Atašiene: Culture, Lakes and Nature

The main cultural sites include Marinzeja Manor, the first Catholic wooden church in Atašiene and the “Annas Sāta” cultural centre. The manor was built between 1845 and 1847 and may only be viewed from the outside by visitors. Nature experiences include Lake Marinzeja, the 27-metre-high Kristakrūgs observation tower and Teiči Nature Reserve. A cycling route in Atašiene Municipality is 20–24 km long.

The annual Annas and Jēkabs Day takes place on 24 July in the courtyard of the “Annas Sāta” cultural centre. The VĪRAKSNE folklore group also offers an insight into regional traditions. Its repertoire mainly consists of songs, games and dances collected in the local region. It is also noteworthy that the group includes members from four generations.

Marinzeja Manor is particularly interesting for visitors who want to combine historic architecture with time outdoors. The adjacent park is designed as an English-French landscape park and contains many rare tree species. Since the manor itself can only be viewed from the outside, the focus here is on its exterior and the park landscape. The first Catholic wooden church in Atašiene, built in 1804, complements the cultural profile of the town.

The Kristakrūgs observation tower offers a view across the landscape of Teiči Nature Reserve. The protected area, established in 1982, covers 19,779 hectares; 69 percent of its area consists of an extensive raised bog. One special access rule is important for planning: from the Mētriene side in Madonas Municipality, Teiči Nature Reserve may only be visited from 1 June to 31 October when accompanied by an employee of the Nature Conservation Administration.

There are several developed recreation areas and bathing spots on the shore of Lake Marinzeja. The lakeshore is suitable for walking and experiencing nature. Marinzeja Park also has a sound therapy trail. These different options make it possible to plan an excursion focused either more on activity and water or on a quieter appreciation of the surroundings.

The 20–24 km cycling route in Atašiene Municipality was created to explore the area around Atašiene. It is also accessible via the Rīga–Zilupe train service. Experienced cyclists can connect Atašiene with Jēkabpils over approximately 39 km on smaller country roads, avoiding the main highway. With this option, take the explicitly stated route length and your own route planning into account.

Another special attraction is J. Zalāns’ collection of vintage motorcycles and antiques. It includes uniforms and weapons from various countries, as well as motorcycles used during different periods and for different purposes. Visitors can ride in a motorcycle sidecar and put on a front-line uniform. Anyone who wants to compare Atašiene with other places can also visit Rudzīši, Kaķīši and Zīlāni.

For those interested in culture, the Annas and Jēkabs Day, the folklore group, Marinzeja Manor and the wooden church are the main attractions. Those who prefer nature and activity can include Lake Marinzeja, the sound therapy trail, the cycling route or the Kristakrūgs observation tower in their plans. For a visit to Teiči Nature Reserve, you should also take into account the access rule from Mētriene and the period from 1 June to 31 October.

When does Annas and Jēkabs Day take place?

The annual Annas and Jēkabs Day takes place on 24 July in the courtyard of the “Annas Sāta” cultural centre in Atašiene.

Can Marinzeja Manor be viewed from the inside?

No. Marinzeja Manor can only be viewed from the outside by visitors.

How long is the cycling route in Atašiene Municipality?

The cycling route is 20–24 km long. Experienced cyclists can also connect Atašiene with Jēkabpils over approximately 39 km.

What rule applies to visits to Teiči Nature Reserve?

From the Mētriene side in Madonas Municipality, visits are only possible from 1 June to 31 October when accompanied by an employee of the Nature Conservation Administration.

To the higher-level travel overview: Krustpils Municipality.