Vacation apartment in Varakļāni Parish: Bogs and cultural heritage in Stirniene

The natural area of Varakļāni Parish includes parts of two notable bog landscapes. Teiču Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Latvia; its Teiču Bog is one of the largest pristine raised bogs in the Baltics. The protected area also includes territory in Varakļāni Parish and preserves rare bird species typical of bogs, characteristic plant species, and wetland habitats. It serves as a feeding and resting area for migratory waterfowl.

Nature and Protected Areas

The Lielais Pelečāres Bog area also includes parts of Varakļāni Parish. A raised bog is located there, with forests growing along its edges where various woodpecker species breed. Different habitats therefore exist side by side in the area: open bog landscapes and wooded edges, each with its own birdlife.

Visiting Teiču Nature Reserve is subject to clear conditions. The area may be visited only accompanied by an employee of the Nature Conservation Agency and exclusively from 1 June to 31 October.

Culture and Remembrance in Stirniene

Stirniene is home to several historical testimonies from different periods. The former church in Stirniene was built between 1757 and 1767, later dismantled, and moved to Rudzāti. St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Stirniene was built in 1907 as a masonry church from the period when older wooden churches were being replaced in Latgale. Inside, there is a memorial plaque to Bishop Boļeslavs Sloskāns (1893–1981). Part of the church’s historical collection of liturgical vestments has also been preserved.

The more recent history of remembrance is also present in the village landscape. A memorial to those repressed between 1941 and 1949 stands in Stirniene railway station square. St. Lawrence Church can be found at 9 Bīskapa-Sloskāna Street; the parish priest’s telephone number is listed as the contact.

Manor House and Historical Route

Stirniene Manor was initially owned by the Borch family and later by the Lappo family. Together with its park, it is designated as a cultural-historical and natural area of local significance. The manor is also a sightseeing attraction along the Historical Route to Stirniene.

This route introduces visitors to the history of Stirniene Parish. It provides information about nearby burial mounds, the cultural heritage left by the Borch family, life at the school in Stirniene, and the history of the Catholic parish of Stirniene. It also addresses the contribution of two figures from Latvia’s spiritual and cultural life. A small detail at the park entrance adds to the historical picture: an ash tree is visible through the gate.

The state list of protected cultural monuments also includes an architectural monument designated as an architectural monument of regional significance.

Local Specialties near Cinīši

Cinīši is a family business that keeps goats and processes goat’s milk into homemade ice cream and cheese. Four varieties of goat’s milk cheese are produced at Cinīši. Excursions were offered there for the summer season.

Accommodation Guidance

When comparing offers for a vacation apartment or accommodation in Varakļāni Parish, you can check the exact location, accommodation type, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions on the respective offer page. This makes it possible to review the terms important to you directly in each offer before booking.

More Destinations

Those exploring places at this territorial level further can also include Grozas. Other destinations at the same territorial level: Varakļāni Town, Murmastiene Parish.

To the higher-level travel overview: Varakļāni Municipality.