The Suiti land

Contact information

Related objects

Photo	Name	Description
	“Little Chamber of Ancient Items, Writings and Photographs”	The space is on the second floor of the Jūrkalne library, featuring traditional objects from Jūrkalne and the Suiti people, as well as several looms where locals organise creative workshops. Contact the chamber in advance to arrange for a guide who will tell you all about the culture and traditions of the Suiti and present a film about them.
	Dizgabalkalns Hill	Is an ancient Courlandian castle hill and is found in the very centre of Alsunga. It was named in 1659 when General Berg from Kurzeme put cannons on it to attack Swedish forces that had fortified themselves in the Alsunga castle. The hill is 8 to 10 metres high and 24 x 54 metres wide, offering a lovely view of the St Michael Roman Catholic Church, as well as the Alsunga windmill lake that is alongside it. There is a distinct terrace around the hill, and it once was the foundation of wooden defensive structures. On the other side of the street, to the West of the castle hill, is a cemetery with fire graves of Courlandians that date back to the 11th to 13th century. Archaeologists examined the area during the middle part of the last century. The Suiti celebrate Easter and other holidays on the hill.
	The “Puralade” store and creative workshop	Features vivid woven Suiti textiles and offers master's classes. You can also purchase souvenirs. Contact the workshop in advance if you want to take part in the classes.
	The Culture Centre of Jurkalne	The Jūrkalne People's Centre is the main gathering place for Suiti people and is in a former saloon that was built around 1875. Major restorations were conducted in 2011. The centre offers various events, there is an exhibition hall for visitors, and the "Maģie Suiti" ethnographic ensemble and other amateur ensembles are active there. If you want to meet the Suiti and learn about their traditions, contact the centre in advance.
	THE MARA ESTATE	The Mara Estate is in the Turlava Parish of the Kuldīga Administrative district, and it was first mentioned in documents in the 16th century. The estate was restored in 2006, and alongside it is a park with alleys and large trees. Comfortable and beautiful rooms are available to guests for overnight accommodations. Breakfast can be requested. There is also a separate flat for five people with a separate entrance, guestroom, two bedrooms and kitchens. The owners offer tours of German castles and estates in Kurzeme, the town of Kuldīga as the jewel of Kurzeme, as well as painting classes.
	The Suiti Ethnic Cultural Centre	This collection features the heritage of the Suiti people, including an exhibition of folk costumes. Visitors can learn about the costumes and try them on. This is a cosy place for meetings, with well-equipped rooms for seminars and various types of training sessions.
	The “Straumeni” carpentry workshop	Guntis Niedoliņš is a master craftsman, and at this workshop he manufactures wooden jewellery, furniture, interior design objects, spoons, shovels, etc.
	The "Ezermali" leisure complex	This centre offers recreation in a lovely venue on the banks of Lake Zvirgzdi without overnight accommodations. There is a lovely sandy beach for swimmers, as well as boating and fishing. Children can ride a water bike. Active leisure with a country sauna. There is a guesthouse with two rooms for eight people, as well as six camping trailers, 18 sites for tents, and an opportunity to rent a boat.
	The view from the steep shore of the Baltic Sea	At Jūrkalne, there is a small viewing area on the steep shore which offers a magnificent view. At the foot of the shore, which can be accessed via a set of steps, the view is no less wonderful. It is worth hiking along the entire shore from Pāvilosta to Sārnate (approximately 30 kilometres).
	Suiti meeting places – Alsunga, Gudenieki, Jurkalne	The environmental object “SUITI MEETING PLACE” was established during an international arts plénière in Jūrkalne, and the originator of the idea was the musician Igo. Sculptor Ivars Miķelsons with assistants Didzis Grodzs and Juris Krafts produced the environmental object. The idea of marking out the Suiti cultural space among Gudenieki, Alsunga and Jūrkalne in nature began in 2013, when the first Suiti meeting place was established where the Gudenieki-Ēdole and Alsunga-Basi roads cross. The second meeting place was established the next year where the Kuldīga-Alsunga-Jūrkalne road crosses the town in the direction of Jūrkalne past the Alsunga centre. The third Suiti meeting place was established in Jūrkalne. The objects were established in partnership with local governments and landowners by the “Vēju sēta” association.
	The “Ciruli” farm	Contact her in advance, and the landlady here will bake various cakes, pastries, carrot buns and pierogi with various fillings. You can also order smoked fish.
	A marmot breeding farm	A friendly place for families, children and all interested parties. You can go on a tour or individually look at and learn about marmosets.
	The Roman Catholic Church of St Michael	Built around 1625. For several centuries it was the main worship place for the Suiti community, supporting the community's spirituality and identity. In 1882 the church was expanded into the form of a cross that is seen today. Inside the church you can see work done by the Dutch wood carver Johann Mertens around 1715. The organ was built by F. Weisenborn in Jēkabpils in 1893, and the altar painting dates back to 1910. The bricked graveyard of the Schwerin dynasty is under the church. Contact it in advance if you wish to see its interior.
	The Zieduleja Park	features an open-air stage in a lovely place. During the summer there are concerts, theatrical performances, parties, Summer Solstice celebrations, etc. The International Bourdon Festival is held once every four years, and the next one will be in 2020. This brings together bourdon singers from many countries in the world.
	The "Gacas" farm	This is the home of singer and oral tradition keeper Lidija Jansone, who is a holder of the Latvian Order of Tree Stars and a fierce defender of the cultural heritage of the Suiti people. She will tell you about her community’s history and traditions and about the special bourdon singing of the Suiti. Lidija will also talk about how beer was once brewed by our ancestors for various celebrations.
	The “Rivas krogs” saloon	The saloon is alongside the Liepāja-Ventspils road (P111), alongside the restored wooden bridge across the Rīva River. The interior design is based on the sea. During the autumn, the large windows open up a view of salmon leaping across the dam of the windmill. Latvian cuisine: Chilled soup, baked potatoes in their jacket, baked filet of flounder and cod, baked herring in a sea buckthorn marinade, pork chop with mushrooms, sausages with marinated onions, grey peas with bacon, mashed potatoes, stacked rye bread, oatmeal with whipped cream.
	For Health and Beauty	Natālija Rutule owns this workshop in the Alsunga Museum building. She teaches master classes in preparing various health and beauty products. A sound workshop offers a chance to listen to the peaceful sounds of gongs, bells and other instruments.
	The Zibgrava Health Trail	1.2 km long, the trail passes through a unique terrain of hillocks and forests, with the height of the valley rising to as much as 15 metres. Visitors will find a diversity of plant life, as well as the beautiful little Kauliņupīte River, which crosses the rail at two points. The health trail was established in the late 1990s.
	IMANTAS	The “Imantas” leisure centre is at the old Labrags Estate, 300 m from the sea and on the steep shore of the Rīva River Valley. This is a special place with tall, tall trees, and beautiful river valley, a wooden bridge and a waterfall. The “Curves of Rīva” nature trails weaves through the ancient river valley. The guesthouse is open all year long with a café, bar and sauna. During the summer season there are four and five-bed cottages and a kitchen for visitors.
	Alsunga	Known as Alšvanga in the past, this place was mentioned for the first time in 1231 in an agreement that was signed between the deputy legate of the pope in Rome and the Courlandian tribes of the region. The Livonian Order ruled the territory until 1561, and from 1573 until 1738 the order’s castle belonged to the von Schwerin dynasty from Pomerania. It during the rule of this aristocratic family that a stone church was built in honour of Archangel Michael, and local residents began to convert to Catholicism. Alsunga became the Catholic centre for all of Kurzeme, and local residents became known as the Suiti (from the Schwerin suite). For nearly 400 years, Alsunga has been the historical centre of the Suiti territory. This is Latvia’s most conservative region and is widely known with unusual songs, colourful folk costumes and various folk traditions and beliefs. The Suiti have their own dialect, foods and many other things that have been long since abandoned or forgotten elsewhere in Latvia. The religious has commingled with the folk here in one unique whole. The Alsunga District covers 191 km2 and has some 1,500 residents.
	SPELMANU TAVERN	This tavern is in the centre of Alsunga, which is the capital of the Suiti people. The Suiti have always known how to work hard, sing well and eat tasty foods. The tavern offers for tour groups to taste a delicious Suiti meal made from ancient recipes, after which participants can learn how to cook those foods – carrot buns, soured porridge and other masterful dishes from this part of Latvia. A very effective performance by Women of Suiti will make the meal truly unforgettable. You’ll also be able to purchase carrot buns and sourdough bread that is baked only here. Latvian cuisine: Sourdough bread, dumplings, dried ribs. Special foods: Homemade carrot buns.
	The Jurkalne Catholic Church	according to legend, was washed into the sea because of collapsing shores along with other buildings and the old road. The church was built in 1862 and has an altar painting from the late 19th century, "Mother of God," along with an organ. The metal elements of the building's doors are interesting. Hanging from the ceiling of the church is a sailing ship that has to do with the rescue of the crew of the sunken ship.
	A commemoration sign for refugees fleeing to Sweden	In Ošvalki, which is between Jūrkalne and Sārnate, there is a commemorative sign, “Sail of Hope,” which commemorates Latvians who sought to cross the Baltic Sea to Sweden during the latter period of World War II in 1944 and 1945. The sign is in the dunes between the road and the sea.
	RESTAURANT PILSBERGU KROGS	The “Pilsbergu krogs” guesthouse and café is 300 metres from the steep shores of Jūrkalne. It is in an historical building that has been restored. The Restaurant is open for the whole year. Foods from European cuisine as well as local dishes like local fish are served. Catering for tourist groups, banquet hall for up to 30 persons, restaurant hall for 25 persons and summer terrace for 30 persons.
	The Alsunga Order Castle	The first stone castle in Alsunga was built in 1372, starting with the central part of the southern wing. The authorised representative of the Livonian Order, who was subject to a higher-ranking official in Kuldīga, lived here. The guard towers and other parts of the castle were gradually added between the 15^th and the 18^th century. The Baroque castle with its two towers is quite impressive. The castle is unique in and outside of Latvia in that it is one of the rare Medieval castles to have survived to the present day in part, but in its original historical appearance. The castle offers an exhibition about its history. Visitors can look at a Suiti kitchen, write a letter with a fountain pen in Barbara’s boudoir, or celebrate a special event in the romantic venue of the castle’s round tower. Renovation of the castle began in 2018, and it is closed to visitors. Still, you can look at its exterior and tour its garden.
	The “Zeijas” farm	A true Latvian landlady, Skaidrīte Nagliņa, will welcome you to this farm and show you how to bake traditional bread. Old recipes and a bread oven heated by firewood will lead to beloved and tasty carrot buns, fresh sourdough bread and “pizza” ὰ la the Suiti. For groups up to 10 people. Please contact the farm in advance of your visit.
	ZAKU KROGS	A pub and a guest house at Jūrkalne - between Ventspils and Jūrkalne. Rustic interior, cosy atmosphere. Sauna with a pool, a meeting room.
	The "Rija" Suiti craftsmanship and art space	Located in the threshing barn of an old estate in Alsunga. There is a souvenir shop where you can purchase practical items such as shawls, gloves, stockings, dishes, herbal teas, etc. Creative workshops are available here for children, and if you contact the venue in advance, you can meet with Suiti women to learn about traditions and to sing and play games. The centre has been awarded the "Latvian heritage" cultural sign.
	Bread baking in BERZINI	In the Berzini homestead they bake exceptionally tasty wheat and rye bread in accordance with the old folk recipes. The taste and smell is the result of baking bread in a special oven which is more than 70 years old. It is possible to order bread, or, having booked a visit beforehand, to make and bake your own bread loaf. The owners will teach you bread baking traditions and use recipes from their ancestors to bake loaves in a true bread oven.
	KISI	A pleasant sojourn at the well equipped guest-house on the shores of Lake Zvirgzdu. The landscape is beautiful. The hall with a fireplace seats 50 people. The venue has a sauna, a kitchen, four well-appointed rooms and a dormitory room with 17 beds. Four cottages for four persons are also available. There is a space for tents. Boats can be rented for licenced fishing in the lake.
	The Alsunga Tourism Information Centre	The centre was opened in 2018 with the aim of facilitating tourism in Alsunga and the historical Suiti territory and to offer information about the district, thus establishing a positive and attractive image for Alsunga and the historical territory in Latvia and abroad.
	The Mezvidi maze	This labyrinth covers 3,300 m2. Visitors can make their way through the maze, trying to find the exit and handling clever tasks at some of the special twists and turns in the labyrinth. There is a playground for children, along with a workshop, a mud café and the “fir tree village.”
	The Roman Catholic Church of St John the Baptist	was built between 1930 and 1947. On both sides of the altar are sculptures of angels that date back to the late 17th century and were sculpted in Subate. They are the only elements of this kind in the Baroque decorative sculpture in churches in Kurzeme. It may be that the figure of the Saviour on the cross with a sleeping lamb at his feet was produced by the same artists. No one knows how the artworks arrived in Subate. The organ with its wooden pipes was manufactured by Juris Bokums. During the season, the interior of the church can be toured, and if you contact the church in advance, you can arrange for organ music performances.
	Nature trail "Curves of Riva"	Nature trail "Curves of Riva" starts at Ulmale-Labraga Lutheran Church and continues 3 kilometres down the picturesque downstream of river Riva. Rīva here flows in a canyon-type ravine which reaches 12 meter rise at some points. The trail reveals countless river twists and turns and steep coastal cliffs. The air here is unusual, filled with sea and pine tree aroma. You'll be able to enjoy an undisturbed peace and quiet, watching the magnificent scenery and the tranquil flow of the river. The trail is partly accessible with an assistant and is marked with green paint.
	The Storm Museum	The Baltic Sea gave this territory one of the old names of Jūrkalne – Felixberg, and people still talk about the interesting legend that is the origin of the name. Several wrecked ships have been found in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Jūrkalne. An exhibition in the museum visualises the underwater world as the deck of a ship that has sunk into the depths of the sea. The exhibition focuses on the cultural and historical heritage of underwater Latvia, allowing visitors to learn all about the history of sailing ships, steamships and other objects that have been raised from the depths. Small children will start to learn about the underwater world, and researchers with broader knowledge will find something new here.
	The “Aploki” farm	The landlady of this farm will tell you about healthy herbal teas and home-based goodies. If you wish to spend the night under the stars, we offer a place for tents and a campfire on the banks of local river by the old Lūkas windmill. “Aploki” will welcome anyone who wants to relax in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
	Zaku krogs	Located a few kilometres from Jūrkalne in a log building with a Latvian style interior. The menu includes Latvian and European cuisine, as well as fish and game meat dishes prepared from natural local produce in cooperation with local producers. Offer also includes pastries and sweets.
	Farm “Zemgali”	This farm welcomes groups and individual travellers for a smoke sauna, lunch, and a chance to taste Suiti bread, buns and special seed pastries that are based on ancient recipes.
	The Suitu Maize bakery	The owner of the bakery bakes bread on maple leaves in accordance with ancient recipes. She also bakes three-layer carrot buns (rye flour, potatoes and carrots). You can learn about the baking process and then taste and purchase the finished products. The lady of the house demonstrates and teaches traditions related to the baking of bread and carrot buns. While the buns are in the oven, she will talk about the Suiti region and offer a look at Suiti folk costumes.
	PILSBERGU KROGS	This guesthouse is in a historical former estate at a two-minute walk from the most beautiful natural formation in Kurzeme – the steep shores of Jūrkalne. 2014 – 2015 thirteen cozy rooms have been renovated and built with a possibility to host 36 persons. There is a bathroom with shower, hair dryer in each room. Besides there is also a LCD TV and Wi-Fi. Rooms are furnished with elegant wooden furniture, comfortable beds and with textiles from natural materials. The Restaurant is open for the whole year. Delicious foods from European cuisine as well as local dishes like local fish are served there.
	The “Austuve” creative workshop	Found in the Alsunga Museum, this workshop demonstrates how the folk costumes and accessories of the Suiti community are produced. Visitors can learn about weaving traditions in the area and examine the colourful range of folk costumes. Visitors are welcome to try their hand at the work under the guidance of experienced specialists.
	The Birzi Manor Complex	The manor is in Basi in the Gudenieki Parish of Kuldīga District, some 20 km from the district centre. The manor was built in the 19th century, burned down in 1905, and then restored. A former residence for servants and an old magazine barn have survived. The surrounding park covers 4.5 ha, and the estate is a cultural and historical monument of local importance. The barn was fully reconstructed in 2009 and 2010 with co-financing from the European Union, and today it is the Basi Culture Centre. In 2019, there is to be an interactive exhibition about Suiti events in Gudenieki -- baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc.
	The wooden bridge across the Riva River	This fairly large wooden bridge across the Rīva River is a fairly unique phenomenon in Latvia, but it is one of few, if not the only bridge of its type. The bridge is in a convenient and easily accessed place, and of interest is the fact that it was once part of the Liepāja-Ventspils railroad that was installed during the first half of the 20th century.
	The Alsunga District Museum	has a permanent exhibition that features a Suiti living room and kitchen and liturgical apparel worn by Catholic priests. In the exhibition hall there are changing exhibitions related to the history and present of the Suiti Women ethnographic ensemble. A special offer involves performances by Suiti women, Suiti men and Suiti bagpipe players. Also in the building are the Alsunga Tourism Information Centre, as well as ceramics and weaving workshops. Contact the museum in advance to arrange for performances and master's classes.
	The Alsunga Ceramics Workshop	Found in the Alsunga Museum, the workshop has been open since 2009, showing people how various ceramics can be made from clay. Visitors can try their hand at the task or just watch as the clay is shaped, spun and, finally, glazed.