Gaizinkalns

Gaizinkalns is the roof of Latvia, and at 312 metres it is a reminder that this is a flat country. The summit is a wooded hill with a lookout, rolling farmland and forest in every direction, and a small winter ski slope on its flank.

Background

The hill's German name is Mesenberg. It rises in the Vidzeme Upland a short way west of Madona, and despite its modest height it now serves as a ski area, with three slopes and several guesthouses. To beat Suur Munamägi, Estonia's highest point at 318 metres, a tower was built here whose top rose above that summit. It was never finished, yet it became so popular that it had to be closed as a serious safety risk, and it was demolished in December 2012, with the rubble cleared away. A multilingual sign near the high point marks it, while the natural summit itself carries nothing.

Source: Wikipedia, "Gaiziņkalns"

Highlights

• The summit marker - the highest natural point in the country, in a clearing near the top.
• The lookout - views over the lake-dotted Vidzeme uplands, the most rolling landscape Latvia offers.
• Lake Gaizins - a quiet lake at the base, good for a swim in summer.
• Winter slope - a small ski and sledging hill runs here in a snowy winter.

When to go

Clear autumn or summer days for the long view; winter if there is snow for the modest ski runs. Weekdays are empty.

Things to know

This is the high point of a low country - do not expect a mountain. The reward is a gentle, pretty upland of lakes and forest, and the novelty of standing on the top of Latvia. There is no lookout tower: the unfinished one that once stood here was demolished in December 2012.

Nearby

The lakes around Madona make good swimming and paddling; the Vidzeme uplands roll on toward Cesvaine castle.

Key facts