Culture mark "Latvian heritage"

Für das Pflegen von lettischen Traditionen

Auf dem traditionellen Hof der Region Vidzeme, der 15 km von der Stadt Limbaži entfernt liegt, können die Gäste in einer romantischen Kornkammer übernachten. Die im Jahr 1924 gebaute Kornkammer ist für das Empfangen der Gäste angepasst. Der Bauernhof Dzirnupes ist für Erholung in Zweisamkeit oder mit Kindern geeignet. In der Kornkammer ist eine Sauna gebaut. Auf dem Gelände des Hofes befinden sich ein Teich und ein kleiner Fluss, wo man schwimmen, angeln oder romantische Fahrten mit einem Boot unternehmen kann, sowie eine Laube, eine Schmiede, wo der Wirt einen Nagel schmieden lehrt, eine Schaukel, ein Garten mit den örtlichen Leckereien und blühende Wiesen. Hier kann man auch Haustiere besichtigen, sowie sie auch füttern und kuscheln. Die Wirte pflegen lettische Traditionen, die sie als Erbe auch ihren Kindern weiter gegeben haben. Der Wirt stellt verschiedene ländliche Werkzeuge, sowie Musikinstrumente her. Zurzeit arbeitet die Wirtin an die Vorbereitung eines neuen Angebots für Touristen Das Wissen der Frauen, bei dem den Frauen nach oder vor der Hochzeit verschiedene lettische Traditionen und Handwerksarbeiten, auch das Brotbacken, gelehrt werden.

Für lettische Landschaft

Der Hof Lantus ist ein erneuerter Hof in der Region Vidzeme, der für Gäste geeignet ist, die den Komfort lieben. Hier befinden sich mehrere Kaminräume, eine Sauna, ein Schwimmbecken, ein Whirlpool, ein Sportplatz, ein Teich, und ein Holzkübel, der unter freiem Himmel mit einem Holzofen beheizt wird. Der Hof liegt in der Nähe eines Waldes. Hier wird auch Verpflegung angeboten. Die Wirtin kocht lettische Gerichte und dabei verwendet sie so viel wie möglich ihre eigenen Produkte oder die Produkte der örtlichen Unternehmer.

The horse farm features friendly and purebred horses from Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus (12 in all), as well as three different kinds of cosy dogs, rabbits, chickens, cows and cats.  This is a true countryside environment involving four different homesteads – Klajumi, Ganiņi, Ķemeri and Krasti.  Visitors can go horseback riding to visit the Rings of Daugava Nature Park and the frontier between Latvia and Belarus.  Please be aware that personal identification is needed when entering the frontier zone.

The owners of the Dieniņas homestead have preserved old traditions related to fishing and fish processing, and they have engaged in this work for three generations now.  Fish are processed in line with ancient and local recipes, making use of technologies that are typical of the coastline.  Visitors can buy local smoked fish.  Tourist groups are invited to take part in an active leisure and cultural event, complete with dishes of fish that will fill their stomachs, a boot-tossing event at the sea, stories by the wives of the fishermen, a theatrical performance, smoking of fish, and tasting of fish.

Preservation of coastline fishing traditions

This lovely farm is near Valdeķi, and visitors will experience true Latvian farm life.  The venue features goats, sheep, horses, geese, chickens, rabbits, etc.  Visitors can learn about milking cows and producing meat, they can examine a collection of antique tools, enjoy a country sauna with birch and juniper switches, swim in the local pond and taste herbal teas.  The venue has a volleyball court, horseback riding, space for tents, and a lean-to with an outdoor kitchen.  Visitors can spend the night in a room, on the second floor of the sauna or, during the summer, in the granary.

Host:  Signe Ezeriņa

Preserving the traditional Latvian lifestyle

The owners use old recipes to produce aromatic chicory coffee – a true local product from Latvia’s countryside goodies.  All of the raw materials for chicory coffee come from surrounding fields and meadows.  Visitors learn about the process and the history thereof, also looking at traditions related to such coffee.  The coffee can be tasted and purchased.

For the promotion of craftsmen’s skills

The crafts house of Jaunpils hosts Jaunpils Weaver’s Group, which was founded in 1970 and is currently headed by weaving craft master Velga Pavlovska. The weavers use ancient looms and traditional techniques to weave traditional patterns. Visitors may join informative excursions, get involved in creative workshops, try their hand in weaving skills and buy souvenirs.

Für das Pflegen von lettischen Traditionen

Auf dem traditionellen Hof der Region Vidzeme, der 15 km von der Stadt Limbaži entfernt liegt, können die Gäste in einer romantischen Kornkammer übernachten. Die im Jahr 1924 gebaute Kornkammer ist für das Empfangen der Gäste angepasst. Der Bauernhof Dzirnupes ist für Erholung in Zweisamkeit oder mit Kindern geeignet. In der Kornkammer ist eine Sauna gebaut. Auf dem Gelände des Hofes befinden sich ein Teich und ein kleiner Fluss, wo man schwimmen, angeln oder romantische Fahrten mit einem Boot unternehmen kann, sowie eine Laube, eine Schmiede, wo der Wirt einen Nagel schmieden lehrt, eine Schaukel, ein Garten mit den örtlichen Leckereien und blühende Wiesen. Hier kann man auch Haustiere besichtigen, sowie sie auch füttern und kuscheln. Die Wirte pflegen lettische Traditionen, die sie als Erbe auch ihren Kindern weiter gegeben haben. Der Wirt stellt verschiedene ländliche Werkzeuge, sowie Musikinstrumente her. Zurzeit arbeitet die Wirtin an die Vorbereitung eines neuen Angebots für Touristen Das Wissen der Frauen, bei dem den Frauen nach oder vor der Hochzeit verschiedene lettische Traditionen und Handwerksarbeiten, auch das Brotbacken, gelehrt werden.

Für das Pflegen der lettischen Traditionen. Für lettische Gerichte 

Auf dem Hof Vaidelotes werden die altlettische Kultur popularisiert, alte Rituale ausgeführt und solche lettische Gerichte wie Grützen, Piroggen, gefüllte Klöße und Blechkuchen angeboten, die zum Kulturerbe zählen. Diese Gerichte werden aus grob gemahlenem Getreide vorbereitet, das auf dem Hof gezüchtet wird. Erwerb von Tees, Gewürzen und anderen Produkten. Hier werden öffentliche Veranstaltungen organisiert, auf denen Sonnenwenden gefeiert und Traditionen mit Musik, Liedern, Tänzen und verschiedenen Ritualen gezeigt werden. Die Wirtin leitet diese Veranstaltungen und dabei erklärt sie die Traditionen. Hier werden Gerichte vorbereitet, die jedem der organisierten Feste entsprechen.

Für das Popularisieren des lettischen Handwerks. Für lettische Gerichte. Für das Pflegen der lettischen Traditionen

In dem  Zentrum der Handwerker von Ludza kann man Werke besichtigen und kaufen, die mehr als 40 Handwerker aus der Region Latgale geschaffen haben. Hier kann man eine Führung bestellen, die ein in altlettgallischer Kleidung angezogener Reiseführer leitet. In dem Suprādki-Zimmer erzählt er über das Leben der alten Baltenstämme, die Entstehung und die Entwicklung der Handwerkschaft, über die alten Ethik- und Arbeitsgesetze und Traditionen. Hier kann man Vorführungen von alten Gewerben zuschauen, sowie diese Gewerbe auch erlernen. Gruppen können eine Mahlzeit bestellen, bei der auch die Vorbereitung von lettgallischen Gerichten und Getränken, sowie des Brotes gelehrt wird.

For the promotion of traditional Latgalian food

The owner Inese Survilo offers Latgalian meals that are prepared according to the recipes of forefathers. The landlady shows and tells – how to make cheese – a skill she has learned from her grandmother. The visitors may participate in the process and taste cheese with various additives. She prepares krupņiks ar gulbim (barley porridge with potatoes), gulbešnīki (potato pancakes) and farm cakes, furthermore, cooking skills of these dishes can be acquired at organised master classes.

The herd of horses at Untumi is bred and updated.  The farm also purchases horses which are in line with the historical requirements of Latvian breeds of horses.  Visitors can learn horseback riding skills with the help of an instructor.  This occurs in a limited territory.  During the summer there are cart rides, and in the winter there are sleigh rides.  The horses are used for weddings and other ceremonies.

For maintaining the traditions of horse breeding

Für lettisches Handwerk – Hanfzukost

Auf dem Hof Adzelvieši wird Hanf angebaut, aus dessen Samen Hanfbutter und grob gemahlene Zukost hergestellt wird. An der Kornkammer (101 Jahre alt) sind alte Werkzeuge der Hanffaserbearbeitung ausgestellt. Hier kann man leckere Produkte verkosten und kaufen, sowie eine spannende Reise in die Geschichte der Hanfzüchtung unternehmen. Der gewöhnliche Hanf ist eine alte Kulturpflanze in Lettland, die hier seit mehr als 1000 Jahren angebaut wird.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian landscape, Latvian breeds of horses

The horse farm features friendly and purebred horses from Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus (12 in all), as well as three different kinds of cosy dogs, rabbits, chickens, cows and cats.  This is a true countryside environment involving four different homesteads – Klajumi, Ganiņi, Ķemeri and Krasti.  Visitors can go horseback riding to visit the Rings of Daugava Nature Park and the frontier between Latvia and Belarus.  Please be aware that personal identification is needed when entering the frontier zone.

Für das Popularisieren der lettischen Bierkultur

Mit der Bierbrauerei von Valmiermuiža erwacht auch das kulturhistorische Zentrum von Valmiermuiža. Während des Besuches kann man die Geschichte des Landgutes und den Prozess des Bierbrauens von den natürlichen Rohstoffen bis zu dem fertigen Produkt kennenlernen. Die Besichtigung der Brauerei ergänzen die Verkostung des Kellerbiers und Erzählungen über traditionelle lettische Festgetränke.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For keeping the heritage of Latvian farmstead and culture.

This is one of Latvia’s earliest and largest got farms.  Tourists will hear attractive stories about how goats are bred and goat milk products (milk, cheese, kefir) are produced.  The products can be tasted and bought.  The local Latvian breed of goats has existed since the turn of the 19^th century.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Goat milk products

For the promotion of splinter plaited basket craft

The craftswoman makes splinter-plaited baskets of various types and other plaited products from pine, lime tree, aspen and alder, as well as picnic baskets, baskets for mushroom picking or berry picking, pads and trays, firewood baskets and baskets for linen, baskets for garlic and onions, children’s baskets, etc. The craftswoman has trained her family members in the craft as well. The workshop demonstrates the process of an ancient craft - splinter plaiting and allows the visitor to participate in it.

The crafts workshop at the Apkalnmājas farm was established on the basic of typical countryside crafts traditions and the typical lifestyle of the Latgale region.  The workshop has been successful in producing horse tack, belts, leather sacks, etc.  Visitors are offered a tour of the exhibition and workshop, learning about types of leather and the secrets of leatherwork.  They can also try their own hand at producing leather goods and purchase finished products.  Master’s classes and lessons are available.  The owner will also discuss her experience with the Lettigalian lifestyle.

Preservation of traditional crafts – horse items

For the preservation of the material heritage of the mill and promotion of the skills of the craft

Rideļi mill has been reborn in new quality. The mill that was built in the 20s of the 20th century now hosts a modern exposition of historical milling mechanisms and devices, as well as household and other objects used at the farm. Detailed descriptions, technical drawings and pictures of the devices have been developed. The visitors can access all floors of the mill either themselves or accompanied by a guide.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For preserving the traditional rural environment.

This is one of the few places in Latvia to offer a look at industrial equipment from the 19^th century that is still in good working order – a wool plucking and combing apparatus from the Šūberts Rudzītis & Co. company in Latvia, a unique spinning wheel from Germany, and a windmill used to grind grain.  Visitors can track the processing of wool on equipment that is 100 years old, watching how blankets and pillows stuffed with sheep wool are produced by hand.  There are souvenirs to purchase.  The owners organise celebrations on Latvian holidays – St Martin’s Day and the Summer Solstice, as well as evening visiting sessions from that were common in earlier times, complete with the baking of water pretzels.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Preservation of traditional crafts and skills

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For keeping the sauna tradition.

For the promotion of bread traditions

SIA Saldus Maiznieks, which was founded in 1992, is a family business that produces approximately 2 tonnes of rye bread daily, which is made by using malt and natural leaven. The company offers excursions, during which the visitors are allowed to try the role of a baker. The excursions are conducted by Kristīne Kriņģele, the apprentice baker of Latvian Chamber of Crafts.

The museum presents the process of baking bread from the grain to the loaf.  Visitors are welcome to bake their own bread, taste bread and herbal teas, and enjoy theatrical performances for any event in life – Christenings, weddings, birthdays, etc.  Local dishes such as dumplings and soup made of dried mushrooms or fish from the nearby lake are served.  Visitors who contact the museum in advance can also enjoy a performance by a local folk dancing group.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian foods (bread)

The owner of Dzīles prepares hearty Lettigalian dishes, offers countryside goodies, and teaches visitors how to bake tortes and pierogi.  “Dzīļi Bread” is a special food and a symbol of recognition in Kārsava.  Visitors can bake bread in accordance with ancient traditions, as well as taste and purchase bread.  The owner has studied local traditions that were originally introduced by the noblewoman of the local estate, and she uses both ancient and modern recipes to bake her wares.

Host:  Aina Barsukova

Latvian foods: Lettigalian cuisine

Par biškopības prasmju daudzināšanu

Biškopības tradīcijas Aivars Radziņš uztur un kopj jau trešajā paaudzē. Viņa drava atrodas skaistajā Vecpiebalgas paugurainē. Biškopis ir atvērts ikvienam interesantam, vada ekskursijas un izglīto apmeklētājus par bišu dzīves noslēpumiem, izstaigājot paša izveidoto bišu taku. Saimniecībā dravo ar tradicionālajiem Latvijas stāvstropiem. Šeit var iegādāties tradicionālos biškopības produktus: dažādu ziedu medu, ziedputekšņus, bišu māšu peru pieniņu, vasku un vaska sveces un bišu mātes.
 

Par latviskiem ēdieniem

Igates pils teritorijā uz veco dzirnavu pamatiem ir izveidots Dzirnavu krodziņš, kur ik pa laikam griežas dzirnavu rats, samaldams graudus, no kuriem pavāri gatavo gardus ēdienus. Dzirnavu krodziņā viesiem galdā tiek celta irdeno miežu putra ar apceptu gaļu, putraimdesa ar brūkleņu mērci, cepti miežu plāceņi, baraviku zupa, cepta zandarta fileja, cūkgaļas ribiņas, bet slāpes ceļinieki var atveldzēt ar lauku kvasu.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For keeping the dairy farming tradition.

This farm features a unique collection of fencing, with some 20 types of fences that have been typical along the Liv Shore in Latvia.  During the past three years, the owner has built these fences on the basis of old photographs and an examination of building traditions in the region.  Visitors can help to smoke local fish (plaice, garfish and bream), taste the smoked fish, and listen to stories about coastline fishing traditions.  The venue offers a holiday hut and an area for camping.

Host:  Andris Antmanis

Preserving and praising the cultural environment of the Liv Shore: Liv fencing

On the right bank of the Iecava River is a restored windmill.  The surrounding farm offers a collection of tools, farm equipment, mechanisms and household objects that are typical of Latvia’s countryside.  There is a blacksmith’s operation to visit.  On the second Saturday of each May, the thematic event “Springtime Work on the Farm” is organised.  A harvest festival is held on the first Saturday of September.  Visitors can help to bake bacon pierogi and loaves of bread in a true country oven.  The owner offers an informative tour of the area.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian traditions and events

Für das Können des lettischen Handwerks – Neunaugen-Fischerei

Die Flüsse Salaca und Svētupe sind zu den einzigen Orten auf der Welt ernannt, wo man beim industriellen Fischfang der Neunaugen immer noch eine mehr als 150 Jahre alte Methode benutzt: den Fischzaun (einen über den Fluss gebauten Steg mit Fischreusen, insgesamt drei Fischzäune). Unter der Leitung der örtlichen Fischer kann man die Fischzäune besichtigen, den Fischfang beobachten und Vorort gegrillte Neunaugen probieren.

Par latgalisko tradīciju un prasmju kopšanu

Biedrība „Jubra” aktīvi vāc un popularizē Latgales kultūras tradīcijas. Tas notiek „Ambeļu skreinē” – vēsturiskā koka ēkā, kas celta 20. gs. sākumā. No ēkas paveras skaistas ainavas uz Višķu ezeru. „Ambeļu skreinē” biedrība „Jubra” organizē un svin tradicionālos gadskārtu svētkus, izkopj un rāda amatu prasmes, rīko danču vakarus un dzer kāzas, kā arī taisa vakarēšanas ar dziedāšanu, zīlēšanu un citām izdarībām. Šeit cep maizi, sien sieru, rīko tematiskas izstādes. Pie mājas ierīkota brīvdabas pasākumu organizēšanas vieta ar ugunskuru.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For keeping the pottery tradition.

Par latviskās maizes daudzināšanu

Maiznīcas pirmsākumi ir meklējami 1991. gadā, kad divi kurzemnieki – Normunds un Lāsma Bomji nolēma izveidot uzņēmumu, kurā iedzīvināt maiznieka Alberta Blumberga zināšanas. Tagad maiznīcā „Lielezers” strādā jau vairāk nekā 100 darbinieku, t.sk. 2 meistari un 7 zeļļi. Maiznieku roku apmīļotas top dažādu veidu rudzu, saldskābā un kviešu maize, kā arī dažādi konditorejas izstrādājumi. Salinātā rudzu rupjmaize, ko cep tieši uz klona un bez tumšā iesala, ir ieguvusi ES garantēto tradicionālo īpatnības sertifikātu.
 

In 1957, the Skrīveri Food Factory became the first company in Latvia to produce what soon became Latvia’s national candy – the penuche fudge known as “Gotiņa” (Little Cow).  In 2011, a family from Skrīveri took over the historical manufacturing facilities, using age-old recipes to cook, wrap and sell the candies.  These are made of condensed milk and sweet cream butter, and the “Gotiņa” candies are always made by hand.  Visitors can purchase candies and take a tour of the plant.  The owner is the main candy master and loves to talk about his work.

Hosts:  Baiba and Aigars Lūsis

Preserving a Latvian brand:  The “Gotiņa” candy

For the conservation of Sigulda walking stick production traditions

The walking stick of Sigulda is one of the oldest souvenirs of Latvia and the symbol of Sigulda tourism. The history of the walking stick dates back to the late 19th century, when the railway and activities of Duke Kropotkin in the improvement of the vicinity brought large numbers of visitors to the area. At Sigulda walking stick workshop, the stages of the becoming of a walking stick can be observed and the product itself can be bought.

Valdis Pauliņš uses traditions that are centuries old in producing forms and decorations that are typical of the region in which he lives, thus making a major investment in the local society.  His ability to tell stories about ceramics to younger and older visitors makes it possible to view the powerful traditions of the past, as well as the culture of Latgale.  Visitors can learn about the product of ceramics from start to finish, try their own hand at the potter’s wheel, and take part in lighting the kiln.  Various ceramics products, souvenirs and garden ceramics are available for purchase.  The owner welcomes individuals, families, schoolchildren and large groups.

For popularising a traditional craft (pottery)

Par podniecības kā tradicionālas amata prasmes daudzināšanu

Uģa Puzuļa keramikas darbnīca atrodas ļoti skaistā vietā – Alūksnes augstienes paugurainē, no kuras paveras izcilas skatu ainavas. Keramiķis ir vienīgais plašajā Alūksnes novadā, kurš veido Vidzemei raksturīgās podniecības formas ar Latgales krāsu gammu. Darbnīcas viesi var paši darboties ar mālu, apgleznot to un piedalīties apdedzināšanas procesā. Gatavo produkciju var iegādāties gan uz vietas, gan amatnieku tirdziņos.

This is one of only two Latvian fishing villages that have, to the very best of their ability, preserved an authentic atmosphere.  The Latvian Open-Air Ethnographic Museum has its Vītolnieki branch here, featuring an old fisherman’s homestead.  Active construction of new buildings is causing the problem that the village is rapidly losing its status as an untouched part of Latvia.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Traditional crafts

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For keeping the traditional sheep-breeding and wool crafting skills.

This farm offers a chance to learn all about how medicinal plants are grown and prepared.  The plants are in the ecologically clean and lovely “Curves of the Daugava” Nature Park.  The owners grow common medicinal plants such as oregano, St John’s wort, wormwood, lemon balm, immortelle, etc. – some 25 different plants in all.   Visitors can take an educational tour, taste the teas and purchase mixtures of teas to bring home.  In addition to medicinal plants, the farm also offers wax candles.

Host:  Ivars Geiba

Preserving Latvian traditions: Gathering and praising herbal teas

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For keeping the pottery tradition.

This ethnographic Latvian farm is in a lovely location.  It is a sustainable farm that is based on folk traditions about the link between manufacturing and nature.  The owners offer a tour of the farm, with wild horses, cattle, an orderly and friendly environment, meals of country goodies, relaxation on the water, tenting, accommodations in log huts, a sauna and a stage.  The local waterways have crabs and ten kinds of fish, and more than 70 different types of birds next in the surrounding forests and fields.  Call in advance to arrange for participation in a Summer Solstice celebration in June or other events.

Hosts:  Valentīna and Guntars Dolmanis

Preserving the landscape and cultural environment of Piebalga

Par Kurzemes vitālā gara uzturēšanu

Koka ēkā, kas saglabājusies no 18. gadsimta, saimnieko folkloras kopa „Atštaukas” un svin visus latviešiem raksturīgos tradicionālos gadskārtu svētkus – meteņus, Māras dienu, pavasara un ziemas saulgriežus, Miķeļus u.c. „Atštauku” organizētajās svētku programmās var piedalīties ikviens interesents, gan vietējais, gan tāds, kas mērojis tālāku ceļu. 

For the promotion of weaving skills

Craftswoman Līga Kuba has installed several weaving looms at Ozolkalns barn, where everybody can learn weaving skills under her guidance. The craftswoman produces flax or wool clothing and various household objects from these materials, which are stored in a dowry chest. The visitors can observe the process, buy souvenirs made on the spot and special fans can even order a loom.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For the skills of building and playing traditional music instruments.

For the promotion of the tradition and skills in the craft – glassblowing

The glass-blower Aleksandrs Logvins is the only master of this craft with a 34 years of experience in the craft, who has continuously worked in it, continuing the traditions initiated at Līvāni Glass Factory. The only publicly accessible glassblowing workshop in Latvia is established at the Art and Crafts Centre of Līvāni, where a craftsman in action can be observed. An exposition dedicated to Līvāni Glass Factory company can also be seen at the centre.

The café is at Km 115 of the Rīga-Veclaicene Highway (A2), and visitors can enjoy a variety of Latvian dishes.  Ingredients from local farmers and home manufacturers are used to prepare the dishes, and some can be bought at the café.  Visitors can tour a bread museum and, each weekend, take part in the baking of bread.  The café also features an exhibition of antique objects.

Host:  Jānis Kriekis

Latvian foods

Visitors can examine antique pottery tools and dishware produced by old masters at Silajāņi, listen to the stories that are told by a guide, and watch videos from the 20^th century.  Demonstrations of turning can be seen at the workshop, and the master will talk about how ceramics are produced.  Traditional Lettigalian ceramics are for sale.  Visitors can try their hand at the pottery wheel.  The pottery that they produce will be fired and painted and later delivered by mail.

Preservation of traditional crafts – Lettigalian pottery

This is a small family fishing operation that uses skills from its ancestors – men and women from many generations who have been born and raised in and around Ragaciems and have gone off to sea.  Visitors can examine fishing boat piers and net huts that were used to store equipment.  Such facilities also played a social role in that men would come together at them to discuss the work that needed to be done, while wives and children mended the nets.  Contact the venue in advance to arrange for tasting of fish while talking to real fishermen and learning all about their craft.

Hosts:  Fishermen in Ragaciems

Restoring and maintaining fishing skills

The windmill is at the highest elevation of the surrounding area, offering lovely views of the Āraiši church, manse and Lake Āraiši with its ancient lake castle.  This is one of only a few Dutch-type windmills to still be in working order in Latvia after having been first built in 1852.  The windmill is a museum, with four floors that allow visitors to track the way in which grain was ground and to try their own hand at grinding.  Each year the windmill celebrates St Jacob’s Day, when fresh rye bread is the star of the process.  Visitors can order a miller’s lunch of wheat flour porridge with meat sauce, crêpes, kefir and herbal teas.

Host:  Vineta Cipe

Preserving Latvian architectural values in the landscape

Praising Latvian foods: Bread

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For keeping the fruit growing tradition

Guests will be greeted with music to improve their mood, after which they will enjoy a trip down the Roja River and into the sea with fishing boats or a ship.  Later there is a meal of fish soup cooked above a campfire, complete with table songs and dances.  Visitors can observe the smoking of fish and taste the smoked products along with beer and birch juice.  The wives of the fishermen will talk about traditional carrot buns and how they are baked.  Visitors will also learn a bit about the skills of a fisherman.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Coastline fishing traditions, Latvian foods

These people are Latvia’s only birch-bark weavers who have been declared People’s Masters of Handiwork, and one of only a few who offer visits to their workshop so that visitors can examine woven birch-bark objects and share experiences.  The owners will help visitors to try their own hand at producing simple woven objects, and these can be excellent souvenirs from the visit.  The master weavers have always taught their skills to younger generations.

Hosts:  Vizma and Pēteris Zvirbulis

Restoring and maintaining Latvian handicrafts:  Birch-bark weaving