Stāmeriena: Railway, Castle and Lake
Key features of Stāmeriena include a narrow-gauge railway line, a historic manor house with a museum and church, and paths around Lake Stāmeriena. The railway station and former manor house are several kilometres apart and form two historic focal points of the locality.
Historically, Stāmeriena developed around two centres: one at the railway station and another several kilometres away around the former centre of Stāmeriena Manor. The village has a station on the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway. The Gulbene–Alūksne Bānītis runs daily along the 33-kilometre route between Gulbene and Alūksne; according to the timetable, there are two journeys in each direction.
For those interested in culture, Stāmerienas pils Castle and the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Church are among the main attractions. Walking, hiking and cycling opportunities around the lake are a central focus. The local profiles of Stāķi, Lizums, Daukstes, Litene, Ranka, Velēna, Namsadi and Galgauska offer additional options for comparison.
Stāmeriena's Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Church is a nationally significant architectural and artistic monument. It forms part of the building complex of Stāmeriena Manor and was built around 1904 with state funding and funds provided by Baron Wolf. According to the available information, it is the only Orthodox church in Gulbene Municipality. The church is visited by both worshippers and tourists.
At Stāmerienas pils Castle, you can see a permanent exhibition of paintings by regional artist Leo Svemps (19 July 1897–7 March 1975). The castle's collection and exhibition rooms are an outpost of the Gulbene District History and Art Museum. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the manor grounds with regional art and local history.
Which routes are suitable for walking and cycling?
The “Around Lake Stāmeriena” route is suitable for walking, hiking and cycling in every season. For a longer cycle tour, Route No. 165 is an option: it runs for 30 kilometres from Stāmeriena to Litene and back to Stāmeriena railway station. As guidelines, Route No. 165 takes three hours by bicycle and eight hours on foot.
Route No. 165 connects the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway line with the disused Ieriķi–Pitalova broad-gauge railway line. The latter is now used as the Green Way, which is considered safe for cyclists.
What can you expect at the lake and railway station?
At the “Lāčauss” recreation site on Lake Stāmeriena, visitors can relax by the water while enjoying views of the lake landscape. There is also a four-metre-high viewing platform in the trees near Stāmeriena railway station. From there, you can look out over the railway line, station and landscape around the station.
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When did Stāmerienas pils reopen to visitors?
Stāmerienas pils Castle has been open to visitors again since 30 November 2019.
What information can you find at Stāmeriena railway station?
An interactive display at the station provides information about the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway and tourism in the Gulbene region.
Where can the “Around Lake Stāmeriena” route begin?
The route can begin at Stāmeriena railway station. Visitors can park their cars in the car park there.
To the higher-level travel overview: Gulbenes Novads.
