Madona Municipality: Hotels, Lakes and Culture

The natural and cultural features of Madona Municipality include the Lubāns, the Lubāns Wetland, bogs, lakes, museums and historic sites.

Nature

The Teiči Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Latvia. Its Teiči bog is one of the largest pristine raised bogs in the Baltic States. The protected area is important for the conservation of rare bird species typical of bogs and serves as a feeding and resting site for migratory waterbirds.

The Krustkalni Nature Reserve is also located in Madona Municipality. It covers 2,978 hectares, is hilly and includes 13 lakes. Another botanical highlight is the Kalsnava Arboretum, which has the largest collection of woody plants in eastern Latvia. From early spring to late autumn, visitors can see 2,500 different tree species and 45,000 plant species there. The grounds also include a rhododendron trail and a pond that can be crossed via a bridge offering views of water lilies.

The summit of Gaiziņkalns lies 312 metres above sea level and is the highest point in Latvia. A path over the summit is approximately 1 kilometre long and offers panoramic views of the four slopes.

Water and Wetlands

Boat trips are offered on Lake Lubāns, including at sunset. Visitors can watch birds around the lake; approximately 250 bird species have been observed there. The Lubāns Wetland Information Centre provides information about the Stone Age in the area around Lake Lubāns.

At the Brāži Cascades, boat trips on the Ogre River, as well as boats and routes, are available. The surroundings of Lubāna can also be explored on a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour featuring local stories.

Culture and History

The Madona Local History and Art Museum collects, preserves and displays materials relating to the history, culture and art of the city of Madona. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to the archaeology of the municipality. Varakļāni Manor houses the Varakļāni Local History Museum, which features exhibitions, guided tours and a park.

A large part of Cesvaine Palace is open to visitors, and its authentic interiors have been preserved. Another special collection features A. Burova's puppet exhibition on animated films, with themed tours and hands-on activities.

The Aiviekstes ozoli Trail features a Stone Age settlement with clay vessels, as well as tools and weapons made of bone, stone, wood and flint. Visitors can try making a fire using wood and flint. Various active recreation events take place throughout the year, including medieval competitions; in winter, the trail becomes a cross-country skiing track.

Active Experiences

At Gaiziņkalns, skiing, snowboarding and sledding are available during the winter season, along with equipment rental. Smeceres sils offers roller skiing, cross-country skiing and ski rental.

Regional Products

Henome grows quinces and offers tours and tastings. Lancori grows garlic, produces spices and also offers tours and tastings. Visitors can enjoy freshly smoked fish in the area around Lake Lubāns. Fish soup from the Latgale culinary heritage can also be ordered in advance at the “Zvejnieki” Fishermen’s Farm.

Other Subregions

For regional exploration, see also the pages on Jaunlubāna, Tīrumskanuļi, Sarkaņi, Stalīdzāni, Ozoli, Lautere, Kalsnava, Cesvaine, Madona, Prauliena, Bērzaune and Dzelzava.

For the overarching travel overview: Latvia.