Gaiziņkalns | |
Photo Size: | 200 |
Elevation M: | 312 |
Map: | Latvia |
Label Position: | left |
Listing: | Country high point |
Location: | Bērzaune parish, Madona Municipality, Latvia |
Coordinates: | 56.8703°N 25.9594°W |
The Gaising or Gaiziņkalns (German: Mesenberg), at 312 m (1,024 feet[1]) above sea level, is the highest point in Latvia. It is situated in the Vidzeme Upland, a short distance to the west of the town of Madona, central Vidzeme.
Although only relatively high, Gaiziņkalns has been developed into a skiing area with three slopes and several guesthouses.[2] In order to rival Suur Munamägi - the highest point of neighbouring Estonia at 318 metres - a tower was built which exceeds the latter in height. Although the construction work was not finished, the tower became a popular tourist attraction, which led to its closure due to the serious risk to safety. The tower was demolished in December 2012, and the rubble was removed. There is a nearby multilingual sign marking the high point, but nothing at the natural summit itself.