One of Latvia's most storied lakes and best lakes to visit in Latvia is Lake Burtnieks. The lake, which is 13.5 km long, is located in a stunning area in the Northern Vidzeme-Talava lowland. Lake Burtnieks is drained by 23 rivers and rivulets, although only one river, the River Salaca, emerges from the lake. The lake is not particularly deep and is covered in woods in some areas. The lake's shores have a gentle slope and are overgrown. Reeds abound in the shallow coastal area, but beautiful sandstones line the steep beach adjacent to the Burtnieks Church. Boaters can use these locations to navigate because it is simple to view the towers of the local churches and the Visrags Observational Tower from the lake.

On the shore, there are two towers for viewing the natural world. The Silzemnieki nature observation tower is situated on the northeast side of the lake, and you may reach one of them by strolling along the lake's coast on the less than 2 km long Vsrags Nature Trail. Because the lake, reeds, and extensive floodplain meadows are an important habitat for both water and meadow birds and travelers, you can see a variety of bird species from the observation towers in addition to the stunning landscape. It is possible to see and photograph the northern lights, which are a rare natural phenomena that most frequently occurs in autumn and spring when the weather is right. You can partake in a variety of water activities throughout the summer months, including swimming, boating, and SUP boarding. Visitors can also go on excursions on the Made Marija boat. More than 20 different fish species may be found in Lake Burtnieks, where fishing licenses are also required.

Location: Vidzeme

Lake Lubāns is the largest lake in Latvia. The lake is in the heart of the Eastern Latvian Lowland. It is a shallow drainage lake that receives water from the Rēzekne, Malta, Malmuta, and Lisinja rivers as well as several smaller brooks. The lake empties into the Daugava River via the Aiviekste River. The Lubanas basin contains other smaller former lakes that have been artificially dried up and are now used for farming. It is very shallow, has reed-covered coastlines, and is surrounded by a fir tree forest that is so ominous and wild that Siberian-themed movies can be made nearby.

The Lubāns Wetlands surround Lake Lubāns (area 813 km2). It is a rare natural feature with significance for both Europe and the entire world. It plays a significant part in the preservation of numerous protected species and biotopes. With approximately 225 kinds of birds reported in the vicinity, the lake is renowned for its biodiversity. Of these, 51 species are considered to be rare protected bird species in Latvia. The lake is surrounded by six towers that provide viewing platforms for birds. The lake draws thousands of migratory ducks in the autumn and spring, which are easily viewed from the terrace of the water tourism development center or the bird observation towers. Take your binoculars and climb one of these towers to spend the day watching birds.

Location: Madona District

Rāzna is the largest lake in Latvia in terms of water volume and has the second-largest water surface in the country. It is situated in the country's east on the grounds of the Rēzekne Municipality; the lake's water area is shared by the parishes of Kaunatas, Mākoņkalna and Čornajas. The sea of Latgale is a common name for it. Beautiful scenery, lofty peaks, and the slopes of the Latgalian castles should be seen by tourists. Enjoy the lakeside recreation areas, Rāzna National Park, and the area around it. The area is a part of the NATURA 2000 network of protected areas in the European Union. Ten islands and two gulfs make up the lake. The water rises to a height of 163.8m.

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to truly enjoy yourself while traveling in the area of the Razna Nature Reserve, where you can encounter the deep lake Rāzna, the pride of the Latgalian region, whose natural beauty is breathtaking to see at any time of the year and which delights everyone. The water at Lake Rāzna is of a quality similar to drinking water and meets all the European criteria. Since 27 different species of fish live here, making up over 90% of all fish found in Latvian lakes, the "Latvian sea" has special significance not just for Latvia but also for the other countries that border the Baltic Sea. It is important to note that European Union Directive 92/43 lists seven different species of fish. One of Latvia's top fishing regions is Lake Rāzna. Because of the lake's clear water and easily accessible sandy shores, it has become a popular recreation area, and the diversity of fish that live in its depths draw a lot of anglers.

Location: Raznava

Lake Engure, one of the best lakes to visit in Latvia, is a lake in the western part of Latvia, in the Talsi District. After Lake Lubāns and Lake Rzna, it is the third-largest lake in the nation. An old sea lagoon called Lake Engure is separated from the sea by a 1.5 to 2.5 km broad sandbar with dunes. The artificial Mersraga waterway, excavated in 1842, serves as its outflow. It is eutrophic, largely reed-covered, and home to 16 different species of fish. Although the first nature reserve was created here in 1957, the entire lake and its surroundings have been a part of the Lake Engure Nature Park since 1999. It includes an ornithologists' floating base. In 1995, the lake was added to the Ramsar list of wetlands of international significance.

The name Engure is derived from a Libyan word that means "eel," hence the lake might also be referred to as "the eel lake," but there are currently relatively few eels there. Due to the lake's unfortunate eutrophication, the reed vegetation must be trimmed down and the lake must be routinely cleansed. A wide variety of bird species call the lake home. For birdwatchers' protection, a number of towers have been built. From the observation towers of the Ornithology Center in Bērzciems (Tukums district) and Krievrags (ciems parish), one may take in the lakeside beauty. Numerous activities are hosted by the Latvian Ornithology Society here at the lake. Many bird lovers from all around Latvia attend the society's Bird Watching Days, which are held from April to October. Towers that have been built all around the lakes provide excellent vantage points from which to see the many bird species.

Location: Engure

Lake Dridzis is the deepest lake in Latvia. The lake has a very long shape, numerous bays, and nine islands, the largest of which is Bernatu sala (13,9 ha). The lake has a river-like curve. Numerous waterways and peninsulas are created. The deepest point is 65,1 meters. The shoreline stretches for 11 kilometers. One kilometer is the area. The hills provide a beautiful vista of numerous lakes. Dridzis is located on land that is part of a protected natural area.

Nine islands, including the island of Bernatu sala, and numerous bays make up the lake. The river makes numerous creeks and peninsulas as it meanders throughout its path. Dridzis Lake is located in a protected area, and from the hills around, you may get expansive views of it and the other nearby lakes. Latvia's Lake Drīdzis is a good diving location since it is well suited for recreational diving.On the lake's edge, there is a suitable parking area, and access to the water is possible from the shore, the pier, or a boat. Due to the lake's many potential depths, diving in it is appropriate for both amateurs (with Open Water Diver certifications) and professionals (Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, Tec Diver). Dry Suit, Underwater Navigation, Diver Propulsion Vehicle knowledge, and diver certification can all be studied in the lake.

Location: Krāslava Municipality

Lake Pape is the next name in the list of best lakes to visit in Latvia. Lake Pape is a lake in Latvia about 15 kilometers south of Liepaja. The Pape Nature Reserve envelops it. The Lake is the ideal location for bird viewing, and there is a station nearby that logs the many migrating species that pass through the area. You can view migratory bird flocks along the lake's shoreline if you visit in the spring or autumn. There are more than 200 different bird species in this region. Along the Lake's banks, there are a few little fishing communities that continue to uphold the nation's rich tradition.

A mesotrophic lake, Lake Pape is rich in organic materials. On the lake's shores and bays, there are plants with sharp leaves. These are the locations of the Great Fen-sedge (Cladium mariscus), which is very widespread in this region but unusual in Latvia because it exclusively grows on calcareous soils. Both in Latvia and the EU, these habitats are uncommon and protected. Typical of shallow coastal lagoon lakes with saline water pouring in from the Baltic Sea, Lake Pape has a varied fish life. The lake contains 12 different fish species, including pike, bream, tench, golden carp, roach, bleak, and heckel. From the sea to the lake, salmon, sea trout, eels, and ide migrate. A considerable concentration of nesting and migrating birds, particularly water birds, use Lake Pape and the area around it as a base. It is one of the most significant locations in Latvia for protected bird species to breed.

Location: Pape

Kaņieris Lake is a lake in Latvia that is west of the city of Jūrmala in the Emeri National Park. The lake is situated in the Engure Municipality, with the majority of it being in the Lapmežciems Parish and a little portion being in the Smrde Parish. Lake Kaieris has been recognized as a Ramsar wetland of world significance since 1995.

One of the best places for bird watching is Lake Kaieris in Kemeri National Park. There are 200 different bird species present in the lake, which contains 14 islands. The spring and early autumn seasons offer the most variation. A densely populated In Emeri National Park, a lagoon-style lake called Lake Kaņieris is a protected natural landmark. Anglers and ornithologists like the lake because it has some of the most diverse bird and plant life in Latvia. The suggested beginning location for the walk is the bird viewing tower sign on Lakme-Anticiems Road. The tower offers some very breathtaking views of the lake. After that, the trail continues to a wooden boardwalk that connects two islands and is built on pontoons. From here, visitors can walk on dry land while admiring the lake's scenic surroundings. Now, the entire lake is easily accessible from the observation tower. It enables aerial observation of the birds on Lake Kaieris. Visitors will be able to experience the reed maze of Lake Kaieris from an entirely different perspective via Reed Plank-Way.

Location: Jūrmala

Lake Alūksne is located in Alūksne Municipality, Latvia and by the lake is where you'll find the city of Alūksne. The majestic Lake Alūksne, the 11th largest lake in Latvia and home to more than 12 different fish species, enchants visitors to the city with its rich cultural history, picturesque landscapes, warm hospitality, and four islands: Cepurte (Hat Island), Gar (Long Island), Tklu salia (Net Island), and the largest Castle Island. In Alksne, it is simple to transition from the city to nature by swimming in the lake, taking boat or catamaran excursions, or - for those who prefer speed - taking a cutter. The "Zzzippp" zipline will make you experience the breath-taking feelings of a bird flying over the waters of a lake. Enjoy memorable waterborne experiences with the rafts "Kaija" and "Marienburg" from Kutis. We advise romantic couples to take sunset cruises and strolls around the Alūksne Castle Island promenade.

Every hour for the first 15 minutes, the musical pedestrian bridge on Tempakalna street plays beautiful tunes. Additionally, in the evening, the bridge is illuminated, and the lighting's interaction with the lake's waves makes for an especially lovely stroll for all. You can view the Temple Mount's illuminated Rotunda as you cross the bridge. Ascend higher, take a breath, and savor the magnificence of Lake Alūksne, one of the best lakes to visit in Latvia.

Location: Alūksne Municipality