The Balvi district is located in the North-East part of Latvia, in the North of Latgale, 219 km from the capital of Latvia Riga.

Alūksne district – in the north, Gulbene district – in the west, Madona district – in the south-west, Rēzekne and Ludza district – in the south. In the east it has national borders with Russia.

Balvi – a small originally beautiful and green town in the North-east of Latvia. Enclosed by two lakes North-east of Latvia. Enclosed by two lakes it is situated on the both sides of river Bolupe and possibly the Balvi lake and Bolupe river have given the name to the town. Another hypothesis is that the name of the town originates from the word “balva” that means a present. The name of Balvi is also connected with Baala – the deity of regenerating fertility, clouds, rain and thunder.

In ancient times this area was covered forests and marshes being part of Adzeles land inhabited by Latgals. For the first time Balvi was mentioned in 1224. In the 2nd half of 18th century the Polish landlady K.Hilzena at the Balvi lake builds half a manor and wooden church. In 1783 Balvi is mentioned as a village. On the interchange of 19-2o century Balvi has developed already as a large estate and parish centre. In 1926 Balvi is granted the status of hamlet and in 1928 – of town. In 1950 Balvi becomes a district centre.