A island in the delta of Nemuna. Etnographical museum, Uostadvaris lighthouse, bird watching tower.

Not far from the Rīga ring road on the Right Bank of the Daugava is a monument designed by the sculptor Ģirts Burvis in 1994, which is dedicated to the Livs of the Daugava region and their Mārtiņsala leader, Ako,  who led a battle against the Holy Crusades in 2016.  Around the monument is a large area for leisure and perambulations.  This is one of the loveliest locations in the lower reaches of the river.  A bit further along are information stands about the history of the banks of the river before the construction of the Rīga hydroelectric power plant.

Meklējams 0,3 km no Līvānu dzelzceļa stacijas – Fabrikas un Stacijas ielu krustojuma tuvumā. Ideja par Līvānu atbrīvošanas pieminekli radās jau 1929. g., taču to īstenoja 1935. gadā (arhitekts Pāvils Dreimanis). Tā galvenais elements bija 15 tonnas smags Krievijas armijas pamests lielgabala stobrs. 1958. gadā pieminekli iznīcināja, jo tas nebija „tīkams” padomju varai. No jauna to atklāja 2004. gadā. Piemineklis veltīts brīvības cīņās kritušo latviešu kareivju piemiņai, kuri 1919. g. ieņēma un atbrīvoja pilsētu no lieliniekiem.

This site features a folklore trail to explain the content of ancient writings, symbols and folk songs. Visitors can learn about the importance of plants in human health, sing songs and play games. On offer are various lifetime rituals, including baptism and so on). There are fire and sauna rituals and annual festivals. Register in advance for a traditional meal.

The first church in Piņķi was made of wood.  The idea of building a new church emerged in the 1850s, and the cornerstone for a design by the architect J.D. Felsco was laid on May 25, 1872.  The church that is there today was completed in 1874.  The nine-register organ was built by the distinguished organ builder Wilhelm Sauer in 1890.  On July 17, 1916, the 5th Latvian Riflemen’s Battalion was on its way to the front lines at Smārde and stopped at the Piņķi Estate.  Col Jukums Vācietis delivered a sermon at the church on that date (though not all historians agree that he did so), and that has gone down in history as one of the most important events of the day.  The historical even inspired Aleksandrs Čaks to write the poem “Sermon at the Piņķi Church.”  The church is a cultural monument and can be toured.  It is lit up at night.  Alongside the stone is a rock that was installed in commemoration of the Latvian riflemen.

The Ilūkste Roman Catholic Church is to the North of Unity Square. The first stone church in Ilūkste was financed by the Plater-Sieberg dynasty of noblemen between 1754 and 1769. The current church was built in 1816. In 1861, it was taken over by the Orthodox Church, but it was returned to a Catholic congregation in 1920. The church was restored in 1921. The interior can be viewed during worship services.

This tour offers visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites – Helsinki, Stockholm, Riga, Tallinn, travelling by ferries and cruise ships and adding value to the trip by exploring the Baltic countries beyond the capitals. The sites outside cities present traditional folk cultures of Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia and a variety of farms showing today’s life in the countryside. The roundtrip includes two overnights on cruise ships.

Setomaa has been inhabited for about 8,400 years, which makes it one of the oldest human settlements in Estonia. It is located on the border of Eastern and Western civilisations, bordering Russia, Latvia and Estonia. Setomaa is famous for its well-preserved traditions and culture. For centuries the local handicraft skills have been passed down within families. Seto polyphonic singing (Seto leelo) is inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Setos have distinctive national costumes, rich in detail and unique to each family. Perhaps most impressive is the distinctive array of Seto jewellery. These visually striking pieces not only reflect the social standing of the wearer but are also worn as a safeguard from misfortune. To this day, the Seto lifestyle remains closely tied to nature. It is common practice for the Seto not only to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest but to also use its gifts. Berries and mushrooms are picked freely in their seasons.

It is best to start the tour from Võru and finish in Tartu.

Kalevipoeg is a hero from the Estonian national epic, most of his stories come from Jõgeva County, where you can find his sword in the Kääpa River, there are his places of rest, stones he’s thrown, springs and bogs, ploughing furrows, etc. The museum has 12 themed rooms presenting Kalevipoeg´s legends as well as Estonian heritage. 17 wooden statues of the epic’s characters stand in the museum grounds.