No | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
The craftspeople offer tours during which you can watch them at work. You can also produce your own souvenirs with various techniques, including the potter’s wheel and the engraving technique, making use of pre-prepared moulds. You can also commission and purchase ceramics products. This location is popular among children and wedding parties. |
||
On the edge of the Bērzkrogs-Madona road in the centre of Vecpiebalga, you will find a pond full of various types of water lilies of different colours. The owner will tell you all about the popular folk song about water lilies from Vecpiebalga, offer plants for sale and offer practical advice. The pond also has carp which children can feed by hand while their parents are listening to the stories. |
||
Cecīļu dabas taka ir kājāmgājēju tūrisma maršruts, kurā ir iespēja iepazīt Amatas novada dabas objektus gar Kumadas upes, Dančupītes un Amatas upes krastu. Takas sākuma punkts ir Amatas novada Ieriķos, 1 km no kafejnīcas, degvielas uzpildes stacijas, Cecīļu dabas takas apmeklētāju centra, blakus autoservisam. Apmeklētājiem ir iespēja izbaudīt cilvēka nepārveidotu dabas ainavu – Dančupītes kanjonu, minatūru ūdenskritumu, no Kumadas upes labā krasta aplūkot iespaidīgo Cecīļu iezi un citus objektus. Taka ir marķēta. |
||
The area known as the territory of high hillocks has several heights – Lakta Hill (250 metres above sea level), Egļu Hill (268 metres above sea level), and Bākūži Hill (272 metres above sea level). They are connected by an earthen road – it’s worth hiking the trail to find the best viewing areas. A very fine view of the backs of hillocks in the Vidzeme highlands can be seen from the northern side of Lakta Hill.
|
||
From the tower of St Simon’s Lutheran Church, you can see the central part of Valmiera and the banks of the Gauja River. During clear weather, you can see Zilaiskalns Hill. The church contains some cultural and historical treasures, as well as one of Latvia’s most resonant pipe organs.
|
||
Roman Catholic Church of Divine Grace – On 19 April 1998, the so-called “White Sunday” or the Day of Divine Grace, Saulkrasti Roman Catholic Church of Divine Grace was consecrated. The building is 24 m long and its tower is 16 m high. The 300-seat church was designed by the architect Jānis Šrēders. The image of Christ on the altarpiece was derived from the vision of the saint, Sister Faustina, of 22 February 1931 in a monastery in Poland. The altarpiece was created by the artist Ēriks Pudzēns. 14 paintings on the walls of the church depict Christ’s path of suffering from conviction to resurrection. The altar is built of ash. On 2 August 1998, a 7.38 m tall cross was consecrated by Saulkrasti Roman Catholic Church of Divine Grace. At night this cross is illuminated. The cross is similar to the cross of Golgotha in Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified. |
||
Guest house "Aivari" is located in a quiet forest in Inčukalns region. Offers rest in a country sauna, after the sauna it is possible to use a shower, cool off in the pool, also a swim in the spring pond and a wooden tub. There are tent sites, a picnic area with awnings, a volleyball net and several campfire sites. |
||
The largest NATURA 2000 territory in Latvia covers 6% of the country’s area. It is located in parts of the Limbaži, Valmiera and Valka districts, and it is a place of an enormously diverse range of landscapes, biotopes and species. The Salaca River is one of the most important rivers in the entire Baltic Sea region in terms of spawning grounds for salmon. The river valley and its sandstone cliffs attract many visitors. It is no accident that this is the second most popular river in Vidzeme for water tourism. The shore of the Bay of Rīga, which is not very long, also features a great diversity in landscapes and biotopes. At the northern end, we find the Randu meadows. In the central part there are sandy beaches, but at the southern end – 22 kilometres of rocky shoreline. The so-called Northern swamps are found on the border with Estonia, while the Seda heath is one of the most important places in the region for birds to rest and feed during migration. The reserve also features a diverse forest in which one can find all of the types of forest which are common in Latvia. Nature trails and viewing towers or platforms are found in the Randu meadows, on the banks of Lake Burtnieks, along the Planči and Niedrāji-Pilka swamps, on the banks of Lake Dziļezers and Lake Lielezers, and elsewhere. The Skaņākalns park in Mazsalaca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Vidzeme. The territory boasts many important cultural monuments, including one of the earliest known settlements in Latvia – a fishing settlement and burial ground which date back to the 5th to the 2nd millennium BC.
|
||
Near the Priedīši homestead, there is a nature trail which allows visitors to study Lake Dziļezers and the surroundings. There are various lakes in this region which are found in a depression left behind by the Ice Age – Lake Dziļezers, Lake Riebezers, Lake Mazezers, Lake Auziņš, Lake Skuja and Lake Bruņķītis are all there. Along their shores, there are various kinds of forests, including ones with broadleaf trees that are under environmental protection. The trail is 3km in length and will take an hour or so to traverse. This is a part of the environmentally restricted territory of Lake Dziļezers and Lake Riebezers.
|
||
The Gauja National Park, established in 1973, was Latvia’s first national park, and it has a wealth of tradition in environmental protection and tourism. Indeed, the GNP is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latvia. The main “artery” of the park is the ancient Gauja River valley, which was left behind when Ice Age glaciers receded. The valley is 95 kilometres long, with many tributaries that are also in deep ravines with massive sandstone cliffs from the Devonian period. The deepest part of the river valley is at Sigulda, where it is 85 metres deep. The territory has a great diversity of species – some 900 plant species in all. The Gauja is Latvia’s most popular river for water tourism, and many tourist accommodations are found along its shores. The Gauja National Park is one of the best-appointed protected territories in Latvia in terms of nature trails and tourism routes. Nature trails at Līgatne pass along paddocks of wild animals – the largest and most complete object of its kind in the Baltic States. The park also features cultural monuments of pan-Baltic importance – the Turaida Museum Reserve, the medieval old town of the city of Cēsis with its famous castle ruins and St John’s Church, the lake castle at Āraiši, etc. Visitors centres are found in Sigulda, along the Līgatne nature trails, and at the Zvārte rock. The administration of the GNP is building a new and modern visitors centre in Sigulda.
|
||
The impressive Gauja River valley and its best natural and cultural landscapes can be seen from Paradīze (Gleznotāji) Hill, the Sigulda castle ruins, the aerial tram, the Ferris wheel, the Ziediņi and Pilsēta ski trails, the area of the bobsled and sledding trail, Ķeizarskats, the viewing area of the Velnala cliffs, the mountain bike route of Sigulda (on the right bank of the Gauja, particularly when the trees are bare), the area of the Krimulda castle ruins, Dainu Hill, and the Turaida castle tower.
|
||
1,2 km garā taka atrodas netālu no vietas, kur Gauju šķērso Vidzemes šoseja (A 2). Izejot taku, var iepazīt vienu no Latvijas augstākajiem dolomītiežu atsegumiem – Randātu klintis, kas paceļas 25 m virs Gaujas. Taka ir apļaveida un tās apskatei nepieciešamas ~ 45 minūtes. |
||
The key treasure in this park is that it has a lake that is one of the most intensive sites for birdwatchers in all of Latvia. It also features outstanding flora and the shallow waters of the Bay of Rīga. Recommended: Hike along the seashore from Mērsrags to Engure (20 km). See wild domestic animals (horses and cows) on the eastern shore of Lake Engure. There’s a bird-watching tower on the NW shore of the lake (approach from Kūļciems, where you can see domestic animals adapted to life in the wild, including the Blue Cows of Latvia). A bird-watching tower can be found at a place called Jomiņa near Mērsrags, where the seashore meadow is an uncommon biotope
|
||
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. |
||
The beginning of this circular trail can be found at the Krimulda church – the oldest in Latvia. In one direction, the tourist will pass along the banks of the little Runtiņupīte river (Runtiņš) to the place where it flows into the Gauja river. Among the points of interest along the way are the parsonage of the church, the Kubesele castle hill, a memorial to the Livonian chieftain Kaupo, the Kubesele cave, the Saulstari rock, the “Great Rock”, ancient anchor blocks, ancient graveyards, a unique labyrinth, etc.
|
||
This restricted area was established to protect a high-type swamp, a swampy forest and a series of rare birds. The Niedrāji-Pilka swamp can be crossed with dry feet while enjoying almost virginal nature. This is possible on the narrow-gauge railroad embankment which runs through the swamp for three to four kilometres from the North-east to the South-west, or on the well-appointed circular wood pathway which is on the eastern size of the embankment.
|
||
The tower is beyond the Oleri estate, in the small Oleri swamp, where at the end of a wooden footpath you can step upward a bit and learn about the landscape of a transitional swamp. This is part of the ZBR.
|
||
The master craftsman uses natural wood to produce furniture and interior design elements. He uses the tree from the tip to the root. Each artwork accents the form and texture of the wood, and the workshop offers an unusual look at wood and people. You can attend educational events and commission and purchase gifts and souvenirs. |
||
SIA "3x9 zālītes" piedāvā ļoti plašu klāstu zāļu tējas un to maisījumus. Zālītes ievāktas Vecpiebalgas novadā, ekoloģiski tīrās pļavās un mežos. Zālītes vāktas atbilstoši dabas ritmam un mēness fāzēm. Kaltētas dabīgos apstākļos, saglabājot zālīšu vērtīgās vielas, smaržu un garšu. |
||
The saloon is at the edge of the Murjāņi-Limbaži road (P9) and alongside the Igate Castle. It is built on the foundations of a former windmill, and the wheel of the mill has been preserved. The old watermill is still hard at work and is used to mill grain for traditional porridge and buns. The saloon works with local farmers. Latvian cuisine: Mushroom soup, barley porridge with meat, barley buns, grit sausage with lingonberry sauce, crepes with jam, potato pancakes, fried plaice or pike, stacked rye bread. Special foods: Sautéed rabbit, stuffed filet of turkey. |