Zilupe Travel Guide

City Border town and railway junction in eastern Latvia

Eastern Latvia’s Zilupe sits near the Russian border with wooden villas, a railway junction and forest tracks. Travelers come for quiet walks, cross-border history, seasonal berry-picking and early-morning markets selling smoked fish and rye loaves.

Costs

USD 30-70 per day

Very low local costs; basic services and budget lodging common.

Safety

Generally safe, limited facilities

Quiet border town but limited services; standard small-town safety applies.

Best Time

May-September (summer months)

Mild summers are best for exploring the countryside.

In This Guide

Why Visit Zilupe?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

1,897

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited public transport; local buses and regional train services with minimal tourist facilities.

Popularity

Very low tourist numbers; appeals to niche travelers and rail enthusiasts.

Known For

Railway history, border-town location, rural Latvian life, small-town markets, nearby forests and lakes, quiet streets, regional culture, cross-border trade

Zilupe developed around a 19th-century railway station and remains a small rail-border town on Latvia's eastern frontier.

Why Visit Zilupe? #

A small town on Latvia’s eastern frontier, Zilupe is a gateway to Latgale’s distinctive culture, pottery and borderland history. Visitors often explore local ceramic workshops that continue Latgalian traditions, and seasonal festivals highlight the region’s language and music. The town’s railway and market atmosphere reflect its role as a cross-border meeting point, while nearby lakes and forests offer quiet nature escapes. It’s appealing to travelers interested in rural culture and off-the-beaten-path heritage.

Top Things to Do in Zilupe

All Attractions ›

Lake Osveya

One of Belarus's largest lakes in Vitebsk region

Lake

Sebezhsky National Park

Protected park in Pskov region with lakes and forests

Lake in Pskov Oblast near the Latvian border

Lake

Ludza Castle

Medieval Latvian castle ruins in Ludza town

Castle

Lielais Ludzas ezers

Large Latvian lake near Ludza with wetlands

Lake

Don't Miss

Zilupe Railway Station - Historic border railway station linking Latvia and Russia, noted for period architecture.
Zilupe Market - Weekly market where locals sell regional produce, crafts, and traditional Latvian foods.
Zilupe Cultural Centre - Zilupe Cultural Centre hosts concerts, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.

Hidden Gems

Ludza Castle Mound - Ancient hillfort remains near Ludza, offering insight into Latgale's medieval past.
Rāzna National Park - Lakes, forests and nature trails within Latvia's largest national park, ideal for kayaking.
Zilupe River promenade - Quiet riverbank path offering peaceful walks and birdwatching close to town center.

Day Trips

Ludza - Ludza town with medieval castle mound, lakeside promenade, and regional museum.
Aglona Basilica - Pilgrimage basilica famous for White Masses and ornate interior, about 65 kilometers.
Rēzekne - Regional centre featuring Latgale Culture and History Museum and St. Peter's Church.

Best Time to Visit Zilupe #

Zilupe is best in summer for short, mild days and outdoor wandering. Autumn cools rapidly and winters are long, cold, and snowy-dress warmly and expect winter conditions well into spring.

Summer

June - August · 14-22°C (57-72°F)

Summers are short and mild-good for countryside walks and local festivals without intense heat.

Autumn

September - November · 0-15°C (32-59°F)

Autumn turns brisk and colorful quickly; days cool fast and mornings grow frosty toward November.

Winter

December - February · -15--5°C (5-23°F)

Winters are long, bitterly cold, and snowy-expect deep snow and true subzero spells in the coldest months.

Best Time to Visit Zilupe #

Climate

Zilupe's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (626 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

JulyMayAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

32°

Warmest Month

-39°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-6°

Feels Like Freezing

-6°C

Temperature

-9° – -4°

98%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

37 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

7.4h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-6°

Feels Like Freezing

-6°C

Temperature

-9° – -3°

98%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

31 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.3h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°

Feels Like Freezing

-2°C

Temperature

-6° – 2°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

33 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

1° – 10°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

36 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

14.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

7° – 18°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

55 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.1

UV Index

High

16.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 21°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

71 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.4

UV Index

High

17.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 82 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

12° – 22°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

82 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.4

UV Index

High

16.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 21°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

71 mm

Rainfall

2.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.0

UV Index

High

14.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

6° – 15°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

59 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

3° – 9°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

54 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

10.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Cold

0°C

Temperature

-2° – 2°

95%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

53 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

8.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-4°

Feels Like Freezing

-4°C

Temperature

-6° – -2°

97%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

44 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

6.7h daylight

How to Get to Zilupe

Zilupe is a small eastern-Latvian town near the Russian border; Riga Airport (RIX) is the primary international gateway. The most direct public routes are regional trains (Zilupe station) and regional bus services from Rēzekne and other district centres.

By Air

Riga International Airport (RIX): Riga is the main international gateway for eastern Latvia. From RIX you travel to Riga centre by bus or train (~20-30 minutes, €2-€4) and then continue by regional train or bus toward Rēzekne and onward to Zilupe.

Daugavpils (no major commercial airport): There is no regular commercial airport closer than Riga; Daugavpils has limited air services and most international travellers use Riga.

By Train & Bus

Train: Zilupe has a railway station (Zilupe) on regional lines toward Rēzekne and Riga; services are operated by Pasažieru vilciens. The leg from Rēzekne to Zilupe typically takes around 1-2 hours and fares are low (a few euros).

Bus: Regional buses link Rēzekne, Ludza and surrounding districts with Zilupe; buses are useful where train schedules don’t match your plans and for connections to smaller villages.

How to Get Around Zilupe #

Zilupe is a small border town where most places are within walking distance. Regional buses connect Zilupe with nearby towns, but services are limited - confirm schedules ahead of time.

Taxis are available locally for short trips; having access to a car gives you the greatest flexibility for exploring rural areas nearby.

Where to Stay in Zilupe #

Budget

Town centre / near train station - €20-50/night

Zilupe is a small border town with very limited formal hotels; travellers usually use simple inns or nearby town options.

Zilupe area guesthouses (tourist info) - Simple, local guest accommodations
Small inns (booking listing) - Basic rooms near the border

Mid-Range

Rēzekne area / regional hub - €50-100/night

Mid-range choices are sparse - most visitors stay in Rēzekne for more reliable hotels, then visit Zilupe as a day trip or short stop.

Rēzekne (regional hub) hotels - More comfortable options about 60-90 min away
Select local guesthouses - A couple of upgraded rooms available seasonally

Luxury

Daugavpils / Rēzekne - €120+/night

Zilupe itself has no luxury hotels. For premium stays, head to regional centres like Rēzekne or Daugavpils with upscale offerings.

Luxury options in regional capitals - Upscale hotels only in larger cities
Premium stays in Latgale region - Luxury requires traveling to bigger towns

Where to Eat in Zilupe #

Latgale & Border Cafés

Zilupe's simple cafés reflect Latgale tastes: rye bread, smoked fish, hearty soups and dairy-based desserts, often enjoyed in modest, community-focused spots.

Savoury Snacks & Takeaways

Small takeaways and kiosks offer sandwiches, pies and quick hot foods for travellers crossing the nearby border or passing through town.

Nightlife in Zilupe #

Nightlife is minimal and primarily local - small cafés or village bars rather than a dedicated nightlife district. Evenings are quiet and family-oriented.

For more evening options, travel to bigger towns in the region.

Shopping in Zilupe #

Shopping in Zilupe is basic: small shops, grocery stores and local stalls serving residents’ everyday needs. There aren’t tourist boutiques, so plan to obtain specialist items in larger Latvian towns.

Border shopping options may vary; always check opening hours in advance.