Rēzekne Travel Guide

Explore the cultural attractions, natural beauty, food and drink scene, and local customs of Rēzekne, Latvia in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Rēzekne

Rēzekne is a beautiful city located in Latgale, one of the four historic regions of Latvia. It is the seventh-largest city in the country and offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. This city has a rich history, and its attractions reflect that, while also offering a modern touch.

List of Places to Visit in Rēzekne

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rēzekne Museum of History and Art: This museum showcases the city’s cultural heritage and houses several exhibits on the history of Latgale.
  • Latgale Art and Craft Centre: This centre features traditional Latgalian art and crafts and displays the work of local artists.
  • Rēzekne Castle Ruins: These ruins are the remnants of the castle built in the 9th century and can be seen from all over the city.
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: This Catholic cathedral is one of the most impressive architectural monuments in Rēzekne.

Natural Attractions of Rēzekne: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Lubāns: The largest lake in Latvia and the 11th largest in Europe, Lake Lubāns offers something for everyone, from hiking and biking to birdwatching and fishing.
  • Piena Nature Park: Located on the banks of the Vaidava River, this park is a haven for hikers, and there is also a farm where you can learn about traditional Latvian dairy products.
  • Pape Nature Park: This park is perfect for birdwatching and is home to over 200 species of birds.
  • Reņģe Railway Bridge: This bridge is a stunning architectural feat and is the longest railway bridge in Latvia.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rēzekne

Rēzekne offers several hiking and biking routes where you can explore the natural beauty of the city. These routes are ideal for those who love the outdoors and want to get closer to nature. Some popular routes include:

  • Lake Lubāns Cycling Route: This 35-kilometer-long cycling route starts in Rēzekne and takes you through forests, meadows, and along the shores of Lake Lubāns.
  • Piena Nature Park Trails: There are several trails in Piena Nature Park, ranging from easy to moderate. You can opt for a guided tour or explore on your own.
  • Taurupe River Valley Trails: These trails take you through the stunning Taurupe River Valley, passing through forests, fields, and along the river.

Best Things to Do in Rēzekne: Activities and Tours

  • Rēzekne District Culture and Tourism Centre: This center offers several activities and tours, including a guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks and a Latvian wine tasting tour.
  • Rēzekne Music and Art School: This school hosts several concerts and events throughout the year, including the Rēzekne City Festival and International Jazz Festival.
  • Rēzekne Skiing Tracks: In the winter, you can enjoy skiing in Rēzekne on several tracks at Lielais Ķemeri.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rēzekne

Day 1: Explore the city center and visit the Rēzekne Museum of History and Art.

Day 2: Visit the Latgale Art and Craft Centre and go for a hike in Piena Nature Park.

Day 3: Spend the day at Lake Lubāns, hiking, biking, or fishing.

Day 4: Take a tour of the Rēzekne Castle Ruins and learn about the city’s history.

Day 5: Visit the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral and explore the Taurupe River Valley Trails.

Day 6: Enjoy a Latvian wine tasting tour and attend a concert at the Rēzekne Music and Art School.

Day 7: Spend the day skiing at Lielais Ķemeri.

Food and Drink Scene of Rēzekne

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pīrāgi: These are traditional Latvian pastry rolls filled with bacon and onion.
  • Zirņi ar Speķi: This traditional Latvian dish consists of green peas with bacon and onion.
  • Rye Bread: Latvian rye bread is a staple of the Latvian diet and is a must-try.

Local Beverages

  • Alus: Latvian beer, made from natural ingredients, is a must-try.
  • Bērzu Sula: This is a juice made from the juice of birch trees and is considered a delicacy in Latvia.

Where to Stay in Rēzekne: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Vilhelmine Guesthouse: Located in the heart of Rēzekne’s Old Town, this guesthouse offers traditional Latvian accommodation.
  • Latgale Hotel: This hotel is located in the center of Rēzekne and offers modern rooms and amenities.
  • Hostel Latgale: This hostel offers low-cost accommodation in the city center and is perfect for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Rēzekne: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Latvian knitwear: You can find a wide variety of Latvian knitwear in Rēzekne, including mittens, scarves, and hats.
  • Amber jewelry: Amber is a popular stone in Latvia, and you can find a wide range of amber jewelry in Rēzekne.
  • Latvian honey: Latvian honey is considered some of the best in the world and is a must-try.

Local Culture and Customs of Rēzekne

  • Language: Latgalian, a dialect of Latvian, is spoken in Rēzekne.
  • Religion: The majority of the population in Rēzekne is Roman Catholic.
  • Festivals: Rēzekne’s City Festival and International Jazz Festival are two of the most popular festivals in the city.

Best Time to Visit Rēzekne

The best time to visit Rēzekne is during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you enjoy winter activities such as skiing, then the winter months can be just as enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rēzekne

Do:

  • Learn some basic Latvian before you visit.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Cut in line.
  • Drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rēzekne

Rēzekne is a safe city to visit, and violent crime is uncommon. However, it is always wise to take precautions when traveling, and you should be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Rēzekne

Latvia has a high standard of healthcare, and there are several hospitals and medical facilities in Rēzekne that provide quality healthcare services.

Getting to Rēzekne: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rēzekne

The closest airport to Rēzekne is Riga International Airport, located approximately 240 km away.

Bus Stations Near Rēzekne

  • Rēzekne Central Bus Station
  • Rēzekne North Bus Station

Other Options

The train station in Rēzekne is also connected to all major cities in Latvia and neighboring countries.

How to Get Around in Rēzekne

The best way to get around Rēzekne is by bus, as the city has a reliable and efficient public transportation system. Taxis are also readily available.

Where to Go Next from Rēzekne: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions you can consider after visiting Rēzekne:

  • Daugavpils: The second-largest city in Latvia, Daugavpils, is situated approximately 70 km from Rēzekne and offers several cultural attractions and outdoor activities.
  • Sigulda: Known as the “Switzerland of Latvia,” Sigulda is a picturesque town located approximately 190 km from Rēzekne and is famous for its stunning landscapes and historical sites.

Conclusion

Rēzekne is a hidden gem in Latvia and offers something for everyone, from hiking and biking to cultural attractions and outdoor adventures. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Rēzekne and make the most of your visit to this beautiful city.

Latgales Mara, a statue symbolizing Latgale's unity with the rest of Latvia Latgales Mara, a statue symbolizing Latgale's unity with the rest of Latvia Rēzekne castle ruins Rēzekne castle ruins