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.” 

This territory was established so as to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of the most distinct part of the Alūksne highlands – a landscape which is made up of the highest hillocks in the area – Dēliņkalns Hill, Dieva Hill, Saules Hill, the Drusku castle hill, and the Kornetu-Peļļu sub-glacial river bed (one of the most significant terrain differences in Latvia). There are lakes, too – Lake Pilskalns, Lake Dzērve, Lake Ieva, Lake Raipals, etc. There are also significant biotopes – hillside and gully forests, various kinds of swamps and meadows, damp forests, etc., all with their own species of flora and fauna. There are nature trails and tracks for cross-country and downhill skiing in the area. There are three restricted natural areas in the territory – Korneti-Peļļi, the Avotu forest, and Dēliņkalns Hill.

The wooden tower was built and stands 28 metres high. It is at the top of the highest hillock of the Northern Courlandian Highlands – Kamparkalns Hill (175 metres above sea level). The tower offers one of the loveliest views in the region of the hillocks of Talsi. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Bay of Rīga and Talsi.

The Pilkalne Estate is in a remote location on the border of Latvia and Lithuania, 5 km to the Southwest of Nereta. Lovers of history certain must visit this estate. Why? One reason is that the grain kiln of the estate, which is gradually being restored, and the grain drying stove, a few wooden parts of which have been preserved, are unique in Latvia. The stable and servants’ home have also survived and are populated today. The buildings were built in the 18^th century. The owner can tell you stories about interesting aspects of this location’s history.

For the first time Valmiera is mentioned in the historical sources in 1323. Until the 13th century this place was in the composition of Talava, inhabited by Latgalians. Construction of Valmiera medieval castle began in the beginning of the 13th century, but in 1283, between the Gauja River and Rate River towered church. Location near to the Tartu-Pskov and Novgorod trade routes greatly facilitated the economic development of the populated area. During the 14th-16th century Valmiera was a part of the Hanseatic League. It suffered greatly from wars, epidemics and fires in 16th to 18th century. In the second half of the 19th century the economic boom started again. It was also facilitated by the building of wooden bridge across the Gauja in 1866 and Riga-Pskov railway opened in 1899. Historic centre is destroyed in 1944. During post-war years, large industrial companies such as - Valmiera glass fiber factory (to this day) are opeating in the town. Today, Valmiera is economic, educational and sports centre of Vidzeme.

The Baisogalo Estate is one of the oldest ones in Lithuania and is known as a royal castle because it once belonged to the local lord.  The ornate late-Classicism buildings were built in the mid-19th century and have survived.  The 12 ha landscape park dates back to the early part of the 19th century, with an alley of chestnut trees leading to the estate from the local village.  The central alley that starts at the gate weaves through two curvy bodies of water with a bridge and statues of lions.  Various trees behind the estate are alongside curvy and narrow pathways.  On both sides of the alleys are bodies of water, and deep in the park is a pond with an island.

The café is in the market square of Vecpiebalga, opposite the Lutheran church.  It works with local farmers and sells products from a local smokehouse. 
Latvian cuisine:  Pork crackling, potato pancakes, cold beet soup, roast pork, mutton sausages with sauerkraut, homemade sausages, pike-perch filet, crepes, Piebalga honey, cloudberry jam, strawberry soup with ice cream.
Special foods:  “Ķencis’ solyanka”.

This is an ecological and biodynamic medicinal plant farm that is run by two sisters who produce herbal teas and spices. Educational programmes offer information about the plants and their medicinal properties. You can lease bikes to ride down the bike paths of the Žemaitija National Park.

The saloon is in the historical centre of Limbaži in Kārlis Baumanis Square.

Latvian cuisine: Cold soup, baked cod or plaice, potted meat and mushrooms, stuffed pancakes, stacked rye bread, strawberry soup.

Special foods: “Wedding Pork Chop”.