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On this tour you will enjoy the diversity of nature in Lahemaa National Park – the oldest national park in the Baltic states. Lahemaa – means “the land of bays” in Estonian. It is characterised by many bays, peninsulas, forests and villages rich in cultural heritage. The Forest Trail will go along the bays and peninsulas of Lahemaa National Park, introducing the hikers to its most significant natural and cultural heritage. The forests are rich with blueberries and mushrooms in autumn, and the air is very clean. You will start the tour from Tallinn, going by bus to Lahemaa National Park, where you stay overnight in one of the beautiful manors. On the next day you will hike till Oandu. En route you will see Altja – a scenic traditional fishing village, where a traditional Estonian tavern is located and you can enjoy traditional meals. In Oandu there is the visitor centre of the Estonian State Forest Management (RMK), where hikers can learn more about forest habitat types and forest management traditions. Then you will reach Käsmu Peninsula with its wooded dunes and moss-covered rock fields, giving the feeling of being in a fairy tale. Käsmu is also a popular Estonian sea captains´ village. There you can visit the Marine Museum and lighthouse, as well as have an extra walk to the Vana-Jüri rocks. During the day from Käsmu to Kasispea you will see some of the most impressive boulders in Lahemaa National Park, the Tammispea and Jaani-Tooma boulders, which resemble huge monoliths. You will end the tour in Viinistu Village, where we suggest visiting Viinistu Art Museum. |
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Atrodas Rīgas ielā 8 – skaistā, 1883. g. celtā jūgendstila ēkā . Muzejs (viens no Latgales lielākajiem un vecākajiem) tajā darbojas no 1959. g. (pats muzejs dibināts 1938. g.) un tā krājums vēsta par Daugavpils un tās apkārtnes vēsturiskajiem notikumiem. Tajā regulāri tiek rīkotas arī tematiskās izstādes, piedāvātas muzejpedagoģiskas programmas. Te vēl var apskatīt Daugavpilī dzimušā un pasaulē pazīstamā mākslinieka Marka Rotko (1903. – 1970.) gleznu reprodukcijas, kuras no 2013. gada plānots pārcelt uz M. Rotko centru Daugavpils cietoksnī. |
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This route passes along one of the most diverse and beautiful parts of the coastline of the Bay of Rīga. You will see the Randu meadows, which are known as Latvia’s open-air “herbarium” because of the diversity of plants that can be found there. The coast features various sizes of rocks and stones, as well as no shortage of lovely and sandy beaches. This is the only place in Latvia where Devonian sandstone cliffs can be seen. Past each horn there is a different landscape, and the last 20 kilometres of the route are paradise for bird watchers during migration season. The route is in the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. Route information from Latvijas Lauku forums |
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The Kaltene Lutheran Church dates back to 1567, when Duke Gotthard Kettler of Courland ordered the construction of new churches in Kurzeme. One of them was in Kaltene, and was known as the Church of St Catherine. In 1848, a clay church was built in place of the old wooden church. A sacristy was added in 1880, and the church was rebuilt and expanded in 1896. It suffered much damage during World War I because a Russian mine ship attacked it. The church was restored during the first half of the 1920s. The altar painting, “Christ and St Peter on the Sea” was painted in 1898 by M Pohl after a panting by R. Richter. The pulpit and organ date back to the 18th century and are cultural monuments of national importance. The organ was built by August Martin in 1843, and it was initially in a church in Gulbene. The instrument was brought to Kaltene in 1943 and is the oldest surviving instrument by Martin. The bell was manufactured in 2006 by the Liepājas Metalurgs company, and a new building for the congregation was built in 2012 and 2013. The first scenes of the feature film “Long Road to the Dunes” and the film “Forest of Bulrush” were filmed outside the gates of the church. Nearby is the Putniņi homestead. In 1921, Culture Minister Rainis visited the homestead. At that time there was a store there. The Germans burned down the homestead during World War II. (Source: Roja TIC) |
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After a big storm in 2005, the nature trail of the Randu meadows was restored. It is about 4 km long, and there is a bird-watching tower which offers a fine view of unique shoreline meadows with small lagoons and areas of reeds. It is a fine place to watch migrating birds. This is part of the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (ZBR).
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The Castle was restored recently and now exhibits life and history of a noble family on three floors. Tour guides have numerous stories and legends to tell, visitors can make their personal castle souvenirs. |
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Very expressive form of relief with wide look over the neighborhood. On its peak there's ruins of the castle of bishop Hermanis which was built in 1224. The world's oldest firearm was found here. |
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This fairly large wooden bridge across the Rīva River is a fairly unique phenomenon in Latvia, but it is one of few, if not the only bridge of its type. The bridge is in a convenient and easily accessed place, and of interest is the fact that it was once part of the Liepāja-Ventspils railroad that was installed during the first half of the 20th century. |
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There are both sandy beaches with a good infrastructure and a rock beach in Roja. The rocky beach leads to a huge rock that is 2 m high and 12.5 m in diameter. The coastline is lovely with its scattered stones and its unhurried rhythm of time. At the place where the Silupīte River flows into the sea there are remnants of ancient wooden boats and iron nails. In 1939, Roja became the starting point for a closed zone, because the Soviet army and navy were sited there until 1993. The dunes at Krasta Street feature Soviet heritage, including a large cement wall from which border guards used to monitor the sea and catch those who violated the border. Behind the dunes was a base for border guards with everything they needed. Roja housed a Border Guard post and an air defence radio locator. (Source: Roja TIC) |
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This is a simple one-story building with a cross on its roof. The Pitrags congregation was established in 1890, but the church was built in 1902. It was restored after a World War I fire in 1925 and 1926, and restored again during the period of Latvia's restored period of independence. |
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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. |
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Observatory which was built (1808. – 1810. g.) Southeast of Doma Hill is called pearl of Estonian's science. There's a museum inside. |
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Interesantā būve, kurai Baltijas valstīs grūti atrast līdzinieku, ir meklējama 2 km ziemeļaustrumos no Kirblas (Kirbla). 307,8 m garo arkveida tiltu pāri Kazari upei (Kasari jõgi) uzcēla 1904. g. deviņu mēnešu laikā. Tajā brīdī to uzskatīja par Eiropas garāko šāda tipa dzelzsbetona tiltu. Tagad to var šķērsot tikai ar kājām vai ar divriteni. Tumšajā diennakts laikā tilts ir skaisti izgaismots! Tā ievērojamais garums ir skaidrojams ar apstākli, ka pavasara palos Kazari palienes applūst lielās platībā. |
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The Lutheran Church of Krimulda is considered one of the oldest churches in Latvia. It was originally built in the 13th century, soon after the conquest of Kubesele and later rebuilt many times. Near the church a meditation labyrinth "Lily Flower" is set up. When Liv chief Kaupo fell during the battle at Viljandi in 1217, according to the legend, the ash was buried at the church. A small hill adjacent to Runtinupite (Runtins) is popularly known as a grave site of Kaupo, at its right bank is located ~7 m long, artificially dug Kubesele or Runtin cave. On the left bank of Runtinupite columns the Kubesele hill fort. Kubesele nature trail starts at the church. This trail leads to the Gauja River, where the Great (Runtina) stone lies. Here can be seen anchor pads installed by Gauja raftsmen. Krimulda medieval castle (4 km east of Krimulda Church) was built the second half of the 13th century in the place where the right bank of Gauja valley is split by deep ravine of Vikmeste. Castle (residence of Riga dome capitol - Riga's Archbishop Council) was an imposing building, whose big inner yard was included by 1.5 m thick defensive wall. In 1601, while retreating, Swedish military leader Heinrich Lieven blasted Krimulda castle. Now at the hill fort, grown with the forest a small castle ruins can be seen. Nearby is located air cableway and starts Krimulda mountain road. Located nearby Krimulda manor was first mentioned in writings in the 15th century. Present manor castle was built in the 19th century in neoclassical style (owner - First Lieven). During the twenties of the 20th century, the castle after its alienation became a property of the Latvian Red Cross, which established here children's sanatorium. Nowadays the castle houses rehabilitation hospital "Krimulda", but from the farm buildings, manor stables, barn, servant, manager houses and the so-called Swiss Cottage and Park have been preserved. Thematic tours are offered here. If we go down the Gauja by boat, then we will be able to take a close look at about 15 m high Velnalas cliffs. They can be well seen also from the opposite - left bank of Gauja (resting place is established). In the middle of the cliff about 19 m deep and 4.7 m high Krimulda Velnala cave is located. If we go from the Velnala cave cliffs along the lower part of the right bank of Gauja in Turaida direction, you will see Pikenes cliff, rich with sandstone outcrops. At its foot ~ 1 km long Pikenes beaver trail is established. The Little Devil's Cave (5 m long) is on the side of the trail, with the Gudribas (Wisdom) spring that springs out of the cave, as well as Aunapieres cave which is the same length as Devils cave. Small oxbow lakes also can be seen. |
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The Castle was built beside the Põltsamaa River in the 13th C and became the residence of Duke Magnus, King of Livonia in the 16th C. In the castle yard you find the tourist information centre, local history museum, wine cellar, Estonian Press Museum, art gallery, ceramic and handicraft workshop. |
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Die Kirche hat einen 1800 gebauten einzigartigen achteckigen Glockenturm. Blick auf den Lūšiai-See. |
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During this trip you will visit the workshops of craftspeople, farms that breed horses, as well as various destinations where you can enjoy country goodies. Ancient skills are now a modern application. First you will stop in Ikšķile, and at the very beginning of the trip, you will visit a cellar that stores birch juice wine and taste sparkling wine. In Skrīveri, you will be surprised by the transformation of milk. A cosy café on the main street of the small town offers outstanding homemade ice cream featuring strawberry, anchovy and horseradish flavours. In Koknese, you can supplement your wardrobe with a new leather belt, bag or stylish leather jewellery. A farm that grows hemp will offer a small tour, as well as hemp delicacies. The work of black ceramics masters in Latgale fits into modern interiors. The Aglona Bread Museum offers a chance for visitors to bake their own loaf of bread. The visit to the next farm will allow you to add tasty cheese that has been made from milk from Latvian brown cows. The last stop in Latvia will be Daugavpils, which features an art centre featuring the work of the globally known abstractionist Mark Rothko, as well as the Daugavpils fortress, that was built in the 19th century and is an impressive military building. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations. From there you will travel to Lithuania, where you will visit several traditional farms. The Ilzenbergo Dvaras estate has a bio-dynamic farm. You will taste Lithuania's national sweets which are called šakotis. You will visit the town of Anykščiai, which offers a hike along a trail that is above the trees. A horse museum offers a look at old farm equipment. Next you will visit farms that will inform you about traditional Lithuanian cuisine and the work of potters. The Dubingiu horse farm offers horseback rides. At the conclusion of the tour you will visit the unique Trakai lake castle (14th and 15th century), as well as Vilnius. |
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The Pinnu (Dievekļa) Sacrificial Stone is at Ulmale, some 300 m from the Liepāja-Ventspils highway (there are signs). This is a very beautiful and distinct bowl-type rock, and the indentation at the top is 15 cm deep and up to 61 cm in diameter. It is thought that this was an ancient cult location, particularly between the 16th and 18th centuries. |
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This circular trail features a unique landscape of parallel rampart-type sand dunes and grassy swamps among the dunes. The 3.5 km trail leads through a landscape that is unique in Europe and emerged some 6,000 years ago as the sea was receding. This landscape offers evidence of the geological history of the Baltic Sea. There is a high-type swamp (the Pēterzers swamp), along with remnants of an old narrow-gauge railway. Wooden pathways have been installed along the swamp and the surrounding wetlands. |
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The area is in the centre of the Teirumnīki swamp, alongside a lake of the same name. There is a wooden footpath that crosses the swamp (800 metres). This is an excellent opportunity to study a high swamp, a swamp lake, and the surrounding environment.
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