Things To Do
in Varakļāni
Varakļāni is a small town in eastern Latvia known for its elegant palace and tranquil countryside. The town sits amid fields and forests, offering a quiet escape from larger cities. The centerpiece is Varakļāņi Palace, surrounded by a historic park that invites strolls and photography.
Visitors can enjoy local Latvian flavors, gentle river walks, and a sense of Latgalian heritage in the town center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a guided tour of the 18th-century Varakļāni Palace. Marvel at its neoclassical façades and ornate interior balconies. Wander through the baroque gardens, breathing in the scent of blooming lindens.
Settle beneath a centuries-old oak for a picnic featuring local cheese, smoked fish, and fresh rye bread. Follow winding park paths to hidden grottos and ornamental ponds. Learn about the palace’s noble inhabitants as you explore the chapel and former stables.
Dine at a riverside café in Varakļāni town, sampling grey peas with bacon and honey cake. Return to the palace grounds for a twilight stroll under lantern-lit alleys. Cap off the night with craft beer at a cozy tavern by the manor gates.
Head to a nearby elk sanctuary for a guided feeding session. Observe these majestic creatures grazing in their natural habitat and snap photos from a safe distance. Listen to the sanctuary keeper share tales of elk behavior and conservation efforts.
Hike along forest trails that wind through pines and spruces surrounding the enclosure. Pause for a riverside lunch of baguettes and smoked sausage overlooking a tranquil bend in the stream. Keep an eye out for beaver dams and colorful woodpeckers along the banks.
Return to Varakļāni for a hearty Latvian dinner at a family-run guesthouse. Savor beetroot soup and potato pancakes while locals share folk stories. Finish the day with a bonfire under the stars, roasting marshmallows and listening to traditional lute music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee in café | $2-3 |
| 🚍One-way ticket (local transport) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calm, rural charm and close proximity to Latgalian heritage
- Palace and park provide photogenic and cultural experiences
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Smaller town services may require trips to larger towns for some needs
- "Sveiki" - Hello
- "Paldies" - Thank you
- "Lūdzu" - Please
- "Kur atrodas muzejs?" - Where is the museum?
- "Cik tas maksā?" - How much does this cost?
- "Es nesaprotu" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Varakļāni
Visit one of these nice places.
The neoclassical palace facade and the surrounding landscaped park offer elegant compositions, especially at golden hour.
Historic wooden houses lining the main street create nostalgic Latvian village scenes.
Calm river banks and reflections provide tranquil landscape photography opportunities.
The local church and square provide architectural detail and atmospheric evening shots.
Food in Varakļāni
Varakļāni Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty staple where dried grey peas simmer with smoked bacon and onions, best enjoyed with rye bread.
Must-Try!
Traditional Latgalian pastries made with rye dough and potato filling, often served with sour cream.
Bacon and onion-filled pastries that are a popular Latvian snack.
Dense, flavorful rye bread often served warm with creamy butter.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering farm produce, local cheeses, rye bread, berries, honey, and smoked fish.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite hello is 'Labdien' and a handshake is common in formal settings.
Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially indoors or in private spaces.
Dress modestly in churches or sacred sites; arrive on time for events or visits.
Latvian is the official language; Russian or English may be understood in some spots, especially in tourist-oriented places.
Safety
Tipping in Varakļāni
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Latvia, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh greens; expect rain and occasional late frosts. Pack a light rain jacket.
Warm, long days with lush landscapes. Mosquitoes can be present; bring repellent.
Colorful foliage and harvests; temperatures cool. Great for moody landscape photos.
Cold with possible snow and icy conditions. Ground frost and short days; dress warmly.
Varakļāni at Night
Hiking in Varakļāni
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of gentle forest paths near the town suitable for day hikes.
Riverside trails offering tranquil views and birdwatching opportunities.
Scenic countryside detours linking villages with farmland and woodland.
Airports
How to reach Varakļāni by plane.
Latvia's main international gateway, about 170-200 km from Varakļāni; accessible by road and rail via Riga.
Regional airport offering limited flights; a longer drive from Varakļāni but useful for occasional trips.
Small regional airport with occasional service; closer to Latgale towns, depending on flight schedules.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnicity in the town and country, with a strong Latvian cultural presence.
A minority group historically present in Latgale, contributing to local language diversity.
Smaller communities including Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other residents.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Latvia, with local clubs and school programs.
Common leisure and organized play and nearby fields.
In winter, trails and fields are used for skiing and snowshoeing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Varakļāni.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy dishes based on beets, mushrooms, potatoes, rye bread, and dairy. Ask for mushroom or potato-based fillings and sides in most places.