Page 133 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

LA T VIA A T A GLANCE  131

Gauja National Park (see pp190–
93) is one of the most attractive
parts of the country and a popular
destination for both local and
foreign tourists. In addition to
providing a compelling mix of
natural attractions and historic
sites, it also offers some of
Latvia’s best opportunities for
outdoor activities, from
canoeing to bobsleighing.

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Ainaži
Salacgrīva Valka
Lake
Burtnieks
Limbaži Valmiera
Ventspils Valdemārpils Smiltene Alūksne
Mērsrags
Cēsis
Talsi Lake Saulkrasti
Lake Engure
Usmas The Latgale lakes area (see
Engure Sigulda
Gulbene Balvi p202) is studded with many
Vecpiebalga lakes. Although the Latgale
Kuldīga Tukums Jūrmala Uplands rise no higher than
Pāvilosta Rīga EASTERN LATVIA 300 m (984 ft), the crystal-clear
(see pp186–203)
WESTERN LATVIA RĪGA Ērgļi lakes enhance the beauty of
(see pp166–185) (see pp142–165) Madona this region, which is blessed
Aizpute Ogre Lake with unspoiled countryside.
Olaine Lubāns
Saldus Lielvārde
Durbe Skrunda Skrīveri
Liepāja Dobele Jelgava
Iecava Ludza
Lake Auce Rēzekne
Liepāja Priekule Jēkabpils
Bauska
Līvāni Lake
Preiļi Rāzna
Aglona
Daugavpils Krāslava

Aglona (see p199), the most important site of
Catholic pilgrimage in the region, is famed for a
17th-century icon of the Virgin Mary which is
only displayed on special occasions. The
busiest day of the year is the feast of the
Assumption, on 15 August, when thousands
of visitors flock to the Baroque church.

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