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.

Old household where the owners are beekeepers. Upon request, provides an educational programme and visits for schools and events.

Tavern Vedu is located 10 minutes’ drive from Tartu, going in the direction of Narva. In the historic tavern you can taste delicious dishes from local ingredients.

The Cheese hut dates back to 1768 and was once part of the Kalnamuiža (Smiltene) Estate.  It is the only object of industrial heritage that is still found in Latvia.  On the first floor there was the storage of milk and a set of cheese pots.  Stairs to the second floor have been lost.  The second floor was used to dry cheese, and the process was facilitated by holes in the walls of the hut so that the wind could help in the process.  Although the holes have been filled up, their placement can still be easily seen.  The Cheese hut is alongside the ruins of the Medieval castle in Smiltene.  Sadly, it is in terrible shape and can only be viewed from the outside.

Mulgima or Mulgi is a cultural and historical region in the south of Estonia. The part of Viljandi county located south of the rivers Raudna and Tenasilma was considered to be region of Mulgimaa.

In ancient times, Mulgi farmers were famous for their sharp minds and determination, which helped to buy land from German-Baltic nobles and become rich farmers. The icons of Mulgi culture - the dialect, the well-known men's long black jacket and the traditional Mulgi porridge - have survived to this day.

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.

Atrodas 0,3 km ziemeļos no Vecpiebalgas pilsdrupām. Ap 10 m augsto, bet visnotaļ izteiksmīgo Grišku kalnu sauc arī par Piebalgas, Balgas un Veļķu pilskalnu. 13. gs. šeit bijusi svarīga apmetnes vieta ar mākslīgi nostāvinātām nogāzēm un dziļu aizsarggrāvi. Vēstures notikumi ir atstājuši ap metru biezu kultūrslāni. Bezlapu laikā no kalna paveras skats uz Vecpiebalgas baznīcu un pilsdrupu vietu. Pilskalna piekājē ir aka ar Griškavotu.

On this hiking route you will see the most part of the western coast of Estonia from Pärnu to Tallinn. You will visit Estonia’s most popular resort cities: Pärnu and Haapsalu. You will pass along many bays, cape horns, fishermen’s villages and overgrown meadows. In the northern part you will walk along the spectacular Pakri cliffs, where you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. There will also be sandy beaches and dolomite outcrops in places. In some rocky and wet sections you will use coastal forests and trails. During the route, you will see the Soviet military heritage in Paldiski. 

Neskartu mežu cienītāji var doties izpētīt Plakanciema puses mežu takas. Braucot no Plakanciema pasta nodaļas Mellupu virzienā pa autoceļu V7, pēc aptuveni 1 km jānogriežas ceļā pa labi. Tālāk jādodas uz priekšu vēl 1,2 km. Maršruta sākums - iepretī mājām “Putriņas” ceļa kreisajā pusē, kur sākas meža ceļš. Sākumā maršruts ved pa taisnu meža ceļu. Pēc 500 m nonākam pie ūdenskrātuves (karjera). Šeit ir iespēja doties vai nu gar vienu ūdenskrātuves krastu, vai gar otru. Abās pusēs var aiziet aptuveni līdz ūdenskrātuves pusei un tad griezties atpakaļ. Krastā augošos kokus iecienījuši bebri. Ūdenī peldas pīles, meža ceļa malā vairāki skudrupūžņi, no sakritušo pērno lapu apakšas lien ārā zaķskābenes.

The café is on the edge of the Jēkabpils-Rēzekne road (A12) in a lovely location by a pond where guests can fish for perch, pike, tench and carp.  Eastern cuisine and fish dishes are offered.