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Latgale Upland
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Explore Latgale Upland in eastern Latvia for glacial lakes, wooded hills, Aglona’s basilica, rural traditions and Rāzna National Park.

Latgale Upland is the hill-and-lake country of eastern Latvia, a landscape of glacial ridges, wooded slopes, quiet villages and broad water horizons. It forms the elevated core of Latgale, Latvia’s culturally distinctive eastern region, where roads rise and fall between fields, forests and lakes rather than following a single dramatic mountain chain. The upland is best understood as a rural landscape rather than a compact resort area, with Rēzekne and smaller settlements providing useful bases for exploring its scattered natural and cultural sites.
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The region’s defining feature is its water. Lake Rāzna, Latvia’s second-largest lake, occupies a broad basin surrounded by forest and rolling farmland, while Lake Ežezers is known for its numerous islands and indented shoreline. Rāzna National Park protects much of this varied terrain, combining lakes, wetlands, forests, traditional agricultural landscapes and viewpoints such as Lielais Liepukalns, the highest point in Latvia. Trails and seasonal outdoor activities reveal a gentler, spacious countryside shaped by ice age geology rather than by intensive development.
Latgale’s identity is also strongly connected with Roman Catholicism and the Latgalian language tradition. At Aglona, the Basilica of the Assumption is one of Latvia’s most important pilgrimage destinations, drawing especially large crowds around the Feast of the Assumption in August. Its white façade and landscaped grounds stand in marked contrast to the wooded lakeshores and small rural roads around it. In other parts of the upland, local churches, roadside crosses, cemeteries and village homes reflect the region’s long religious and cultural history.
The upland’s historical character is layered. Medieval and early modern Latgale developed within the Polish-Lithuanian political and Catholic sphere, later becoming part of the Russian Empire before joining independent Latvia in 1918. The twentieth century brought war, border changes, Soviet collectivisation and demographic upheaval, yet many local traditions survived. Visitors may encounter Latvian, Latgalian and Russian influences in place names, religious life, food and everyday speech.
Travel here rewards patience. Distances between attractions can be considerable, public transport is more useful between principal settlements than for reaching lakes and viewpoints, and a car makes it easier to combine Aglona, Rāzna National Park and the upland’s smaller cultural sites. The experience lies in following the changing landscape, swimming or boating where facilities permit, walking through forests and lake country, and eating simple regional food in cafés, guesthouses and rural establishments rather than expecting a dense chain of visitor attractions.

When is the best time to visit Latgale Upland?

Best: June–August · 21–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-240
February-235
March540
April1145
May1750
June (best)2155
July (best)2360
August (best)2155
September1750
October1245
November540
December145

Getting to and around Latgale Upland

How to get there

Latgale Upland is reached mainly through eastern Latvia by road and rail. Rēzekne, on the upland’s eastern side, is the principal practical gateway, with rail and coach connections from Riga and other Latvian centres. Aglona and the lake districts are generally easier to reach by road than by public transport. Riga International Airport, outside the region, is Latvia’s main international entry point; from there, visitors can continue by train, coach or rental car. Daugavpils, outside the upland’s core, can also serve as a southern gateway for some itineraries.

Transportation

A car is the most flexible way to connect Rāzna National Park, Aglona, lakes, viewpoints and rural churches, as these sites are dispersed and local services are limited. Trains and coaches are useful between Rēzekne, Riga and other larger settlements, while local buses serve selected towns and villages but may not run frequently enough for sightseeing. Cycling is appealing on quieter rural roads, although distances and rolling terrain should not be underestimated. Walking is best organised around individual trails, lake areas or towns rather than as a way to cross the whole upland.

Top city travel guides in Latgale Upland

The cities of Latgale Upland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Latgale Upland

Latgale Upland’s attractions are dispersed through a landscape of lakes, glacial hills, forests and agricultural villages. Rāzna National Park is the central outdoor focus, offering opportunities for walking, birdwatching, swimming and boating where facilities and conditions allow. Lake Rāzna provides the broadest waterscape, while Lake Ežezers is notable for its island-studded form. Lielais Liepukalns gives visitors one of Latvia’s clearest elevated perspectives, and the wooded slopes around Mākoņkalns combine scenery with historical associations. Aglona Basilica is the region’s major cultural and pilgrimage destination, particularly important during the August Feast of the Assumption. Smaller churches, rural cemeteries, local museums and traditional farm landscapes add depth to journeys between the larger sites. Outdoor interests range from short nature walks and cycling on quiet roads to seasonal fishing and water-based recreation. The appeal is less a concentration of ticketed attractions than the relationship between natural features, Catholic heritage and the lived landscape of eastern Latvia.

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Best landmarks in Latgale Upland

Aglona Basilica is Latgale Upland’s most recognisable architectural landmark. Its white Baroque and Rococo-influenced form, religious artworks and pilgrimage tradition give it significance well beyond the surrounding settlement, and its grounds become especially important during the August Feast of the Assumption. Lielais Liepukalns is a geographical landmark as well as a viewpoint: at about 289 metres, it is Latvia’s highest natural elevation, rising above the lake country of Rāzna National Park. Mākoņkalns, a prominent wooded hill near Lake Rāzna, carries the remains and historical associations of a former medieval stronghold. The region’s lakes are landmarks in their own right, particularly Lake Rāzna with its wide open basin and Lake Ežezers with its many islands. Rural churches, roadside crosses and historic cemeteries complete the visual identity of an upland where faith, settlement and glacial geography remain closely connected.

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Explore Latgale Upland on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Latgale Upland

Dining in Latgale Upland is shaped by rural produce, eastern Latvian home cooking and the practical traditions of a region where potatoes, grains, dairy, mushrooms and forest berries have long been important. Visitors may encounter potato-based dishes, rye bread, soups, smoked or preserved foods, cottage cheese, seasonal mushrooms and berry desserts, although recipes vary between households and establishments. Latgalian culinary influence sits within the wider Latvian food tradition, with additional traces of neighbouring eastern European cuisines. Rēzekne and other larger settlements offer the broadest choice of cafés and restaurants, while guesthouses and rural farms may provide meals by prior arrangement. Markets and farm shops are useful for buying bread, honey, preserves and other local produce. Around the lakes, dining is generally more seasonal and informal than in a city, and visitors should not expect every rural venue to accept walk-ins or offer an English-language menu.

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Best bars in Latgale Upland

Evening life in Latgale Upland is modest and concentrated in Rēzekne and other larger settlements rather than organised around a major club scene. Local pubs, cafés and hotel bars provide places for a drink or a simple meal, while cultural venues may host concerts, theatre and community events. In villages and around the lakes, evenings are more likely to centre on guesthouse dining, private gatherings or seasonal festivals than late-night entertainment. Rēzekne has the region’s broadest choice of restaurants, bars and cultural programming, but opening arrangements can change, particularly outside the main season. Visitors interested in regional drinks and food should look for local beer, kvass and traditional non-alcoholic refreshments where available, without assuming that alcohol is central to rural social life.

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Best nightclubs in Latgale Upland

Evening life in Latgale Upland is modest and concentrated in Rēzekne and other larger settlements rather than organised around a major club scene. Local pubs, cafés and hotel bars provide places for a drink or a simple meal, while cultural venues may host concerts, theatre and community events. In villages and around the lakes, evenings are more likely to centre on guesthouse dining, private gatherings or seasonal festivals than late-night entertainment. Rēzekne has the region’s broadest choice of restaurants, bars and cultural programming, but opening arrangements can change, particularly outside the main season. Visitors interested in regional drinks and food should look for local beer, kvass and traditional non-alcoholic refreshments where available, without assuming that alcohol is central to rural social life.

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Best shops in Latgale Upland

Shopping in Latgale Upland is primarily local and practical, with the widest choice in Rēzekne and smaller market towns rather than in dedicated retail districts. Look for farmers’ markets, food stalls and farm shops selling rye bread, honey, preserves, herbal products and seasonal berries or mushrooms when available. Craft traditions associated with Latgale include ceramics, woven textiles, woodwork and other handmade goods, often sold through cultural centres, workshops, museums or regional events rather than permanent tourist shops. Aglona and other pilgrimage destinations may have religious souvenirs, while local galleries can provide more distinctive mementoes than generic souvenir outlets. Supermarkets are useful for provisions before travelling into the lake country, where retail services are limited. Check provenance when buying crafts or food, and remember that market days and small producers may operate seasonally or accept cash more readily than cards.

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Latgale Upland essentials

Currency and Payment
Latvia uses the euro, with the currency code EUR. Cards and contactless payments are common in larger towns, accommodation businesses and established restaurants, but a modest supply of cash is sensible for small rural cafés, markets, church donations and services away from main settlements. Payment facilities can be less predictable in remote areas, so obtain cash before leaving Rēzekne or another sizeable town. Latvian banknotes and coins are accepted throughout the region on the same basis as elsewhere in Latvia.
Safety
Latgale Upland is generally visited for its quiet rural environment, but normal precautions remain appropriate in towns, at transport stops and around unattended vehicles. Outdoor visitors should take care near deep water, slippery lakeshores, boggy ground and forest roads, and should check weather conditions before longer walks or boating. Rural roads may be narrow or poorly lit, while winter conditions can make driving and walking more difficult. In protected areas, follow marked routes, respect fire restrictions and avoid disturbing wildlife or private farmland.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number 112 operates throughout Latvia and connects callers with the appropriate emergency service, including police, fire and ambulance assistance. Give the location as precisely as possible, using a named settlement, road, lake, trail or visitor site; mobile coverage can vary in wooded and rural areas. For a medical problem that is not immediately life-threatening, seek advice from a local medical service or pharmacy. Anyone undertaking water or forest activities should carry a charged phone and avoid relying solely on map applications in remote areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when entering Aglona Basilica or other active churches, especially during services and pilgrimage periods, and ask before photographing worshippers or religious ceremonies. Keep to public paths and observe signs around lakes, forests and protected habitats. Latvian public etiquette values orderly queues, quiet behaviour in religious spaces and considerate use of shared transport; these are national customs rather than rules unique to Latgale. Do not assume that every track across farmland or beside a lake is public, and avoid leaving litter at secluded viewpoints or bathing places.
Local Tips
Build an itinerary around one lake district at a time instead of attempting to cover the entire upland in a single day. Rāzna National Park is particularly rewarding in good weather, while Aglona can be combined with nearby lake and forest landscapes. Ask accommodation hosts about seasonal swimming spots, boat hire, local roads and small food producers, because useful information may not be available online in English. Learning a few Latvian place names, while recognising that Latgalian and Russian are also heard locally, is a respectful way to navigate this multilingual region.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSveiki[svay-kee]
GoodbyeUz redzēšanos[ooz red-zay-sha-noss]
YesJā[yah]
NoNē[nay]
Please/You're welcomeLūdzu[lood-zoo]
Thank youPaldies[pahl-dees]
Excuse me/SorryAtvainojiet[aht-vai-naw-yeet]
How are you?Kā jums klājas?[kah yooms klah-yas]
Fine. And you?Labi. Un jūs?[lah-bee. oon yoos]
Do you speak English?Vai jūs runājat angliski?[vye yoos roo-nah-yat ahn-glis-kee]
I don't understandEs nesaprotu[es neh-sah-proh-too]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEs gribētu redzēt ēdienkarti, lūdzu[es gri-beh-too red-zayt eh-dee-en-kahr-tee, lood-zoo]
I don't eat meatEs neēdu gaļu[es neh-eh-doo gah-loo]
Cheers!Priekā![pree-kah]
I would like to pay, pleaseEs vēlētos samaksāt, lūdzu[es veh-lay-tohs sah-mahk-saat, lood-zoo]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Palīdziet![pahl-ee-dzee-et]
Go away!Ej prom![ay prohm]
Call the Police!Izsauciet policiju![eez-sow-tsyeh polic-ee-yoo]
Call a doctor!Izsauciet ārstu![eez-sow-tsyeh aars-too]
I'm lostEs esmu apmaldījies[es es-moo ap-mahl-dee-yees]
I'm illEs esmu slims[es es-moo sleems]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Es gribētu nopirkt...[es gri-beh-too noh-peer-kt]
I'm just lookingEs tikai skatos[es tee-kai skah-tos]
How much is it?Cik tas maksā?[tsik tahs mahk-sah]
That's too expensiveTas ir pārāk dārgi[tahs eer pah-rahk dahr-gee]
Can you lower the price?Vai varat pazemināt cenu?[vye vah-rat pah-zeh-mee-naht tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Cik ir pulkstens?[tsik eer poolk-stens]
It's one o'clockIr viens pulkstenis[eer vyens poolk-sten-iss]
Half past (10)Pusstundas (10)[poos-stoon-dahs (10)]
MorningRīts[reetz]
AfternoonPēcpusdiena[payt-poos-dee-nah]
EveningVakars[vah-kars]
YesterdayVakar[vah-kahr]
TodayŠodien[shoh-dyehn]
TomorrowRīt[reet]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kur ir...?[koor eer]
What's the address?Kāds ir adrese?[kahds eer ah-dreh-seh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Vai varat man parādīt (uz kartes)?[vye vah-rat mahn pah-rah-deet (ooz kar-tess)]
When's the next (bus)?Kad ir nākamais (autobuss)?[kahd eer nah-kah-mise (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Biļete (uz ....)[bee-lyeh-teh (ooz)]

History of Latgale Upland

Early Latgalian settlement and the lake country

The upland’s hills, forests and lakes have supported human settlement since prehistoric times. The Latgalians, an eastern Baltic people, established communities, cultivated suitable soils and used waterways that later became important routes through eastern Latvia. Archaeological evidence across Latgale includes hillforts, burial sites and traces of settlement, although many locations are modest earthworks rather than monumental ruins. The landscape itself explains much of the region’s later history: lakes offered food and transport, while elevated sites provided defensive advantages and helped settlements occupy the relatively dry ground between wetlands and river basins.

The medieval Livonian and Polish-Lithuanian eras

During the medieval period, eastern Latvia was influenced by the political and religious structures associated with Livonia. After the Livonian War in the sixteenth century, Latgale became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, unlike much of present-day Latvia, which followed a different political path. Catholic institutions gained lasting importance, and the region’s cultural connections with Poland and Lithuania helped shape its religious architecture, education and elite culture. The later prominence of Aglona and other Catholic sites has roots in this period of confessional and political realignment.

Jesuit influence and the growth of Aglona

Catholic religious activity expanded in Latgale during the early modern period, particularly through the work of Jesuits and other orders. Aglona developed as a major centre of pilgrimage, and the church established there eventually became the Basilica of the Assumption. The site’s importance survived changes of government and religious policy, giving Latgale a Catholic landmark of national significance. The basilica also expresses the region’s position at a cultural crossroads, where local Latgalian traditions interacted with wider Catholic, Polish, Lithuanian and Russian influences.

Latgale under the Russian Empire

After the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the late eighteenth century, Latgale was incorporated into the Russian Empire. Administration, education and economic life were reorganised, while religious and language policies changed over time. A ban on printing in the Latin alphabet, imposed in the nineteenth century and lifted in 1904, restricted the public development of written Latgalian and Latvian culture. At the same time, roads, railways and market connections gradually linked rural communities with towns, helping agriculture and trade develop within the imperial economy.

Latgalian cultural revival and the birth of Latvia

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw a revival of Latgalian literary and cultural activity. Writers, clergy and community leaders worked to preserve local speech, religious traditions and a distinct regional identity while participating in the wider Latvian national movement. The upheavals of the First World War and the Russian Revolution opened the way to the independent Republic of Latvia in 1918. Latgale became part of the new state, although its Catholic heritage, linguistic traditions and social structure continued to distinguish it from Latvia’s western and northern regions.

War, Soviet rule and rural transformation

The Second World War and its aftermath brought occupation, violence, displacement and profound demographic change to Latgale. Under Soviet rule, agriculture was collectivised and many villages were reorganised around state and collective farms. Industrial and administrative growth concentrated in larger towns, while rural religious life was constrained and many churches suffered damage or closure. Even so, local foodways, family customs and connections to Catholic pilgrimage endured. Since the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991, historic churches, rural landscapes and Latgalian cultural identity have become important foundations for regional renewal and tourism.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Latgale Upland, Latvia

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Explore the enchanting Latgale Upland with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide to this picturesque region in Latvia. Whether you're planning to visit the serene Lake Rāzna, the historical Aglona Basilica, or the charming Ludza Castle, Evendo has you covered with detailed information, images, and local tips. Don't miss out on the vibrant local culture at the Latgale Culture and History Museum or the breathtaking views from the Mākoņkalns Hill.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring a hassle-free trip. Discover culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Sokolāde and Latgale Pearl. Navigate Latgale Upland effortlessly with our app's easy navigation and 'Near me' feature, helping you find the best spots around you.

Evendo also offers a rich set of information on shops, bars, nightclubs, and activities, making it your one-stop solution for exploring Latgale Upland. And the best part? It's 100% free with no in-app purchases. Download Evendo today and start your adventure in Latgale Upland!

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