The Slocene River flows through Lake Valgums and Lake Mazezers before flowing into the western part of Lake Kaņieris.  It is part of a branched and swampy delta in which there are seasonal restrictions aimed at protecting birds.  The wetlands which are alongside the river are difficult to access in many places.  Before the Starpiņupīte was dug between Lake Kaņieris and the Bay of Rīga (the water level is regulated with sluices), the water from the river flowed along what is now the Vecslocene River all the way to Sloka, where it ended at the Lielupe River.  The Vecslocene can be used by canoe boats only when the water level is high and then from the Old Ķemeri road to the place where the river enters the Lielupe.  Between Milzkalne and Lake Valgums, the river is not navigable because of many fallen trees.  During the springtime, the estuary of the Starpiņupīte is a good place for bird watching.

Before its flooding, the canyon of the Daugava River between Pļaviņas and Koknese was one of the most outstanding and beautiful parts of the Baltic terrain, and Oliņkalns hill was one of the largest castle hills in Latvia.  The Andrejs cliff as up to 20 metres high, and it was part of the Daugava canyon.  Before the area was flooded because of the construction of the Pļaviņas hydroelectric power plant, there were rapids near the hill that made it hard for rafters to sail down the river.  Today it is a small island in the reservoir of the plant (it can be seen from the side of the Rīga-Daugavpils highway (A6) opposite Stukmaņi).  It is separated from the shore by 300 metres of river, under which the Dūņas valley is now resting.  A small part of the ramparts of the castle hill can still be seen on the island along with the ruins of an open-air stage and a few metres of the dolomite cliff that have remained above water.  It is thought that the Alene castle was on the hill in the 13th century.  Latvian mountain climbers installed a memorial stone in 1998 opposite Oliņkalns hill.

The craftsman produces wooden dishware and other products, making use of many local species of trees. The technique is unusual and reveals the specific texture of timber. The artist has masterfully integrated amber, bone and animal horn in his dishware. He also engraves spoons with ethnographic signs. You can commission or purchase products from the master craftsman, who also restores wooden furniture.

The restoration of Kau Manor, which was originally constructed before 1241, was inspired by the colourful history of the manor, and the imagination makes it stand out from the other manors. Kau Manor has won the 2016 World Boutique Hotel Award in the category of the World’s Most Inspired Design Hotel.

The Freedom Monument is opposite the Krustpils Castle in Rīgas Street. Built in 1925 and restored in 1992 (by A. Birznieks), the monument honours people from Krustpils who fell during Latvia’s liberation battles. There are good views of the Little Daugava, Daugavsala, and the Ādamsona (Krustpils) island.

The cafe is situated in the southern part of Vecpiebalga. The interior decorations are made of oak and boast Latvian symbols, as well as stained glass.

Working hours: Monday- Thu 8:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 8:00 - 01:00, Sun. 8:00 - 22:00

The windmill was built between 1867 and 1869 after a design first produced in the Netherlands.  Its name is that of its first owner – Riba.  The windmill is one of the best preserved architectural monuments of its type in Latvia, and it offers an educational exhibition, “The Path of the Grain.”  It talks about the development of agriculture in Zemgale and about grain farming and the baking of bread.  Guided tours are available.  The windmill is part of the Rožmalas leisure complex, which features a hotel and a restaurant.

Visiting a blacksmith has always been something special.  Does this job still exist, and is it still importance?  Some may wonder who is a blacksmith is in the first place.  The DUDU Nests open-air smithy will answer all of your questions.  The blacksmith will teach you all about his profession, talking about the tools and materials that are necessary, the relevant traditions and the everyday work of blacksmiths today.  You can forge your own nail to test the difficulty of the work.  The blacksmith will happily attend your event with his open-air forge.  This is perfect for students, smaller children, wedding guests or individual visitors.

The tour presents UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Latvia and Estonia. Experience the famous traditions of song, national crafts, architecture and food of the unique Suiti and Seto ethnic groups.