Name: Nature park “Cirisu lake”
Item: Nature park “Cirisu lake”
Author: admin

The nature trail is currently not accessible to visitors, repairs are planned.

Particular parts of the nature park’s territory are under state protection since 1931.

Nature park “Cirisu lake” – the largest part of the nature park is occupied by Cirisu Lake (6.3 km²) and Ruskulu Lake (0.12 km²), which is difficult to access, waters of these lakes are rich in aquatic plants. The average depth of Cirisu Lake is 5 m, and the deepest spot is 10.5 m. Lake has 8 islands. The largest island is Upursala (the Sacrifice Island) and Kalna sala (Hill island) (16 ha) which has a peculiar shape reminiscent of a sickle moon. It elevates 20 m above lake level. The rest of the lake’s islands – Osu or Jokstu, Liepu, Alksnu, Maza Alksnu, Laivinu, Akmenu, and Jauna islands – also have the nature reserve status. The total area of the park is 1260 hectares.

In 2004 regulations “On Individual Protection and Use of the Nature park “Cirisu Lake” was approved. There are certain restrictions on territory use, and only environment-friendly tourism can be developed there. A great diversity of plant species can be found on the small land territory of the park – more than 600 flowering plants and fern species. One can come across more than 10 endangered and protected plant species. The local fauna is notable for its great diversity. A number of specially protected animal species were found in the park. The circumstances are favorable for birds’ migration and nesting. There are more than 10 fish species in Cirisu Lake. Ruskuli Greater stone and Latgalian castle mound – Upurkalns are located on Upursala, on the territory of the nature park.

Upursala has been an ancient cult place of major importance since the 1st millennium AD. One of the legends says that girls (later – livestock) were sacrificed on Upursala. Priests were watching the direction of smoke: if it rose in the direction of the Voguli village, the sacrifice was accepted; if it turns in the direction of Aglona – the sacrifice was rejected.

In 2008 on island Upursala a nature trail (1.8 km) was created. Upursala is a botanical reserve with 264 species of plants. Boats for rent: +371 29333422 (Roland) and +371 2991028 (Andris).

Info about the path:

nature trail length: 1.8 km;
trail difficulty: medium heavy, accessible only by boat;
availability: mostly in summer, warm autumn/spring season, the trail is not marked but leads around the island.

GPS: 56.476663, 26.838892

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Nature park “Cirisu lake”

Nature park “Cirisu lake”

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