This small border town forms one urban space with Estonia's Valga. Residents cross between two countries daily, making it a unique example of cross-border life in the EU.
Valka, a town in northern Latvia, sits directly on the Estonian border next to its twin town Valga. You can walk between the two countries in the town center, explore the 350-meter wooden trail network along the Pedele River, or learn about local history at the 19th-century Valka Museum in its former teacher's seminary building. Throughout the year, Estonian and Latvian performers appear at the town's cultural center and open-air stage.
Crossing Between Latvia and Estonia
The border between Valka and Estonian Valga runs through the town center, allowing you to walk freely between the two countries. Since 2007, when both countries joined the Schengen Agreement, the border checkpoints and fences have been removed. While crossing between the towns, remember to carry your passport as it may be required for identification.
Walking and Cycling Along Pedele River
The Pedele recreational area extends through both parts of the town with wooden walking paths on the Latvian side and asphalt tracks in Estonia. The Putraskalns viewing platform gives you a view over both towns. The area includes a family beach, playgrounds, and 6 kilometers of paths for cycling and rollerblading that lead to Lake Zagezers. You can rent bicycles at the tourism information bureau on Riga Street 22.
Historical Buildings and Architecture
St. Catherine's Lutheran Church from 1477 stands at the center of town where Raina and Rigas streets meet. The red brick railway station, built in the 1890s, remains in its original location though trains no longer stop here. The Valka Cultural Centre, completed in 1924, represents quasi-Neoclassical architecture with symmetrical facades and classical proportions.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Valka Local History Museum occupies an 1850s building that once trained teachers for the Vidzeme region. The exhibits include documents about the town's role in Latvia's independence movement and artifacts from the teacher's seminary period. The Culture Park's open-air stage, located between two bridges over the Pedele River, hosts summer concerts and festivals.
Recreation Areas and Activities
Zagezers Lake covers 13 hectares and has a beach with volleyball courts, changing facilities, and designated campfire spots. The forest paths around the lake connect to the town's trail network. The Valka shooting range lets you practice with different types of firearms under professional supervision. Buses and trains run several times daily between Valka and Riga, covering the 160-kilometer distance.
