Discover Rudzīši: trails, rock and history
Accommodation in Rudzīši
Around Rudzīši, nature trails, waterscapes and traces of cultural history come together for visitors with different interests. The destinations offer insights into geology and history, as well as opportunities for hiking, cycling and exploring from the water.
Rudzīši at a glance
These highlights give you an initial overview of what the area has to offer:
- Rogāļu Grand Stone is 6.5 metres long, 4.6 metres wide and 3.7 metres high.
- The Laukezers health trail is 7.15 kilometres long and forms a loop.
- Laukezers Nature Park is a Natura 2000 site.
- Road KU42 connects the Riga–Daugavpils road with Rudzīši.
What defines the landscape and history of the area?
Rogāļu Grand Stone is made of pale pink granite and has a pronounced relief. Its dimensions, material and surface all help characterise the rock. Those interested in natural features will find a different point of interest in nearby Laukezers Nature Park, which is designated as a Natura 2000 site.
A hill in the area also has a distinctive geographical setting. The Dārzupīte, also known as Lagzde, surrounds it on three sides. The hill should be considered a destination in its own right; it is not the same as the nearby Asote hillfort. The latter was once the administrative and military centre of Asote district, inhabited by the ancient Latgalians.
Which routes suit your interests?
For a walk, the Laukezers health trail is a clearly described option: it is 7.15 kilometres long and loops back to the starting point. You can also explore the scenic Rogāļu nature trail on foot in Rogāļu Gorge. The two options therefore differ both in their stated length and in their surroundings.
Laukezers Nature Park has purpose-built cycling routes. By contrast, the Krustpils Trail is notable for its variety of surfaces: near towns and villages, it runs along paved roads, and it also includes gravel and forest roads. One section of the trail is suitable for cycling. These descriptions refer to different options, not a single shared route.
If you are more interested in nature and quiet than in a particular type of route, the nature park has designated rest areas in scenic locations. They are intended for small groups who are mindful of nature. This is a different way to experience the area from the walking and cycling routes described above.
What should you keep in mind about water and navigation?
Jet skis, motorboats, cutters, yachts and motorised rowing boats are prohibited on the lakes in Laukezers Nature Park. This restriction is important when planning to spend time on the water. Rogāļu Gorge can be reached by boat from the Daugava side; look for the sign “Ūdenstūrisma ceļš - Rogāļu grava un akmens”.
You can draw clear water from Mīlestības Spring in Rogāļu Gorge. Assess the water quality on site before drinking it. For road navigation, a road directory published about a year and a half ago lists KU42 as the connection between the Riga–Daugavpils road and Rudzīši; it does not provide current journey times or road conditions.
Discover more destinations: Kaķīši, Zīlāni, Atašiene.
FAQ
How long is the Laukezers health trail?
The loop is 7.15 kilometres long.
What should cyclists know about the Krustpils Trail?
One section of the trail is suitable for cycling. Along the trail, paved roads near towns and villages alternate with gravel and forest roads.
What restrictions apply on the lakes in Laukezers Nature Park?
Jet skis, motorboats, cutters, yachts and motorised rowing boats are prohibited there.
Go to the main travel overview: Krustpils Novads.
