Explore the area
«Teiči» sits in a convenient spot near Varakļāni — with nature trails and sights nearby, as well as cosy places to grab a meal. Explore a few of them on the map and in the descriptions below.
About Teiči Nature Reserve — how to visit and where to see the bog
«Raibais asaris» inn
A great spot to relax and enjoy Latvian nature. Eat indoors or on the outdoor terrace, taking in the surrounding views at an unhurried pace.
Stirniene Manor
A restored historic manor house in Stirniene — a quiet, picturesque stop for an unhurried walk and photographs.
Kristakrūgs viewing tower
From the 27-metre tower a beautiful panorama opens over the Teiči Nature Reserve. Access is from the Jēkabpils–Rēzekne highway.
«Rudaste» café
A small family café in Varakļāni serving tasty meals, with takeaway available.
Varakļāni Palace
A manor house built between 1783 and 1789 in the early Classicist style — a national architectural monument with a park.
Madonas Alus BBQ restaurant
Authentic Georgian dishes — kharcho, khinkali, khachapuri, shashlik — with fresh Madona beer straight from the brewery. (Seasonal.)
Lake Lubāns
The largest lake in Latvia at 82.1 km². A favourite for birdwatching and fishing.
«Zīds» restaurant (GORS)
A contemporary restaurant at the Latgale Embassy GORS in Rēzekne — ideal if you want to round off the day with a concert or an exhibition.
Distances and driving times are approximate. Locations on the map may differ slightly from the actual sites.
What to do in each season
The Varakļāni area looks completely different depending on the month. Here is a short guide to what is worth planning in each season.
Spring
The birds return. The area around Lake Lubāns (47 km) is one of the most important birdwatching sites in Latvia, and spring is its loudest season. The manor park in Varakļāni, with its ponds and tree-lined avenues, is especially rewarding for an unhurried walk at this time.
Summer
The only time you can go into the Teiči Nature Reserve — visits are allowed only with a Nature Conservation Agency guide, from 1 June to 31 October, and must be booked in advance. Summer is also when the seasonal Madonas Alus BBQ restaurant (39 km) is open.
Autumn
Reserve tours run until 31 October, and autumn is also the bird migration season at Lubāns. Mushroom and berry season starts in the forests, and from the 27-metre Kristakrūgs viewing tower (7 km) the bog in autumn colours looks nothing like it does in summer.
Winter
The quietest time of year. Attractions open less often, so a winter trip usually centres on the house itself — warmth indoors, snow outside and complete silence. The GORS concert hall in Rēzekne (53 km) runs concerts and exhibitions through the winter.
Three ready-made day plans
If you would rather not plan, here are three routes that fit together well in terms of distance and opening hours.
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Half a day close by · under 25 km
Start at the Kristakrūgs viewing tower (7 km) and the view over the Teiči bog, then have lunch at the «Raibais asaris» inn (3.5 km), and spend the afternoon at Varakļāni manor and its park (10 km). With stops, this is a comfortable half day.
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A day by the water · 47 km each way
Lubāns is the largest lake in Latvia (82.1 km²) and lies 47 km away, about a 40-minute drive. The area is popular with both birdwatchers and anglers, so a whole unhurried day fits here easily. On the way back you can stop at Stirniene manor (3.5 km).
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An evening of culture · 53 km
The Latgale embassy GORS in Rēzekne is 53 km away, about 40 minutes by car. A concert or exhibition there pairs easily with dinner at the «Zīds» restaurant in the same building. It is worth buying tickets in advance, and the drive back in the evening is calm.
Frequently asked questions about the area
Can we drive into the Teiči Nature Reserve on our own?
No. The reserve may only be entered together with a Nature Conservation Agency guide, and only from 1 June to 31 October, with advance booking. Plan the tour early — places are limited.
Where can we see the bog without a booked tour?
From the Kristakrūgs viewing tower, 7 km away on the Jēkabpils–Rēzekne road. The tower is 27 metres high, freely accessible and free of charge, and looks out over the Teiči bog.
Where can we eat nearby?
The closest is the «Raibais asaris» inn, 3.5 km away. Varakļāni has the family café «Rudaste», the GORS concert hall in Rēzekne (53 km) has the «Zīds» restaurant, and the Madonas Alus BBQ restaurant, 39 km away, is open in the summer season.
How far is Lake Lubāns?
Lake Lubāns — the largest lake in Latvia (82.1 km²) — is 47 km away, about a 40-minute drive. Its surroundings are one of the most important birdwatching areas in Latvia.