August 27 marks World Lake Day. Although it is still a relatively new addition to the international calendar, first observed only in 2025, its message is both important and familiar to many of us from childhood.
Most of us have spent at least one summer day by the water - beside a small lake somewhere in Latvia, a much larger one, or perhaps one beyond the country's borders.
Lakes have long been part of the way we enjoy the warmer months. We come to swim, take a walk, go fishing, head out on a boat, or simply spend a few quiet hours away from the city. And for Latvia, with its countless lakes and Latgale's famous "Land of Blue Lakes," this day feels especially fitting.
How World Lake Day Began
World Lake Day was established by the United Nations on December 12, 2024, when the UN General Assembly decided that it would be observed every year on August 27. The new international day appeared on the calendar for the first time in 2025.
The idea behind it is fairly simple - to remind us how important lakes are and why they need to be protected. Lakes are an essential part of natural ecosystems, provide habitats for countless plants and animals, and play an important role in people's lives as well.
And celebrating the day does not have to be complicated. You could simply choose a beautiful spot on the map and plan a little trip to the water.
Beautiful Lakes in Latvia Worth Visiting
Lake Rāzna - Rāznas ezers
Rāzna is one of those places that makes it easy to understand why Latgale is known as the Land of Blue Lakes. It is Latvia's second-largest lake by surface area and the country's largest by water volume. Because of its size, Rāzna is often called the Sea of Latgale.
If you want to spend a summer day here, it is best to choose one of the designated areas. In Lipuški, for example, there is a public swimming area with convenient road access and parking. A visit to the lake can also be combined with a walk through Rāzna National Park, where several viewpoints offer beautiful panoramas of the surrounding Latgalian landscape.
Lake Ežezers - Ežezers
Another beautiful lake in Latgale is Ežezers, especially known for the many islands scattered across its surface.
One of the easiest ways to explore the area is via the Jaundome Nature Trail. Part of the route follows a wooden boardwalk and stretches for around 880 meters, while the full trail is approximately 3 kilometers long. It is open year-round and offers a lovely way to get a closer look at the natural scenery around Ežezers.
Lake Lubāns - Lubāns
Lubāns is Latvia's largest lake by surface area and one of the most interesting places to visit if you enjoy peaceful landscapes, nature, and birdwatching.
The lake is surrounded by extensive wetlands. Several birdwatching towers can be found in the area, along with the Teirumnieki Nature Trail, which is around 800 meters long. That makes Lubāns a good destination not only for the lake itself, but also for a short walk through a very distinctive natural landscape.
Lake Kaņieris - Kaņiera ezers
Lake Kaņieris is located in Ķemeri National Park and is a particularly good choice for anyone who would like to combine a lakeside visit with a walk in nature.
A wooden nature trail winds through the reeds and connects several small islands, and there is also a birdwatching tower nearby. Kaņieris is considered one of the best places for birdwatching in the national park, with around 200 bird species recorded in the area. It becomes especially interesting during the spring and fall migrations, which means late August can also be a very good time to visit.
Lake Alūksne - Alūksnes ezers
Lake Alūksne is a great option for anyone who does not want to choose between nature and a stroll through town. The lake sits right next to the center of Alūksne, so it is easy to combine a visit to the water with some of the city's main sights.
One of the nicest places to spend time is Pilssala, or Castle Island. It has a well-maintained swimming area, places to relax, and water activities, while the nearby park and historic center make it easy to continue your walk afterward. There are four islands in Lake Alūksne, with Pilssala being the largest.
How to Celebrate World Lake Day
World Lake Day does not yet have any long-established traditions - it is simply too new. But perhaps that is part of its charm. Every person or family can create traditions of their own. It could be an annual trip to a favorite lake, or simply taking some time to learn more about why lakes matter and how pollution and other environmental pressures can affect them.
Better yet, August 27 can be an excuse to head to the water, go for a walk, rent a boat, watch the sunset, or discover a place you have never visited before.
Late August in Latvia seems almost made for trips like these. Summer is not quite over, the crowds by the water are slowly beginning to thin out, and nature is already starting to change. It is a lovely excuse to spend one of the last summer days by a lake - and a quiet reminder that the beauty of these places depends in no small part on how carefully we treat them.