For the first time Valmiera is mentioned in the historical sources in 1323. Until the 13th century this place was in the composition of Talava, inhabited by Latgalians. Construction of Valmiera medieval castle began in the beginning of the 13th century, but in 1283, between the Gauja River and Rate River towered church. Location near to the Tartu-Pskov and Novgorod trade routes greatly facilitated the economic development of the populated area. During the 14th-16th century Valmiera was a part of the Hanseatic League. It suffered greatly from wars, epidemics and fires in 16th to 18th century. In the second half of the 19th century the economic boom started again. It was also facilitated by the building of wooden bridge across the Gauja in 1866 and Riga-Pskov railway opened in 1899. Historic centre is destroyed in 1944. During post-war years, large industrial companies such as - Valmiera glass fiber factory (to this day) are opeating in the town. Today, Valmiera is economic, educational and sports centre of Vidzeme.

 The Lašu castle hill is 0.2 km from the Vecumnieki-Ilūkste road at Laši. It is an ancient Selonian castle hill, and it was populated between the 1^st millennium BC and the 10^th or 12^th century. Very little remains of the old Veclaši (Tiesenhausen) Estate, which had an impressive mansion designed in the Neo-Gothic style in the late 19^th century. What remains are an ancillary building, the foundations of the mansion, fragments of the gates, and a park. Until 1920, the estate belonged to the Pshezdzetski dynasty, and before that it was owned by the Tiesenhausen and Fittinghoff dynasties. Before visiting the location, look for photographs of the old mansion on the Internet. Sadly, the important cultural monument has not experienced any major improvements over the past 20 years.

The mouth of the most beautiful river of Vidzeme. On the seashore between the mouths of River Gauja and River Daugava, one of the largest dune ranges in Latvia with distinctive parabolic dunes overgrown with forest (wooded dunes) is situated. The Mouth of River Gauja is unique as it is one of the few major rivers in Latvia and in EU countries to flow into the sea naturally. There is no harbour or other hydro-engineering construction. It is a popular recreation area in the vicinity of Riga and Saulkrasti while, unfortunately, the lack of infrastructure makes it suffer from anthropogenic load.

Not far from the rivermouth, hidden in dunes, there are pillboxes which were built in 1920 or 30ies as anti-airborne barriers. There was a whole range of them along the coastline from the mouth of the River Lielupe to the mouth of the River Gauja forming a part of the Daugavgrīva Fortress fortifications. The pillbox is made of concrete, ca 1.5m thick.

Every year, on the 3^rd Sunday in August, a lamprey festival takes place in Carnikava town by the Gauja rivermouth. Carnikava is called the Lamprey Capital as it is famous for its lamprey fishing tradition and generous catches.

The Mouth of the River Gauja is a good bird-watching area, especially in spring and autumn when one can observe the highest variety of species. Just few of the many bird species that can be observed near the Gauja rivermouth

The Klūgu family owns a landscape garden that has been declared to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Latvia, offering a diverse landscape which the owners recommend be enjoyed in July, when the summer flowers are most colourful.  If you want to satisfy the dream of the family -- living in a park, you must see Latvia's typical landscape with large deciduous trees, various coniferous trees and a colourful park of shrubs that has been established over the course of several years.

The farm, which has been developed around the servants’ home of the former Ķempēni Estate, breeds more than 200 Latvian dark-headed sheep. Visitors can purchase meat, wool and skins, also taking part in informational tours with tastings of various foods, as well as catching and tasting trout (this is available only to those who spend the night at the venue).

On the left bank of the Gauja River, opposite the Piķene cliff is the mighty Beite cliff which is split by a deep ravine. On the left side there is Ķeizarskats (Emperor's View), which is approximately 67 metres above the level of the Gauja and offers a fine view of Krimulda and the Turaida Castle. The viewing place was installed in 1862, when Russian Tsar Alexander II visited Sigulda. On the right side of the ravine is the mighty wooden Ķeizarkrēsls (Emperor's Chair). To get there, you have to cross the ravine (there are wooden stairs and a forest trail). You can go around it on Laurenču, Kalna and Gulbju streets.

This 1995 sculpture by Oļegs Skarainis is at the corner of Dinsberģa and Talsu streets in Dundaga, near the local dairy.  It is dedicated to the strong men of the town, including former Dundaga resident Arvīds Blūmentāls (1925-2006), who lived in Australia, was a great crocodile hunter (some 10,000 in all), and served as a prototype for Paul Hogan in the famous movie “Crocodile Dundee.” 

The cafe is situated in Jekabpils, in the shopping centre Aura, on the left bank of the river Daugava. The premises are comfortable  and have a touch of a countryside, which can be felt in the wooden interior of the place. They offer breakfast, dinner or supper here.

Working hours: 9:00 – 20:00