Aglona Basilica, Daugavpils Fortress, Mark Rothko Art Centre, and the Great Dziļauri pottery district. Day 1: The Gateway, Sacred Spaces, and Ancient Crafts Morning: Riga to Jēkabpils and Līvāni
Visit this building for its daring contemporary architecture, featuring green roofs and angled towers. It offers panoramic views of the ancient Rēzekne castle ruins.
While Latgale is justly famous for its lakes—home to Latvia's largest (Lake Lubāns), second-largest (Lake Rāzna), and deepest (Lake Drīdzis, the deepest in the Baltics)—its natural beauty extends far beyond its shimmering waters. The region offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. A unique protected area is , a lake with 36 islands, and Velnezers (Devil's Lake) , famous for its mysterious colors and legends. For avid hikers, the Latgale Lake hiking trail includes some of the deepest lakes in Latvia, offering a challenging and rewarding experience. latgale trip v3
Begin your journey in , Latvia's second-largest city. Your first stop is the magnificent Daugavpils Fortress , a 19th-century military marvel and the only early 19th-century fortress in Northern Europe to have survived virtually unchanged. Spend the morning exploring its massive ramparts and bastions. Inside, a must-visit is the Mark Rothko Art Centre , housed in the fortress's former artillery arsenal. For a unique experience, drive just outside the city to see the ruins of Dinaburg Castle , the original settlement, offering a stunning view over the Daugava River valley.
If you seek true seclusion, head to Lake Čertoks (Devil's Lake). Local legends claim the water is bottomless and devoid of fish. Whether or not you believe the folklore, the emerald-green water and the silence of the surrounding pine forest make it one of the most atmospheric spots in Latvia. The Craft Heritage: Rēzekne and Lūznava While Latgale is justly famous for its lakes—home
Drive to ( Baznīcu kalns ), where the houses of worship for four different Christian denominations stand side by side. The architectural styles represent Russian Orthodox, Old Believer, Lutheran, and Catholic communities. Day 2: Aglona and the Sacred Lakes
June to September for warm lake swimming. For avid hikers, the Latgale Lake hiking trail
Evenings belong to the lakes. Sun collapses into water, coloring birches in molten gold. Locals light small bonfires; talk carries easily across the water. Under a canopy of stars, city noises seem like a story from another life. Latgale doesn’t shout for attention — it invites you to slow, to listen, and to leave with pockets full of quiet.
Latgale is Latvia’s most distinctive region. It sits in the southeastern corner of the country. This region features deep Catholic roots, a unique language, and thousands of lakes.
Next, drive to Church Hill (Baznīcu kalns). Here, within a single neighborhood, stand the houses of worship for four different Christian denominations: Martin Luther Cathedral (Lutheran) Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception Saints Boris and Gleb Cathedral (Russian Orthodox) Resurrection of Christ House of Prayer (Old Believers)
: Rēzekne is often called the "heart of Latgale" and serves as a major cultural hub.