Vyerkhnyadzvinsk

Vyerkhnyadzvinsk (Верхнядзвінск), formerly known as Drissa, is a small town of about 7,500 people in northwestern Viciebskaja voblasć, located at the confluence of the Daugava and Drissa Rivers. First mentioned in the 14th century, it was a fortress of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania guarding the Daugava waterway. The town has a compact historic centre with several 19th-century buildings and a quiet riverside atmosphere. The climate is continental: warm summers (17–23°C) and cold winters (−5 to −10°C).

By Plane

Vitebsk Airport (VTB) is about 150 km southeast. Taxi costs BYN 170–200 (2 hr).

By Train

Vyerkhnyadzvinsk has a railway station on the Vitebsk–Daugavpils line, with trains from Vitebsk (2 hr, BYN 5–8).

By Car / Road

From Vitebsk, take the P111 west — about 120 km (1.5 hr). Roads are fair. Buses from Vitebsk run 2–3 times daily (2.5 hr, BYN 8).

The town is walkable.

• Daugava River Embankment — Views of the wide Daugava River.

• Drissa River Confluence — Where the Drissa meets the Daugava.

• Church of the Holy Protection (Пакроўская царква) — A 19th-century Orthodox church.

• Local History Museum — Exhibits on the Drissa fortress and river trade.

• Napoleonic Memorial — The area was a key location during Napoleon's 1812 campaign.

• Walk along the Daugava — Peaceful riverside paths.

• Fishing — The Daugava is known for pike and bream.

• Café "Vyerkhnyadzvinsk" — Basic meals. Mains BYN 8–12.

• Budget: "Vyerkhnyadzvinsk" hotel — basic rooms from BYN 30/night.

• Polatsk (70 km SE) — St. Sophia Cathedral.
• Rasony (50 km NE) — Lake district near the Latvian border.
• Daugavpils (60 km W, Latvia) — Latvian city with a fortress.
• Navapolatsk (60 km SE) — Modern refinery city.