The Gulbene–Alūksne Bānītis, cultural and historical sites, and the Sita–Pededze floodplain offer different ways to explore Gulbene Municipality. The railway is a destination in its own right: it is Latvia’s last narrow-gauge railway with regular passenger service. The region also has castles, a church with a history exhibition, literary audio trails and a protected floodplain. You can take these interests into account when planning where to stay.
Travelling on the Bānītis
The 33-kilometre Gulbene–Alūksne line is Latvia’s last narrow-gauge railway with regular passenger service. The Gulbene–Alūksne Bānītis is also the only railway in Latvia that is recognised as a cultural monument of national significance and is still in operation. The Bānītis stops at ten stations, including Stāmeriena, Kalniene, Paparde and Umernieki. If the ride is to be a central part of your stay, check the timetable in advance.
The historic train’s offerings include guided tours of the Gulbene depot, rides on a hand-operated rail trolley and an experience in a Soviet-era salon car. These activities may be seasonal or require prior arrangement. The annual Bānītis Festival is also organised by the railway together with local municipalities. Check the date and programme separately.
Castles, a church and literature
The history of architecture can be explored through several distinct examples. Stāmeriena Castle was built in the 1820s and remodelled in 1835; the building is surrounded by a landscaped park. The exhibition explores the Wolf family and the history of the castle. It includes a multimedia exhibition about the family and an extensive photo exhibition. Exhibitions may be updated, so check current access arrangements before your visit.
Lizums Castle dates from the first half of the 19th century, is a cultural monument of national significance, and has housed a school since 1937. Velēna Church offers a different perspective on local history: the Neo-Gothic building was consecrated in 1898 and houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the church and the parish. Worship and visitor arrangements may vary, so it is advisable to enquire in advance.
Literary audio trails can be found in Druviena, Lizums, Tirza, Lejasciems and Stāmeriena. Along the route between stops, visitors can listen to reflections and commentaries on Latvian classics by five contemporary writers. Check the condition of the particular trail in advance. In Druviena, visitors can also see a Vidzeme country school from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and an exhibition about rural life in the past. Seasonal access may vary.
Activities and nature
Those who want to get active can visit the “Siltie” meadow golf course, which has nine holes; equipment can be rented. Check access and availability before travelling. At “Zaļā vaļā,” visitors can learn about freeze-drying and product manufacture, take part in a blind tasting, and sample and purchase the products on offer. Check the arrangements for these activities in advance.
The Sita–Pededze floodplain is in the Litenes parish of Gulbene Municipality and is a Natura 2000 nature reserve. Its landscape includes largely untouched flood meadows, oxbow lakes, groups of oaks, park-like meadows and riverside mixed forests of oak, elm and ash. The floodplain is home to more than 18 protected animal species, including three globally threatened bird species. This nature experience is quite different from the region’s railway and architectural heritage attractions.
Choose accommodation to match your travel interests
When looking for a hotel in Gulbene Municipality, you could first consider what you want your stay to focus on: a ride on the Bānītis, architectural and local history, or the nature of the Sita–Pededze floodplain. Next, consider the practical visiting conditions: train timetables and festival dates, seasonal access, or prior arrangements for certain activities.
Discover more destinations: Ranka, Gulbene, Velēna, Stāmeriena, Litene, Namsadi, Daukstes, Lizums, Galgauska, Stāķi.
Return to the main travel overview: Latvia.
