Page 204 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

202  LA T VIA REGION B Y REGION

p Latgale Lakes

Latvia’s relatively hilly southeastern corner, known as the
Latgale Uplands (Latgales augstiene), is covered with a
patchwork of many lakes. On a sunny day it is easy to see
why this part is called the Land of Blue Lakes. Unfortunately,
public transport is limited here, although if time permits the
area can be explored by bus. The route also passes through
Rēzekne, where the tourist office can provide advice on
activities such as angling and bird-watching in the area, and
a trip to Ludza en route is also possible.
Lake Lubāns, one of Latvia’s favourite
spots for bird-watchers
8 Lake Lubāns 6 Musical Instruments
One of the best places for Workshop, Gaiglava
bird-watching and Visitors can watch
fishing in the Iča artisans at work
country, this is and learn to
Latvia’s lar- Īdeņa play traditional
gest lake by ins truments.
Lake
surface area. Lubāns
Žogotas
7 Teirumnīki Nagļi Dricāni
Malta
A boardwalk Ivgolova
circles the lake and Kantinieki
runs through a
swamp where Rēzekne Ludza 5 Rēzekne
cranberries grow. The cultural centre of
Skastagals Rēzekne
Latgale, Rēzekne is
Janopole
known for its
statue of pagan
Balbiši
goddess Māra.
Višķeri Lake
Rāzna Kaunata
Zosna
Lipuški
4 Lake Rāzna
The largest in Latvia by
3 Mākoņkalns volume, Lake Rāzna Andrupene
Cloud Hill, at 248 m (814 ft), is a offers a number of
popular viewpoint, with ruins decent accommo- Andeņi Lake
Ežezers
of a castle on the summit. dation options.
Dagda
2 Lielais Liepukalns
Key
At 289 m (948 ft), this hill is the 0 km
Tour route highest point in the region and 10
Other road the third-highest in the country. 0 miles 10
Tips for Drivers
1 Lake Ežezers
Starting point: Lielais liepukalns. Translated as
Length: 114 km (71 miles). “Hedgehog Lake”,
Stopping-off points: Rēzekne is Lake Ežezers is
an ideal stop. It is possible to stay consi dered one of
at Ežezers, Rāzna and Lubāns. the most beautiful
Driving conditions: Avoid lakes in Latgale. Its
driving around the western edge 36 islands can be
of Lake Rāzna in bad weather.
explored by boat.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp302–303 and pp324–5

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