This territory was established so as to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of the most distinct part of the Alūksne highlands – a landscape which is made up of the highest hillocks in the area – Dēliņkalns Hill, Dieva Hill, Saules Hill, the Drusku castle hill, and the Kornetu-Peļļu sub-glacial river bed (one of the most significant terrain differences in Latvia). There are lakes, too – Lake Pilskalns, Lake Dzērve, Lake Ieva, Lake Raipals, etc. There are also significant biotopes – hillside and gully forests, various kinds of swamps and meadows, damp forests, etc., all with their own species of flora and fauna. There are nature trails and tracks for cross-country and downhill skiing in the area. There are three restricted natural areas in the territory – Korneti-Peļļi, the Avotu forest, and Dēliņkalns Hill.

This route section takes you to the Dzūkija National Park – it is among Lithuania’s most forested and desolate nature areas –, and to the town of Druskininkai – a popular SPA and mineral water health resort on the banks of the river Nemunas. When in Druskininkai, we recommend dipping yourself in mineral water baths, enjoying the trip with the cable car over the river Nemunas, visiting the musical fountain, and walking along the river promenade. The starting point of the hiking route is the village of Didžiasalis, which is reached by bus from Druskininkai. From there, the route will take you through vast coniferous forests, rich in berries and mushrooms, and small villages. As you get to Druskininkai, the Forest Trail will meander along the small streets and parks of the historic resort of Druskininkai, crossing the river Ratnyčia and the forest park on the right bank of the Nemunas valley. Leaving the resort town behind, the Forest Trail runs on the side of the village revealing you the beautiful landscapes and the view of the Liškiava monastery on the other bank of the river Nemunas. Up to the village of Žiogeliai, the route goes along forest roads and continues along the banks of the Nemunas valley, surrounded by the vast Dzūkija forests. Towards the end of the route, climb up the Merkinė Mound and it will surprise you with breathtaking views of southern Lithuania.

After the death of the Kalnasikšņi oak tree, which was the mightiest tree in the Gauja National Park, the mighty Kvēpene oak tree has taken over that role. It has a circumference of 6.1 m, a height of 20 m, and a crown which measures 28 x 30 m. The beautiful tree is on the right bank of the Gauja River valley and is one of the most excellent trees in Latvia. Near it is the forested Kvēpene castle hill, as is the Svētavots stream, which is reputed to have medicinal waters. To the North of the castle hill is the Rūsiņš hillock, which offers a good view of the surrounding forests, the towers of the city of Cēsis, Ieriķi, and the Rakšupe estuary at the Gauja. There is a bench at the top of the hillock from which lovely sunsets can be seen.

The bakery offers baked goods made of natural ingredients.  It also offers salads, pizzas, cakes, ice cream and other treats.

This facility is in the historical village of Pape in Southern Kurzeme.  Accommodations are available in an historical granary with a roof made of reeds.  It is appropriate for inhabitation during the late spring, the summer and the early fall.  There are three bedrooms, a small front room and a kitchen, with two floors in all.  The building will fit eight people.  This is an ideal location for creative camps, plenary sessions, master workshops and other activities.  There are tenting areas for as many as 80 people.  The Mikjāņi farm observes local traditions and offers traditional foods such as “herring on coals,” white butter with boiled potatoes, fish soup, etc., for visitors who apply for a meal in advance.  This offer is only available to groups which register in advance.

Peony collector Andris Berkens opens up his garden to visitors each spring and popularises and praises the name of Tērvete by bringing beautiful stories about flowers throughout the world.  Flowers can be purchased to enhance a visitor's garden, and the recommendation is to visit when the flowers are in full bloom. Visit is free of charge.

In the workshop it is possible to learn about the process of creating and the usage of pottery of different historic periods, as well as other household goods. Archaeological pottery is presented. The Middle Ages man-carried clay bread oven, frying-pan, drinking cups, the pilgrims’ water bowls. All the works are handmade in the moulded ceramics style and burned in the clay kiln.

Größe Steinkreisen. In der Mitte befindet sich eine oder mehrere „Steinkapseln” für einen Verstorbenen. Wurden im Eisen- und Bronzealter errichtet.

The herd consists of around 200 goats. The owner will tell you a humorous story of life with goats in Latvia and Europe, the story of making goat cheese and the secrets of its taste, will invite you to try cheese which you will be able to buy later. Goat cheese that is made in Lielgrodes is not only healthy, but very tasty.