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.

This is the most modern rabbit farm in the Baltic States. The animals live in cages in a shed, but there are also cages outside where they can be viewed. Children will love contacts with 24 types of rabbits, as well as an opportunity to study the surrounding area from a viewing tower. If you apply in advance, you can purchase fresh rabbit meat, sausages, dried meats and pâté. A new thing at the farm is the Mangalicas breed of wild pigs from Hungary.

The museum set up in 1982 presents life and activity of the region from the late 19th C to the recent past. Temporary exhibitions are held in the barn and more than 200 species of trees and shrubs can be viewed in the parkland extending over 17 ha. Themed events include baking bread, celebrations of folk holidays are frequently arranged. From the museum visitors can access Velise cultural and natural heritage trail.

Organic family farm Võrumaa, Haanja Nature Park (Haanja rahvuspark). The farm rears goats and makes goat’s cheese. Tastings and excursions are organised here; you will see how the milk from the cowshed turns into a cheese wheel.

The farm breeds breeding cows (Galloway, Hereford, Limousine, Charolais and Latvian brown species). You can take an informational tour and watch the feeding of calves.

The aerial tram across the Gauja is the only vehicle of its type in the Baltic States. It was installed in 1969 with the help of engineers from Georgia. The crossing is 1060 m long, and the cable which crosses the river is just one cable without any supports. The tram rides about 40 metres above the river, and it offers an outstanding look at the local landscapes. During the evening, the tram is used by Bungee jumpers.

The most fascinating part of the Park is its underground museum. Guided underground tours take visitors to where miners used to work and rest and stored their explosives, and include a real train ride and learning about various pieces of equipment and technology. A delicious miner’s lunch can be booked in advance and enjoyed in a genuine miners´ underground canteen.