We have collected 13 objects that are worth a visit this fall.
Zilie Kalni (“Blue Mountains”) Nature Park in Ogre is popular with holidaymakers who are fond of an active lifestyle and fresh air.
Place: Ogres Zilie Kalni
Locations:
Observation tower – 56.834288, 24.565002
Observation deck near the quarry – 56.837341, 24.557922
Parking place near the quarry – 56.842115, 24.546853
Parking place near the observation tower – 56.831204, 24.568417
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
This highly detailed reconstruction of an ancient Latvian wooden castle of the 12th century was established under the guidance of Agris Liepins, a local artist. Next to it, one will find a huge Lāčplēsis’ stone which makes wishes come true, as ancient legends say. The castle is located in Lielvarde, on the Riga – Daugavpils highway (A6).
Address: Edgara Kauliņa aleja 20, Lielvārde
Visiting time: Thursday- Sunday 10.00 – 18.00
Admission: 2EUR – children , 4 EUR – adults
This small waterfall in Lielvarde with a viewing platform and sandy outcrops nearby is especially picturesque in autumn or spring. It is recognized as a natural geological and geomorphological monument.
Location: Rumbiņas ūdenskritums
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
The stone castle of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword built in 1229 on the site of an ancient wooden castle initially belonged to Albert, the bishop of Riga. The ruins have survived until nowadays once being conserved in 1987.
Location: Lielvārdes pils
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
Being the oldest arboretum in Latvia and embracing 250 exotic species of trees and shrubs, the park holds the status of a protected nature object. All plants in the arboretum are grouped in accordance with their geobotanical regions. The park has trails and signs with Latvian and Latin names of each plant. One can enjoy a stunning view over the valley from the Krauklu Mountains in the upper part of the steep right bank of the Daugava. On the other side of the Riga – Daugavpils highway there is Skriveri Forest Park with hiking trails.
Location: Skrīveri Arboretum Park
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
The natural park in the Daugava valley hosts the ruins of Aizkraukle castle. From the right bank of the river, by the Aizkraukle church and the castle hill, a panoramic view reveals. Forests, meadows, streams and small dolomite rocks in this area are protected as biotopes.
Location: 56.617738, 25.148807
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
The medieval Aizkraukle castle on the right bank of the Daugava river, where the Karikstes river flows into it, was destroyed during the Polish-Swedish war. All that remained to these days is a few walls and the foundation.
Location: 56.614437,25.153325
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
This is the largest hydroelectric power station in the Baltics in terms of installed capacity. It features a thrilling view over the Daugava river valley. You can sign up for a tour along the station to learn its history as well as details about its functions and electricity generation.
Address: Enerģētiķu iela 2, Aizkraukle
Visiting time and admission: by appointment — More
The largest “Soviet Period Years” exhibition in the Baltic countries is hosted in the building of the former culture club, in the center of Aizkraukle. There you can get to know the life of a Soviet person, starting from cars and ending with household items.
Address: Kalna iela 20, Aizkraukle
Working hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 till 17:00 (Phone for appointments: 65123351, 64901022, 26339107).
Admission: adults — €3, seniors — €2, school children and students — €1.5
Situated between the restored manor and the ruins of castle, Koknese Park is a very popular spot among local people. Under the park one will find the medieval ruins of Koknese.
Location: Parka iela, Koknese
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
The ruins of the medieval Koknese castle are one of the most picturesque and romantic places in Latvia located between two rivers, Perse and Daugava.
The castle was built in the XIII century, and abandoned at the very beginning of the XVIII century, after the bombing of the western towers. Since then, its impressive ruins have remained untouched. Until 1966, the remnants of the castle were on a hill, but after the flooding of the Plavinas Hydroelectric Power Station reservoir, water level reached the basement of the castle.
Location: Koknese Castle Ruins
Working hours: everyday from April 19th till October 31st (9:00-19:00)
Admission: adults — €1.60; seniors, school children, students — €1.20
“This is the place where the past, present and future meet”
Here you can relax in a chilled atmosphere, walk along the quiet alleys and enjoy nature. Explore it to find the Amphitheater, Friendship Avenue, Observation Terrace, Heart Stone and other curious objects.
Location: Likteņdārzs, Koknese
Working hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 till 18:00
Admission: €1.00
This is a mini zoo next to a tributary of the Ogre River mostly occupied by a rabbit shed but also inhabited by goats, chickens and sheep. Animals’ huts are designed with the references to the architecture of manors and castles.
Location: “Trušu Karaliste” Lēdmanes Atpūtas Dabas Parks
Working hours and admission: www.trusukaraliste.lv/
Route author: Juliana Iljina (@Jusjka)
