Daugava Bends Nature Park

Daugavas loki

A protected stretch of the Daugava valley where the river carves deep meandering loops through wooded hills. Scenic viewing towers, notably at Vasargelišķi, offer sweeping panoramas of the ancient landscape.

Things to do

• Vasargelišķi Viewing Tower — Climb the tall wooden tower for the iconic panorama over the deepest bend of the Daugava valley and surrounding forested hills.
• Slutišķi Old Believers' Village — Wander this restored riverside hamlet with traditional Latgalian wooden houses and a museum showing Old Believer daily life.
• Markova Loop Viewpoint — Hike to one of the sharp meander overlooks where the Daugava nearly doubles back on itself through the ancient valley.
• Nature trails through the loki — Follow marked walking paths along the river cliffs and oak groves that reveal geological outcrops and rich flora.
• Canoeing the Daugava bends — Paddle the calm meandering stretch of river to experience the loops from water level beneath towering banks.
• Krāslava town excursion — Visit the nearby historic town with its baroque count's palace and cobbled old quarter that anchors the park region.
• Birdwatching and wildlife spotting — Look for black storks, kingfishers and other species that inhabit the protected valley slopes and wetlands.
• Visit Daugavpils Fortress nearby — Extend your trip to the massive 19th-century fortress complex and its Mark Rothko Art Centre downstream.

Food to try

• Latgalian klingeris — A sweet festive yeast bread ring, often studded with raisins, served at celebrations across the Latgale region.
• Old Believers' pīrāgi — Small filled pastries or pies rooted in the Russian Old Believer tradition of the Slutišķi and Daugavpils area.
• Kāpostu zupa (sauerkraut soup) — A hearty local cabbage soup that suits the cool river-valley climate, often served with dark rye bread.
• Smoked river fish — Locally caught fish smoked in traditional style, a common treat from the Daugava's fishing communities.
• Biezpiena sieriņi and honey — Fresh curd cheese and forest honey sold at farmsteads reflect the rural food culture of Latgale.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the protected nature reserve — Stay on marked trails and viewing platforms, as the Daugava loki is a fragile protected landscape with restricted zones.
• Learn the Old Believers' heritage — Slutišķi's community descends from Russian Old Believers, so treat their homes, chapels and customs with courtesy.
• Come in autumn for color — The oak and mixed forests blaze gold and red in September and October, making it the most photogenic season for the towers.
• Bring cash for rural sites — Small village museums, farmstead stalls and rural cafes in Latgale may not accept cards, so carry euros.

Nearby

• Krāslava — 6 km
• Aglona — 28 km
• Aglona Basilica — 28 km
• Daugavpils — 45 km