population: 0.018 million

extension: 13.48 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Aluksne and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend you visit the Aluksne Museum, which is located in the Aluksne Castle. It has a rich collection of historical artifacts and exhibits related to the culture and history of the town.

If you want to explore more museums in the area, you could visit the Gulbene Museum, located about 45 km away from Aluksne, which also showcases the history of the region. Another option is the Cesvaine Castle Museum, located approximately 60 km away, which features exhibits on the history of the local nobility and their lifestyle.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to try in Aluksne, Latvia recommended by locals include:

1. Sklandrausis - a traditional Latvian dessert made from rye dough filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, carrots, and sweetened with honey or sugar.

2. Saltibarsciai - a cold beet soup that is usually served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.

3. Rasols – A salad dish made from boiled vegetables (potatoes, carrots, pickles), mixed with mayonnaise and garnished with boiled eggs, sausage, or ham.

4. Jāņu siers - A fresh cheese made from curdled milk, which is usually served with caraway seeds, sugar, sour cream, and bread.

5. Pīrāgi - Small, savory pastries filled with bacon, onions, and sometimes other ingredients like cabbage or mushrooms.

6. Kartupelu pankukas - Latvian potato pancakes, which are grated potato fritters fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

These dishes are often enjoyed during festivals or special occasions, but you can find them in many local restaurants in Aluksne throughout the year.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that local people in Aluksne enjoy:

1. Take a stroll around Lake Aluksne, which is the largest lake in Latvia's eastern region and offers beautiful scenery.

2. Visit the Aluksne Castle Park, which is located near the Aluksne Castle, and has a playground for children, walking trails, and scenic views.

3. Go skiing or snowboarding at the Aluksne Ski Resort during winter.

4. Attend cultural events at the Aluksne Culture Centre, which hosts concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions.

5. Take a bike ride along the scenic countryside roads surrounding Aluksne.

6. Swim or sunbathe at the Aluksne Beach, which is a popular spot during the summer months.

7. Explore the local cuisine by trying out traditional Latvian dishes at one of the many restaurants in Aluksne.

8. Visit the Aluksne Mineral water spring park, where you can taste and buy mineral water from the local springs and also enjoy the park's gardens and recreational areas.