Several travel interests come together at Lake Burtnieks in Burtnieki: landscapes, architectural history, and activities involving water and horses. The Vīsraga Nature Trail runs through the park of Burtnieki Manor to the lake and the Ēķinupe floodplain meadows. If you are looking for a hotel in Burtnieki, choosing the focus of your stay can help: nature watching, historic sites or a boat trip.

Nature by the Lake

Lake Burtnieks is Latvia’s fourth-largest lake. The Vīsraga Nature Trail is located in the Burtnieka ezera pļavas nature reserve and begins at the Silver Gate of Burtnieki Manor Park. From there, it runs through the park to Lake Burtnieks and the Ēķinupe floodplain meadows. The route thus connects the park with the lake and meadows along a single trail.

A viewing tower on the Vīsraga Nature Trail offers views over the floodplain meadows and the lake’s southeastern shore. The Silzemnieku nature observation tower stands on the northeastern side of the lake; from there, you can observe the lake landscape and various bird species. The distinction can help you choose what to focus on: from the Vīsraga tower, the view takes in the meadows and southeastern shore; from the Silzemnieku tower, the lake landscape and birds.

There are also sandstone outcrops along the steep shore around Lake Burtnieks. They were formed by wave erosion and are the only outcrops of this kind in Latvia. In addition to landscapes and birdwatching, the area around the lake therefore offers a geological perspective on the effects of waves.

Manor and Architectural History

Burtnieki Manor Castle was built in the 17th century on the foundations of a destroyed Livonian Order castle. The park combines elements of the Italian Renaissance with features of a landscape garden and was laid out in the eclectic style of the 19th century. The different periods can be compared: the castle belongs to the architectural history of the 17th century, while the park’s design dates to the 19th century.

After a fire in 1654, Burtnieki Church was completely restored. There is also a chapel built in the Classicist style and a cemetery gate in the area around Lake Burtnieks. Both are designated state-significance architectural monuments.

Boat Trip and Stud Farm

Boat tours on the Made Marija depart from the boat canal in the centre of Burtnieki or from Matīši Beach in Burtnieki. The one-hour trip includes an audio guide; the two-hour trip features a guide’s commentary, background music and photo opportunities. An audio guide accompanies the one-hour format, while the two-hour trip includes a guide’s commentary, background music and photo opportunities. The choice therefore concerns both the duration and the type of commentary. Schedules and formats may change; departure arrangements may also vary. Check the latest information for your planned trip in advance.

Around 200 horses are kept at Burtnieki Stud Farm; the number may change. Guided tours and horse riding are also visitor activities. The stud farm therefore differs thematically from a boat trip or nature watching: the focus here is on horses and activities involving them.

Discover more destinations: Vecate, Matīši, Mīlīte

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