The Latgale region surrounding Daugavpils is known as "the land of blue lakes" — a well-earned name, with hundreds of lakes dotting the landscape east of the city. Drīdzis Lake, about 50km northeast, is the deepest lake in Latvia. Rāznas National Park, Latvia's second-largest protected area, lies roughly an hour's drive east and centres on Rāznas Lake, excellent for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching. In summer the lake district fills up with Latvian families; outside July and August it's quiet, with good walking among forests and farmland. A car makes the most of it, though buses reach the larger villages.