Latvia has four main regions: Kurzeme, Zemgale, Vidzeme, and Latgale. The so-called land of blue lakes in the Eastern part of Latvia is Latgale. It may seem like a small area, but actually, this region is known for its rich history, primal nature, and sincere people.
If you are seeking some fresh, charming, and ingenious tourism destination – Latgale is the place for you to go. On a global scale, our land is unique because here for centuries in peace and harmony have lived people of different nationalities, religious denominations, and spoken languages. Latgalian is a long-standing and distinctive language, which in everyday communication can be found only here – in Latgale.
The sincerity of local people is a brand of Latgale region, which goes far beyond geographical borders. If you are planning to visit our region, be ready to stoke–up your stomach, because every hostess here will never let you leave the dining table, until you try–out each and every dish and drink, and a request for a second portion, will be the best compliment. Trying culinary heritage dishes is one of the must-haves in Latgale.
Latgale has approximately 1200 lakes, including Lubāns (largest by area) and Rāzna (largest by water volume). Here you will find kilometers of forests untouched by humans, beautiful meadows, and alternating terrains.
Contemporary architecture (concert hall GORS, Mark Rothko art center) is complemented by delicate wooden houses. Here world-class possibilities (Silene Resort and SPA) mingle with thousands of years old traditions (Cukrasāta, Clay Art center). Your eyes will be delighted by the wonders of nature (Nature park “Daugavas loki”, Devil’s lake), but your heart will be filled with joy by the sweetest and most curious animals in contact zoos (Mini zoo Jurita, Rancho Oak home, Deer garden), while your body and soul will reborn during sauna procedures (Wellness), and complete relaxation can be achieved by homemade beer (brewer Dainis Rakstiņš) or shmakovka – local strong drink (Latgolys šmakovka, Šmakovka museum), p.s. be sure to drink responsibly.
Although we can probably say that Latgale will not surprise you with spectacular sightseeing views, it will leave unchangeable warmth in your heart, because of its people and their kindness.
Fill up your lungs with fresh air and dive into the adventures of Latgale!
LATGALE REGION TOURISM ASSOCIATION
The Latgale Region Tourism Association (LRTA) was established in 1993 as the first tourism association in Latvia. The association aims to coordinate joint efforts in the tourism sector throughout the Latgale region and to promote sustainable tourism development. LRTA represents the tourism offerings of the Latgale region and collaborates with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia to implement national tourism policies. Currently, LRTA unites all municipalities in Latgale, all regional tourism information centers, tourism entrepreneurs, and tourism professionals – a total of 140 members. If you are interested in collaborating, please contact us via email at info@latgale.travel.