The town's name in historical sources was first mentioned in 1224. In 1340 Archbishop of Riga built a stone castle at the Latgalian hill fort (now - the Lutheran Church). In 1802 (owned until 1920) Vecgulbene estate was bought by Baron G. Wolf. Manors in the surroundings of Gulbene and Vecgulbene castle substantially suffered during the Revolution in 1905 and in the further historical events. Today, there is a substantial change in the landscape, especially in the area of White Castle, where a large-scale restoration works occurred in recent years. Either way, - Gulbene is the place worth visit to get new impressions and knowledge.

The Rožlejas farm is in the Džūkste Parish of the Tukums Administrative District, where the Eastern Courlandian highlands interact with the Heath lowlands.  The parents of the current owner, Jānis Ukše, began work there in 1989, establishing a natural farm to grow sugar beets and then also wheat.  Thanks to thoughtful farming, Rožlejas has, over the past quarter-century, turned into one of the largest grain farms in Western Latvia.  The owners have taken active part in EU projects to purchase modern equipment and to build hangars for the storage of grain and equipment.  The farm specialises in winter barley and winter wheat, using ~1,200 ha of land for that purpose.

The idea of the centre is to strengthen health by using clean food, so here you can enjoy delicious meals from slightly processed, vitamin-rich foods. The centre mainly uses fresh products from the garden of the centre and local farms. The specially developed menu plans consist of delicious vegetable soups and stews, as well as various porridges. Healing cures include not only certain meals, but also treatments and workouts that must be ordered in advance.

Iepazīstina ar Somā nacionālā parka lielākā purva – Kureso (Kuresoo) ziemeļaustrumu daļu, kur redzamas purva ezeriņu un lāmu ainavas. Takas sākumā atrodas igauņu komponista, ērģelnieka un folkloras vācēja Marta Sāra (Mart Saar) (1882. – 1963.) dzimtās mājas. To apkaimē pļavas apsaimnieko aitas. Lokveida takas garums ir 4,2 km.

The first church was here in the early 18^th century, followed by the second and third one (1847-1848), and then the one that is there now. The church was damaged during World War I and then during the Soviet era, when wool was stored there between 1969 and 1993. In the 1990s, the building was in terrible shape, but it is gradually recovering its appearance. Between 1826 and 1856, the sexton and organist at the church was the Latvian poet and translator Ansis Līventāls (1803-1878). His grave and monument are alongside the church. At the same place are the graves of German and Russian soldiers who died during World War I, as well as the grave monument of the pastor and writer Jacob Florentin Lundberg (1782-1858).

This part of the Forest Trail passes through the historical centre of Valmiera. In Valmiera you can visit St. Simon’s Church, the Ruins of the Livonian Order Castle and Valmiera Museum. We also suggest walking the barefoot trail in “Sajūtu Parks” (Park of Senses). After sightseeing in Valmiera, the Forest Trail goes through Atpūtas (Recreation) park, the beautiful pine forest and Baiļi winter ski centre. Further on you will walk along the River Abuls Trail, curving along the banks of the river until reaching the Brenguļi brewery built in an old Hydroelectric power plant. You can enjoy unfiltered and unpasteurised beer here. Further down you will enter unpopulated forest areas and the Northern Gauja protected landscape area.

The forests in Northern Gauja (“Ziemeļgauja”) are very diverse. There are old or natural boreal (northern) forests and marsh forests, oak forests, alluvial forests (formed on river sediments which periodically flood) and mixed oak, wych elm and ash forests along the river. The tour will end in Strenči Town.

This long tour of Latvia includes some of the best and most beautiful parts of Jūrtaka in Latvia. Hikes along the sea alternate with trips and excursions in the cities. You will go along the coast of the Baltic Sea from Mazirbe to Kolka, seeing Slītere National Park and Livonian villages. You will see Engure Nature Park and the overgrown seaside meadows that are suitable for bird watching. Along the way, you will be able to purchase smoked fish from local fishermen and learn about fishing traditions in Latvia. Further, the route will take you through the most popular seaside resort in Latvia, Jūrmala; you will also have time to visit the capital city - Rīga. The second part of the route runs along the Vidzeme coast from Saulkrasti to Svētciems. In terms of landscapes and views, the most multifaceted section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Latvia, which includes both sandy and rocky beach, coastal meadows, reeds, dunes, sandstone outcrops, forests, capes and small coves, fishing villages and pubs.