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The trail tells about grey dunes which have survived thanks to the border restrictions and the presence of military. The trail starts from the parking place at the mouth of the Užava river. It is one of the few natural rivermouths in Europe. One can also see the „tacis”, an industrial installation for lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) fishing during their spawning migration period. The 3km long trail is circular. It winds for 1.5km from the Užava rivermouth to the North, along the coastline (the beach is covered with sand and pebbles), and returns to the starting point by a gravel road through grey dunes. Along the trail, one can observe a distinct white dune with rare plant species Linaria loeselii, Lathyrus maritimus, Anthyllis arenaria, Tragopogon heterospermus. About 1km from the rivermouth, in the sea, one can see a wrack of a sailing ship (parts of frame). The visibility depends on the flow of sand in the sea. The way back opens a beautiful view of the range of grey dunes. Unfortunately, Scots Pine starts taking over the area. There are three important biotopes of EU significance: „Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation 2130”, „Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum 2140” and „Dunes with Salix arenaria 2170”, forming a unique mosaic. Typical species here: mountain Alison ‘(Alyssum gmelinii), Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla pratensis), Sand Pink (Dianthus arenarius), Rosemary Leaved Willow (Salix rosmarinifolia), Dark Red Helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens), Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylus uva-ursi). As a former military site, some military constructions can be seen here like horseshoe-shaped sand ramparts by the road in gray dunes. They were built to disguise military vehicles in case of sea attack. By the Kangroti graveyard, towards the Užava river, there is an underground pillbox. It is a one-man fortification to fire along the coastal perimeter. The Mouth of River Užava walking route is in the nature reserve „Užava” |
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The craftsman produces pottery typical of Vidzeme, but with the range of colours that is typical of Latgale. These products fit in very nicely with the lovely landscape of Racupkalns. You can take a tour, watch the master at work, and work with clay yourself. You can also watch as he opens a Lettigalian ditch kiln. You can commission and purchase the products, as well. |
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Local History Museum of Bērzgale was founded in 1988. There is
the memorial room of writer Antons Rupainis (1906 – 1976), the exposition of municipality history, its famous
people and cultural-historical traditions.
Working hours: Mon– Fri : 9.00 – 12.00,13.00 – 17.00, Sat., Sunday : on request |
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Inviting and cosy café in the very heart of Alūksne, with a wide menu for different tastes. Special dishes of the Alūksne area are also served here – salad “Temple Hill”, main course “101 Steps until the Moment of Pleasure” and the dessert “Marienburg Lake Islands”. We offer business lunches and monthly specials, as well as a children's menu. |
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Zemnieku saimniecība „Virši” audzē kaņepju sēklas, no kurām tiek iegūta kaņepju eļļa un kaņepju staks (apceptas, maltas kaņepes). ZS "Virši" produkciju ir iespējams degustēt dažādās vietās ārpus saimniecības, kā, piemēram, Kalnciema tirdziņā u.c. |
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Kloostrimetsa is a cider brand with centuries-old traditions. They specialize in crafting high-quality cider using traditional methods, where the cider is made from their own carefully grown apples, allowing the juice to naturally ferment to preserve its authentic flavor. In addition to cider, they also produce jams, juices, and syrups in their home kitchen. Their gardens and fields are home to various fruits and berries, including chokeberries, sea buckthorn, and blackcurrants. In spring, birch and maple sap is harvested for seasonal products. The farm practices sustainable methods, utilizing solar energy and gentle land management. |
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The farm has vast meadows along the banks of the Aiviekste River, with some 400 head of blackhead sheep – the largest herd of its type in Latvia. You can tour the far and purchase pedigree sheep, meat, wool, pelts and vegetables. |
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“Amatnieku namiņš” ir saimnieces izlolota sirds lieta, jeb vieta, kur vienkopus atrodami daudz un dažādi vietējo un apkārtnes novadu amatnieku un mājražotāju darinājumi. Tējas, garšvielas, ievārījumi, dažādi smēriņi, adījumi, kokdarbi, pinumi, ziedi un ziedu kārbas, sveces, krūzes un daudz kas cits ir atrodams tieši “Amatnieku namiņā”. |
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The most significant period for the town is the time from 1561 to 1795, when the Jelgava district is a part of the Duchy of Courland and Zemgale. When Jelgava obtains the status of residence of the Duke of (1567t) and becomes the capital of the Duchy (1616) a rapid urban development begins, which is highest of during the reign of Duke Jacob. During the reign of last two Dukes of Courland - Ernst Johann Biron and his son Peter (1775) St. Peter's Academy (Academia Petrina) - the first Latvian Institute is founded, in 1816 is founded Courland Society of Literature and Art, in 1822 the first newspaper in Latvian "The Latvian newspaper" is published, in 1802 the first Latvian theatre building is built, but in 1898- the first building intended for museum. In 1937 Latvian agriculture camera is located in the Jelgava palace, but after two years Jelgava Agriculture Academy is opened. Nearly all the town's historic buildings and art treasures perished in the summer of 1944. After the World War II, Jelgava was rebuilt. Recently the Trinity Church tower has been restored, in which now is located one of the best Latvian interactive museums (very friendly for families with children). |
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This is one of the largest high-type swamps (6,192 ha) in Latvia, with very distinct landscapes of little lakes and hillocks. The Great Ķemeri Heath is of importance as an extensive hydrological system and preserver of the local microclimate. It is also of international importance as a site for birds, as well as a major source of sulphurous water. Along the Kalnciems-Kūdra road, which is on the eastern edge of the swamp (3.4 km from the Rīga-Ventspils highway), there is an information stand with information about the management of the heath and about the role of swamps in nature and in the lives of people. Great Ķemeri Heath wooden pathway trail is now restored and opened for visitors in 2013. |
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The Sietiņiezis cliff is on the right bank of the Gauja River between Valmiera and Jāņmuiža (follow signs along the road). There is a circular nature trail here. Sietiņiezis is one of the largest white sandstone cliffs in Latvia, up to 15 m high and around 500 metres long. There is an interesting diversity in form here, with small caves and niches, erosion-based ravines, as well as sandstone formations which are reminiscent of poles. The word "sietiņš" refers to "sieve," and the cliff is so called because bees have drilled holes into it for time eternal. From the southern part of Sietiņiezis, you can get a good look at the ancient Gauja River valley, and all around it are lovely pine forests. There is a place on the banks of the Gauja which is meant for campfires and meals. |
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The oldest building in Jēkabpils can be found at Brīvības Street 125A. It is in the city centre and worth a look. The building is near the Lutheran Church of St Michael in Jēkabpils, which dates back to 1769 and is owned by the local congregation. The wooden building was erected in 1808. |
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The historic stone, on which there is carved over 200 years old boundary-mark, sets the border between the Duchy of Courland and the Russian province. Nowadays, it sets the Babīte and Jelgava district boundary. The stone lies to the East of Kalnciems–Peat road (the south of the swamp Labais purvs) at the edge of a forest firebreak and it can be hard to find. To this end, the description of the road map may help: around 400 m south of the car parking lot at Lily Lake from Kalnciems-Peat road to the right (in the east) turns a forest road which leads down from hills Krāču kalni. It should be around 170 m to go until it abruptly turns to the right (to the southeast). Then you must go in this direction until after ~ 0.5 km to turn to the northeast where after further ~ 0.4 km of the current forest road intersection turn to the north. After ~ 0.4 km turn right (to the east) on a big firebreak, on the left (the north) side of which behind the drainage ditch during the non-leaf period there can be seen a rounded stone. Due to the poor condition of roads, the stone can be reached only on foot. |
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The Rēzekne Old Believer Prayer House of St Nicholas is in the southern part of the city, at Siņicina Street 4. The house of worship was built in 1895 and rebuilt in 1906. Its tower has three silver and brass bells (restored), and one of them is thought to be the largest bell in Latvia (4,832 kg with a tongue that weighs 200 kg in and of itself). Alongside is a museum which features the cultural and religious environment of the Old Believers. |
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One of the most popular areas of uncovered sandstone in Latvia, known for its unusually smooth and sound-reflecting cliff wall (around 12m in height). Located on the right bank of the Salaca river, there is a place for tenting. A fun experiment is to stand in various closes opposite the cliff and to speak quietly. The echo will be heard either by the speaker or by people who are standing elsewhere. Located in the Salaca valley nature park and the Skaņaiskalns park.
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Ceļa, kas ved uz jūru – galā, redzami Latvijas piekrastei samērā reti skati. Ja palaimējas, šeit var novērot vietējos zvejniekus darbībā, kas joprojām iet zvejā. Krasta kāpās aplūkojamas vecas, pamestas un arī sagrieztas zvejas liellaivas un dažādi mūsdienu zvejniecībā izmantojami „darba rīki”. |
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The former Soviet-era fuel base was part of the military facilities at that time. Fuel tanks from this site have been removed and no longer exist. |
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A summer house by lake Sila, in a separate building sauna and rest room with fireplace. Bathhouse - living room with open-fire, sauna, shower, double bedroom. Summer house – one room with twin beds, dry toilet. |
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In Riga enjoy Old Town with narrow cobbled streets, Art Nouveau district, visit the Central market to catch a local spirit. Going out of Riga - visit Kemeri National Park, special for its sulphur springs. Walk Kemeri Bog Trail. Enjoy recreation centre at the lake Valgums - Bare Foot Trail, Labirintus, swimming in the lake, spa treatments and excellent restaurant. Then the route goes to the Pure Chocolate Museum and turns to the ancient Abava Valley where grapes were grown from 16th century. A little part of the historic Wine Hill is there but new gardens and wineries are developed into recent years. Visit Pedvale Open-Air Art Space and then picturesque Kuldiga with well preserved wooden architecture. At country house in Skrunda see how shitake mushrooms are grown and try some meal from them. Liepaja is vibrant city with significant military heritage now accessible for everyone, beautiful white sand beach. Special meal to try there "Liepajas mencins" (Liepaja Cod). Then there is a visit to goats farm and tasting of their produce. Walk along the steep banks of Jurkalne. Explore Ventspils with its many parks, Livonian Order Castle, promenade, breakwater, well maintained beach. The route goes to the place where the open sea meets the Gulf of Riga - Cape Kolka and then along the coast towards Riga. On the way visit fishermen at Engure. See their fish making process and try the fish . Visit historic sea and spa resort Jurmala with pretty 19th centuries villas, have a lunch at the local restaurant, specialist in potato meals. |
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Approximately 6 km to the south-west of Iecava is the home of the father of author Edvarts Virza (born Jēkabs Eduards Liekna, 1883-1940), Billītes. The author and his wife, Elza Stērste, moved to the house in 1901. Virza was one of Latvia's most outstanding 20th century authors, poets and prose writers, as well as publicist and translator. He wrote many poems at Billītes, and in 1933 he produced his masterpiece, "Straumēni," which depicts the life of a Latvian farmer. A museum dedicated to Virza is at the house today. It was opened by his children and grandchildren. Contact the museum in advance for a tour. |