Temple Hill is steep (with artificially created steepness) and about 30 m high, and it is opposite Marijas Island.  It is an ancient Lettigalian castle hill, 80 m long and 40 m wide, with several artificial ramparts.  One of the oldest objects found in the region is an axe from the 2nd to 3rd millennium BC.   Archaeologists believe that the island was populated at that time.  There was a Lettigalian castle on the hill during the 10th and 11th century, but it was sacked by the Holy Crusade.  The surface of the castle hill was transformed comparatively recently in 1807, when a granite rotunda was built there in honour of Russian Field Marshall Sheremetev and Swedish captain Wulff.  The view of Lake Alūksne and the town is one of the most beautiful ones in all Vidzeme.  The Sun Bridge (1937) is also worth a look.  A wooden viewing platform is nearby.

This programme allows participants to learn about Latvian ethnography and traditions through meeting local craftsmen and having master classes with them in knitting traditional mittens and gloves, making amber jewellery and cooking traditional foods. There is chance to have a unique experience because of the authenticity of some places and traditions, for example the ethnographic house of living history Zvanītāji still retains its original appearance - massive ceilings, large family room with bread oven and natural, unpainted wooden floor. The carew chimney is still in the kitchen. The house is filled with characteristic looms, a family table, beds, wardrobe, cradle, various items and tools used on the farm.

This is the first national park in Estonia and the Baltic States. Perfect for a day trip out from Tallinn for a hiking trip and nature watching. It was established in 1971 to protect the area that is along the Bay of Finland – the shoreline, forests, swamps, meadow biotopes, species, natural monuments, rocks, waterfalls, cliffs and cultural monuments such as ancient cemeteries, castle hills, baronial estates, fishing villages, etc.

The fast-food place of a bistro type  in Gulbene with a tasty lunch menu for very reasonable prices. It is also possible to try dishes typical for Gulbene district here.

Working hours: Monday-Friday: 08:00 - 18:00, Saturday: 09:00 - 14:00

The Bebrene Catholic Church is opposite the Bebrene Estate on the side of the Ilūkste-Birži road. Work on the church began in 1797, but it was only completed in 1883. The outside of the church is in the style of Classicism, while the interior was designed in Baroque forms. The interior of the church can be viewed during worship services.

Der dritgrößte Feldstein im Baltikum (584 m3, 7 m hoch, Durchmesser bei dem Grund – 32 m ). Auf estnisch bedeutet „Hausstein”. Befindet sich am Rande des Pikanõmme – Majakivi Pfades (4,5 km lang).

The “Aizvēji” guest house is located only 50 km from Riga and 200 m from the sandy shore of Vidzeme seaside, in a quiet and beautifully landscaped environment. It is a party and leisure complex with a tennis court that provides catering for events. The log house has two banquet halls and several cosy rooms. The summer café is located in a separate building from the guest house.

The history of Līgatne cannot be separated from the paper factory which was once the only factory of its kind in Latvia. Tours are available in the company of a guide. During the late 19^th and early 20^th century, the company built homes, a school, a birthing centre, a hospital, a club, a guesthouse and other buildings for its employees, and most of these buildings have survived to this day. There are more than 200 interesting underground passageways which are still used as warehouses for various items, including vegetables.

From Riga airport the tour goes straight into countryside to Jaunmoku manor, surrounded by an attractive park. Next day, birding starts at Ķemeri National Park, including wet-forest areas and locations around Lake Kaņieris and Ķemeri village. Then the route follows the west coastof the Gulf of Riga with some small stops along the way and longer walks at Mērsrags. Next you spend some time at Cape Kolka and its surroundings which is a prime migration spot. Visitthebroad-leafforests of Slītere National Park around the ancient coast of the Baltic Ice Lake and drive through Užava floodplain fields, then stop at the westernmost point in the country, Akmeņrags. The tour continues to Liepaja and Pape Ornithological Station and lake where it is possible to spend a night watching the owl migration if it has started. Then we drive through Zvārte wooded area and make some stops at fish ponds on the way back to Riga.

The craftsman uses wicker to produce chairs and tables, as well as wood to make household and practical objects. You can take a tour of the very neat farm, which features wooden sculptures.