Lakeside promenade makes Ludza more attractive

An attractive place has been created in Ludza at the foot of the castle mound – an illuminated pedestrian walkway or 'Great Lakefront Promenade' stretches along the lakeside, where the waterfront area has also been improved.

While residents of Ludza appear to welcome the changes, the city council opposition suggests that the project funds could have been used more effectively. 

The most obvious tourist spot in Ludza – the oldest city in Latvia, which will celebrate its 849th birthday this year – is the castle mound, which is the most visited attraction in the city. Ludza is also surrounded by five lakes. Now, the Great Ludza Lake has undergone positive changes, where a promenade has been built. 

"It's already beautiful. It used to be very unkempt here, it was ugly at the foot of the hill, now it's much better. I live here. The only thing is the flow of people now, it used to be such a quiet street, people only went here to swim in the summer, now it's bustling from morning to evening. They walk with their children, with their dogs, everyone comes. When it turns green, it will be really beautiful," said one unnamed local.

"I go for walks every day and I really see that the locals use this promenade a lot. The lakeshore has been tidied up, which is a positive moment in any case," said another anonymous commentator. 

The newly built promenade stretches the entire length of Lielā Ezerkrasta Street. The city needs to develop infrastructure around the lakes that would benefit both local residents and attract tourists, believes Līga Kondrāte, head of the Ludza Tourism Centre.

"Speaking of the Great Lakeside Promenade, a beautiful place next to the castle mound has long been needed, where people can come and relax after visiting the old town and the castle mound. Currently, the main trend in the development of tourism in the world is that we base our entire experience on sensations, we want to buy sensations that are beautifully packaged and beautifully presented. And this is one of the key things in Ludza, where people can feel the presence of these lakes," said Kondrāte. 

The lakeshore area is currently tidy and well-maintained, with minor work still to be completed, said Ilona Mekša, Head of the Development and Planning Department of the Ludza Municipality.

"There are postponed works that the builder must complete by May 31st. These are mainly cleaning and landscaping works. The construction works have already been completed. We are already using the promenade, the lighting is on," said Mekša. 

Paths and benches at the very foot of the castle mound combine with the illuminated castle ruins. Meanwhile, a special place has been built for fishermen to launch their boats into the water.

"Pedestrian paths have been built, LED lighting has been installed, lighting elements have been built into the benches, video surveillance systems have also been built, several recreation areas have been created, pergolas or frames have been built, bicycle racks have been installed," Mekša explained. "The slipway was built because it is a popular place for fishermen. More than a thousand shrubs, trees, and various perennials have also been planted." 

The shore of Lake Ludza has been tidied up, but the issue of the long-awaited cafe right on the beach remains a hot topic. Beautiful views alone are not enough to make tourists and locals feel satisfied, believes city council member Lolita Greitāne (Latgale Party).

"It is undeniable that the Great Ludza Lake waterfront promenade has now been put in order, and this is, of course, a benefit to the city. Time will tell how high-quality the work is and whether this place will really become a popular meeting place for citizens and guests. Will there be entrepreneurs who will fill this place with things? Will there be, for example, a café, boat rental or some other activities, because only then can we say that this promenade will serve the development of tourism. If it remains just a place for walking, I don't think that tourists will be attracted by the fact that they can walk here."

"At the same time, I am also concerned about the costs, because initially the local government's co-financing was not planned to be that large, there are price increases, additional work. There are many other unresolved needs in the region where these funds could be directed," said Greitāne. 

The total cost of the construction of the Great Ludza Lake promenade is 1.2 million euros - 85% is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and 15% by the municipality. Although the past tourist season in the Ludza region has not been easy - the number of tourists has decreased by 25% due to the geopolitical situation, with Russia a near neighbour - the newly built promenade could still become an interesting sightseeing and recreation object.