly operating narrow-gauge railway and a signposted circular route.
Stāmeriena Palace was built in the mid-19th century. After it was damaged by fire during the 1905 Revolution, it was restored; the restoration was completed in 1908. The palace reopened to visitors on November 30, 2019. The Gulbene–Alūksne bānītis is another defining feature: it runs daily along the 33-kilometre route between Gulbene and Alūksne, with two journeys in each direction.
The palace is the focal point of the historical overview. It is surrounded by a 24.3-hectare English-style landscape park. The visit is therefore not limited to the building itself, but also includes a clearly described park area. Stāmerienas pagasts is also home to Stāmeriena Orthodox Church of the Holy Alexander Nevsky. It was consecrated on June 6, 1904. Together, the palace, park and church offer different ways to explore the history of the area, without having to treat the individual buildings as a single complex.
What does the narrow-gauge railway offer for trip planning?
In Stāmerienas pagasts, the Gulbene–Alūksne bānītis is the only regularly operating narrow-gauge train in the Baltics. Stāmeriena Station is located on this railway line and has a historic station building. The bānītis also stops at Stāmeriena Station. For a trip in which transport history plays a role, the line, the train and a historic station can therefore be considered as distinct aspects of a visit.
Which routes and activities can be combined?
Route 164, “Around Stāmeriena and Kalnamuiža,” is a 23-kilometre circular route. Those exploring the surroundings of the narrow-gauge railway on two wheels can find six cycling routes along the railway in the Bānīša Zeme visitor programme. At several points, these routes cross the tracks and stop at narrow-gauge train halts. Horse-riding excursions and horseback hikes are also offered at Dzelzavieši. These options complement the historical and landscape themes with an active way to explore the area.
If you would like to compare additional destinations in the catalogue for your further trip planning, you can find the pages for Velēna, Ranka, Litene, Lizums, Stāķi, Stāmeriena, Gulbene and Daukstes.
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Which lakes are included among the documented natural destinations?
There are four lakes in Stāmerienas pagasts: Ludza, Stāmerienas, Pogas and Kalnienas (Ģērmaņu).
What are the area and depth of Lake Stāmerienas?
Lake Stāmerienas covers 92 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 18.7 metres.
What does the guided tour at Dzelzavieši include?
At Dzelzavieši, a guided tour of a diverse farm is offered. During the tour, you can see farm animals and an exhibition of antiques.
Which boats can be rented in summer?
In summer, you can rent three SUP boards and a rowing boat in Stāmeriena.
To the higher-level travel overview: Gulbenes Novads.
