Lake Lubāns

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