10 best viewpoints overlooking Lake Alūksne
Alūksne Town owes its special charm to it’s location on the shores of the beautiful Lake Alūksne. The lakeshore and the town’s rolling landscape are a delight to the eye in every season. To truly experience them, take a walk along the lake—but above all, don’t forget to bring your camera, as this place never fails to provide excellent content for your Instagram feed. We have summarize a list of the ten best viewpoints.
The highestviewpoint, from which the beauty of the lake can be fully appreciated is the Alūksne Sightseeing Tower in Tempļakalns Park. Here, you can take in a sweeping panorama and spot both the small architectural features of Alūksne Manor Park and the anglers’ boats on the lake. The air is crisp, and the melodious songs of birds accompany every step of the ascent.
Temple Hill and Sun bridge
No matter how many times you have visited this wonderful place, the scenery that unfolds here is always striking. Temple Hill is what makes Alūksne Latvia’s highest town, while the granite rotunda at the summit and the Sun Bridge at the foot of the hill are integral parts of Alūksne’s identity. Moreover, this is a spot where you can enjoy views of the lake in every season.
Lake Alūksne has four islands, the largest of which is Pilssala (Castle Island); here, the sounds of the lake blend with the musical legend “MARIENBURG the eighth brother”—heard from the medieval castle tower—and the voices of visitors enjoying their leisure time. A contemporary touch is added by the modern multifunctional building; from its rooftop platform, one can enjoy a view across the lake towards Temple Hill and Alūksne Manor Park. The location offers expansive vistas and a romantic atmosphere, further enhanced by the nearby Templehill Street pedestrian bridge, which plays melodies during the first 15 minutes of every hour from noon until midnight.
An aristocratic atmosphere enhances the experience of Lake Alūksne’s charm, thanks to the 19th-century manor park located on its shore; the park boasts the most extensive collection of trees and plantings in Vidzeme, as well as numerous examples of small-scale architectural features. Carefully designed sightlines offer views of the lake, with the vistas from the Temple of Aeolus, the Granite Obelisk, and the Alexander Pavilion being particularly noteworthy.
To enjoy sunsets and misty mornings by the lake, head to *Zirgu dzirdinātava* (the Horse Watering Spot). The sunsets here are the most vibrant and offer the best views; however, during the transition when days grow warm yet nights remain cool, the lake comes alive and a mysterious mist settles over the water. The shallow area—once used for watering horses—is ideal for swimming and wading.
GPS: 57.4268, 27.0872
Hat (Cepurīte) Island
Richest in legends island of Alūksne Lake is Hat (Cepurīte) Island or Lovers Island. In summer, the island can only be reached by boat, and one must observe an unwritten rule: only one boat may dock at the island at a time. Yet, the island’s romantic charm lies in its inaccessibility and the fact that anyone can hold it in the palm of their hand—yes, literally in the palm of their hand! One of the most popular photos taken during a visit to the lake is a shot of Cepurīte resting on someone’s palm.
GPS: 57.43785, 27.07230
Walking trails
Waterside walks are truly magical; to enjoy expansive views of Lake Alūksne and the refreshing air, we recommend taking the Lake Trail or Ozoli street Trail. Peaceful walks along these more secluded trails will allow you to experience the vastness of the lake and explore small coves that are not visible from the inner shores.
- Start of the Lake Trail (GPS: 57.436543, 27.057117)
- Start of the Ozoli street Trail (GPS: 57.42772, 27.09069)
A meal with a view of the lake
When traveling, we all become gourmets, so we invite you to enjoy a meal by the lakeside, taking in the sweeping views. Cafes“ES TE cafe”, “Marta” and Summer cafe “Sala” offers a taste of local flavors. Snap a photo with profiteroles by the lakeside and let your friends back home guess—what exactly are profitrolls?
Šūpalas
A place that lives up to its name “Šūpalas”—this is where the waves of Lake Alūksne gently lap against the shore. It is a peaceful spot outside the town, also popular among locals as a swimming area. Calm summer evenings at Šūpalas offer tranquility to anyone seeking beautiful views of Lake Alūksne.
GPS: 57.47435, 27.09883
Boathouses nearby the Alūksne Culture Centre
Have you ever heard of boathouses? Indeed—a house on the water where local fishermen’s boats are kept on the ground floor, while the upper floor offers a place to spend the night. Some of these have been converted into modern, unique accommodations for visitors to the city. Yet, the view here encompasses not only the lake but also its largest island— Castle Island with Alūksne Medieval Castle. Discover the city’s ancient charm here!