Rāzna National Park

Rāzna Overview

Rāzna National Park, known locally as Rāznas nacionālais parks, is a stunning natural reserve in eastern Latvia, established in 2007 to protect the unique ecosystems of the Latgale region.

Spanning an area of 206 square miles (534 square kilometers), it is Latvia’s second-largest national park, centered around the beautiful Rāzna Lake, often referred to as the “Sea of Latgale.” Located near the towns of Rēzekne and Dagda, the park is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage.

The terrain of Rāzna National Park is characterized by rolling hills, lush meadows, and dense forests interspersed with numerous lakes and streams. Rāzna Lake, the second-largest lake in Latvia, is the park’s centerpiece, offering sweeping views and a tranquil atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by sandy shores and wetlands that support vibrant ecosystems.

Another prominent feature is Mount Mākoņkalns, a hill rising to 827 feet (252 meters), crowned by the ruins of the 13th-century Volkenberg Castle, adding a touch of historical charm to the landscape. The forests within the park are a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, birch, spruce, and pine, providing habitats for a variety of plant species and creating a stunning seasonal palette.

Rāzna National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife. The park’s forests, wetlands, and lakes host mammals such as elk, red deer, wild boars, and foxes. The region is also known for its birdlife, with species like the white stork, osprey, black woodpecker, and the great crested grebe frequently spotted by visitors.

The wetlands are crucial breeding grounds for several waterfowl species, making the park a popular destination for birdwatchers. Additionally, the park’s waters are teeming with fish, including perch, pike, and bream, supporting both local biodiversity and traditional fishing practices.

Visitors to Rāzna National Park can enjoy a wide range of activities that immerse them in its natural beauty. Hiking trails wind through forests and along lakeshores, offering opportunities for scenic walks and exploration. The park is also ideal for cycling, with paths that meander through picturesque landscapes.

Rāzna Lake provides ample opportunities for water-based recreation, such as boating, swimming, and fishing. During winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, with opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Cultural experiences, such as visiting local villages and exploring historical landmarks like the ruins of Volkenberg Castle, add a rich layer of heritage to the visit.

Conservation efforts in Rāzna National Park focus on preserving its unique ecosystems and balancing sustainable tourism. Challenges such as habitat preservation and managing human impact on the park’s delicate environments are ongoing, but the management team has made significant strides in fostering local community involvement and environmental education. The park’s status as a Natura 2000 site underscores its importance for European biodiversity and highlights the collaborative efforts to protect its rich natural heritage.

Park Map

Rāzna National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Bird Species

Razna National Park is a birdwatcher’s haven, offering a wide variety of bird species that inhabit its wetlands, forests, and lakes.

White storks are iconic birds often seen nesting in the park’s meadows and wetlands, feeding on insects, small mammals, and amphibians.

Grey herons are tall, elegant wading birds that hunt along the park’s lakes and rivers, using their long beaks to catch fish and amphibians.

Mute swans are graceful water birds often seen gliding across the park’s lakes, recognized for their white plumage and striking curved necks.

Eurasian cranes are large, majestic birds that frequent the park’s wetlands, known for their distinctive calls and impressive courtship displays during the breeding season.

Common kingfishers are brightly colored birds found near the park’s rivers and streams, diving swiftly into the water to catch fish and small aquatic creatures.

Great crested grebes are striking water birds that perform elegant mating dances, often seen swimming and diving in the park’s lakes.

Coots are small, dark water birds commonly spotted in the park’s lakes and ponds, using their strong legs to swim and dive for food.

Ospreys are large, fish-eating raptors often seen hovering above the park’s lakes before diving dramatically to catch fish.

Barnacle geese migrate to Razna National Park during winter, grazing in the park’s open areas and meadows as they pass through on their migration route.

Golden eagles are powerful raptors occasionally seen soaring over the park’s forests and lakes, hunting for small mammals and birds with their sharp talons.

Popular Species

Razna National Park is home to a diverse range of species that thrive in its lakes, forests, and meadows, showcasing the natural beauty of Latvia.

Roe deer are commonly seen grazing in the park’s meadows and forest edges, known for their agility and quick movements, especially at dawn and dusk.

Red foxes are adaptable predators found throughout the park, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects, and are often spotted in open areas during early mornings.

Wild boars roam the park’s forests, foraging for roots, acorns, and small animals, often leaving signs of their activity in the undergrowth.

Beavers are active in the park’s lakes and rivers, constructing dams and lodges, creating wetland habitats that support other species.

Otters are playful and agile, frequently seen near the park’s water bodies, hunting for fish and small aquatic creatures in the lakes and streams.

European hares are fast and elusive herbivores commonly found in the park’s open meadows, feeding on grasses and other vegetation while avoiding predators.

Bats are important nocturnal creatures in the park, helping control insect populations and roosting in trees and caves around the forested areas.

Brown frogs thrive in the park’s wetlands, hopping through moist areas and serving as a vital part of the local food chain for larger predators.

Pike are top predators in the park’s lakes, known for their swift movements and sharp teeth as they hunt smaller fish in Razna’s waters.

Trout are frequently found in the park’s rivers and lakes, offering an exciting catch for anglers and contributing to the park’s aquatic ecosystem.