Top 19 Lakes in Latgale

Latgale is home to several impressive lakes. Lake Rāzna is the second largest in Latvia, often called the "sea of Latgale," and is surrounded by Rāzna National Park. Lake Lubāns boasts the largest surface area of any lake in Latvia, known for its extensive wetlands and rich biodiversity.

Yes, Lake Drīdzis is the deepest lake in Latvia and the entire Baltics, reaching a maximum depth of 65.1 meters. Another notable deep lake is Briģenes Lake, which is also one of the deepest in Latvia.

Latgale offers diverse natural features. Devil's Lake (Velnezers) is known for its eerie silence and unusually transparent water, with legends suggesting it's a meteor strike crater. Teirumniku Bog Lake, part of the Teirumniku Bog Trail, is surrounded by a bog and forest, offering a unique hiking experience. Lake Sīvers is notable for hosting the world's largest cluster of the *najas tenuissima* aquatic plant, indicating its pure water.

Lake Lubāns is a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting over 225 species of birds, including 51 rare and protected species. Six observation towers around the lake provide excellent vantage points for spotting wildlife.

Yes, Lake Viļaka is notable for a 1.8-hectare island that still holds fragments of the Marienhausen Castle ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

Many lakes in Latgale are family-friendly. Stropu Lake in Daugavpils is a popular recreation area with beaches, a floating lido, and a beach volleyball court. The Wooden Dock at Lake Rāzna offers sandy, shallow waters ideal for families, and Radzins Beach provides a well-kept area with a children's playground and facilities.

For swimming and beach activities, Stropu Lake is a top choice with its beaches and floating lido. Radzins Beach and Auleja Lake Beach also offer well-maintained areas for enjoying the water. The Wooden Dock at Lake Rāzna has sandy, shallow waters perfect for a dip.

Beyond swimming, Lake Balvi offers modern recreational facilities including boat, catamaran, and SUP board rentals, as well as a wakeboard park. Stropu Lake has a beach volleyball court. Kayaking tours are available on Lake Drīdzis, allowing exploration of its depths and interconnected canal systems.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in Latgale. Lake Rāzna, Lake Balvi, and Lake Sīvers are known for their appeal to anglers, with Lake Balvi even hosting stages of the Latvian Ice Fishing Championship in winter.

Yes, you can find various hiking opportunities. The Rāzna National Park, surrounding Lake Rāzna, offers scenic trails. The Teirumniku Bog Trail provides a unique circular pathway through a bog and forest around Teirumniku Bog Lake. Lake Cirīšs Nature Park features a 1.8-kilometer nature trail on Upursala Island. For more options, explore the Running Trails in Latgale guide, which includes routes like the Stropu Lake loop.

There are several cycling routes in the region. You can find options like the "Obiteļa dzirnavu dīķis loop from Ezernieki" or the "Street Art Wall – Šaltupė Chapel loop from Zarasai." For a comprehensive list, check the Cycling in Latgale guide.

Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of Latgale's lakes. Many enjoy the clear, warm waters for swimming, the scenic trails for hiking, and the opportunities for quiet relaxation by the water. The diverse landscapes, from vast open lakes to mysterious bog lakes, offer something for every nature lover.

Yes, the Wooden Boardwalk by Lake Svente offers a short path along the shore with facilities such as tables and grills. The Kovši Lake Nature Trail also provides facilities and a pleasant walk through the forest.