Alūksne cycling route 129 makes a 22-kilometre loop around one of Latvia’s largest lakes. The distance fits comfortably into a day out, but the surrounding hills give it more character than a flat lakeside spin. The lake remains the focus, with Alūksne a natural place to start and finish.
Four islands sit in the lake: Cepurīte, Garā sala, Tīklu sala and Pilssala. Riding the loop offers changing views and a reason to pause for the landscape and birdlife rather than chase an average speed. The town and its cultural heritage make it easy to turn a short ride into a longer visit.
Save the route map or GPX track before setting out and dress for the weather. In autumn, 22 kilometres can take longer when the road is damp or the best views call for frequent stops. The pleasure of this loop lies in treating the lakeside as the destination, not merely the distance.