Krāslava

A picturesque town on the winding Daugava river, featuring a handsome count's palace complex and a Baroque Catholic church. It sits at the gateway to the Daugavas Loki nature park with its dramatic river bends.

Things to do

• Krāslava Count's Palace — Explore the elegant 18th-century Plāters family palace complex overlooking the Daugava, home to a local history museum and tourist information center.
• St. Ludwig's Catholic Church — Admire this grand Baroque church built for the Plāters family, containing notable Rococo interiors and religious artworks.
• Daugavas Loki Nature Park — Hike or drive to viewing points over the spectacular ancient river bends that wind through wooded valleys just east of town.
• Priedaine Viewing Tower — Climb the observation tower for a panoramic sweep of the meandering Daugava valley and surrounding Latgalian countryside.
• Craft and Amber Workshop — Visit local artisans working with ceramics and pottery, a living tradition in the Latgale region.
• Stroll the historic old town — Wander the cobbled streets around the market square lined with wooden houses reflecting the town's multicultural past.
• Riverside walk along the Daugava — Follow the promenade beside the wide, slow-flowing river that shaped Krāslava's history and trade.

Food to try

• Latgalian klingeris — A sweet braided saffron bread traditionally baked for celebrations and name-days in the region.
• Kļocki (potato dumplings) — Hearty boiled dumplings served with sour cream or fried onions, a Latgalian home-cooking staple.
• Silķe ar kartupeļiem — Salted herring with boiled potatoes, onions and curd, a simple traditional Latvian dish.
• Skābenu zupa (sorrel soup) — A tangy green soup made from wild sorrel, often with egg and served in spring and summer.
• Farmhouse cheese and honey — Sample local curd cheese and forest honey sold at the Krāslava market from surrounding farms.

Local customs & good to know

• A multicultural border town — Krāslava has long been home to Latvians, Poles, Russians and Belarusians, reflected in its churches and everyday languages.
• Respect Catholic traditions — Latgale is Latvia's Catholic heartland, so dress modestly in churches and be mindful during frequent religious festivals.
• Slower Latgalian pace — Shops and cafes keep limited hours, so plan around midday and bring cash for markets and small vendors.
• Gateway to the nature park — Stock up on supplies in town before heading into the Daugavas Loki area, where facilities are sparse.

Nearby

• Daugava Bends Nature Park — 6 km
• Aglona — 28 km
• Aglona Basilica — 28 km
• Daugavpils — 39 km