Renda is a very old town, first mentioned in historical sources in 1230.  During the 13th century, Renda was one of the centres of the ancient Courlandian land of Vanema.  When Courland was split up in 1235, Renda was taken over by the German Order, and local residents were forcibly drafted into its military.  During the age of the Duchy of Courland (1562-1795), the region flourished despite wars, the bubonic plague and other problems, particularly during the rule of Duke Jacob (1642-1682).   During the 17th century, Renda became something of a manufacturing centre, churning out timber products, with local lime kilns, watermills, flax weaving facilities, a glass factory and a boiling house for saltpetre and soap.  Wine, perfumes and barrels were produced in Renda, as was cast iron for nails and many other things.  The court at the Jelgava Castle loved the sour wines from Renda.  All of this was destroyed during the Great Northern War (1700-1721).  During the 19th century, a chemicals factory was built on the site of the burned Renda castle, and nearby was one of the largest leather tanning plants in Kurzeme, along with a manufacturing facility for turpentine.  Cultural life began to develop in parallel to this.  Renda suffered much during the two world wars and the subsequent Soviet repressions.  The so-called Courelian Battalion of partisans went into the forests after the occupation to continue their struggle against the Soviet regime.  Renda today is a small and quiet village with the Lielrenda Estate, a local church, the “devil’s boat” at the Abava River, and the Īvande waterfalls.

Atrodas Skuķu ezera ziemeļaustrumu krastā. No torņa labi saskatāms aizaugušais Skuķu ezers ar nelielām ūdens lāmām un ūdeņiem bagātos pavasaros pārplūstošā Dvietes paliene. Laba putnu vērošanas vieta.

This 1995 sculpture by Oļegs Skarainis is at the corner of Dinsberģa and Talsu streets in Dundaga, near the local dairy.  It is dedicated to the strong men of the town, including former Dundaga resident Arvīds Blūmentāls (1925-2006), who lived in Australia, was a great crocodile hunter (some 10,000 in all), and served as a prototype for Paul Hogan in the famous movie “Crocodile Dundee.” 

The owners breed chinchillas, which originated in the Andes in South America. They offer a tour and a story about the lives and growth of chinchillas. Animals and their pelts can be purchased. The lady of the house is also a painter.

Mustjala Mustard Saaremaa offers self-made mustard and chutneys, anyone can taste and choose the one that suits you best. We also organise masterclasses where you can learn how to make your favourite chutney yourself.

Skaisto un mūsdienās atjaunoto zilā krāsojuma ēku Karaīmu ielas 5 malā sākotnēji (1810. g.) cēla Dominikāņu mūki. Kopš 1864. g. tajā 23 gadus saimniekoja policija, līdz 1887. g. te izvietoja pastu un telegrāfu. Šobrīd ēkā atrodas nacionālā parka administrācija.

This is one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe, featuring 118 old buildings from all cultural and historical regions of Latvia.  You’ll be able to our farms, craftsmen’s and fishermen’s farms (including Liv ones), and a farm once owned by Russian Old Believers in Latgale.  Annual celebrations are held, and educational programmes are available.  Craftspeople do their work at the museum, and you can quench your thirst at the Priede saloon.