Understand

Madonas novads is an administrative district in the heart of Latvia, encompassing various fascinating locations. Among these places are the vibrant town of Madona itself, the charming villages of Kusa and Sarkai, as well as Biksre, Dzelzava, Prauliena, Lazdona, Liezre, Mtriena, audona, Degumnieki, Mrciena, Sauleskalns, and Brzaune, along with numerous other smaller inhabited areas. Madona, serving as the capital of the region, plays a pivotal role in education, culture, medicine, trade, and industry. It is also home to a significant portion of the region's inhabitants. The district known as Madonas novads boasts untouched natural landscapes that are perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures. From winter sports to cultural activities, this area is a hub for tourism and a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.

Get in

To get to Madonas novads, the best way is to travel by road. You can either drive or take a bus. If you prefer the train, there is a daily train that runs from Riga to Madona in the evening, and on Saturdays, there is an additional morning train. During winter weekends, there is a dedicated train called "Sniedzis" that brings skiers to Madona. This train is connected to a bus that takes skiers directly to the ski slopes. If you prefer to travel by air, the nearest major airport is Riga International Airport in Riga, which is 165km away and serves over 80 destinations. You can find more information about transportation options on the [a href="/Riga-region-locid_4315" title="Riga">Riga travel guide[/a].

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first most popular food in Latvia is Rupjmaizers. These are traditional potato pancakes made with grated potatoes, flour, eggs, and onions, often fried until crispy on the outside. They can be served savory with toppings like smoked salmon, sour cream, or caviar, or sweetened with sugar and cinnamon.

The second most popular food is Black Bread (Rāgiņi). This is a dark-colored bread made primarily from rye and linseed, giving it a distinctive taste and texture. It's known for its long shelf life and is often consumed by laborers throughout history due to its hearty nature.

The third popular food is Jāņuosis. Also known as St. John's Day dew or e, this celebratory dish is prepared using a mixture of herbs, flowers, and sometimes berries. It is traditionally collected on June 24th, St. John's Day, and used to create a refreshing, slightly sweet drink.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing