Rāzna Lake

Rāznas ezers

The second-largest lake in Latvia and the centrepiece of Rāzna National Park, ringed by rolling hills and forests. It offers swimming, boating and panoramic views from nearby Mākoņkalns hill with its castle ruins.

Things to do

• Climb Mākoņkalns hill — Hike up this hill for panoramic views over Rāzna Lake and explore the ruins of the medieval Volkenberg (Cloud Mountain) castle.
• Swim at Rāzna beaches — Cool off in the shallow, warm waters at popular swimming spots near Lipuški and along the northern shores.
• Boating and fishing on the lake — Rent a boat or kayak to paddle across Latvia's second-largest lake, which is rich in pike, perch and bream.
• Drive the Rāzna National Park scenic loop — Follow the roads circling the lake through rolling hills, forests and traditional Latgalian villages.
• Visit Ezerkrasti viewing point — Stop at the lakeside overlooks to take in the sweeping vistas that give the park its reputation as the Latgale Sea.
• Explore Latgalian pottery villages nearby — Detour to Silajāņi and other craft centres famed for traditional dark-glazed Latgalian ceramics.

Food to try

• Fresh smoked lake fish — Buy locally caught and smoked perch, pike or bream from lakeside vendors and farmsteads.
• Latgalian kļocki — Try these hearty potato-based dumplings, a filling regional staple often served with sour cream.
• Šmakovka — Sample the traditional Latgalian home-distilled fruit or grain spirit offered in villages around the lake.
• Biezpiena sieriņi and farm cheeses — Taste fresh cottage-cheese curd snacks and caraway cheeses from local dairy farms.
• Rye bread and honey — Pick up dense Latvian rye bread and forest honey sold at roadside stalls in the national park.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the national park rules — Rāzna is a protected national park, so camp only in designated areas and take all litter with you.
• Learn a little Latgalian — The region speaks the distinct Latgalian language and dialect, and a greeting like veseli is warmly received.
• Catholic heritage — Latgale is predominantly Catholic, so expect village churches and roadside shrines and dress modestly when visiting.
• Buy directly from locals — Support small farmsteads by purchasing smoked fish, honey and crafts directly, often with cash only.

Nearby

• Rēzekne — 20 km
• Aglona — 26 km
• Aglona Basilica — 26 km
• Ludza — 40 km