Zilupe

ProvinceLatvia, Europe

Zilupe, nestled in Latvia's easternmost region along the Russian border, offers travelers a unique blend of serene natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This tranquil province is renowned for its pristine pine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and the picturesque Zilupe River that gives the area its name. The town of Zilupe itself serves as a charming gateway to Latvia's borderlands, featuring well-preserved wooden architecture and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. Nature enthusiasts will delight in exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park extension areas, while history buffs can visit the Zilupe Local History Museum to learn about the region's fascinating past as a crossroads between Baltic and Slavic cultures. The annual Zilupe Town Festival in summer showcases local crafts, traditional music, and Latvian hospitality at its finest. With its excellent hiking trails, cycling routes through rolling hills, and opportunities for fishing in untouched waters, Zilupe provides a genuine escape into Latvia's unspoiled countryside where visitors can experience the slow pace of provincial life and warm local welcome.

Capital CityMajor HubNatureOff the Beaten PathHikingRuralCulturalPeaceful

Best time to visit Zilupe

May to September offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with July and August being warmest (15-25°C). June features the famous Līgo and Jāņi midsummer celebrations with bonfires and traditional festivities. September provides beautiful autumn foliage for photography. Winter (December-February) attracts visitors for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though temperatures can drop below -10°C. The Zilupe Town Festival in late July showcases local culture. Avoid November and early April when conditions are often wet and muddy.

September

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 9°
Feels like: 8°
Humidity: 100%
Wind: 6 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for September

Weather: Mild 8-16°C, crisp

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Autumn colors, fewer crowds

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

RIX

Riga International Airport

International

250 km away

DGP

Daugavpils International Airport

Domestic

60 km away

VNO

Vilnius Airport

International

200 km away

Getting around

"Zilupe town is easily walkable. For exploring the wider province, renting a car is recommended as public transportation is limited to a few daily buses connecting to Rēzekne and Daugavpils. Taxis are available in Zilupe town but should be booked in advance for longer trips. Cycling is popular on rural roads with light traffic—bike rentals may be arranged through local accommodations. No ride-sharing apps operate in the area. Roads are generally well-marked but can be narrow outside main routes. A valid international driving permit is required for non-EU license holders."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes, but may be slow

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Rēzekne or Daugavpils from €5

Calling code

+371

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very low crime; main risk is limited infrastructure at night.

Night safety

8/10

Very low crime; main risk is limited infrastructure at night.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Zilupe is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions as in any rural area. The border zone with Russia requires special permits for photography or close approach—observe all signage and restrictions. Road conditions on rural routes can be uneven, especially in winter. Wildlife (including elk and wild boar) may cross roads, particularly at dawn and dusk. Scams are rare, but be cautious with unofficial currency exchange. ATMs are available in Zilupe town center. Keep valuables secure when hiking in remote areas. Emergency services response may be slower in remote parts of the province."

Police

110

Ambulance

113

Fire

112

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Zilupe has a local medical center (Zilupes veselības centrs) for basic healthcare needs, but serious conditions require transfer to larger hospitals in Rēzekne (45km) or Daugavpils (80km). Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas, so vaccination is recommended for hikers and campers. Mosquito repellent is advisable in summer. Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is widely available. Pharmacies (aptieka) in Zilupe town can provide basic medications, but bring prescription medicines in original containers."

Culture

Local customs

"Latvians in Zilupe value politeness and modest demeanor. Greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Remove shoes when entering homes. When invited to someone's home, bring a small gift like flowers (odd number only), chocolates, or wine. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—round up bills or leave 5-10% in restaurants. Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural communities. Sauna culture is important—follow local etiquette if invited. Respect nature by not littering and staying on marked trails. Photography near the border requires special attention to restrictions."

LatvianRussian

Costs and practicals

Currency

Euro (EUR) · €

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10

Hotels

$30-60 | budget hotels or guesthouses range $30-60/night

Local transport

$1-2 | local bus ride ~$1-2

Cost notes

Zilupe is very affordable compared to Riga. Dining and accommodation are budget-friendly.

Timezone

Europe/Riga +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

3,200

Area

308.5 km²

Government

Municipal council with elected mayor

ISO code

LV-110

Type

Province

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Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: 濟盧佩, Sīnuoja, زيلوب, زیلوپ, Зілупе, Զիլուպե, Sīnupe, Rosenau, Zilupė, זילופה, Zilupe, 0037220, Зілупэ, Зилупе, Marupe, marph, marpې, marpے, marupe, maruፔ, marwyb, Марупе, مارويب, مارپه, مارپې, مارپے, मारुपे, মারুপে, ਮਾਰੁਪੇ, ማሩፔ, マルペ