The 28-metre-high Siksala observation tower is located in the area around Trizelnieki. From the top, views extend across the raised bog landscape, Lake Siksala and other mineral-soil islands. This gives you two nature-related highlights to consider when planning your trip: the viewpoint at Siksala and the wildlife and bird observations reported at Trizelnieku Ignatiņi.
Raised Bog and Views at Siksala
Teiču Raised Bog is one of the largest undisturbed raised bogs in the Baltics. The Teiču Nature Reserve has observation towers and boardwalks for nature tourism, including at Siksala. The view from the tower and a boardwalk offer different ways to experience the landscape.
An undated visitor notice from the Nature Conservation Agency gives the period from 1 June to 31 October for Siksala; it states that visits are permitted only when accompanied by a staff member. Check this requirement before travelling.
Cycling in the Wider Area Around Lake Lubāns
Cycling route No. 33, “Around Lake Lubāns,” runs through the wider region around Lake Lubāns. It is 53 kilometres long; 8 kilometres are paved, while the rest is on gravel roads. This breakdown of surfaces can help you take the road conditions into account when choosing a route.
The comparison highlights the difference in scale: Siksala is a single viewpoint in the area around Trizelnieki, while the cycling route is a 53-kilometre ride through the wider region. You can therefore choose whether to focus on a landscape view or a regional cycling trip.
Accommodation and Local History
A 2022 edition of a tourism map lists Trizelnieku Ignatiņi as accommodation with nine beds in Murmastienes pagasts, Varakļānu novads. If you plan to stay there, check current availability before making specific plans.
According to a 2013 report, the Murmastiene hunting association built the house on the site of an old homestead; the place retained its former name.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
A 2013 report links Trizelnieku Ignatiņi with observations of wildlife and birds. It describes the fields by the accommodation as a place where cranes and geese stay in spring and autumn. The figure of up to about 5,000 roosting cranes refers to autumn.
If you are interested in bird watching, the seasonal information can be distinguished: cranes and geese are mentioned for spring and autumn, but the maximum number of about 5,000 cranes is given for autumn only.
The report also mentions sightings of moose, red deer, roe deer, wild boar, wolves and lynxes; a bear is also said to appear occasionally. A 2013 report also mentions a lesser spotted eagle that is said to nest near the observation site and can be seen from the porch of the house.
An older description explicitly distinguishes the wildlife observation towers mentioned in Trizelnieki from hunting towers.
For the broader travel overview: Murmastienes pagasts.
