Gaiziņkalns, at 312 m above sea level, constitutes the highest point in Latvia

Latvia

Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...

. It is situated a short distance to the west of the town of Madona, central Vidzeme

Vidzeme

Vidzeme is one of the historical and cultural regions of Latvia. Literally meaning "the Middle Land" it is situated in north-central Latvia north of the Daugava River...

.

Although only of relatively small elevation, Gaiziņkalns has been developed as a skiing destination including three slopes and several guesthouses. In order to rival Suur Munamägi

Suur Munamägi

Suur Munamägi is the highest peak in Estonia , reaching above sea level. It is located near the village of Haanja, in Võru County in the south-eastern corner of Estonia, close to the borders of both Latvia and Russia...

 - the highest point of neighbouring Estonia

Estonia

Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...

at 318 m - a tower was being built to achieve a greater overall elevation. Although the construction work was not finished, the tower became an attraction for many tourists, which led to closing the tower due to the serious safety risk.