Latgale – Aukstaitija: craft foods and artisans

Arrival in Rīga, where you will spend the night.

Biological birch juice products from the Liberts family.  This is the only place in Latvia where you can tour the cellar where the owners make syrups, wine, sparkling wine, lemonade and fermented birch juice.

The Lienas medus beekeeping farm will offer you a look at meadows, learn more about beekeeping, and buy honey and products involving honey that is mixed together with herbs and herbal teas.

Skrīveru mājas saldējums is a family company that offers homemade ice cream that is made of fruits and berries.  There are classical ice cream versions, including plombir, cream, yoghurt and sherbet, as well as special tastes involving sprats, bleu cheese, radishes and potatoes with tomato sauce.

The Koknese castle ruins are at the place where the Daugava and Pērse rivers flow together.  The castle is on a hillock, and it was built for the Rīga bishopric in 1209, replacing an old wooden Latvian castle.

The Mazā Kāpa crafts centre offers belts, bags, jewellery (brooches and bracelets).  You can try your had at the work or buy things that the craftsmen offer.

The Sidrabi farm will show you how hemp is grown, tell you about the history of hemp and the use of hemp today.  You can taste various products made of hemp, including milk and ice cream.

The Untumi horse farm has a herd of horses and buys horses that correspond to the historical requirements of breeds of horses in Latvia.  You can learn to ride a horse with the help of an instructor in a limited area.

Apkalnmājas offers leather products and horseback riding equipment.  You will find everything that is needed for that purpose.  You can tour the farm and its exhibition hall, learn about leather, try your hand at making leather items or buy ready-made items.

The Ludzas Craftspeople Centre offers work by more than 40 Lettigalian craftspeople.  Guides dressed in old Lettigalian costumes will tell you about Baltic tribes, the emergence of craftsmanship and ancient regulations that relate to ethics, work and traditions.  Ancient jobs are demonstrated, and training sessions are available.

Rēzekne is the heart of Latgale and the site where a Lettigalian castle existed from the 9th to the 12th century.  Visit the Rēzekne castle hill, the GORS Lettigalian Embassy, the Heart of Jesus Cathedral, the Lāde store, where you can purchase work by Lettigalian craftspeople and artists, the Zeimuļš Eastern Latvian creative services centre, as well as the local tourism information centre.

The Rāzna National Park offers a lovely view of Lake Rāzna.  There is a viewing tower on Mākoņkalns Hill.

Visit potter Aivars Ušpelis and artist Vēsma Ušpele.  The potter is a member of the local pottery school and uses ancient knowledge in his work.  The Malny Vylky workshop will allow you to watch traditional work, including a foot-powered spinning wheel, as well as the use of a smoky kiln that is fired by firewood.  Vēsma paints oil paintings and will be happy to show you her work.

The Aglona Catholic Basilica is  the centre for Catholicism in Latvia and attracts pilgrims from all around the world.

The Aglona Bread Museum will offer information about everything that has to do with bread, starting with grain and ending with loaves of bread.  You can bake your own loaf and taste bread and herbal teas.

The Juri farm is owned by a dynasty, and it features a wooden residential building with decorative edging and window shutters.  The owners milk their cows and produce cheese on the basis of old and modern recipes.  Taste cheese, milk, fermented milk, buttermilk and other dairy products.  You can watch how they are made and take part in the process yourself.

Major destinations in Daugavpils include the Daugavpils Fortress, the Mark Rothko Art Centre and the Daugavpils Bullet Factory.

Visit the Dapkai farm to see alpacas, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, ostriches, peacocks, ponies, Russian horses and cattle (Žeimiai, Kamajai village, Rikiškis District).

The Ilzenberga Estate offers harmony with nature and offers healthy, natural and tasty foods for clients.  In 2015, the estate celebrated its 500th anniversary.  You can make reservations in advance for lunches.

L. Sadauskienes šakočiai produces traditional Lithuanian delicacies, including various sizes of cakes (šakotis), anthills (skruzdelynas) and honey mushrooms.  It also offers various educational programmes.

While in Rokiškis, visit the local estate at a viewing tower at Lake Sartai (in the village of Baršenai).

Accommodations in Mickūna in in the Anykščiai District:

• Sodyba geras guesthouse


• Trap liepu guesthouse (reserve lunch in advance)

In Anykščiai visit Medžiu Laju takas, which is a trail that passes atop the tops of trees, the Labirintu Park (during the summer), and the narrow-gauge railroad, which offers trips (Siaurukas).

For meals in and near Anykščiai we recommend:

• The restaurant of the Vilnius Anykščiai spa hotel


• Gradiali Anykščiai restaurant

A horse museum offers a look at farming equipment and unique wood carvings, with stories about horses and military exhibitions.  Several craftspeople are at the museum, including a weaver, ceramicist, baker, blacksmith and wood carver.  You can go horseback riding or ride in a carriage (Niūronys, Anykščiai District).

The Svajoniu dvaras farm offers four types of homemade bread baked in a real bread oven.

Gojaus smukle offers tasty dishes based on ancient recipes.  The venue also offers parties at which you will enjoy folk music together with food that is part of Lithuania's culinary heritage.

The Meniškas kaimas traditional crafts centre presents ancient ceramics traditions and organises educational programmes about traditional holidays (order meals in advance).

Dubingiu žirgynas is a special location thanks to its placement and architecture.  There is an enormous round stage that is 1,500 square metres in size and has an original roof structure and lights that make it different from other horse breeding farms.  There is a single roof over the entire area -- the riding area, stable, restaurant and small hotel (reserve lunch in advance).

Accommodations in the Moletai District:

• Prie Melnyčios guesthouse


• Kliukai guesthouse


• Marguoliai guesthouse

Visit interesting destinations in Vilnius and Traki, and spend the night in Vilnius.

Departure.