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Aluksne is a relatively remote region on the edge of forests and lakes, about 30 km from the Russian border, but there are still many historical gems, from the ruins of the castle of the Livona Order, the narrow-gauge railway or the preserved noble architecture to the nature of the region and its impressions for those who came here.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
The name of the city of Alūksne is believed to be derived from the Latgalian word olūksna, which means springs that gush around the forests and, at the same time, Lake Alūksne.
Aluksne, in northeastern Latvia, was called Marienburg until the early 20th century. A stone castle belonging to the Livonian order was also located on the island of the lake.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
After the area came under Russian Tsarist rule, construction of the Stukmaņiai-Gulbene-Alūksne-Valka narrow-gauge railway began in the 19th century. For this reason, Aluksne has become an important trading point in present-day Latvian territory.
According to the locals, due to the geographical location, the cultural influence of the Russian lands has always been felt here, but the locals have always tried their best to fight for the preservation of national identity and heritage.
Art Noveau gemstone
When we arrived in Alūksne, we stayed at the Bahnhoff hotel, located right next to the railway, which sparkled like gems in the dead of night (Jāņkalna iela 51, Alūksne). The building was erected in 1910 by order of Baroness Helena von Feetinghof, of German-Baltic origin. This Art Noveau The style building is the only building of its kind left in Aluksne. Unfortunately, the hotel did not work for a long time at that time; When the First World War broke out, the Baroness went to Germany and left the building.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
The location of the hotel has always been strategically important, with major clashes between the Russian Bolsheviks and the Finnish locals and volunteers.
Both during and after the two world wars, the building belonged to various people and institutions: there was a driving school, soldiers lived here, an ice cream parlor was opened, a primary school was opened, and subsequently independent families rented apartments. After nearly a hundred years, the building was bought by a local businessman in 2015, and a hotel has been operating in the renovated building since 2019.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
So, a century later, this place has regained its function: here travelers can comfortably sit back and relax during the journey. A night in this authentic hotel costs between 90 and 150 euros. Breakfast costs EUR 10 per person.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
Local attraction – Strait
Right next to the hotel, an attraction closely related to this city, there is still a narrow (75 cm) railway section 33 km long and a unique exposition of the history of this railway (Jāņkalna str. 52). The Alūksne-Gulbene narrow gauge railway is the only railway of its kind in the Baltic States that regularly carries passengers and uses not only a diesel but also a steam locomotive manufactured in 1950-1980.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
The locals call the narrow-gauge railway and the train that runs along it Strait. The Narrow runs regularly twice a day. The price of the ticket is from 1 to 9 euros, depending on the route chosen.
What to do by the lake? Much and everything
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
In Alūksne we find not only places where you can admire the pearls of the coast, but also good entertainment in nature. All life here is inseparable from Lake Alūksne. On one of the lake’s shores there is a renovated wooden observation tower, built in the 1930s, which opens up to the impressive distances of the surroundings and a fabulous panorama over the treetops (Tempļakalna iela, Alūksne) .
Near the tower there is entertainment for lovers of extreme sensations: a flight over the lake through the valley. As we tried a similar attraction in Sigulda, this time we did not resist this experience either.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
As a tourist boat was already waiting for us at the dock of the lake island, we passed a rope over the lake – Zzzippp – to save time. This entertainment, although very short, is worth it for those who want to overcome the fear of height or speed and quickly reach the other shore of the lake.
They tied us with several belts, hung us on a rope, invited us to a raised platform and let us fly freely over the water of the lake. Quickly and happily he found himself on Castle Island. This entertainment costs between 10 and 15 euros per person.
Another entertainment started on the island, although not so extreme, but more relaxing: sailing around the lake in the boat “Marienburg”. During the trip you can also listen to a short history of the city of Alūksne, observe the beautiful shores of the lake. The trip, which takes almost an hour, costs 5 euros for an adult and 3 euros for a child.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
When traveling along the shores of Lake Alūksne, it is impossible not to notice the many places for fishing enthusiasts: here you can go fishing, try fish and sit back and find out what fish swim in this lake. I would not be lying when I say that Aluksne is a fisherman’s paradise, because there are several dozen species of fish here and the lake is constantly supplied. Of course, to fish you need to buy a fisherman’s ticket.
Recommendations for eating and spending the night
After experiencing amazing impressions, we went looking for a good place to eat. The locals recommended that right by the lake (because in Alūksne everything is by the lake) we should find a restaurant and family hotel “Benevilla” (Brūža str. 8).
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
We ordered fish dishes in the restaurant for lunch. After all, in a lake like this, another choice would be unforgivable. Our selection – fried starfish fillet (12 euros) and fried salmon fillet (13.50 euros), for dessert – homemade berry ice cream (5 euros) and homemade buckwheat and currant lemonades.
If you want to stay in Alūksne for one more night, you can also spend a romantic moment by the lake at Hotel Benevilla. A night for two costs about 80 euros with breakfast.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
Satisfied and happy, experienced the adventures and happy with the pleasures provided by Alūksne, we prepared for the other side of Latvia: the direction of our trip was Daugavpils. However, even before leaving this corner of the border, we were advised to visit another unique place along the way.
With birds to break civilization
It is an ornithological paradise near the largest lake in Latvia: Lubāns. Stikani Guest House (Bernāni, Rēzekne district) is also located in the nature park. This place is known for its exceptional nature trails and the unique opportunity to meet wildlife.
Aluksne. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
I will say frankly, it is a place for those who want to break away from the problems of intrusive civilization and everyday life, escape the noise of the city and have a quality rest. The night at the guest house costs 50-60 euros, and a guide can be booked to introduce you to the most beautiful places in the area and migratory birds.
After looking around the birding areas and the surroundings of Lake Lubāns, we set off in search of adventure closer to the Lithuanian border.
We will not forget the beauty of the Alūksne region and the images we have seen for a long time.
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