Balvi District Festival (Balvu novada svētki)
Annual town and district festival in July featuring sports competitions, cycling events, creative activities and a grand festive concert with beloved Latvian artists, in the Latgale region.
PlizioGo
Try these in guesthouses or cafes near the town center.
Look for fish dishes at restaurants located near Lake Balvi.
Bakeries along the main streets offer excellent local baked goods.
Check out local craft shops or the museum for authentic souvenirs.
Visit the central market area for fresh honey and berries.
A pleasant central park featuring unique stone sculptures.
Well-suited for a peaceful sunset walk right along the water.
Water temperature…
Balvi is a town in northeastern Latvia and the administrative center of the Balvi Municipality within the Latgale region. The town is beautifully situated between two lakes, Balvu Lake and Pērkonu Lake, which define its local geography and recreational life. It was first mentioned in historical documents in 1224 as part of the territories belonging to the Archbishopric of Riga. A key cultural landmark is the Balvi Manor, originally built in the 18th century by the Hilzen family, which now houses the regional museum and a cultural center. Having suffered near-total destruction during World War II, much of the town's current architecture dates from the mid-20th-century reconstruction period. Today, Balvi is known for its lively cultural scene, hosting numerous folk music festivals and promoting the unique linguistic and craft heritage of the Latgale region.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -7 | -2 | 5 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 0 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 49 | 43 | 43 | 46 | 68 | 89 | 89 | 90 | 61 | 76 | 68 | 52 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day in Balvi begins with a cultural immersion in the heart of the town. The morning is dedicated to history and art, from the culture centre to the manor that tells of the region's past. At midday, relax in the charming Lāča dārzs Park, ideal for a break. In the afternoon, stroll to the Orthodox cathedral before ending the day with a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Balvi, where the nature of Latgale reveals its full beauty.
Morning starts at the Balvi Culture Centre, sheltered from the rain. At noon, the museum provides a dry haven to explore Latgale's history. Afternoon includes a walk to the manor and park with umbrellas, followed by a visit to the cathedral. The evening ends by Lake Balvi, watching raindrops ripple across the water in a peaceful setting.
A frosty winter morning begins at the Culture Centre. At noon, we warm up in the Balvi Museum while learning about local legends. Afternoon reveals a snowy wonderland in Lāča dārzs Park and the manor grounds. After a quiet moment at the cathedral, we watch the early sunset over the frozen Lake Balvi in the crisp winter air.
Your bike tour of Balvi is a journey through nature and history. You start at the serene Lake Balvi, cycling through the meditative Garden of Stones to the Orthodox cathedral. The morning takes you into the heart of the town at the culture centre and museum. After a lunch break, you'll explore the partisan monument and the magnificent manor. The day concludes in the green Lāča dārzs Park, where you can stretch your legs and reflect on the day's experiences.
The bike tour starts at the lake, enjoying nature despite the rain. At noon, we pedal towards the cathedral and culture centre. Afternoon brings a welcome dry break at the museum. We conclude with the monument and manor, carefully navigating wet streets, ending the day in Lāča dārzs Park under the gentle rain.
A frosty start on the bike by Lake Balvi. At noon, we ride through the snowy town to the cathedral and culture centre. Afternoon brings a warm-up session at the museum before visiting the partisan monument. We spend the evening at the manor and Lāča dărzs Park, enjoying the winter silence on two wheels.
Your car day in Balvi allows you to explore the sights in clusters. Start at Lake Balvi, parking your car for a peaceful morning walk to the Garden of Stones. Then, drive to the town centre to explore the museum and cathedral on foot. The afternoon is dedicated to the magnificent Balvi Manor and its adjacent park, a perfect place to end the day in a relaxed manner, enjoying the region's history and nature.
By car, we comfortably reach the lake despite the showers. At noon, we park in the center for the museum visit. Afternoon includes a drive to the cathedral and finally the manor. Short distances between parking and sights keep us dry while exploring Balvi in the rain.
A winter road trip through snowy Balvi. We start at the lake, enjoying the car's warmth. At noon, we park in the center for the museum. Afternoon includes a drive to the cathedral and the frosty manor park. The car serves as our warm retreat between impressive photo stops in the Latgalian winter.
