Lake Lubans

Lubans is the biggest lake in Latvia by area, though it is so shallow and reed-fringed that it feels more like a flooded plain than open water. Ringed by dykes, fish ponds and reedbeds, it is one of the richest bird habitats in the country, with watchtowers set out across the wetland.

What you actually see

• Birdwatching towers - a network of towers looks out over the reeds and pools; spring and autumn migrations are huge.
• The dykes - long straight embankments make flat walking and cycling routes around the water.
• Fish ponds - the managed ponds beside the lake draw pelicans, cranes and eagles.
• Big skies - the flat, open wetland is all horizon and weather.

When to go

Spring and autumn migration are the peak, when thousands of birds pass through. Summer is quieter but green. Bring binoculars; without them the appeal is limited.

Honest expectations

This is a place for patient people and birdwatchers, not for dramatic scenery - it is flat, wet and subtle. The lake edges are hard to reach without the dyke roads and towers. Mosquitoes are serious in summer.

Nearby

Rezekne, the capital of Latgale, has the striking modern Gors culture centre; Lake Razna is the region's other great lake to the south.