Krāslavas Novads: Hotels, Lakes, Nature and Culture

Krāslavas Novads combines protected landscapes, lakes and river bends with a rich cultural landscape. Between Daugavas loki Nature Park, Lake Ežezers and historic sites in Krāslava, the range of experiences extends from nature trails and boat tours to museums, crafts and regional tastings.

Culture and History

The Krāslava Regional Museum preserves 27,000 collection items. These document the character and uniqueness of the region from the earliest times to the present day. One exhibition presents the historic architecture of wooden houses in the region and the craft heritage created by its artisans. The Plāter Counts’ castle complex in Krāslava is a nationally significant cultural monument dating from the 18th century.

The Catholic Church of Krāslava is considered an outstanding example of Latgale Baroque architecture. Its chancel contains a fresco painted in the 18th century by the Italian artist Filippo Castaldi, entitled “Saint Louis Goes on Crusade”. The Krāslava Crafts Centre has seven craft workshops. Guided tours with demonstrations and practical master classes are offered there. In Indra, the Museum of Happiness features an interactive exhibition that invites visitors to act, feel and reflect.

Nature and Bodies of Water

Daugavas loki Nature Park encompasses eight major bends of the Daugava in the Ūdrīši and Kaplava parishes. In 2011, it was included in Latvia’s national UNESCO World Heritage List. Lake Dridža has nine islands and is part of a Natura 2000 site.

The Jaundome Nature Trail leads to Lake Ežezers, which is described as the lake with the most islands in the Baltics. The trail passes several natural and historical sites, including Lake Ežezers and the ruins of an ice cellar and a brewery. The Jaundome Environmental Education Centre displays one of the largest collections of freshwater fish replicas in Latvia and introduces visitors to the diversity of waterbirds in Latgale.

Velnezers is a 53-hectare nature reserve established in 1977. Its slopes are covered with dry coniferous forests that are considered a forest habitat protected in Europe. A well-equipped visitor trail has been created at Velnezers. The cave in Dagda Park is a protected geological and geomorphological natural monument and is accessible via the grounds of the “Parka rozes” Youth Initiative Centre. The Karnicky Monument and the telescope offer views of the bends of the Daugava and the architecture of Krāslava.

The beaches of Ezernieki and Andzeļi on Lake Ežezers are freely accessible because they are located on municipal land.

Routes and Activities

Cycle Route No. 789, “In the Latvian-Belarusian Border Area”, begins in Krāslavas Parish, passes through Kalniešu Parish and ends in Piedrujas Parish in Krāslavas Novads. It is approximately 27 kilometres long and runs mainly along forest, field and gravel roads. Route 35 through Daugavas loki Nature Park can also be travelled on foot.

LOST IN LATGALE offers a 15-kilometre guided boat tour through the four-lake Sauleskalns lake system. At “Mežvīni”, activities available by prior arrangement include collecting and tasting herbal tea, bread baking, wreath making, mushroom picking and various art activities.

Crafts and Culinary Heritage

The “Andrupenes lauku sēta” Museum presents rural life in Latgale at the beginning of the 20th century and, by prior arrangement, offers tastings of dishes from Latgale’s culinary heritage. The culinary heritage workshop at the Krāslava Crafts Centre offers tastings of smoked products, bread, Krāslava pickles, cheese, tea and confectionery.

The “Kurmīši” farm offers the opportunity to make wax candles yourself, as well as master classes on making wax-based cosmetics. Guided visits to the farm include tastings of herbal teas.

Places in Krāslavas Novads

Directly linked place pages lead to Krāslava, Pastari, Miglāni, Kaplava, Kombuļi, Rimšāni, Robežnieki and Piedruja.

For the higher-level travel overview: Latvia.