Plizio Visual Lab

Augstzeme Highland

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Augstzeme Highland, also known as the Sēlija Highland, extends across southeastern Latvia along the border with Lithuania. It is characterized by an exceptionally diverse relief, defined by deep river valleys, numerous lakes, and prominent hill ridges. The region's highest elevation is Egļukalns, reaching 220.1 meters above sea level. Geomorphologically, the highland was formed by the activity of glacial lobes during the final stages of the last glaciation, resulting in the creation of complex terminal moraines. Historically, the area is closely linked to the Selonian tribe, whose settlement patterns are still visible today in the form of numerous hillforts. The landscape consists of a mosaic of agricultural lands and extensive forests that host high biological diversity. In modern regional development, Augstzeme plays a key role in nature tourism and the preservation of the Sēlija region's cultural heritage. The highland's hydrological systems feed many tributaries of the Daugava River and contribute significantly to the water regulation of the entire region.

Location: Latvia
Top sights: Kreijas muiža · Virkusmuiža
Nearby: Tērvete (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-5	-5	-1	6	12	16	18	17	13	6	2	-2
Rain mm	50	42	40	44	52	74	81	74	52	67	64	53

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The highland is crossed by numerous regional roads connecting the towns of western Latvia, making it straightforward to reach by private vehicle. Driving allows you to easily navigate between the various elevated viewpoints and dense forest patches in the region.

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Best season

Summer is fantastic for general hiking and enjoying the broad views from the elevated terrain. Winter can also transform the highland into a beautiful, snow-covered landscape suitable for cross-country skiing, provided the local rural roads are properly cleared.

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Terrain & paths

This area features a noticeably undulating landscape comprised of sweeping hills, deep glacial valleys, and interspersed agricultural fields. The terrain features varied hiking opportunities, from walking flat rural roads to tackling steeper, forested hillside paths.

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What to bring

Good quality walking boots are highly recommended to comfortably handle the changing elevations and potentially muddy forest tracks. Given the changing weather of the upland, carrying a versatile windbreaker and a reliable map or offline GPS is always a smart choice.

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Parking

Formal tourist parking is generally limited to specific designated viewpoints or near historical town centers within the highland region. For remote walks, visitors often park carefully along wider sections of gravel roads, ensuring they do not block local traffic.

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Safety

The highland is a very secure environment for typical outdoor recreation, though mobile network coverage can occasionally drop in the deeper valleys. Be extremely cautious of wildlife, particularly deer, crossing the winding regional roads during dawn or dusk.

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Time needed

You could spend anywhere from a quick two-hour scenic drive to an entire weekend thoroughly exploring the distinct hilltops and valley trails. It largely depends on how deeply you wish to engage with the natural beauty and the quiet, dispersed local communities.

Geography

Coordinates

56.63330, 23.36670

Facts

The highest peak is Egļukalns, standing at 220.1 meters.
The highland covers the southern part of the Sēlija region.
It contains over 50 lakes with a surface area exceeding 10 hectares.
The geological structure consists of thick Quaternary deposits.
The 'Svente' Nature Park is located within this highland area.
The region directly borders the Aukštaitija Highland in Lithuania.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bērze Church2 km · SWExplore →

Bērze Rise2 km · NWExplore →

Bērze3 km · EExplore →

Dobele Fruit Processing Hub5 km · WExplore →

Bat Necropolis14 km · NWExplore →

Priedaine Hill15 km · NEExplore →

Ibri17 km · SWExplore →

Tērvete17 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Augstzeme Highland (2)

Kreijas muiža

Kreijas manor house, located in the Augstzeme highland area.

Virkusmuiža

Virkusmuiža estate in the Augstzeme region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Augstzeme Highland located?

It is located in southeastern Latvia, in the historical region of Sēlija.

What is typical of this landscape?

A very hilly moraine landscape with many small lakes and deep valleys.

Is hiking possible there?

Yes, there are numerous untouched nature trails and quiet country paths.

Which towns are in the region?

Ilūkste and Subate are pleasant small towns in this highland.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer for swimming and hiking, and autumn for the colorful nature.

Augstzeme Highland: where is it located?

Augstzeme Highland is located in Latvia.

Augstzeme Highland: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kreijas muiža, Virkusmuiža.

Augstzeme Highland: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Augstzeme Highland: why is it worth visiting?

The Augstzeme Highland, also known as the Sēlija Highland, extends across southeastern Latvia along the border with Lithuania.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →