Gulbene is a small town in northeastern Latvia, set among forests and open countryside. It is best known as the gateway to the Gulbene-Aluksne narrow-gauge railway, one of the few remaining historic rail lines in the Baltics. For many visitors, the town is a quiet base for a day or two of slow travel rather than a place to rush through.
The narrow-gauge railway
The railway is the main reason to come. Scenic train rides take you through pristine forests and countryside, with the pace of the journey suited to watching the landscape change. Riding a historic line of this kind feels very different from a modern express, and it gives a good sense of the rural distances that shape life in this part of Latvia.
Town and surroundings
Gulbene also rewards a stroll. Its well-preserved wooden architecture gives the streets a distinctive character, and the town's peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to slow down. It offers an authentic taste of rural Latvian life, with the day-to-day rhythm of a small community rather than the bustle of a capital.
Good reasons to visit Gulbene include:
- Riding the narrow-gauge railway through forest and farmland
- Walking through the town and seeing its wooden buildings
- A calm, unhurried stay away from the main tourist routes
- Getting a glimpse of everyday rural life in northeastern Latvia
Gulbene suits travellers interested in rail heritage, nature and quiet small-town life. If you are planning a visit, check train schedules for the season before you go, as the railway's timetable will shape your day.