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Ligatne history is inextricably linked to Ligatne paper mill. At the end 19th century and beginning of 20th century here was built houses, schools, maternity homes, hospitals, clubs, guest houses and other buildings for workers that have survived to the present. During the Soviet period Ligatne mill produced mainly school exercise books, which was sent to all the Soviet republics. Nowadays, the main raw material is recovered paper used for production of wrapping paper. Ligatne paper mill is the only one functioning Latvian company of this kind, and it can be explored with a local guide. Historic centre of Ligatne paper mill has been awarded the status of cultural monument. In the northern part of Ligatne - Gauja river bank the only functioning Gauja river ferry can be found and the only river ferry in the Baltic States, which is powered by river current. The ferry is vehicle of local scale. In the west of Ligatne, Ligatne nature trails are located; where close to natural environment conditions (the best object of this type in the Baltic States) lives red deer, roe deer, wild boar, fox and lynx. Within the territory of Ligatne nature trail a dense network of hiking trails and paved road - cycling route has been created, during the winter it becomes a cross-country ski track. A modern visitor centre is available here. East of Ligatne at Ligatne rehabilitation centre a unique place on the Europen scale can be found - a former Soviet secret bunker that was built as the main living and working place of Latvian senior military and civilian persons in case the nuclear or chemical weapons were used. Bunker was opened in 2003; therefore it remained intact to this day. On the way from Augsligatne to Ligatne go to see Vienkoci Park, where you can explore boats made of single wood peace by the creator of Park Richard Vidzicka, look at the different building models, sand home, and participate in themed activities. |
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This is the widest water fall in Latvia – 249 metres wide and up to 1.75 metres high. This is an interesting natural, cultural and historical object in that it is linked to various events and legends. Duke Jacob of Courland invented equipment to catch fish. It was fastened to the cliffs of the waterfall, and this created the tale of a city where salmon and other fish who were leaping across the waterfall fell into the nets and were thus caught in the air. During Jacob’s rule, there was talk about digging a canal around the waterfall to ensure shipping, and work began on the project. During the early 18th century there was the idea that the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea could be connected via the Venta, Nemuna and Dnieper rivers. Turkish prisoners of war continued to dig the canal, but the local dolomite cliffs were a problem. Attempts to blow up the cliffs led to damage to nearby buildings, so the work ended. The impressive ditch can still be seen today. In 2012, a wooden pathway was installed on the right bank of the Venta to offer a good look at the waterfall. It is worth visiting here during various seasons of the year, when different types of fish migrate. |
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It is the bicycle collection of father and son Jānis and Guntis Seregins, which is the only collection of antique bicycles in Latvia. They have been collecting cycles since 1977 when they joined the Antique Automobile Club and became fascinated with Latvia’s cycling traditions. The collection’s core is formed from technically unusual bicycles. In total, the museum has approximately 70 Latvian-made and used bicycles. Besides bicycles there are many other pieces of cycling ephemera relating to sport, cycle clubs and bicycle production. The museum has an extensive collection of bicycle brands, bringing together 1000 badges from all over the world. Guided excursions available. |
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The Lielstraupe Castle is the only building in Latvia which contains a Medieval castle and a church. Work on the castle began in 1263. The building suffered great damage during the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as during the riots of 1905. The complex was restored in 1909 by the architect Wilhelm Bockslaff. There are several artistic monuments in the church – the organ loft from the 17th century and the pulpit paintings of the 18th century. In 1944, two stained glass windows produced by the artist Sigismunds Vidbergs were installed at the church – Golgotha and Birth of Christ. The tower contains a clock produced by a local clockmaker, and there is a sun dial on the wall of the church. Visitors to the park of the castle will see the wooden bell tower which dates back to 1744. A memorial plaque to men who fell during World War I and Latvia's liberation battles was installed in the church in 1938. A drugs treatment hospital was installed in the castle in 1963. The church is open during worship services, and the rest of the complex can only be viewed from the outside. |
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Another area where the manifestations water-soluble lime in the earth can be found. As the lime dissolves, there are empty areas underground which eventually collapse. To the East of Skaistkalne is a leisure area where dry and full holes of various sizes can be found.
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This farm has some 150 hives of bees which are carefully tended by beekeepers. The farm also produces nectar plats such as buckwheat, clover and phacelia. You will learn all about beekeeping and taste and purchase beekeeping products. |
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Along with the Nagļu ponds, these are Latvia’s largest fishing ponds. They were established on the flood-land peat areas of Lake Lubāns in the 1970s, when the hydrotechnical system of the lake was first established. The Lubāna-Gaigalava road bisects the Kvāpāni-Īdeņa ponds. There are three bird-watching towers on the dams of the ponds. The ponds are a major location for water bird nests, as well as places for migrating birds to rest. There are extensive bird-watching opportunities in the area.
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One of the few pure stands of oak trees in Latvia, this one covers 19.6 ha, and it was declared to be a protected territory back in 1928. The oldest trees are 300 to 400 years old. The stand of trees can be found alongside the Ezernieki-Andzeļi road. There is a small car park, along with a hiking trail, an information stand, and a leisure area with a plank from which the northern bay and islands of Lake Ežezers can be seen very well. There are typical species of plants, mushrooms and insects here, but only a specialist will be able to recognise them. |
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Redāns ir 19. gadsimta beigās celtā Liepājas Jūras cietokšņa daļa, kur notikušas Latvijai nozīmīgas cīņas. Lai gan uzbūvētie nocietinājumi ap Karostu tika atzīti par stratēģisku kļūdu un vairums no tiem saspridzināti, Redāns palicis teju neskarts. Tā ir arī vienīgā nocietinājuma daļa, kur notikusi reāla karadarbība.Par liecina ložu šautie caurumi sienās. 1919. gada 14. novembrī šeit notika brīvības cīņas par neatkarīgu Latviju, aizstāvot Liepāju pret Bermonta karaspēku. 14. novembra rītā, pārejot aizsalušo Tosmares ezeru, bermontiešu kājnieki ieņēma Redānu. Taču dažu stundu laikā liepājnieki veica niknu pretuzbrukumu, un vāciešiem nācās atkāpties. Jūnijā, jūlijā un augustā katru dienu plkst. 11.00–17.00 pie Redāna gaidīs zinošs gids, kas būs gatavs pastāstīt vairāk par Liepājas cietoksni un vēsturiskajiem notikumiem Karostā. Cena – 2 EUR no personas. |
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Saaremaa has had strong beer brewing traditions since olden times. In Kuressaare, the building with Art deco elements where electricity was once made, is now a home for the beer brewery Pöide that demonstrates the art of beer brewing – you will learn several secrets and taste various beers in the special tasting room. |
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Located in the centre of Atbrīvošanas Alley, this statue is a monument to the liberation of Latgale and the unity of Latvia and is officially called “Unified for Latvia.” The bronze monument was unveiled in 1939 (sculptor K. Jansons, designer L. Tomačisks). In 1940, the Soviet regime tried to destroy the monument, but it was restored in August 1943. A second attempt to destroy the monument occurred in June 1950, and this time the process was successful. After the restoration of Latvia’s independence, “Māra of Latgale” was installed for a third time on August 3, 1992, sculpted by the son of K. Jansons, A. Jansons, on the basis of old designs. “Māra of Latgale” is one of the best examples of monumental sculpture in Latvia. Latvian mythology personifies the goddess Māra as a provider of fertility for earth and a protection of life. The cross that is part of the ensemble is a symbol of the Christian faith. |
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The restaurant is in the Promenade Hotel, which was established at historical port docks in Liepāja. It works with local farmers and fishermen and offers live music on weekends. Latvian cuisine: Mutton soup, baked plaice or catfish filet, cod prepared according to traditional fishermen’s recipes, crepes. Special foods: Freshly caught fish with grilled vegetables. |
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In 1951, when it died, the pine tree had a circumference of 4.63 metres. It was the thickest pine tree in the Baltic States
This is one of the few trees with such a long history for which age has been determined by counting up circles – 370 years. All that’s left is a conserved part of the stump at the side of the road. Cross-sections of the stump are on exhibit at the Latvian Museum of Nature and the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
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The "Magdalena" café is in the centre of Saldus. Latvian cuisine: Sauerkraut, dumpling, beet, sorrel and cold kefir soup, potato pancakes, crepes, sautéed pork ribs, homemade steak haché, farmers’ treats, oatmeal cream, stacked oatmeal or rye bread. |
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The Livonian Order built a fortified castle on the largest island in Lake Alūksne – Marijas Island (Pilssala Island) in 1342. It was linked to the land by a 120 m drawbridge. The castle had several forecastles, and it was regularly modernised and expanded until the end of the 17th century. It was one of the largest Livonian Order Castles, with similar ones found in Vastelina and Izborsk. Defensive barriers were put up around the castle, which survived until the Great Northern War. Its central part was blown up by the defeated Swedish military in 1702, after which Russians completely sacked it. All that is left are the castle ruins on the island, which is now linked to Alūksne and Temple Hill by two wooden bridges. An open-air stage alongside the castle ruins is used for various public events. |
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Inviting and cosy café in the very heart of Alūksne, with a wide menu for different tastes. Special dishes of the Alūksne area are also served here – salad “Temple Hill”, main course “101 Steps until the Moment of Pleasure” and the dessert “Marienburg Lake Islands”. We offer business lunches and monthly specials, as well as a children's menu. |
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The farm offers a look at angora rabbits, which are very uncommon in Latvia. The owner offers tours, stories, rabbit wool, wool products such as mittens and socks, breeding rabbits and consultations. Children will love the animals and can feed them in the presence of the owner. |
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This tour combines local wine making traditions with an ancient charm of countryside with several medieval castles and baronial estates. The tour goes to Sigulda where on the steep banks of Gauja valley sits three castles. Visit Turaida and Sigulda medieval castles and then go to Krimulda Manor to try their wines. There is also a visit to a family wine maker in Sigulda. Next day there is an excursion of historic village of Ligatne and tasting of local wines located at the sand cave typical for the area. Further on the route there is an impressive Cesis medieval castle ruins and Ungurmuiza Manor which is an only preserved sample of wooden baroque manor architecture in the Baltics. Overnight is at former Dikli Manor which is now an upmarket hotel. Next day the route goes along the coast where is museum of the biggest liar in the world - Munchausen. You can also stroll along sandy beach there. Then visit farm of local winemaker and taste his various wines and then visit Birini Manor for a dinner and have relaxing stroll into their huge park before returning to Riga. |
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Viens no labākajiem veidiem, kā iepazīties ar sidru, ir paviesoties kādā no sidra darītavām, kur klātienē var redzēt, kā sidrs tiek gatavots. Vairākas sidra darītavas piedāvā apmeklējumus, kuros sidrdari parādīs ražošanas procesu, ļaus nodegustēt savu produkciju un pastāstīs par to. Sidrdari pieņem apmeklētājus pēc iepriekšējas pieteikšanās. Rezervējiet savu apmeklējumu laikus, lai mazajās saimniecībās, kur bieži vien strādā tikai pati ģimene vai pāris darbinieku, sidrdari var paspēt apvienot tūristu uzņemšanu ar savu ikdienas darbu. Parasti sidra darītavas uzņem viesus visu cauru gadu, dažos gadalaikos ir iespējams vērot arī ražošanas procesu, tādēļ sidra darītavas apmeklējumam ieplānojiet apmēram 2 stundas. |
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Saldus is mentioned in the historical documents already in 1253. Until the 13th century an ancient Cours castle Salden was located here, which is also represented in the coat of arms of the town. Around the 1341 Livonian Order built a castle near the Cours hill fort, where settlement formed. Its peak of development, like the other settlements of Courland, was during the reign of Duke Jacob 1642 – 1682. 1856 is mentioned as the year of the foundation of Saldus, when restoration of town perished during the Northern War begun. At the end of the World War II a big fights took place at the town, but town remained in German-occupied part of Latvian until the May 8, 1945. Modern Saldus attracts with its activities - town days, the music festival "Saldus Saule", as well as a variety of sightseeing objects, among which A/S 'Druvas Partika" can be mentioned, where you can watch how the ice cream is made and Saldus Food Factory, where you can taste the delicious candy "Gotina" and watch the production process. |