Welcome to Aluksne
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In the north-east of Latvia, in the Aluksne highland, at the shores of Lake
Aluksne, stands a picturesque town with a rich historic and cultural
heritage, with a contemporary feel and a dynamic growth.
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Its location is strategically important - several routes to the neighbouring countries Estonia and Russia cross
here. The territory itself is rich in lakes, rivers, and forests,
therefore, the first settlements were established already a long time ago.
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The name of Aluksne was first mentioned in Pskov Chronicles I and II in 1285 under the names of
"Alyst" and "Volyst". After the Livonian Order built a castle and a
church, a settlement around them was formed that came to be called
Marienburga, and is to be found in all ancient writings and maps of Aluksne and its
surroundings.
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As the narrow gauge railway was opened in 1903 - back then running between Gulbene and Valka - Aluksne experienced a more rapid
growth. In 1920, when the number of inhabitants reached two thousand, Aluksne was granted the rights of a
town.
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Today the town is the centre of the Aluksne district, with a population of about 9500 and an area of 14.2
sq km.
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Local enterprises are mainly involved in trade and
services. For its development Aluksne capitalises on the proximity to Estonian and Russian
borders, establishment of cross-border economic connections, developing of
tourism, and maintaining a clean environment.
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Lying among green forests, fields and meadows, heaps of snow or
flowers, mirroring in the waters of the lake, in winter or summer ALUKSNE welcomes everyone and invites to listen in to the melody of nature and
history.