Ludza

One of the oldest towns in Latvia, set between two lakes and crowned by the atmospheric ruins of a Livonian Order castle. Its old wooden houses, craft traditions and hilltop views make it a charming stop near the Russian border.

Things to do

• Ludza Castle Ruins — Climb the hill to explore the atmospheric red-brick ruins of the 14th-century Livonian Order castle and take in sweeping views over the two lakes.
• Ludza Regional Studies Museum — Learn about the town's medieval history, local crafts and Latgalian traditions in this well-curated museum near the castle hill.
• Ludza Craftsmen Centre — Watch potters, weavers and other artisans at work and buy handmade Latgalian ceramics and textiles as souvenirs.
• Great Ludza Lake stroll — Walk the shoreline between the Great and Little Ludza lakes that give the town its distinctive setting.
• Old Town wooden houses — Wander the historic streets lined with characterful 19th-century wooden houses reflecting the town's multicultural past.
• Church visits — See the Catholic Church of the Assumption and the Orthodox church, reflecting the town's diverse religious heritage.
• Great Synagogue of Ludza — Visit one of the oldest surviving wooden synagogues in Latvia, a reminder of the town's once-thriving Jewish community.

Food to try

• Latgalian klingeris — A sweet, saffron-scented pretzel-shaped bread traditionally baked for celebrations across the Latgale region.
• Kaposti (stewed sauerkraut) — Hearty stewed cabbage often served with pork, a staple of Latgalian home cooking.
• Baked local fish — Fresh fish from the surrounding lakes, often smoked or baked, is a regional specialty worth seeking out.
• Skabputra — A traditional sour barley and buttermilk porridge that is a distinctive Latgalian everyday dish.
• Homemade curd cheese and honey — Look for farm-made biezpiens (curd cheese) and local honey sold at markets and craft fairs.

Local customs & good to know

• Border zone awareness — Ludza sits close to the Russian border, so carry ID and note that some nearby areas may require permits.
• Latgalian language and identity — Locals take pride in the distinct Latgalian dialect and Catholic traditions that set the region apart from the rest of Latvia.
• Craft fairs and festivals — Time your visit for a town festival or craft market to see traditional music, pottery and folk customs firsthand.
• Cash is handy — Smaller shops, markets and artisan stalls may prefer cash, so carry euros for local purchases.

Nearby

• Rēzekne — 24 km
• Rāzna Lake — 40 km
• Aglona — 63 km
• Aglona Basilica — 64 km