A question that never gets old—where can you find peace? Nestled by the tranquil shores of Lake Alūksne, serenity awaits. The best way to soak in this calm is on a summer evening, perched on a bench by the water. Or take a leisurely stroll to discover Alūksne’s hidden gems—climb one of Latvia’s tallest viewing towers, marvel at the unexpected sight of a temple in Latvia, and explore the historic ruins of Alūksne Castle.
This time, Alūksne wasn’t our destination but a stop on our way back from Estonia. With limited time, we couldn’t see all tourist attractions of Alūksne, but Pilssala and Tempļa Kalna Park stole our hearts. Curious why? Let me share the magic!
Location: Alūksne, Latvia
Cost: 1 euro for observation tower
How to get there: By car / Buss to Alūksne. When you get there the attractions listed are in walking distance from each other
Wandering by Lake Alūksne
Walking along the well-kept paths, you can’t help but marvel at how thoughtfully this place is designed. Wooden boardwalks draw you closer to the water, while the lush green spaces seem to whisper, “Stay a while.” And the lamp posts—just look at them! Slightly bent, they appear to lean into the wind, adding a playful charm to the setting.
We notice stations where you can rent bikes, canoes, and catamarans—perfect for a day spent gliding over the water. The lake feels vast and tranquil, its surface almost mirror-like as the evening light softens. It’s easy to imagine spending the entire day immersed in the serenity of Lake Alūksne.
But the hour is growing late, and we decide to keep moving, eager to see as much of Alūksne’s attractions as we can before the sun dips below the horizon.
Our walk takes us across multiple bridges, each with its own unique character. The most famous is the “singing” pedestrian bridge on Tempļa Kalna Street, known to play music every hour during summer. Tonight, unfortunately, the timing isn’t on our side. Better luck next time, I suppose.
A Temple in Latvia? The Temple of Glory aka Rotonda
Latvia and temples—two concepts that rarely go hand in hand. As Latvians, we’ve had our own rich history of pagan gods and traditions, but to my knowledge, we didn’t worship them in temples. Yet, as we wander through Tempļa Kalna Park, a classical temple emerges before us, stopping us in our tracks. The Glory Temple—Rotunda—perches gracefully atop a small hill, its six elegant columns reaching skyward. It feels both out of place and perfectly at home in this tranquil setting.
Contrary to what one might think, this isn’t a tribute to Greek gods. Instead, it’s a memorial to the Great Northern War, uniquely honoring those on both sides of the conflict. The temple’s design adds an air of grandeur, inviting visitors to climb the hill for a closer look or capture its striking form in photos.
Yet one question lingers: why did someone choose to build a Greek-style temple here in Alūksne, so far removed from its classical roots?
How Many Attractions of Alūksne Can You Spot from the Viewing Tower?
Open from 1.05 – 31.10 from11.00-19.00
Cost: 1 eur
Our next stop is the towering 37.8-meter wooden observation tower. Each step up the spiral staircase builds anticipation, and by the time we reach the top, the panoramic views are nothing short of breathtaking.
At the summit, an informative display highlights the attractions of Alūksne and nearby sights scattered across the landscape. Let’s make it fun—how many landmarks can you spot? Use the telescope provided for a closer look. From here, I can see the elegant Alūksne New Palace and the spire of its Evangelical Lutheran Church standing proudly in the distance.
If heights and stairs don’t scare you, this tower is the perfect starting point for your trip to Alūksne. It offers not only stunning views but also a chance to familiarize yourself with the attractions of Alūksne in one convenient, awe-inspiring place.
Alūksne Castle Ruins
As the light fades, we make our way to Pilssala, where the medieval ruins of the Livonian Order’s fortress stand. They have seen a lot, so only a tiny part – the weathered stone walls and the restored southern tower are left to tell stories of knights and battles long past. The tower, with its wooden additions and pointed roof, is the most photogenic part of the ruins, and we can’t resist capturing it.
Now the sun has dipped below the horizon and it is time for us to end our Alūksne adventures and head home.
Thoughts?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to stay here for a few days? I imagine waking up in a cozy lakeside cabin, sipping morning coffee by the water, and starting the day with a refreshing swim. With more time, we could explore more tourist attractions of Alūksne e.g. wander through Manor Park and admire the unique architecture of Alūksne’s New Palace up close.
Even in just a few hours, Alūksne leaves a lasting impression. The best part? Many of its highlights are within walking distance, making it easy to experience its charm, whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay.
And yes, I did find the peace I was looking for.
Possible stops along the way from Riga to Alūksne
If you need to break up the long car ride, consider one of the following:
Sigulda
Rauna
Other things to see and do in Latvia