Aluksne Municipality
Marienburg fortress (1342) defended Livonia's eastern border until Russia blew it up in 1702. Today: triple-border tourism, declining population, uncertain future.
Alūksne exists because Lake Alūksne exists—specifically, Castle Island in its center. In 1342, the Livonian Order completed Marienburg fortress there, defending Christendom's eastern border against Pskov and Moscow. The castle changed hands eight times over three centuries.
The decisive moment came in 1702 during the Great Northern War. Russian forces under Sheremetyev captured Marienburg, deported the entire population, and blew up the castle. Among the deportees: Marta Skavronska, a servant girl who would become Empress Catherine I of Russia. One tower was finally restored in 2020.
After 200 years under Russian rule (1721-1920), Alūksne was among the first Vidzeme towns liberated during Latvia's independence war. Today it capitalizes on its triple-border position: 103.8 km to Estonia, 46.4 km to Russia. The municipality promotes cross-border trade, tourism, and a clean environment. Population has declined to around 16,000.
By 2026, Alūksne's future depends on whether EU-Russia tensions close the border economy entirely or whether its position as an ecotone—a transition zone between systems—creates unique opportunities.