Hotels in Ludzas Novads: Castle Ruins, Lakes and Nature Parks

Ludzas Novads combines historic sites in Ludza with protected landscapes, lakes and regional cultural attractions. The ruins of Ludza Castle lie at the top of a castle hill, offering a panorama of the town. Ludza Castle of the Livonian Order was built in 1399 and has been reconstructed or depicted in virtual reality. This places history, nature and various excursion destinations within the same regional setting.

Culture

A central place for the history of the area is the Ludzas Novadpētniecības muzejs, housed in the residence of General Kuļņevs. Its history exhibition covers the history of Ludzas novads from the earliest times to the present day. The nature exhibition provides additional information about birds and animals found in four of Latgale’s biotopes: lake, forest, meadow and bog.

Ludzas Lielā Synagogue was restored to its original appearance in 2016 and is a branch of the Ludzas Novadpētniecības Museum. It includes a prayer room and modern exhibitions about documentary filmmaker Hercs Franks, his father, the Ludza photographer Vulfs Franks, and the fates of Jewish families from Ludza. The building itself is the oldest wooden synagogue in the Baltics and was built in 1800.

The cultural and historical centre “Līču mājas” houses a permanent exhibition on archaeology, the development of manor estates, the impact of railway construction, market traditions and the flourishing town of Kārsava before the Second World War. The Ludza Craftsmen Centre also focuses on hands-on experiences: in workshops, visitors can make a practical item or a gift.

History

Ciblas Kapu kalns is an archaeological monument of national importance and one of the highest and largest castle hills in Latgale.

Nature

Grebļukalns is a Natura 2000 nature reserve in the Pasienes pagasts of Ludzas novads. It protects rare habitats of pine forests on eskers, as well as the plant species protected under the EU Habitats Directive, Pulsatilla patens. Another protected landscape is the “Numernes valnis” Nature Park. It is a Natura 2000 site and has an observation tower and a nature trail.

In “Numernes valnis” Nature Park, alongside the observation tower, there is the environmental artwork “Uguns”, created by Didzis Jaunzems, as well as a walking path, a picnic area and chairs for stargazing. Marked cycle route No. 776 also runs through the area. Around the nature park by Lake Istra are several lakes with islands, including Dziļezers, Audeļu ezers and Istras ezers.

The “Rundēnu Valna dūbe” natural monument is a geological formation and the only object of its kind in the Baltics. Rundēnu pagasts belongs to Ludzas novads. The Eversmuiža nature trail runs along the bank of the Ilža River; the Eversmuiža castle fortress is located nearby.

Regional Experiences

For registered adult and children’s groups, the Ludzas Novadpētniecības muzejs offers guided tours of Ludza as well as the museum and its grounds, subject to advance booking. With prior registration, Latgaļu kukņa offers courses on preparing traditional Latgalian dishes and exploring old recipes. Group catering with meals prepared in the Latgalian style is also available by arrangement. Organic Products offers tastings of spices, berry and vegetable powders, tea and freeze-dried fruit sweets.

Getting There

The Rīga–Pļaviņas–Varakļāni–Viļāni–Rēzekne–Ludza–Kārsava bus route connects Ludza with Rīga via Rēzekne and with Kārsava. For further regional orientation, the direct subregions Kušneri, Tutāni, Nirza, Isnauda and Ludza are available.

For the higher-level travel overview: Latvia.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Olaines Novads, Vecpiebalgas Novads, Ropažu Novads.