The castle was commissioned by Baron Alexander von Fittinghof and built between 1859 and 1863 in the late Tudor Neo-Gothic style.  It is one of the most important monuments to this style in Latvia and has an ornate limestone façade.  The 7th Sigulda Infantry Brigade was housed in the castle from 1921 until 1940.  Today it is home to the Alūksne Museum with a permanent exhibition and an “environmental labyrinth.”  One of the most unusual exhibits is a set of fluorescent minerals that can be viewed under lights with various spectrums.

Atrodas 0,5 km ziemeļaustrumos no Dzērbenes baznīcas, ceļa otrajā pusē. Vizuāli izteiksmīgs pilskalns ar 50 x 50 m lielu plakumu, kura kultūrslānī atrastas vēlā dzelzs laikmeta apmetnes atliekas. Pilskalna rietumu nogāzē ir izveidots ceļš, pa kuru nonāksim līdz tā plakumam ar estrādi.

Family farm near Valmiera with large fields, meadows and 400 cows.

Production of cream, cottage cheese, yoghurt, cheese, ice-cream and other products from the farm's milk.

Renda is a very old town, first mentioned in historical sources in 1230.  During the 13th century, Renda was one of the centres of the ancient Courlandian land of Vanema.  When Courland was split up in 1235, Renda was taken over by the German Order, and local residents were forcibly drafted into its military.  During the age of the Duchy of Courland (1562-1795), the region flourished despite wars, the bubonic plague and other problems, particularly during the rule of Duke Jacob (1642-1682).   During the 17th century, Renda became something of a manufacturing centre, churning out timber products, with local lime kilns, watermills, flax weaving facilities, a glass factory and a boiling house for saltpetre and soap.  Wine, perfumes and barrels were produced in Renda, as was cast iron for nails and many other things.  The court at the Jelgava Castle loved the sour wines from Renda.  All of this was destroyed during the Great Northern War (1700-1721).  During the 19th century, a chemicals factory was built on the site of the burned Renda castle, and nearby was one of the largest leather tanning plants in Kurzeme, along with a manufacturing facility for turpentine.  Cultural life began to develop in parallel to this.  Renda suffered much during the two world wars and the subsequent Soviet repressions.  The so-called Courelian Battalion of partisans went into the forests after the occupation to continue their struggle against the Soviet regime.  Renda today is a small and quiet village with the Lielrenda Estate, a local church, the “devil’s boat” at the Abava River, and the Īvande waterfalls.

On the way to Turaida you must definitely stop at Gutmana cave. It is the widest (12 m) high (10 m) and in terms of volume - one of the biggest Latvian caves (cave like niche), which is also an important cultural and historical site, place rich with stories (most popular of Turaida Rose), surrounded by ancient walls and ceiling inscriptions (oldest from the end of 17th century). A spring originates from the cave; it is believed that it has healing properties. Turaida Museum reserve with Batlic scale outstanding monuments whose history stretches over 1000 years in the distant past is located at the point where the right mainland of Gauja valley is split by deep ravines of several small streams. Their exploration can be started with Turaida manor (first mentioned in 16th century), which is an outstanding example of Vidzeme manors. 21 buildings, built between the 18th century until the beginning 20th century are preserved until now. Visitors can see the manor stables, coach house, sauna, forge, fish cellar, barn, foreman house, the old residential buildings of landlord, and residential building of manor servants, oust house, etc. While walking in Turaida direction, we will reach the grave of Turaida Rose, which relates with the legend of Turaida Maija, who sacrificed her life for love. Near the grave grows a great linden tree (poor condition), wich is believed to be planted on the grave of Maija. Turaida Lutheran Church that lies further is the third church in a row and one of the oldest (1750) Latvian wooden churches – single volume wood log building with a baroque tower. Here you can see the altar and pulpit (Middle of the 18th century), altarpiece "Golgotha​​" (end of the 17th century – beginning of the 18th century) and historical exposition. Tautasdziesmu (folksongs) Park stretches at the Dainu Hill, the development of which started in 1985, noting the 150th anniversary of father of Latvian folk songs – Krisjanis Barons. More than 26 stone sculptures created by the sculptor I. Ranka are exhibited here. This is also a place of annual folklore events. Before the construction of Turaida stone castle (started in 1214), wooden Liv castle stood here. Turaida castle belonged to the Bishop. It existed for a long time - until to the 1776 when it was burned down. In 1953 an extensive restoration works was started here; upper storey of main tower, barn building (exposition on Sigulda district), semi-circular tower and castle complex in the southern enclosure was restored. Now the museum exhibition is established at the castle premises, which tells about the historical events in the surroundings.

This is an artificial body of water that was dug in the 1960s to obtain ice for fish processing plants in Kolka.

From Riga the tour goes through historic sea resort Jurmala to Pure Chocolate museum where you could see production and taste some. Then the tour goes to Sabile where there is small Wine Hill which history dates back to 16th century. You visit local wine producer who will show his gardens and talk about grape growing in the Latvian climate nowadays. Afterwards tasting of the seasonally available drinks. Then you visit small picturesque town Kuldiga and have some wine tasting there. Next day there are eco wine tasting at Aizpute and Durbe and then go to the city of Liepaja with lovely sandy beach, arty atmosphere and significant military heritage at Karaosta suburb. Then the route follows up the coast line. At Pavilosta you have a trip in traditional fishermen boat and at Alsunga singing and demonstration of local traditions by Suiti women. Culturally colourful community which heritage is listed in UNESCO. Then walk along the steep sea cost at Jurkalne and enjoy the best maintained port town of Ventspils. Next day there is a visit to local fishermen and see fish smoking process, then walk along Cape Kolka where the open sea meets the Riga Bay. Turning back to Riga you have a visit and tasting at wine maker in Talsi.

Маршрут походит для любого путешественника, желающего насладиться красотой природы и средой Северного Курземе, где, кроме водных туристов, нет других людей. Ирбе за короткое время стала популярной рекой благодаря красивым береговым ландшафтам. Мест для ночлега здесь нет, поэтому необходимо взять с собой палатку и заночевать на какой-нибудь стоянке для водных туристов.

Информация о маршруте от Latvijas Lauku forums​​