Lake Liepāja is shallow and eutrophic (around 40%), and it is one of the most important lakes on the shores of the Baltic Sea for nesting and migrating birds (resting and feeding place). More than 100 different species of birds have been spotted there. The lake is no less important for plants which flourish in salty biotopes. On the north-eastern shore of Lake Liepāja (Vītiņu meadow) there are flood-land plains which are the home to domestic animals which have been adapted to life in the wild. There is also a viewing tower, available upon request with the guide. The system of dams along the south-western part of the lake can be hiked or biked (extreme!) to find lots of interesting viewing areas and landscapes. In the surrounding of the lake there are ruins of unique former fortification systems.

Atrodas Tirgoņu un Zāļu ielas krustojumā (Zāļu ielā 12). Interesanta ar faktu, ka šī ir vienīgā padomju laikā uzbūvētā (1948. g., pēc citiem avotiem – šajā gadā atjaunota) Latvijas baznīca.

Atrodas Līvānu ziemeļdaļā, Baznīcas ielā 17. Dievnams uzbūvēts 1861. g. un paplašināts 1880. gadā. Pēc nopostīšanas 1. pasaules kara laikā to atjaunoja 1918. gadā. No interjera ievērības cienīgas ir ērģeles (uzstādītas 1936. g.), glezna „Svētais Jānis Kristītājs” (mākslinieks Šēnbergs) un 14 Krusta ceļa gleznas, kas ir vācu mākslinieka Fogela gleznu kopijas (19. gs. pirmā puse). Kopš 20. gadsimta sākuma bez izmaiņām ir saglabājies tikai Ostrabramas Dievmātes altāris ēkas labajā pusē. 2007. gadā nokrāsoja dievnama fasādi. Šo darbu laikā, no ēkas sienas izņēma nesprāgušu artilērijas lādiņu, kas bija iestrēdzis 1. pasaules kara laikā.

There are records to show that there has been a church at this location since the 17th century, and the current one was built between 1792 and 1794 by the chief construction specialist of the city of Rīga, Christopher Haberland.  He designed the cupola-shaped building, with the cupola ensuring good acoustics inside the building.  The altar is opposite the entrance door.  Between the columns of the building is an altar painting showing Christ and St Peter on a storm-ravaged sea.  Other important objects include chalices from the 18th or 19th century, candelabras, etc.  The building was restored in 2014.  To the South from it is the Katlakalns cemetery, which is the final resting place of the distinguished Baltic German writer Garlieb Merkel (1769-1850).  He was of great importance in ensuring the end of indentured servitude in Latvia.

The shallow and mostly overgrown (65% of its surface) Lake Engure is one of those Latvian lakes which are most favoured by birds. It is a location which is governed by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and 186 species of nesting birds have been identified there. The area is also distinguished by great botanical diversity (more than 800 kinds of plants). The coastline varies between sandy beaches and seashore meadows. There are forests, fishing villages and damp areas which ensure a great diversity in landscapes and species. The flood-land plains of the lake and the sea are grazing grounds for wild livestock – horses, blue cows, etc. Several bird-watching towers are open to visitors, as is the Orchid trail. The Centre for Ornithological Research is located on the eastern bank of Lake Engure. A unique floating house built by ornithologists is located on the lake. The territory is appropriate not just for holiday-makers, but also for hikers, bicyclists and bird-watchers. A leisure area and a small exhibition are located close to the ornithological research centre.

Onions, fish, villages that stretch out for several kilometres where the buildings are lined along the main street, ornate Old Believers' churches, small harbours with fishing boats and wooden houses, each painted in a different colour! Cafés, shops and a view of Lake Peipus, which looks more like a sea than a lake. This could be the description of this tour. This tour is a very interesting part of the Forest Trail, which will give you an opportunity to see and enjoy the Lake Peipsi region, the culture and lifestyle of local people as well as the nature.

The tour will start in Tartu – Estonia’s second biggest city. You will go by bus from Tartu to Varnja where you will start to hike. During the tour you can visit Kostja’s onion farm, where the host welcomes guests and presents onion cultivation. It is also worth visiting the Chicory Museum in Kolkja to get acquainted with the history of chicory cultivation in row villages near Lake Peipus.  You will also see Alatskivi Castle. In Avinurme we suggest visiting the Avinurme wooden handicraft centre and get acquainted with the local woodcraft, spend quality time in woodworking workshops and taste or even prepare yourself a selection of Estonian traditional foods. At the end of the tour you will return to Tartu by bus.