The Rudbārži Estate was built at the request of Baroness Thea von Firks from the aristocratic dynasty.  After a reconstruction in 1883, the building became an ornate example of Mannerism and Renaissance architecture, with decorative finishing and a larger size.  On December 15, 1905, the building was torched by revolutionaries.  The restoration began three years later under the leadership of architect L. Reinier.  The castle has a holiday hall with two marble fireplaces, the parquet in some of the rooms dates back to the early 20th century, and the outdoor doors have metal engravings.  The castle was reconstructed in 1938.  It housed a German field hospital during World War II, while after the war it housed a school for forestry workers.  In 1962, the Rudbārži school moved into the building, which is now named after Oskars Kalpaks.  A commemorative plaque outside the building is devoted to the Kalpaks battalion.  During Latvia’s liberation battles, on January 22, 1919, the Bolsheviks occupied Skrunda, and seven days later, Kalpaks’ battalion attacked from the direction of the Rudbārži Estate.  After a three-hour battle, the victory was won, with the battalion taking over a strategic line near the banks of the Venta River.   This was the first victory for Kalpaks’ men after many retreats, and that inspired the rest of the liberation battles.

К северо-востоку от Мазирбской лютеранской церкви – в полемежду храмом и домом «Пакални» видны два чумных камня. На поверхности бóльшего был высечен (сейчас стерся) текст о ливах, которых одолел король Швеции Карл IX и чума. Сбоку на большой камень опирается второй (самый маленький) чумной камень, который в свое время был установлен у близлежащих домов. Стертый текст рассказывал об армиях, ходивших по Курземе, о голоде и чуме. Третий – Большой чумной камень находится заМазирбским имением священника. Высеченный на нем текст (еще немного просматривается) повествует будущим поколениям о местном священнике (умер во время чумы) и о создании пастората в Сикрагсе. Одновременно камень является памятником шести пасторам обширной окрестной общины. Все три камня повествуют о Большой эпидемии чумы 1710 года, и тексты высечены на них в период с 1711 по 1734 год.

This tour will take you exploring the peculiar island of Rusnė and the delta of the river Nemunas in Lithuania. The island of Rusnė in the Nemunas Delta Regional Park is enclosed by waters of the river Nemunas and its tributaries. It is a resting place for migratory birds and home to a cormorant colony. The area of the island is 45 km2 and it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island of Rusnė is the lowest place in Lithuania, lying below sea level. The historic centre of the town Rusnė is characteristic of authentic wooden architecture, buildings painted in bright colours, colourful window shutters and decorations. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads through the small town of Šilutė, revealing architecture that was once common to East Prussia. From Šilutė to Kintai, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route runs along a low plain. To protect this area from flood waters of Nemunas, there is a system of dams, polders and canals established. After crossing the river Minija, the route invites you to visit the ethnographic village of Minija. Here you can enjoy the lowland landscape of the seaside region with vast wetlands and ponds.

A very impressive ensemble that is in terrible shape.  The estate dates back to the 18^th and 19^th century, with the castle being built in the early 19^th century.  Half a century later it was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style with symmetrical towers and bricks in the cornices.  The estate belonged to the Manteufel-Stzege dynasty.  The vestibule, stairwell and second floor hall still have ornamental ceiling paintings, but visitors are not allowed to enter the building, so they cannot be seen.  Valuable interior design elements include a fireplace from the early 19^th century that is decorated with marble elements.  After the expropriation of the castle in 1920 and until 1951, the building housed a forestry school and then an agricultural crafts school.  Opposite the castle was the stable of the state that was built in the style of Classicism with a pediment and mighty columns.  Built in the early 19^th century, the stable is no longer used and can only be viewed from the outside.  A very much overgrown park surrounds the complex, and the hillock is the grave of one of the baron’s dogs.

Atrodas Pļaviņu HES ūdenskrātuves krastā (R. Blaumaņa ielas galā) iepretim salai, uz kuras top Likteņdārzs. Baznīca (celta 1687. g.) ir vairākkārt atjaunota (1731., 1887.). Tagad redzamais tornis tapis par Stukmaņu muižas īpašnieku atvēlētajiem līdzekļiem. Baznīcā par mācītāju kalpojis Ernests Gliks. Padomju laikos ēkā atradies Stučkas vēstures un mākslas muzejs. Apmeklētāji var uzkāpt dievnama tornī (čuguna zvans!), kā arī aplūkot mākslinieka A. Dobenberga gleznas. Baznīca ir atvērta un apskatāma arī no iekšpuses.

Tuhala region has settlements of about 3000 years of age. There are 11 ancient settlement sites, 30 cult stones, 3 burial sites, 4 sacred groves, etc. Tuhala Landscape Reserve has a unique natural feature - the Nõiakaev (Witch´s Well) which “boils” up water during floods at 100 l/s, and 5 mightiest energy columns of the country.
Tuhala karst area features a 2.5 km hiking trail, suitable for family trips, walking, cycling or driving.

The Livonian Order built a castle made of bricks and fieldstones in this location in 1253.  The building measured 72 x 40 metres and had a three-story residential area and a gate tower at its centre.  An entrance for soldiers was installed at the height of the second floor of the fortified wall during the 14th century, with barriers and four bastions installed during the 16th and 17th century.  Legend has it that the daughter of a knight was bricked into the wall and that there was once a secret underground passage to the Lutheran church that is 200 metres away.  The park includes the “Ancient Seashore” promenade, featuring plaques with quotes from Zenta Mauriņa and Jānis Rainis.

 From Riga the tour goes along the right bank of the river Daugava and crosses it over at Plavinas HES to Salaspils. Visit National Botanic Garden then continue along the left bank of Daugava. On the route there is a model of ancient wooden castle where you can walk about. . Then visit the Kingdom of Rabbits where their homes are made like a little castles too. Time to taste some wonderful home-made ice-cream at Skriveri and visit legendary Koknese castle ruins park. Next day visit ethnographic working farmstead where you can see wild horses and cows as well as various waterbirds in the pond. Then the route goes to private mini zoo "Ezerlejas" with some exotic animals, visit ceramics factory where you can see how the hand-made clay products are made from the beginning to the end, walk around Rauna medieval castles ruins. Cesis town with mighty medieval castle and pretty old town is the next on the route. At Ligatne walk nature trails where you can see local wild animals. At Sigulda kids would love to visit "Tarzans" adventure centre. There is also Olympic bobsled centre and two medieval castles located. From Sigulda the route goes towards the coast with a stop at elegant Birini Manor with large park where you can try horse ridding. Then you are at the sandy beach of Saulkrasti. Before returning to Riga you can visit a farm with goats and ponies to taste goats products and cuddle animals.  

The fast-food place of a bistro type  in Gulbene with a tasty lunch menu for very reasonable prices. It is also possible to try dishes typical for Gulbene district here.

Working hours: Monday-Friday: 08:00 - 18:00, Saturday: 09:00 - 14:00