A Journey through Time and Taste

Travelling with the Bānītis – the only regularly operating narrow-gauge railway in the Baltics – you will experience slow travel that brings together scenic landscapes, cultural heritage and local flavours.

Day One – From Gulbene to Alūksne

Morning: Arrival in the Gulbene region. Tasting at an innovative food production facility producing freeze-dried treats. You will learn about the freeze-drying process, try your hand at creating products, and enjoy a “blind” tasting experience.Visit to the Gulbene–Alūksne Bānītis depot, steam locomotive and rail trolley ride. An authentic atmosphere filled with industrial railway heritage. Tasting of local food products. Journey by the narrow-gauge train Bānītis to Stāmeriena station. One of the most exciting experiences of the trip. The locomotive moves slowly forward, and outside the window the scenery changes – forests, meadows and bogs, fields, nature and wild animals.Lunch. A warming, hearty meal reflecting local flavour traditions and hospitality.

Afternoon: Guided tour of Stāmeriena Palace, built in Romanticism and Classicism style, and its park. Visit to Stāmeriena Orthodox Church. Travel to Alūksne, check-in at the hotel. Dinner with Alūksne flavour highlights. Evening walk in Alūksne – the musical bridge, the illuminated Castle Island and more.

Day Two – Alūksne and Surroundings

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Alūksne Castle Island, Temple Hill Park, created in the 19th century during the time of Baron von Fitinghoff as part of the Alūksne Manor landscape park, using natural relief, paths and viewpoints. Walk among Lake Alūksne and its islands. Lake Alūksne is one of the most picturesque and largest lakes in Vidzeme, known for its clean water, rich nature and important role in the town’s history. The lake has several islands, the most famous being Castle Island, where the medieval Marienburg Castle once stood. Boat trip on “Marienburg”. The boat operates during the summer season and offers both an entertaining and informative cruise with stories about the history of Alūksne and Marienburg Castle. Lunch with tasting of local products.

Afternoon: Visit to the Alūksne Bānītis station quarter – an interactive exhibition about the history of the narrow-gauge railway, an opportunity to step into the role of a railway worker and discover stories of old trains.Masterclass with local artisans. Thematic workshops (cookie baking, crafts, working with clay, etc.). Journey home.