Rušona can be explored through its lake and the area’s cultural history. When looking for a holiday rental, this combination offers a clear guide: would you mainly like to explore the islands and the water, or are you interested in the church, historical evidence and nearby destinations? The following highlights offer different points of interest without prescribing a fixed itinerary.
Lake Rušona, islands and fishing
Lake Rušona covers 23.7 square kilometres. The island of Lielā, also known as Upursala, lies in the lake, about one kilometre east of Rušona Manor. Upurakmens, an ancient Latgalian place of worship, is located on Upursala in Lake Rušonu. The lake therefore brings together a striking landscape and a specific cultural connection.
The islands of Lake Rušona can be viewed from various points along the shores or on a boat trip. This offers two different perspectives on the lake area; weather and local water conditions should be taken into account when boating. Fishing is another option: municipal visitor information dated 10 January 2024 lists Lake Rušona among the lakes where licensed fishing is organised. If you plan to fish, check the licensing information in advance.
Church and cultural history
The current stone building of Rušona Catholic Church was built in 1816 with funds provided by Ievas Seleckas. The sacristy contains historical items, including the vestments of former priests. If you would like to visit the sacristy, check local visiting arrangements before your trip.
Another historic building by the lake is a residential house built in 1903, about 500 metres east of the church. The two distance references indicate different locations: Lielā Island is approximately one kilometre east of the manor, while the residential house is about 500 metres east of the church.
Excursions in the surrounding area
Nearby, Geļenova Park covers eight hectares. The picturesque park is characterised by exotic trees and shrubs. On the shore of Lake Bicānu, it offers a beach and opportunities to go out by boat, catamaran or SUP board. The park landscape and water-based activities are therefore available side by side; which ones you plan to enjoy also depends on local conditions.
At Silmalas, guests can enjoy seasonal dishes made with local produce and delicacies from Latgale’s home producers at the “Kulda” Flavour House. Sampling regional cuisine thus adds a culinary focus to the landscape and cultural themes.
For the 2026 regional hiking event, the Ezertaka section in Preiļu novads municipality was published. The documented route leads to the Catholic church and Rušona Manor, then on to Lake Rušona and the “Silmalas” recreation complex. In this order, it links cultural sites and the lakeshore as stops along the event section described.
When looking for a holiday rental in Rušona, you can first decide what you would like your trip to focus on: the islands and the lake, the church and cultural history, or additional destinations in the surrounding area. The places and activities mentioned provide specific points of reference without requiring a tightly scheduled itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Sīļukalns.
Go to the regional travel overview: Riebiņu Novads.
