Krāslava: Culture, Nature and Regional Cuisine

The Adamova Nature Trail is 1.7 km long, marked, and begins and ends in Krāslava. It lies within the specially protected landscape area “Augšdaugava” and the “Daugavas loki” Nature Park. In the cultural sphere, the Plater Counts’ Palace Complex, the Krāslava District Museum and the Roman Catholic Church of St. Louis are among the defining attractions. Advance booking is required to visit the workshops at the Craft Centre.

The Plater Counts’ Palace Complex is an architectural monument of national importance. Cultural events, exhibition openings, fairs and guided tours take place there. The park contains a metal carriage as well as sculptures of the count and countess. This gives the complex several ways to explore Krāslava’s history and public cultural life, without having to limit your trip to a single attraction.

The Krāslava District Museum contains 27,000 objects that describe the distinctiveness and uniqueness of the region from the earliest times to the present day. An exhibition about the coexistence and mutual cultural enrichment of different nationalities is housed in a 17 m long improvised boat. Another exhibition focuses on the architecture of historic wooden houses in the region and the craft heritage of their builders. The Krāslava Theological Seminary is also historically significant: it was Latvia’s first institution of higher education.

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Louis is considered an outstanding example of Latgale Baroque architecture and was built from 1755 to 1767. The church contains an 18th-century fresco by Filippo Castaldi; its restoration was completed in 2015. The relics of the holy martyr Donatus also attract many worshippers. Services are held in the Lutheran church on the first and third Sunday of each month. The present-day building of the Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevsky was consecrated in 2008; services are still held there today.

The Adamova Nature Trail is suitable for a short, clearly defined route within your travel plans. Its length of 1.7 km can be taken directly into account without assuming a specific walking time or level of difficulty. The Adamova Gorge, a natural monument, lies beside the trail. The Adamova Hillfort has a viewpoint that serves as a place for walks and relaxation for Krāslava residents and visitors. There is also a telescope at the summit of Karņicka Hill, allowing the surrounding landscape to be viewed more closely.

If you would like to discover local products, the Latgale Culinary Heritage Workshop offers tastings. These include smoked meat, bread, Krāslava pickles, cheese, tea and confectionery. Advance booking is required for the workshops at the Krāslava Craft Centre. Plan this separately from freely chosen walks or museum visits.

When searching for a hotel or other accommodation in Krāslava, it is worth first deciding on your preferred travel focus. Those mainly interested in churches, the seminary, the palace complex and the museum can make the cultural attractions the starting point of their stay. Those who prefer nature can include the marked Adamova Nature Trail, the Adamova Gorge and the viewpoints in their daily itinerary. For a trip focused on regional experiences, a museum visit and tasting can also be planned. You should then compare specific accommodation features based on the respective offer.

If you would like to consider other places for your travel plans in addition to Krāslava, you can also find information about Piedruja, Miglāni, Kaplava, Pastari, Robežnieki, Rimšāni and Kombuļi.

How long is the Adamova Nature Trail?

The Adamova Nature Trail is 1.7 km long and marked. The beginning and end of the trail are in Krāslava.

When are services held in the Lutheran church?

Services are held in Krāslava’s Lutheran church on the first and third Sunday of each month.

What does the Krāslava District Museum exhibit?

The museum contains 27,000 objects. The exhibitions mentioned include a presentation of cultural coexistence in a 17 m long improvised boat and an exhibition on historic wooden houses and regional crafts.

Do I need to book visits to the workshops at the Craft Centre?

Yes. Advance booking is required to visit the workshops at the Krāslava Craft Centre.

Which products are available for tasting at the Culinary Heritage Workshop?

The regional products on offer include smoked meat, bread, Krāslava pickles, cheese, tea and confectionery.

For the overarching travel overview: Krāslava Municipality.