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The Volkenberga Castle was built in the 13th century by the Livonian Order, and it was practically impregnable, as it was on top of Mākoņkalns hill. These were among the first fortifications in Latgale, and only fragments of the castle remain today. Architect Pēteris Blūms has said that this was a special type of fortification. Legends say that after the lord and lady of the castle died, the property was divided up among their three daughters – Roze, Lūcija and Marija. Each sister built a new castle on the land which she inherited – Roze built Rēzekne, Lūcija built Ludza, and Marija built Viļaka. A memorial plaque at the foot of Mākoņkalns hill recalls the visit which pre-war Latvian President Kārlis Ulmanis paid to Latgale in 1938. |
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The nature reserve “Plieņciema kāpa” is founded in 1987 and covers 60.6 hectares of land. Since 2005 it is a Natura2000 site. The nature reserve protects a 150-200m wide and 3.5km long part of a distinct, continuous dune rampart. The dunes shelter Plieņciems village protecting from sea winds. The key natural values here are rare and protected biotopes of national and European significance: “Wooded dunes of the coast 2180” in the area of 61.8 ha, “Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation, 2130 (grey dunes)” in the area of 8.27 ha, “Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) 2120 in the area of 3.20 ha”, “Black alder swamp forests 9080”, ) in the area of 2,68 ha, as well as rare and protected species of Latvian and European significance including eastern pasqueflower (pulsatilla patens), Rolling Hen-and-chicks(Jovibarba sobolifera), Nothorhina muricata, Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), Woodlark (Lullula arborea). In the nature reserve, there is a “Vabu square” – a deflation in the dune where for centuries local fishermen have been drying nets. In the 18th and 19th centuries ships were built here. Nine ships have been built here in 1882 - 1925. The four-masted gaff-rigged schooner with hoisting engine “Eurasia” was completed in 1925, the largest ship built by the Kurzeme fishermen. It was one of the works of Martin Morgenstern (1866-1945), a famous shipbuilding master. Thanks to dunes, Plieņciems village was a popular holiday resort and has been mentioned in written sources already in 1738. Clergymen and landlords with their families used to stay here. In 1808, a merchant from Riga bought the local pub and replaced it with a massive two-storey building with a large ball-room and dining hall. On July 15, 1810, a sea bathing facility was opened for health treatment. For arrival of the empress Elisabeth Alexeievna, the wife of emperor Alexander I of Russia, who was a grandson of Catherine the Great, the road from Tukums town was repaired, the two highest hills were levelled, a road passage was dug across the Plieņciems dune, and a lime-tree alley was planted to facilitate access to the beach and bathing spot. Later, in 1920ies, the resort circles consisted mainly of the Kurzeme region landlords. There was a dance-floor in the park of Plieņciems village, and a special orchestra played music for resort guests three times a day. |
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It is believed that at the Kezberkalnins of Limbazi has been Lemisele castle of Metsepole Liv district. It is also found in the reports that merchants travelled to this place from the sea by Svētupe and Dunezers until the 16th century. In 1223 Bishop Albert built a stone castle in Limbazi. Like Valmiera, Limbazi became the member of Hanseatic League. At the beginning of 16th century it economic role declined significantly since Svētupe and Dunezers became unusable for shipping. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the town and its people suffered from wars, diseases and fires. As a result, the population reached its utmost fall - eight people. In the turn of 19th and 20th century and in the beginning of 20th century the economic life of the town was renewed. |
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The Kauguri canal dug in 19321933
to divert the waters of the Džukste and
Slampe rivers to the Lielupe River to avoid
broader emergence of swamps.
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The farm boasts one of the most attractive gardens in Viljandi County and is a feast for the eye for both seasoned gardeners and nature lovers. A footpath takes visitors from the garden to the edge of Paistu primeval valley. |
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The route brings you to Kaunas, multiple Lithuanian regional parks and allows to enjoy the landscapes of the river Nemunas. Kaunas is Lithuania’s second largest city. It is notable for its modernist architecture. The city is located at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers: Nemunas and Neris. Moving further from Lampėdžiai to Vilkija, the Forest Trail runs for two days along trails and small countryside gravel roads next to the right bank of the river Nemunas. This section is shaped by beautiful landscapes with views of the river, the waterfront meadows and small villages. Do not miss the ferry in Vilkija crossing over the river Nemunas, one of the few still in operation in the Baltic States. For the next two days from Vilkija, the Forest Trail runs through its most spectacular sections in the Dubysa Regional Park from Kirkšnovė to Šiluva with mounds on riverbanks and historical churches now and there. This regional park covers the impressive Dubysa river valley, which reaches a depth of 40 m and a width of up to 500 m. Be prepared for a rolling terrain. Next, the route will take you to the town of Šiluva – the Catholic pilgrimage site – and to the Kurtuvėnai Regional Park. It is among the most forested areas of Central Lithuania; thus, the regional park with its glaciated valleys is a wonderland of forests, waters and wetlands. The Forest Trail leads along small forest paths, tourist trails, beautiful tree alleys and wetlands. The walk ends in Šaukėnai village, from where the city of Šiauliai is easily reached. |
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At the estuary of the Inčupe River, there is the White Dune, which is around 18 metres high and is the most lovely element of the Vidzeme shoreline among those that have been created by the wind, sand and sea. There is a wooden footpath (the Saulriets trail) which is meant to view, but also protect the dune. It has a viewing area, too. The territory to the south of the river is in the Piejūra Nature Park.
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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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The Lutheran Church of Krimulda is considered one of the oldest churches in Latvia. It was originally built in the 13th century, soon after the conquest of Kubesele and later rebuilt many times. Near the church a meditation labyrinth "Lily Flower" is set up. When Liv chief Kaupo fell during the battle at Viljandi in 1217, according to the legend, the ash was buried at the church. A small hill adjacent to Runtinupite (Runtins) is popularly known as a grave site of Kaupo, at its right bank is located ~7 m long, artificially dug Kubesele or Runtin cave. On the left bank of Runtinupite columns the Kubesele hill fort. Kubesele nature trail starts at the church. This trail leads to the Gauja River, where the Great (Runtina) stone lies. Here can be seen anchor pads installed by Gauja raftsmen. Krimulda medieval castle (4 km east of Krimulda Church) was built the second half of the 13th century in the place where the right bank of Gauja valley is split by deep ravine of Vikmeste. Castle (residence of Riga dome capitol - Riga's Archbishop Council) was an imposing building, whose big inner yard was included by 1.5 m thick defensive wall. In 1601, while retreating, Swedish military leader Heinrich Lieven blasted Krimulda castle. Now at the hill fort, grown with the forest a small castle ruins can be seen. Nearby is located air cableway and starts Krimulda mountain road. Located nearby Krimulda manor was first mentioned in writings in the 15th century. Present manor castle was built in the 19th century in neoclassical style (owner - First Lieven). During the twenties of the 20th century, the castle after its alienation became a property of the Latvian Red Cross, which established here children's sanatorium. Nowadays the castle houses rehabilitation hospital "Krimulda", but from the farm buildings, manor stables, barn, servant, manager houses and the so-called Swiss Cottage and Park have been preserved. Thematic tours are offered here. If we go down the Gauja by boat, then we will be able to take a close look at about 15 m high Velnalas cliffs. They can be well seen also from the opposite - left bank of Gauja (resting place is established). In the middle of the cliff about 19 m deep and 4.7 m high Krimulda Velnala cave is located. If we go from the Velnala cave cliffs along the lower part of the right bank of Gauja in Turaida direction, you will see Pikenes cliff, rich with sandstone outcrops. At its foot ~ 1 km long Pikenes beaver trail is established. The Little Devil's Cave (5 m long) is on the side of the trail, with the Gudribas (Wisdom) spring that springs out of the cave, as well as Aunapieres cave which is the same length as Devils cave. Small oxbow lakes also can be seen. |
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This is one of the rare cases in which we know precisely when the trees were planted. It was in 1685 and 1689, and they were planted by the priest of the local congregation, Ernest Johann Glück (1654-1705) in commemoration of the fact that he had completed the translation into Latvian of the Old Testament and the New Testament respectively.
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Eine Asstellung der Steine unter freiem Himmel, eingerichtet vom litauischen Ärzt Intas Vaclovas (1925 – 2007). Ein Museum der einzigartigen Steine. |
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Bed & breakfast "Upes", in the centre of Livonian village Pitrags. Natural toilet. Local products. Lunch boxes, transfer service on request. |
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This barrow is on the western side of the Dunduri meadows and was built on the parking lot of the former collective farm. From the second level of the tower, you will have an excellent view of the meadows all the way to the Džukste River and the Kauguri canal. There are livestock accustomed to life in the wild, although they will sometimes be quite distant. This is a bird-watching location from the springtime until the second half of the summer. |
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Das im 18. – 19. Jh entstandene Ensemble von Gutshofsgebäuden mit Museum Audru und Spiritusfabrik. |
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Der weiteste Nordpunkt der Insel Hiiumaa. Der höchste Leuchtturm Estlands aus Roheisen (1873 – 1875) und das Denkmal zur Errinerung an die bei dem Unglück des Schiffes ‘Estonia” Umgekommenen. |
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This farm is in a lovely location that offers a view of Lake Sauka. He breeds cattle which spend all year long on the sides of nearby hillocks. The owner will offer you a tour, show you the animals, and offer sweet cherries and apples from his garden. |
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Находится на ул. Кунгу, д. 24.Одно из старейших зданий города - деревянный сруб с черепичной крышей, построенный во второй половине XVII века и прозванный в народе гостиницей мадам Хойер. Здесь в 1697 году во время путешествия «Великого посольства» в западную Европу останавливался (инкогнито) русский царь Петр I. Находящееся по соседству здание на ул. Кунгу, д. 26, является вторым старейшим жилым зданием Лиепаи (1699 г.) – жилой дом бургомистра города. Во время Северной войны здесь останавливался король Швеции Карл XII. Оба здания подлежат осмотру только снаружи. |
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Plieņciema taka atrodas dabas liegumā "Plieņciema kāpa" starp Plieņciemu un Ķesterciemu. Pāri kāpai ir izveidota laipu taka un atpūtas vieta. Taka ir izveidota, lai mazinātu negatīvo ietekme uz Plieņciema kāpas dabas vērtībām – zemsedzes nomīdīšanu, piegružošanu ar atkritumiem, braukšanu ar autotransportu.
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Der Stützpunkt des Livländischen Ordens. Der Bau der Burg war eine Strafe für Ortsbewohner. Die Burg wurde nach dem Befehl des Dänischen Königs Frederik der II 1576 vernichtet. |
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A family restaurant, located next to the Melluži open-air stage in Jūrmala, 27 km from Riga. European and Latvian cuisine for all of the meals of the day, including soups of the day, salads, main courses, and a selection of desserts. All of this in a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. |
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