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This tour leads to the popular seaside resort towns in Lithuania and Latvia, from Nida on the Curonian Spit to Jūrmala on the Gulf of Riga. The first stage of the route runs through the Curonian Spit to the city of Klaipėda with its symbol – the wooden sailing ship – and its old town resembling German towns in terms of architecture. You will then visit the Lithuanian summer beach capital Palanga with some of its top sights being the Botanical Park, the Amber Museum, the pedestrian street of J. Basanavičius and the Sea Pier. Next, the route will take you to the former fishermen village of Šventoji, now a resort town, near which the Žemaičių alkas (Samogitian Sanctuary) is located – an ancient pagan sanctuary. After crossing the border of Lithuania/Latvia you will reach Liepāja – known as the windiest city in Latvia. Should you be interested in military heritage, you will find that in the former military port of Karosta. The tour continues to reach Ventspils, another seaside city. Here, you can go on a voyage on a small vessel on the river Venta river and out to the sea, walk along the riverside, go for a ride on the narrow-gauge train called “Mazbānītis”, marvel at greenery in the form of clocks made of flowers, spot the iconic cows of Ventspils – multiple sculptures scattered around the city streets. At the end of the tour, you will drive to Jūrmala and walk on the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route through the longest Latvian resort cities boasting with its widest sandy beaches. |
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The botanical garden was established in 1993 in the lovely Dane River valley. It covers approximately 9.3 hectares, and in 2002, it was given the status of a dendrological park. |
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Lauku sēta atrodas Džūkijas nacionālajā parkā. Saimniecībā iespējams pašiem ar saimnieces nelielu palīdzību pagatavot tradicionālos dzūku ēdienus veco laiku maizes krāsnī. Kulinārais mantojums un izglītības programmas. Piedāvā arī nakšņošanu. |
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The complex dates back to the 17th and 18th century, when a fortress was replaced by a mansion and other buildings. The rectangular yard that is in the centre of the state is surrounded by the mansion, two granaries with columns that were built opposite one another, a stable and a wheelhouse. The stable and wheelhouse, the bell tower and the gate create the most impressive part of the buildings. Bells were rung because of religious rituals, but also to inform people at the estate about everyday issues. The silhouette of the building is reminiscent of cloisters, city halls and churches that were common in Europe in the 18th century. In 1780, the estate was taken over by the family of Karl Otto von Löwenstern, and the mansion can only be viewed from the outside. There is a hiking trail near the estate. |
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In the barn of Padure manor (the only one three-storey barn in Latvia built in the empire style) the groups of tourists are offered kocha (a substantial pearl barley porridge with onions and meat), differents soups (fish, sorrel), dumplings, cheese and differents sweet dishes. The tasting of home-made wine. For those interested, the owner will tell about yearly traditions, as well as the barn’s history. Latvian cuisine: Fish and sorrel soup, sweet and savoury dumplings, pork ribs, cheeses, desserts, homemade wine. Special foods: A hearty pearl barley porridge with onions and meat. |
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The Castle is a theme park depicting life of the 16th C stronghold where families can spend an exciting day as soldiers and noble knights. There is horse riding, bow and crossbow shooting, you can practise carpentry and blacksmith skills, mint coins, make gold and gunpowder. Facilities include a wine cellar, torture chamber, death room, medieval brothel, astronomy room, barber and alchemist workshops. The Schenkenberg Tavern menu has dishes cooked to medieval recipes. |
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The café is alongside the Top store in the centre of the village. Latvian cuisine: Potato pancakes with ham, grey peas with bacon, carrot buns. Special foods: The special “Apsīte” potted dish. |
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This museum is devoted to the career of the ceramist Polikarps Čerņavskis. His work featured light, yellowish and very bright glazing. Guided tours of the museum are available. There are demonstrations of the use of the potter’s wheel. Ceramics can be purchased, and visitors can attend the opening of the kiln. Special works can be commissioned.
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This is one of the most outstanding Catholic churches in Latvia. The current building was built in 1761 in the Polish Baroque style. The interior from the 18th century is original and very ornate. Each year there are spiritual music events and Polish cultural festivals here. The guide will give you a tour of the church and of other tourism destinations along the frontier line of the EU (please be sure to bring along your passport!). |
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Located in Obinitsa Village, open daily in the summer, please book in advance in winter. White bread and rye bread baking masterclass with natural yeast preparation. The café bakes brown country bread, bread with seeds, various white breads. |
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The cafe Baravika is situated in the centre of Rezekne city. It offers a wide variety of dishes. Working hours: Mon-Fri 8.30 līdz 18.00 |
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As part of the Hotel Jelgava, the restaurant serves traditional Latvian dishes, as well as others. Musical evenings are organised. Latvian cuisine: Steak of Latvian-bred ostrich. Special foods: Corn chicken with spinach-potato mash and grilled new carrots. |
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The Rēzekne castle hill is an impressive hillock (15 m) on the right bank of the Rēzekne River. From the 9th to the 12th century, there was a Lettigalian castle here. In 1285, the Livonian Order began to build a two-story stone castle on the site, and its ruins have survived to this very day. Alongside the castle hill is the Eastern Latvian Creative Service Centre - „Zeimuļs”, along with a tourism information centre. |
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A small beer brewery and shop in Lielvārde that organises tastings and offers to taste Latvian delicacies on-site and to purchase them for take away. |
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Jaunciems has always been a small village, and only a few homes are populated today. Nearby there are leisure locations on the right bank of the Irbe River. Jaunciems is linked to Sīkrags by the former tracks of the narrow-gauge train. There is also a bridge for hikers and bicyclists. |
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Auf einer hohen vom Wald bedeckten Düne, wo sich in 14 – 15 Jh. ein heidnisches Heiligtum und eine Sternwarte befand, wurde 1869 eine Kapelle und Skulptur erbaut. Eine Geschichte über Priesterin Birute, die das Großfürsten Kestutis geheiratet und den Sohn Vitautas geboren hat. |
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The Skaistkalne Roman Catholic Church is in the southern part of Skaistkalne and on the right bank of the Mēmele River valley. The Baroque church is known as the most beautiful Catholic church in Zemgale. The ornate interior and the graves of clergymen and noblemen can be toured. |
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The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk is located in Ķemeri National Park. The national park covers an area of 38,165 hectares. The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk immerses visitors in the world of moss, small pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes and the smell of wild rosemary. An astute visitor will notice the carnivorous sundew plant and a variety of birds – wood sandpipers, white wagtails and tree pipits – and will also be able to hear cranes further away. Those who prefer shorter strolls can take the small boardwalk loop (approx. 1.4 km), while those who choose the great loop (approx. 3.4 km) will be rewarded with the opportunity to climb to a viewing platform that offers a magnificent view of the bog from above. The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk has become a popular place for landscape and wildlife photographers. The whole trail is laid to wooden boardwalk and therefore is fully accessible and can be walked without a professional guide. |
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The Ziemupe nature restricted territory is on the shore of the Baltic Sea, and it protects a wide variety of coastline biotopes. The distinguished grey dunes are found here, as are various kinds of forest biotopes, some of them quite rare in Latvia. There are many protected plants and animals in the area, too. The Akmensrags lighthouse and several tourist accommodations, like camping Laikas who "Sējējs" award, are in the territory. On the sea shore not far from center of Ziemupe there is well-appointed parking area with information stands. |
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This is actually a group of nine craters, and some of them are as much as 100 m in diameter and 16 m in depth. This is the most visually expressive meteorite crater in the Baltic States and, indeed, in all of Europe. Remnants of the meteorite – some 2.5 kg in all – yielded iron and nickel. It is thought that this pan-Baltic natural catastrophe occurred 2,600 to 4,000 years ago. Kaali Visitor Centre comprises the meteoritics and limestone museum, a conference hall and a hotel.The museum exhibits genuine meteorite pieces amongst other items. The hotel has all modern conveniences, tasty food is provided at Kaali Tavern nearby. |