In Viļaka, you can choose from a range of attractions, including the town’s history, its churches, the island in Lake Viļaka and several cycling routes. The museum covers a long historical period, while the churches offer specific insights into architectural history. At the lake, there is also a walking path on the island and various facilities along the promenade. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on culture, time by the water or a particular cycling route.
Museum, Churches and Manor Park
The Viļaka Museum presents the history of the town and its surrounding area from the 13th century to the present day. It is housed in a former building of the Capuchin monastery. The building’s former use is therefore also part of the town’s historical story. The Catholic Church of Viļaka is a Gothic brick building dating from 1891. Its features include three oak altars, 13 stained-glass windows and an organ with 22 stops. The Lutheran church was built in 1928 in the Neo-Gothic style on a hill with ancient Finno-Ugric graves. The two churches offer different architectural points of interest: the Catholic church’s year of construction and furnishings are specified, while the Lutheran church is notable for its Neo-Gothic style and hilltop location.
The former park of Viļaka Manor, also known as Marienhauzenas, brings together several attractions. It contains an open-air stage, the “Lāsīte” fountain and a children’s playground. Alongside the museum and churches, visitors exploring Viļaka’s cultural sites can also include the former manor park in their plans.
Lake Viļaka: Island and Promenade
A 144-metre-long pontoon bridge provides access to the island in Lake Viļaka. The island also has a 442-metre-long walking path. During the summer season, visitors can also reach the island on SUP boards through the services offered by “Ezertūre.” The bridge, path and seasonal SUP access are three different ways to include the island in your stay; SUP access is specifically available during the summer season.
The promenade on Lake Viļaka has a boat mooring, camping and motorhome pitches, a children’s playground, a volleyball court, picnic areas and a swimming area. The facilities on the shore offer a different kind of experience from the island’s paths: the promenade has places to relax and leisure facilities, while the island’s walking path is a short route on foot. This distinction can help you choose which part of the lakeshore best suits your interests.
Cycling Routes of Different Lengths
Cycling route No. 777 is 19 kilometres long and runs through Viļaka to Semenova. The Viļaka Museum at Klostera iela 1 is recommended as the starting point. The information thus gives both a specific starting point and a named route and destination. Regional cycling route No. 34, “Rypoj vasals!”, is 169 kilometres long and runs through the Ziemeļlatgale region. It goes from Balvi via Viļaka, Rekova, Baltinava, Kārsava, Malnava, Salnava, Tilža and Lazdukalns to Rugāji. When comparing it with route No. 777, the main differences are the distances and the towns listed along the way.
Another option is regional cycling route No. 15, which passes through Viļaka. Its described continuation runs from Borisova to the Russian border. Together, the three routes cover different distances and areas: No. 777 runs from Viļaka to Semenova, No. 34 passes through several towns in the Ziemeļlatgale region, and No. 15 continues towards the border. The route details and destinations give you a concrete basis for deciding which one best fits your cycling plans.
Discover more destinations: Nastrova.
Back to the main travel overview: Viļakas novads.
