Ländliches Leben

Forest Skuķi are the property of the Skuķi family, and that has been true for several generations.  The farm in Latgale is in a remote location.  It is next to a forest and the private Lake Inikši (Forest Skuķi). 

Since the 1930s, the farm has had a black smoke sauna, large barns made of logs, a granary and a cattle shed.  Some fragments of a full cycle of natural farming have been preserved -- a fruit and berry orchard, a greenhouse, a little garden and chickens in the cattle shed  An apiary has flourished and been expanded.  The farm welcomes guests who have access to a modern weekend house that is surrounded by approximately 20 hectares of natural meadows, a forest, lake and pond. 

The lady of the farm, Aija, is a professional sauna master, a passionate gatherer of mushrooms and berries, and a manager of the apiary. 

A visit to the farm will take all day to learn about the country lifestyle.  The programme must be arranged in advance, and that will depend on the season of the year and the interests of the guests.  Visitors can go fishing, spend an evening at the sauna with the lady of the house, gather ingredients for herbal tea and dry them, go to the apiary, get honey and go mushroom or berry picking.  Visitors can purchase beekeeping products, local herbal teas and plants from the Forest Skuķi garden.  Several days can be spent at the farm, spending nights at the weekend house.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at the weekend house to meet Aija;
• Learning about the farm and its leisure locations -- the lake, a boat, a swimming location and areas for sports;
• A daylong examination of country lifestyle on the basis of a pre-arranged plan.

This family boutique hotel was opened in the 18th century granary of the former Bilstiņi Estate.  It is located at the place where the Pērse River flows into the Daugava River.  Leisure is offered on a terrace under grape leaves, at the restaurant with a fireplace and grilled dishes, a chance to fish in the river, or a visit to the miniature spa. 

After more than 30 years of living and working in Rīga, Tomass and Dace and their son Reinis decided to move to Koknese, where Tomass was born and raised.  Dace was a violinist at the Latvian National Opera, while Tomass spent more than 20 years working in the automobile business.  Now they both have their Mediterranean-style boutique hotel. 

Guests can have a look at the everyday lives of the couple, accept the slow flow of life with a seemingly simplified look at things, and a chance to become involved on the work of the hotel and the farm.  Guests see nearly everything that happens at the house -- the child plays the piano, the husband is screwing together a motorcycle, the wife is practicing the violin, and granny is bringing freshy baked apple pastry which everyone tastes in a friendly way between the two rivers.  There will be wine tastings and smoked meat.  Fish will be caught in the river, and everyone will go swimming.  In the evening, there will be grilled meat, wine and movies on a large screen on the terrace under grape leaves.  A shorter trip offers a daytime programme to learn about the lifestyle of the owners.

THE PROGRAMME:

• 11:00 AM:  Arrival, meeting the owners and learning about the home and territory so as to make the programme more precise;
• 12:00-2:00 PM:  Marinating and smoking meat;
• 2:00-3:00 PM:  Lunch with grilled foods;
• 3:00-5:00 PM:  Free time to go fishing, swimming, paddleboarding or suntanning.  Smoked meats can be tasted, weighed and packed up so that guests can bring some of them home.

Karlamuiza ist eine gemütliche Landunterkunft in der Nähe der Stadt Cēsis im Tal des Flusses Amata. Das Gästehaus befindet sich in der Nähe eines Landschaftsparks und eines Naturpfads. 

Das Pilzesammeln ist eine nationale Leidenschaft der Letten. Schließt man sich als Besucher dieser Leidenschaft an, kommt man Traditionen, Lebensweise und Mentalität der Einheimischen sehr viel näher. Das Waldgelände an den für diese Aktivität ausgewählten Pilzstellen ist leicht begehbar und mit Moos, Laub und kleinen Pflanzen bedeckt. Gelegentlich gibt es Büsche, einige umgestürzte Bäume oder feuchte Stellen. Der 1973 gegründete Gauja-Nationalpark war der erste Nationalpark Lettlands und hat eine große Bedeutung für den Ökotourismus.

Die beliebtesten Speisepilze sind Pfifferlinge und Steinpilze. Die Arten, die für die gemeinsame Mahlzeit gesammelt werden, die folgenden: Pfifferlinge, Täublinge und verschiedene Steinpilze, Hasen-Röhrling (Gyroporus castaneus), Netzstieliger Hexen-Röhrling (Boletus luridus), Schaf-Porling (Albatrellus ovinus), Goldgelbe Koralle (Ramaria aurea), Korallenzahn (Hericium coralloides), Riesenschirmpilz (Macrolepiota procera), Mosaikschichtpilz (Xylobolus frustulatus) und Dunkelgezonter Feuerschwamm (Phellinus nigrolimitatus).

Hinweis: Aus Gründen des Komforts und der Sicherheit wird empfohlen, dass die Teilnehmer Outdoor-Kleidung und -schuhe tragen.

PROGRAMM:

• Die Fahrt von Riga zum Kārļamuiža-Landhotel im Gauja-Nationalpark dauert ca. anderthalb Stunden.
• Ankunft im Kārļamuiža-Landhotel. Treffen mit dem Pilzguide (englischsprachiger, professioneller Naturführer, Besitzer von zwei Hunden, die für die Pilzsuche ausgebildet sind), Einweisung und Vorbereitung des Pilzsammelns. Lunchpakete und Pilzsammelausrüstung – Körbe, Messer und Regenmäntel – werden jedem Teilnehmer zur Verfügung gestellt.
• Fahrt zur Pilzsammelstelle (ca. 15 min).
• Mittagessen an einem Picknickplatz unter freiem Himmel an der Gauja (ca. 30 min).
• geführtes Pilzsammeln im Wald (ca. 1 Stunde).
• Rückfahrt zum Hotel (ca. 30 min).
• Sortieren der Pilze gemeinsam mit dem Pilzguide zur Bestimmung der gefundenen Arten.
• Kochen eines Abendessens mit dem Chefkoch im Kārļamuiža-Landhotel (ca. 2 Stunden). Das Kochen wird vor der Gruppe mit Erläuterungen zum Rezept demonstriert. Neben den Pilzen werden auch andere Gerichte zum Abendessen angeboten.

The farmstead  "Spārni" is located on the Latvian-Lithuanian border, near the Vadakste river.
In summer, there are tent and caravan sites for individual travelers and small groups.
Picnic opportunity. Fireplace and grill place. Pond and garden goodies. Animal friendly. There are also birch sap, herbal tea with dandelion honey, fruit / berry kvass tastings, opportunities to participate in farm work.
The hosts offer excursions arround Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

“Agave” is located in the countryside and there are forests and Ligatne river nearby. The place is perfect for listening to birds’ songs and watching wild animals in the early mornings or late evenings.

In the guest house “Agave” there is a garden surrounded by spruce trees, special for Latvians - the Garden of the Balti Signs, where you can find and feel your magic sign and take your time for meditation. The signs are based on ancient Latvian writings. The ancient Balti signs are able to influence the tangible, intangible and spiritual side of our lives, bringing wealth, happiness, luck, strength, fertility and health. Each character has its own meaning and the effect of the sign can only be related to thought, subconscious and nature.

In the guest house there is also sauna for everyone to enjoy. After sauna it is possible to have a swim in the pond or hot tub.

Here everyone can stay overnight in authentic horse stable stalls, enjoying the smell of the flowers and grass of the countryside. In Latvia until the end of the 20th century, during the summer months rural residents slept outside the house – in barns and hay sheds.

If you prefer comfortable rooms, you will be able to stay in the guest house.

The hosts Sarmīte and Jānis Šteini enjoy living in countryside and they have lived in Līgatne for more than 10 years.

Sarmīte is very interested in folklore and is an expert in ancient signs and the meanings of them. Jānis loves to take care of the environment and buildings. They both understand the importance of fresh air and country living. During holidays they take care of their grandchildren.

Sarmīte is an expert of soup making on fire. She uses products from local farms and her own garden (onions, potatoes, beetroot, meat, herbs etc). 

PROGRAMME:

Day 1

• Arrival in “Agave” guest house and meet the hosts.
• Introduction of the house and stable.
• Visiting Vienkoči park and making your own natural jewelry (from materials as the wood, chestnuts, seeds of different fruits and berries, shells)
• Returning to accommodation
• Workshop with participation – Latvian soup making from local vegetables and meat.  
• Latvian Sauna ritual with sauna expert and birch, oak or linden sauna brooms

Day 2

Breakfast

• Guided tour around Balts or Baltic people sign path
• Free time or Hiking tour in Līgatne forest (~2,5 h/ 4 km)
• Ligatne local wine tasting with cheese and meat board (snacks).

Dzirnupes ist ein traditioneller Bauernhof im ländlichen Vidzeme, 15 km vom Städtchen Limbaži entfernt. In den Sommermonaten bieten die Eigentümer ihren Gästen die Möglichkeit, in einem romantischen, 1924 errichteten Getreidespeicher zu übernachten. Er ist im ethnografischen Stil mit antiken Möbeln, weiteren Einrichtungsgegenständen und Werkzeugen versehen. Auch eine Sauna gehört dazu. Auf dem Hof gibt es einen Teich und einen kleinen Fluss zum Angeln oder Bootfahren, eine Pergola und einen Picknickplatz, einen Volleyballfeld, einen kleinen Garten mit diversem Angebauten, dazu ringsum blühende Wiesen. Auch einige Haustiere sind hier anzutreffen – eine Ziege, ein paar Gänse und Hühner sowie eine Katze.

Dzirnupes wird von Juris und Sandra Palelionis geführt. Ihre erwachsenen Kinder helfen mit, wenn sie Zeit haben. Juris ist ein Percussions-Meister, dessen Spezialität Trommeln aus Baumstümpfen sind. Sie werden aus Tannen-, Linden- und Weidenbäumen geschnitzt. Die Stümpfe werden mit klingendem Ziegen- oder Biberfell bespannt. Juris stellt auch andere Musikinstrumente und Souvenirs her, darunter Hörner, Schlaginstrumente, Pfeifen und Quirle.

Den Gästen wird der Hof vorgestellt, sie probieren Leckeres vom Lande, trinken Kräutertee, erfahren Details zur Herstellung von Stumpftrommeln und musizieren am Ende gemeinsam mit ihren Gastgebern.

PROGRAMM:

• Treffen mit den Besitzern Sandra und Juris zu einem Spaziergang über den Hof
• Kräutertee und Snacks, zubereitet von Sandra, serviert in der Pergola oder im Getreidespeicher
• Parallel dazu Infos zur Herstellung von Stumpftrommeln
• Danach Musik mit Trommeln und anderen Schlaginstrumenten, die von den Besitzern hergestellt werden

The name of the house is ‘Ārpus Laika’ and it means ‘Beyond the Time’. The family likes the green rural lifestyle. They have created a landscape park and they practice green living in a dome house designed by themselves. The family also manufactures garden furniture and hammocks. The buildings are surrounded by a beautiful park and a pond full of frogs and fishes. The surrounding landscape of the park with a pergola, a bridge, a forest and fields creates a very tranquil countryside atmosphere that can be experienced just a short drive away from the capital city.

"Beyond the Time" is a family business, where the owners have fulfilled their wishes - the owner has built a dome house, made the interior and furniture of the building, as well as works as a chef, feasting guests with delicious food, but the hostess can receive guests and organize concerts with the best Latvian musicians.

The hostess will guide the guests through the dome house park introducing the concept and making short stops in between to offer tasting of her home-made wines. The visit ends with a master class of Latvian desserts. 

Programme:

• Introduction to the ‘Beyond the Time’ concept and idea, showing around (approx. 15 min.). In good weather the introduction part takes place outdoors.
• Introduction to wine making from local products (berries, herbs etc.) The first glass of wine served.
• Dome house stories – the hostess will tell about the concept of dome houses, their different architectural styles and ideas (approx. 15 min.).
• Short introduction to the second wine sort for tasting. A glass of wine served.
• Insight in how the dome house ‘Beyond the Time’ was built. Demonstration of the house insulation with straw (approx. 20 min.).
• Short break for guests to explore the park (approx. 10 min.).
• Short introduction to the third wine for tasting. A glass of wine served.
• Workshop and demonstration of cooking a traditional Latvian dessert ‘rupjmaizes kārtojums’ or ’debesmanna’. The hostess will make one of the desserts together with the visitors. After demonstration the visitors will enjoy the dessert (approx. 30 min.).

Das Unternehmen "Sabile Cidre" befindet sich im Herzen des Städtchens Sabile. Jeden Herbst liefern die Landwirte aus der Region Kurzeme Äpfel an, aus denen hier Saft zur Cidreherstellung gewonnen wird. Die Anlage ist auch eine öffentliche Veranstaltungsstätte. Im Sommer organisieren die Firma und die Gemeindeverwaltung von Sabile dort Konzerte und kulturelle Events.

Für Baiba und Aldis Circenis aus Riga fing das Leben in Sabile vor mehr als 20 Jahren an, als sie in der Nähe eine "Oase der Ruhe" zwischen Linden und Eichen erwarben. Sie begehen lettische Feste, bieten Kurse zur Landarbeit an und haben nach langen Überlegungen darüber, was sie mit ihrer enormen Apfelernte anfangen sollten, den ersten Sabiler Apfelwein hergestellt. Voraussetzung dafür war ein gepflegter Garten mit alten und großen Apfelbäumen. Parallel dazu haben die beiden sowohl Tradition als auch Herstellung von Cidre direkt vor Ort in den altehrwürdigen Anbaugebieten in England und Frankreich studiert.

Besucher können an einer Führung durch die Fabrik teilnehmen und erfahren, wie dort Apfelschaumwein hergestellt wird. Die Besitzerin erzählt, warum sie ihren Beruf wechselte und Cidremeisterin wurde. Im Sabiler Cidre Haus, das sich direkt neben der Fabrik befindet, können die Besucher den Apfelschaumwein probieren und zum Mitnehmen kaufen.

PROGRAMM:

• Ankunft in der Apfelschaumweinfabrik "Sabile Cider" und Treffen mit einem ihrer Vertreter.
• Informationen über die Geschichte der Welt des Apfelschaumweins, Fakten, Hintergründe und die Geschichte der Firma; außerdem Vorstellung der Technologien zur Cidreherstellung in Lettland und anderswo auf der Welt.
• Rundgang durch die Fabrik, Besichtigung der Anlagen und Informationen über die Herstellung von Cidre vom Apfel bis zum Korken der abgefüllten Flasche.
• Besuch des "Sabiler Cidre Hauses", etwa 300 Meter von der Fabrik, um die Produktion der Anlage kennenzulernen und in gemütlicher und ungezwungener Atmosphäre Cidre zu verkosten. Es werden Gespräche über Apfelschaumwein und seine Variationen, über das Städtchen Sabile, die Kultur des Cidregenusses und die dazu passenden Speisen geführt.
• Möglichkeit zum Kauf von Sabile-Cidre.

Der Kainaži-Hof ist fast 150 Jahre alt und liegt zwischen Smiltene und Rauna. Er ist von hundertjährigen Eichen umgeben und befindet sich an einem ruhigen Ort, weit weg von großen Straßen. Ein Park mit mehr als 300 verschiedenen Ahorn-, Birken- und Walnussbaumarten gehört zum Hof. Seit vielen Jahren produziert und vermarktet die Familie Labanovskis verschiedene Arten von Birken- und Ahornsaft. Die Eigentümer haben sich mit der kanadischen Tradition der Sirupherstellung vertraut gemacht und arbeiten seit mehreren Jahren erfolgreich in diesem Bereich. Die Produkte von Birzī sind biologisch zertifiziert.

Līvija und Ervīns tauschten das Leben in Riga gegen das Leben auf dem Lande ein, um ihre Ideen zur Gründung eines Unternehmens für den Verkauf von Säften zu verwirklichen. Ervīns Eltern haben ihm ihr Wissen über den Flüssigkeitskreislauf der Bäume und über die wertvollen Eigenschaften der gewonnenen Säfte weitergegeben. Er befasste sich außerdem mit den kanadischen Technologien zur Saftverarbeitung. Seine Schwester Nora kombiniert ihre Arbeit in Riga mit der Mitarbeit im Betrieb und genießt das Landleben. 

Die Besitzer ermöglichen es Besuchern, die Verarbeitungslinie und den Saft-Park zu besichtigen. Die Gäste können einen Baum pflanzen und Birkensaft in verschiedenen Varianten probieren, von frischem bis zu prickelndem Saft mit verschiedenen Geschmacksrichtungen. Es gibt auch Birkensaft-Sirup. Besonders im Juni, wenn die Blätter der Birken frisch und voller Energie sind, werden die Gäste ermutigt, bei der Herstellung von Birkensaft zu helfen. Das kräftige Aroma der Birkenblätter lässt sich wunderbar erspüren! Zum Abschluss darf sich jeder seine Birkenrute mit nach Hause nehmen. Ein besonderes Angebot ist das Mittagessen für Besuchergruppen im Freien.

 PROGRAMM:
•    Begrüßung durch die Eigentümer
•    Erkundung der Birzī-Produktionslinie, Informationen über das Unternehmen, die Saftgewinnung, die Verarbeitungsräume, den Saftkeller und das Zuckerhaus
•    Besuch des "Parks der Bäume", wo jeder Gast ein Loch gräbt und dann eine Birke oder einen Ahorn pflanzt. Die Besucher geben "ihrem" Baum einen Namen und binden ein Namensschild um den Baum
•    Verkostung und Verkauf von Birzī-Produkten

The village of Kaltene stretches more than seven kilometres along the western shore of the Bay of Rīga. 

The Rožkalni family are local residents who built the Cīrulīši farm on land that they inherited from their grandfather.  Eventually they opened a winery.  Wine tasters began to visit, which meant that there was also a need for delicious food.  Owner Gunta is a food technologist who specialises in the manufacturing of unsterilized canned fish.  She also produces fish products that are popular and known under the brand name of "Home Goodies from Cīrulīši."  These products are available at local stores.  Cīrulīši offers various fish snacks, homemade wines and cider from berries, fruits and flowers from the farm's gardens.  The company also offers conserved foods, jams, sauces, Balsamic vinegar and syrups from ingredients harvested in its own garden. 

Visitors can taste wine, cider, sangria, mulled wine and fish products.  They can help to prepare ancient Kaltene fishermen's food.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Meeting owner Gunta and learning about the Cīrulīši farm;
• Tasting wine and fish products;
• Preparing Kaltene fishermen's food in the garden and on a campfire, with a choice between milk-sautéed Baltic herring or a warm porridge;
• Learning how to eat or conserve the seasonal vegetables, fruits or berries from the garden.

Das Gehöft befindet sich im Urstromtal der Abava. Hier können die Besucher das echte lettische Bauernleben hautnah kennenlernen. Auf dem Hof gibt es Ziegen, Schafe, Pferde, Gänse, Hühner, Kaninchen und weitere Tiere. Mit der Wiederherstellung des Gehöfts wurde 1991 begonnen. Damals befanden sich hier nur eingestürzte Scheunenwände und ein überwucherter Obstgarten. Die Familie Ezeriņ nahm den Wiederaufbau in Angriff, um ihrer ältesten Tochter Signe den Traum vom Leben auf dem Land und einem eigenen Pferd zu erfüllen.  

Heute betreibt diese Tochter, die Gastgeberin Signe Ezeriņa, nun ihren eigenen Bauernhof und versorgt ihre Familie mit frischen Produkten wie Eiern, Milch, Käse, Gemüse und Obst. Sie teilt die Erfüllung ihres Traums mit ihren Gästen und lässt sie am echten Landleben teilhaben.

Bei einer zweistündigen Führung erfahren die Gäste mehr über den Hof, können Tiere beobachten und die von der Gastgeberin hergestellten Spezialitäten probieren. Nach gesonderter Absprache ist eine Übernachtung möglich, um noch mehr vom Landleben zu erfahren, einen Saunabesuch mit Birken- und Wacholderruten zu unternehmen und anschließend im nahen Teich zu schwimmen. 

PROGRAMM
•    Rundgang über den Bauernhof, bei dem das Leben auf dem Lande vorgestellt wird
•    Erfrischungspause mit Kräutertee und Honig sowie Verkostung von Karottenkuchen und anderem traditionellen Backwerk 

The 10-hectare territory next to the Slate Forest is in a quiet place and 50 km away from the nearest cities.  The forest is a unique complex of archaeology, culture and history.  This is the site of the only known early or middle Iron Age graveyard on white hillocks (3rd to 7th century).  There is also a graveyard known as Corpse Hill.  Surrounding these are flatlands with forests and fields.  The Eglaine River and the Tīreļi Swamp, which is full of berries, are nearby. 

Lelde and Mārtiņš Uzkurs are a young couple which has lived at Kalnaleiskini since 2019.  Mārtiņš' family has lived in Sēlija for several generations, while Lelde moved there five years ago from Jūrmala.  The couple own a carpentry shop where the husband is the carpenter and the wife is the designer.  Lelde is a member of the Latvian Association of Ornithologists, and she is an experienced tour guide who has been excited about birdwatching for the past seven years.  Lelde particularly likes to count up owls. 

During your visit, you can build a feeder or birdhouse for the birds.  You can be sure that it will satisfy all carpentry standards.  The birds will like them.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at Kalnaleiskini and meeting Lelde as the guide;
• A short (3 km) hike to the Slate Forest to watch birds, listen to their song, and learn about various types of birds;
• After the hike, there is a workshop to build feeders or birdhouses, with participants preparing materials on the basis of samples (measuring and sawing boards) so as to build a feeder or birdhouse which the person may take home.

The “Lamb Club” is a farm in Mazsalaca, and it is special because the sheep live in a real club!  The owners offer the atmosphere of a farm at which the sheep play major roles.  Enjoy mutton and sheep milk foods and beverages, feel how comfortable it is to read your favourite while sitting on a fluffy sheepskin, and, in order not to get cold by the campfire in the evening, you can purchase warm woollen socks and woven woollen cloaks.

The owners hope that people from Latvia and all around the world will spend more time at the farm, because accommodations involve a new glamping tent that is as close as possible to nature and the healthy rural environment.  Don’t lose a lick of the comfort that you are used to in your everyday life!

The owners, Ilze and Valters, will be happy to give you a tour during which they talk about herding sheep.  If you contact them in advance, they will prepare a tasty mutton meal for you.  The tour can also be supplemented with various activities such as games, quizzes and creative workshops at which sheep wool is utilised.
 

The story of Oleri Estate began in 1988, when the poet Imants Ziedonis called on the government to save unmanaged and collapsing estates.  Students from the wood sculpture department of the Rīga Applied Art High School responded to the call.  After research, work began on restoration and reconstruction, focusing particular attention on authenticity.  The estate was built in the style of Early Classicism in the late 18th century.  It is surrounded by a landscape garden that was established while maintaining mid-19th century Romanticism traditions, with the selection of fashionable plants that were appropriate for the era and serious planning principles.  The kitchen garden with colourful and high flowerbeds have inspired many visitors to the garden. 

The Zemītis family have managed the Oleri Estate for more than 30 years, organising concerts of chamber music and events involving stories about the garden. 

Visitors can learn about present-day life in an historical rural estate and have tours related to the restoration of the estate's buildings, as well as the tending of the historical garden.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Learning about the restoration of the mansion of the Oleri Estate;
• Learning about the principles of landscape gardens and the historical trips and stories of plants;
• Learning about the historical Oleri Estate landscape garden;
• A meal on the terrace of the estate.

The Iča settlement village is an ancient settlement on the banks of the Iča River which was discovered in 1937.  People from the Neolithic Era (4,500-1,500 BC) and Bronze Age (1,500-500 BC) settled here -- craftsmen, fishermen and hunters. 

Biruta Bogdane initiated the thematic village at the Iča settlement.  She is an active and creative resident of the Bērzpils Parish, and her idea of establishing a thematic village to popularise the cultural and historical heritage of the parish excited and brought together several local residents.  Guests are given a tour of the settlement village by Anna Kriviša, who otherwise is responsible for various cultural events in the parish. 

Guests are welcome to learn about the thematic village and its past and present, visit the most important cultural and historical sites in Bērzpils, as well natural locations.  Visitors can learn ancient skills such as cheesemaking, weaving grass mats, taking a master class in playing folk instruments that is organised by local experts, and then enjoying meals of hearty fish soup and home-baked rye bread.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arriving at the Bērzpils Parish and meeting the guide at Dārzu Street 25A;
• A tour of the most important locations in Bērzpils along with a guide -- the thematic landscape park with a view of the beautiful locations in the parish, the Bērzi cemetery chapel, which is an architectural monument of national importance (built in 1791, restored in 2017), the Bērzi St Anne Roman Catholic Church (built in 1851), and the Bonifacova Estate;

The Iča settlement:

• Fish soup for lunch
• Master classes in playing folk instruments, singing, dancing or cheesemaking.

The soap workshop will show and tell how hard soaps are made from fats, oils and alkali. Everyone will have the opportunity to look at soap cooking or hot cooking process and oil with alkali mixing or cold cooking process. You will be able to find out what materials are used in soap making, how the saponification process takes place, how long it takes to a fully finished piece of soap that lasts a long time and is skin friendly.

Raitis and Dace moved from the center of Riga in 2019 to the countryside - the house located in the middle or nowhere. If you look at the map, then they are located in the heart of Latvia. Everyday life is spent renovating the house, caring for the surroundings and raising children. Dace, who was born and raised in Riga, is cherished and challenged by the garden, where salads and vegetables are grown for the family table and winter stocks. In an effort to make the most of the available resources, the idea arose of using ash alkali in soap making. A lot of experimentation was done, information was sought, as a result of which it was learned - the soap alkali alone will not make soap. But the idea of soap remained - it was developed cooked soap from animal fats, vegetable oils and soap medicines.

PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at "Ievkalni"

• Getting to know the hosts

Soap master class:

• Preparation of raw materials.
• Getting acquainted with the equipment.
• Soap making process.
• Soap casting in molds.

The soap prepared in the master class can be reserved - they will be sent when the soap is completely ready (i.e. within 4-8 weeks)

• Picnic with the local food from local farm “Gusts Apinis” – beef burgers, quinoa salad and dessert.

Everyone is also welcome to stay overnight in “Ievkalni”:

• Accommodation in an old, sloping barn (10 beds)
• Tent sites in the shed barn (lots of space)
• Camper (yours), electrical connection (ours)
• Outdoor kitchen with all necessary equipment for cooking (dishes, pots, pans, gas stove, sink, grill, refrigerator)
• Outdoor shower with warm water and views of tree leaves, stars
• Small cinema hall for up to 15 people
• Directions to walking routes over local peaks

Vilkapurvi is on the edge of a swamp, and the air is shaped by peat moss which is filtered into a bitterly pure aroma.  There is a bit of primacy in the landscape and the mood of the homestead.  Black alders with strands of hops weaving around them.  A forest anthill near the sauna, green frogs that are tended to by a stork, and an owl which hoots from a tall fir tree. 

Ligita Elksnīte, mother to eight children, has managed Vilkapurvi for the past five years.  The homestead has a sauna, a portable sauna, and a water barrel to keep outdoors.  Elksnīte produces medicinal plant syrups, herbal teas, sauna scrubs, massage oils and infusions.  Wild and garden plants are used to produce salads and green cocktails.  Visitors can purchase products, and the lady of the homestead is a certified sauna master. 

Guests can learn all about herbal plants, prepare massage oil or a plant infusion, and taste the products of the homestead.  The programme can be supplemented with a sauna, where guests will learn about sauna rituals, preparing sauna switches and scrubs, and then taking a sauna under the leadership of the specialist.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at Vilkapurvi;
• A stroll through the meadow or forest to learn about medicinal plants and how they are harvested;
• A master class on infusions or massage oils, with each guest taking the product that he or she has produced along when departing;
• Tasting of medicinal plant syrups;
• Tasting of grass and weed salads or green cocktails.

The Alsunga Tourist Information and Historical Heritage Centre has a permanent exhibition that features a Suiti living room and a kitchen, as well as liturgical apparel collection worn by Catholic priests. In the exhibition hall there are rotating exhibitions related to the history and present life of the Suiti women’s ethnographic ensemble. A special offer involves performances by ensembles “Suiti women”, “Suiti men” and “Suiti bagpipe players”.

Das selonische Gehöft Gulbji ist einer der wenigen Orte in Lettland, an denen man einen für die historische Region Sēlija (Selenland) typischen Bauernhof mit seinen charakteristischen Gebäuden sehen kann. Gulbji liegt relativ weit entfernt von größeren Straßen und besiedelten Gebieten. Das Gehöft befindet sich inmitten von Wäldern, naturbelassenen Wiesen und sanften Hügeln. Auf dem Grundstück gibt es einen See, eine Quelle und Teiche; auf dem Hof werden Gemüse, Obst und Beeren angebaut und Milchprodukte hergestellt. Die Gastgeberin pflegt eine schöne Staudensammlung und einen Ziergarten. Die Familie züchtet außerdem Bienen für die Honigproduktion und stellt Kräutertees und Saunaartikel wie Peelings, Öle und Saunabüschel her.

Die Gastgeber leben hier in der 6. Generation. Rita ist Gärtnerin von Beruf, Juris ist Handwerksmeister. Vor über 15 Jahren kehrten sie in das Stammhaus ihrer Familie zurück. Rita und Juris sind der Meinung, dass der besondere, einzigartige Wert des Hauses in seinem selenländischen Geist liegt, einer Atmosphäre, die in allem präsent ist – in den von den Vorfahren hergestellten Haushaltsgegenständen, den überlieferten Rezepten sowie in den Traditionen und Bräuchen, die über Generationen hinweg weitergegeben wurden.

Während des Besuchs führen die Gastgeber die Besucher über das Gehöft und erklären ihnen die Lebensweise der Selonen anhand der traditionellen Anlage mit ihren Gebäuden, dem Garten und der Landwirtschaft. Nach dem Mittagessen besteht die Möglichkeit, an einem der Meisterkurse teilzunehmen, die traditionelles selonisches Handwerk, kulinarische Spezialitäten oder das Thema der typisch selonischen Feste zum Inhalt haben.

PROGRAMM:

• Begrüßung durch die Gastgeber. Besichtigung des Hofes und der Gebäude, Begutachtung der Sammlung von Werkzeugen und Haushaltsgegenständen aus der Vergangenheit.
• Rundgang durch den Ziergarten, die Gärtnerei und den Kräutergarten. Die Gastgeberin spricht über das Anlegen und Pflegen eines Gartens in ländlicher Umgebung und die Verwendung von Heilkräutern.
• Mittagessen – traditionelle selonische Gerichte. Die Gastgeberin erläutert die Traditionen der selonischen Küche, die beliebtesten Rezepte und Kochmethoden.
• Thematischer Workshop nach vorheriger Wahl: Käseherstellung, Butterherstellung, Herstellung von Seilen aus Flachsfasern, Bau eines Holzzauns, Herstellung von Puzuri (Weihnachtsschmuck aus Stroh), Feste der Selonen.

Gästehaus in der Brauerei des 300 Jahre alten Omuļi–Herrenhauses, 20 km von Valka entfernt. Heimwerkerbetrieb – Geräuchertes, Käse, Weißbrot, süß–saures Brot und Roggenbrot. Tierfarm, Sauna.

Valmiermuiža is on the northern border of Valmiera.  The stable and riding school were established during the first half of the 19th century in three buildings that are joined together by a yard with paving stones and are surrounded by a stone and mortar fence with a gate.

The Jurašs family currently manages this location, hoping to preserve the very best traditions in Latvian horse breeding.  The owner has been part of the Latvian horseback riding team, and he and his daughter, Viktorija, have won many prizes at riding championships in Latvia.  The family directs the Valmiermuiža Riding School, with some 50 students aged from 4 to 84 who wish to learn how to ride a horse.  There are also creative camps for children which feature a great many practical skills.  Many kids have never pushed a wheelbarrow, raked hay or fed and tended to animals that are as large as a horse.

Staff at the stable welcome adults and children as guests.  They offer an educational tour about tending to horses, breeding horses and types of horses.  Visitors can help with work at the stable and view an exhibition of items related to the work at the stable and look at an exhibition of horse breeding equipment.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Meeting the owners of the Valmiermuiža stable or one of their trustworthy assistants;
• Learning about the history of the stable;
• An educational tour of the stable to learn about horse breeding, various types of horses and their historical role in the lives of Latvians; should anyone wish to, they can clean the horses and feed carrots to them;
• A chance to look at and handle various tools related to horse breeding;
• It is possible to climb onto the back of a horse if that is arranged in advance.

 The farm is located in one of the most picturesque places in Vidzeme, ELKAS KALNS. The height of Elka hill above sea level is 361.5 m and it is one of the highest in Vidzeme highlands. Latvia's longest river, the GAUJA, begins at the foot of Elka Hill.

The farm's 11 ha property consists of biologically valuable meadows, a small forest, a backyard pond with fish. There is a well-kept orchard. Honey from biologically valuable meadows is harvested in a small beehive. Herbal teas are harvested both on farm meadows and in the forest, and grown in the garden, following the principles of organic and permaculture. When visiting the farm, it will be possible to get acquainted with the very wide use of plants and collect your favorite plants. Herbal tea mixtures and powders are made from harvested plants, but this does not end the application. The plants are used to make syrups (such as young spruce needle syrup), infusions (such as St. John's wort in vodka), extracts (such as calendula in oil), fermented (such as raspberry leaves or fir flowers). The farm offers tastings of jams, juices and syrups. Everything is made from home-grown berries and fruits. Maple and birch sap harvested in spring is frozen and can be enjoyed fresh all summer. All products made on the farm can be tasted.

During the visit to the farm, with the participation of creative workshops, it is also possible to prepare something useful for cosmetics, such as soap with vegetable powder, cream with vegetable oil extract or distillate from plants, which can be used instead of lotion. An interesting creative workshop using plants for yarn dyeing. The farm has a small weaving workshop. Here you can weave your medicine mat, for example, for sauna rituals. If time allows and you are interested, you can learn the basics of weaving and weave, for example, a small rug from your old T-shirt. 

The owners (Inese and Valdis Stibe) and their family have been managing Elka Hill for 15 years. The family of several generations are from Riga. Initially, only summers were spent here, but also winters in the last few years. Much effort has been made all these years to maintain the landscape and preserve the natural environment. The hostess has mastered the principles of organic farming at the Latvia University of Agriculture and the basics of permaculture courses. Knowledge is applied on a daily basis in gardening, collecting and processing plants. Growing, collecting and making tea is one of the housewife's heart's desire. The second heart is weaving, dyeing yarn with plants. The owner's passion is an orchard and berry garden. In recent years, the owner's heart is bees. He has also acquired the knowledge of a beekeeper through courses and practical work.

PROGRAMME:

• Upon arrival at the farm, acquaintance with the owners.
• Walk around the farm and excursion to the beginning of the Gauja.
• Operation in one of the selected creative workshops (creative workshops must apply one week in advance):

1. Preparation of your own special tea mixture for a healthy body and spirit
2. Together prepared flower waters for eternal beauty
3. Soap preparation for body well-being

• Tasting of the products currently available on the farm.
• Enjoying tea, birch sap.
• Lunch, which can be prepared together on a live fire.