Innovative and delicious hemp and buckwheat products - tasty and good for the digestive system.

This nature park is one of the richest and most unusual nature parks in Latvia in terms of its natural resources, the surrounding environment, the landscapes, the biological diversity of the area, and the cultural monuments which are found there. The main treasure there is the little-changed Daugava River valley, where there are eight major curves in the river at a length of four to eight kilometres. There are also the gullies of river tributaries. Outstanding views can be found on the steep shores of the Daugava River valley, particularly the Slutiški and Ververi cliffs and the Elerne gravel hill. There are some 20 archaeological monuments on the shores of the valley -- ancient castle hills at Najene, Markova, Vecračina, etc., countless churches -- the Juzefova, Sprukti, Borovka, Elerne, Sīķele, Kaplava and other churches, the Rozališki, Lielborne and other baronia estates, and the unique village of Slutiški, which is home to the Old Believers. There are interesting nature trails and bicycling trails in the area. Horseback riding is available, and there is a viewing tower along with other elements for tourists. Boating down the Daugava River is an interesting way to spend time.

The Soviet Border Guard arrived at Lapmežciems (its border with Ragaciems) in the mid-1960s and left in 1991.  Some 50 military personnel were stationed here.  The military personnel and local residents organised various events and celebrations.  The only thing that worried locals was a radar which was said to cause various problems.  The zenith missiles were dismantled and taken away in 1991.  An apartment building is still on what was then the military base.

Lauku sēta atrodas Džūkijas nacionālajā parkā. Saimniecībā iespējams pašiem ar saimnieces nelielu palīdzību pagatavot tradicionālos dzūku ēdienus veco laiku maizes krāsnī. Kulinārais mantojums un izglītības programmas. Piedāvā arī nakšņošanu.
 

The café is alongside the Rēzekne castle hill and the “Zeimuļs” creative services centre of Eastern Latvia (built in September 2012). A lovely interior design and a look at historical objects form Rēzekne are part of the café. It is named after the Rositten fortress that was built here by the master of the Livonian Order in the 13th century. Meals are offered throughout the day, and various foods and baked goods are for sale.

This is appropriate for active hikers who enjoy looking at nature and learning about cultural and historical environments.  The hike is down the valley of the most impressive river in the Baltic States – the Gauja, as well as the deep and ancient valley of one of its tributaries – the Amata.  Lovely Devonian sandstone cliffs rise above both sides of the rivers.  The Līgatne Paper Factory village is an outstanding example of industrial heritage at the European level, with a unique environment from the 19th and 20th century.  The Cēsis castle that is at the end of the route was once the mightiest Medieval fortress in Livonia.

Route information from Latvijas Lauku forums

Exploring of Sigulda can be started with a visit to Sigulda castle ruins. The construction of the castle was begun by the Knights of the Sword Order in 1207, but in 1236 it was rebuilt for the needs of the Livonian Order. Sigulda castle suffered much from the wars in the second half of the 16th century and in the beginning of 17th century. During the Northern War, it is burned down and is no more restored. Today south-western building of the convent and the tower of the main gate, behind which is the inner forefront of the castle with open air stage, which offers impressive views over the Gauja valley. Currently the reconstruction of castle ruins is in progress. Construction of New castle (owner - Prince Kropotkin) in the South of the Sigulda took place from the 1878 until 1881. From 1923 - 1940 the building was the Palace of Writers, but during the Soviet years - Cardiology sanatorium. Since 2003 Sigulda district council is located there. The manor complex includes wooden house (middle of 19th century), which was Kropotkin's family home, barn (turn of the 18th - 19th century), gardener's house (19th century) and a stone fencing (19th century.) If we make our way from New Castle in a north-eastern direction, after almost 2 km we will reach Vejupite ravine. There you can see the shallow (3.6 m) but high (6.1 m) in Peter's Cave and deep Pucu ravine with Krauklupite. At the conjunction of ravines of both streams rises a Satezele hill fort (plateau 90 x 75 m), where in the beginning of 13th century was the oak castle of Liv land chief (eldest) - Dabrelis. Near can be found Krauklu gorge - ravine of Vejupite left bank, with 11 m high sandstone walls and 5.2 m deep Krauklu cave. At the conjunction of Vejupite ravine and Gauja valley columns Paradise (Gleznotaju) Hill - a very picturesque place, painted and photographed since old times! The Paradise Hill can be reached with a electric vehicle. In the west part of Sigulda is located Ferris wheel (works during the summer) and Air cableway (streetcar) - the only this type of vehicle in Baltics (built in the 1969). Its self-supporting cable extends in 1060 m length and without any support joins the Gauja River valley banks between Sigulda and Krimulda ~ 40 m above Gauja River. Here you can enjoy excellent views! In the south-western part of Sigulda one can walk to mighty Beites precipice, which is split by the deep ravine of stream. On the west side of the ravine lies Keizarskats, which is located ~ 67 m above the Gauja level and offers good views of Krimulda and Turaida castle. Sight place was arranged here already in the 1862 when Russian Tsar Alexander II visited Sigulda. In the eastern part of the ravine wooden Keizarkrēsls (Emperor Stool) is located.

This is the largest herd of alpacas (an animal from the mountainous regions of South America) in the Baltic States. You can observe the animals, listen to stories about them, and buy alpaca wool. There are plans to transfer the herd to the Vīceži Estate in the Lībagi Parish in 2014.