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 village of Kaldabruņa in the Jēkabspils Adminitsration District has a former elementary school that is currently managed by the Ūdenszīmes organisation.  The meadow museum exhibition is compared to a human life cycle, and visitors will see a Smilga exhibition, a childhood lighting objects, the Kadabruņa Māra belt in a hole in an oak tree, the Vārdnieki crown, the Pūra crown, and exhibitions of endangered and rare plants.  The Kaldabruņa or Krievāni Māra belt is one of the greatest cultural and historical treasures in the administrative district because it is a unique ethnographic material.  The belt is made of 52 ornaments, including 36 modified fire cross ornaments.  Nothing of the sort can be seen in Latvian ethnography.  The Stāmeriena wrap has 19 modifications of the fire cross, while the belt has blue and yellow ornaments, with red and green colours on its edges.  At the end of the belt is a complicated weave of little pearls and fringes.  Authentic copies of the belt have not been presented in public, and this unique material has also not been seen in the digital environment.  The original belt was received by ethnographers in the late 19th century from Māra Krievāne from the Mačulāni homestead in Kaldabruņa.  It is housed at the Latvian Museum of History, which also has the only known copy of the belt.  Decoding of the ornaments can be found in a book about Latvian ornaments.  The building that is managed by Ūdenszīmes also contains an unprecedented art venue -- the Šķūņa Art Gallery.  Also of interest is a hay museum and the stories about the locations. 

This tour features the best trails and attractions within the Gauja National Park. The walks are organised so that travellers are constantly on the move. The main “artery” of the park is the ancient Gauja River valley with many tributaries and deep ravines with massive sandstone cliffs from the Devonian period. The walk starts from one of the oldest churches in Latvia and follows the river which finishes at Sigulda bobsled track. Scenic views of the river, cliffs and nature trails await in the next section. The Amata river trail winds through untouched forest and inlcudes an icon of the Latvian landscape - Zvartes rock. At Cēsis explore the little streets, climb the tower of St John's Church and visit medieval castle ruins before heading to Cirulisi nature trail to explore the area's geological history. Ungurmuiza Manor is the only remaining wooden baroque manor house in the Baltics. A short trail weaves through ancient oak trees.

The park also features several sites of cultural importance: Turaida Museum Reserve, Krimulda Manor and Ligatne historic centre.

This is an unusual farm, one with no electricity (its owners use candle lanterns and petroleum lamps), with all work done by hand. Visitors can watch the milking of goats, the subsequent handling of milk, and the production of cheese. They can help to harness horses, try out sleds on wheels, and work with a scythe and a sickle. Livestock raised in the Latvian countryside can be viewed.

A true Latvian landlady, Skaidrīte Nagliņa, will welcome you to this farm and show you how to bake traditional bread.  Old recipes and a bread oven heated by firewood will lead to beloved and tasty carrot buns, fresh sourdough bread and “pizza” ὰ la the Suiti.  For groups up to 10 people.  Please contact the farm in advance of your visit.

The craftsman produces bespoke and elegant interior design objects such as wooden furniture (closets, beds), stairs and other useful items. He will be happy to share his knowledge and experience. Among other things, Andris Prikulis has built several wooden altars for churches.

You can access ÕUNA farm (ÕUNA puhketalu) by Piibe Road, behind the old horse post and pub. Here you can spend the night, have some food and enjoy various entertainment activities. Menu includes only Estonian national foods.

The Lojas farm in the Mazsalaca Administrative District is a mixed-use farm, including grain farming (wheat, barley, rye, rapeseed) and manufacturing of straw granules as litter for animals.  The farm breeds beef cattle.

Rabbit farm offering rabbit meat, skin and its products. The key to success is high-quality food, veterinary care and good rabbit-keeping conditions.

Visitors can use a potter’s wheel to create a cup, engrave their name and return to pick up the finished product after it has been fired in the kiln. Here you will learn all about the history of pottery. You can buy finished products and enjoy tasty herbal teas.