What is Alūksne like?

Surprise yourself in Alūksne!

The name Alūksne comes from an ancient Latgalian word olūksna, which means a place in a wood rich in springs and resonates with the name of Lake Alūksne, the 11th largest lake in Latvia. We are Malēnieši (the borderland people), and this origin of ours is the region code from ancient times to the present day. We will keep it for the future as well.

In 1935 the Shell guidebook described the area as “the most picturesque terrain of Latvia with innumerable hillocks, small lakes, rivers and forests scattered by a generous hand, showing travellers the spell of beautiful Latvia”.

In all seasons, you can have adventures in nature and with people – ride a bike, have a walk or run over the hills, through the valleys and forests, surprise yourself, your family and friends by inviting them to Alūksne. Climb the sightseeing towers, celebrate with us and get to know us – Malēnieši.

Although it is customary to say that Malēnieši are the people who live far away, somewhere on the edge of the Earth, it must be acknowledged that Estonia and Russia are right next to us – we are closest to other nations, traditions and cultures. It has shaped our character – we are open, bright and fearless. It has given us special colours and wisdom.

Malēnieši are hospitable: they will explain you that krilcs is a threshold (Latvian: slieksnis), lumpis – a pond (Latvian: dīķis), soklis – a wet depression (Latvian: mitra ieplaka), šokti – boots (Latvian: zābaki), šircis – an apron (Latvian: priekšauts), but klikuči is our word for hiccups (Latvian: žagas). We are the patriots not only of our region, but also of the Malēnieši dialect. We will teach it to you!