Legend Road classification Suggested Route: Riga – Skrīveri – Aizkraukle – Koknese – Pļaviņas E 22 A 6 Main roads Sweet-Tasting – Medieval Sensations – Viking Boat Tour P 80 Regional roads The route begins only 85 km from Riga going by the A6 motorway; the length ~ 40 km. One-day trip for motorists. Along the route, you can choose other Local roads sightseeing objects and extend the tour to two days. The all paved road leads along the right bank of the Daugava revealing beautiful scenery. Other roads Road pavement Paved roads “Skrīveri Sweets” [7] invites to learn the old tradition of the candy “Gotiņa”. They offer difficult to conquer. In 1701, the castle was blown-up by the Saxon troops, and it was Gravel roads different tour programmes: “Creative Aspasia”, “Miracle of Production”, never rebuilt. The castle now stands in water as a result of the construction of Pļaviņas Improved unsurfaced roads “My Handiwork”. HPP. The visitor centre arranged next to the ruins offers a chance to forge medieval Unsurfaced road coins and gain an insight into a landscape long lost to the eyes of people. “Skrīveri Home-Made Ice Cream” [8] offer all travellers to get rejuvenated Entrance fee. Aizkraukle Spīgana Railway • Station • Stop by gaining an insight into a unique form of ice cream production, ice-cream history and process of creation of different flavours, as well as to learn the – offers to learn the creation process of leather Craftwork Centre “Mazā kāpa”[29] Muldakmens art of ice-cream making. They offer different tours: “The Dot or the Line?!”, souvenirs and make yourself a little keepsake – a key pendant or a bookmark. Railway without traffic Rīga “Science on Your Tongue”, “Childhood”. Advance booking is required. PĻAVIŅAS City Plaviņas HPP [11] – the largest hydro power plant in the Baltics Memorial Site “Likteņdārzs” [22] – a gift from the entire Latvian nation for the connecting both banks of the Daugava with the longest tunnel in 100th birthday of Latvia created in memory of all those people in Latvia who suffered Vecbebri Village Latvia. During spring floods, spectacular views are revealed from totalitarian regimes. The author of the Garden’s project is Japanese landscape Viesturi Group of farmsteads to passers-by when the Daugava waters fall over architect Shunmyo Masuno. Currently, a memorial apple tree alley and viewing terrace the opened shutters creating the highest with a view of Koknese castle ruins and the Lutheran church have been completed, Stūrīši Farmstead (selection) waterfall in Latvia. Tours are free of while works on the amphitheatre and the grey sunset pile built from boulders brought GOSTIŅI Part of city charge advance booking in by people are in process of construction. The length of the trails is about 2 km. is required. Airfield • Church Tour on the Daugava in a Viking boat named “Lāčplēsis” [38] after an epic hero with reminders of tales and legends. The boat is 12 m long and 3.3 m wide and holds Filling station 24 people. The tour guided by the captain takes riders along the Oliņkalns, Sēlpils Hotel, motel • Camping The Museum of History and Art in Aizkraukle: Kalna castle mound and many of the Daugava’s little bays. The duration of the trip is about Other accomodation 40 minutes. Next to the pier is “Liepkalni” bakery which offers delicious meals, as Ziedi [13] – farming property by the shores of the Daugava, A6 Museum • Restaurant, cafe which Jēkabs Dannenfelds, the Blacksmith of Aizkraukle Manor, well as warm, freshly baked bread. Vecbebru Outstanding object of historic purchased from the Manor in the 20th century. At present the muiža or cultural value museum is offering the opportunity to view its permanent display Likteņdārzs Nature object of interest “Tales of destiny from the shores of the Daugava”. The museum Koknese organises traditional seasonal festivals, educational programmes for Bormaņkalns Skrīveri 120 m Outstanding hill students, as well as a variety of other attractions at weddings, events etc. Pļaviņas Aizkraukle Avotiņkalns Castle mound Koknese Medieval Castle Ruins [21] are located in the flooded confluence of 85 km Built-up area the Daugava and the Pērse. The castle was built in 1209 for the needs of the Allotment gardens Archbishopric of Riga. It was situated on the very top of the dolomite rock and was Forest • Swamp

Bicycle route

Aizkraukle County 18. Aizkraukle Medieval Castle Ruins. fans. The last 500 metres of the river are 26. The Nature Trail is 2.18 km long 32. Memorial House-Museum of the Sightseeing Objects The ruins of Aizkraukle medieval castle especially thrilling for kayakers. with a sightseeing footbridge that goes Sculptor Voldemārs Jākobsons. The are located on the bank of the Daugava by over the water and rests on a submerged museum features an exhibition of the the estuary of the River Karikste. 20. The Old Lutheran Church of stump, while the wooden bridges over the sculptor’s art works, ancient household Skrīveri County For safety reasons, it is advisable to view Aizkraukle. The church is an architectural ravines and Daugava creeks will take you items and furniture, footwear collection, the ruins from a distance. monument of national significance. The to the Garden of Destinies (Memorial Site including the mighty traveller’s boots, stone church was built on the site in 1680, “Likteņdārzs”). small library and a collection of photos. [38] 19. The River Karikste. One of the most while it acquired its current appearance “Galdiņi”, Bebri parish, interesting places in Daugava Valley. The in 1896-1899, following the plans of the 27. Koknese Regional Tourism Centre. +371 65164291, 26339168 former Aizkraukle stone castle, which architect G. Krons and being influenced by On the ground floor of the municipality housed German nobles, was built on its the neo-gothic trends of the time. council building you can see the castle 33. Vecbebri Manor Complex features zigzagged bank. During the spring floods, Advance booking. model revealing the look of the castle in the manor’s dwelling house, barn, cellar, the river provides a challenge for boating +371 26593956 1701 (before the explosion) and the model stable and park. [3] of the Garden of Destinies showing the Bebri parish, appearance of the memorial site in 2018, +371 65164291, 26339168 when it is planned to be completed. [42] [39] Koknese County 1 Melioratoru Street, Koknese, 34. Vecbebri Holy Family Roman +371 65161296, 29275412, Catholic Church. The church was built on www.koknese.lv the foundations of the old manor house, 41. Klintaine Nature Reserve Natura 48. Swedish Fortification. Only remains located in the territory of Manor Park; 2000 territory and home to a number of of the ramparts and bastions have 28. Pastamuiža Devil’s Stone (an ancient opened in 2008. especially protected plant species. survived from the Swedish fortification ancestral sacred site). Located by the old Advance booking. built in the 17th century. The one in Riga-Daugavpils highway which slides +371 29457320, Bebri parish 42. Gostiņi Lutheran Church This Gostiņi is one of the most impressive [1] [8] [13] into the Daugava in the vicinity of the Lutheran church, unique for Latvia fortifications in Latvia. stone. The camp site “Senči” is nearby. 35. Jaunbebri “Potato rebellion” – with its dome roof and pulpit right 1. Skrīveri Dendrological Park. The 5. Science Centre of the Latvia 10. Daugava Valley Nature Park was 14. Kalna Ziedi Castle Mound. The [21] a Place of Remembrance. Ruins of the above the altar, was consecrated in 49. Odziena Castle. The castle of park area covers 16.8 ha. The park University of Agriculture. The centre established to preserve the most typical mound was inhabited from the end of the 29. Crafts Centre “Mazā kāpa”. By taking red barn and the punishment pine aside 1830. The geographical location of the Odziena Manor, which was built in the was established in 1891, and about is engaged in the selection of perennial part of the Daugava Old Valley, with 1st millennium B.C. Perhaps it was used part in the workshop you will learn some Jaunbebri Manor are witnesses of the main entrance also goes against the middle of the 19th century, was once 250 peregrine tree and bush species grass plants and the cultivation of terraces created by the river which as a refuge mound. leather craftsman’s skills. If you wish peasant rebellion in 1841, called the traditional canons of church building. one of the most impressive neo-gothic have remained until nowadays. Across seed mixes; it carries out agricultural have survived unchanged through the to see the process of making leather “Bebri Potato Rebellion”. 34 Lielā Street, Pļaviņas buildings in Latvia. At present, the castle the road, the Moss nature trail leads research in the territory of the Daugava construction of the Pļaviņas Hydropower 15. Aizkraukle Evangelical Lutheran souvenirs and take an opportunity to +371 65164291, 26339168 can be seen from the outside only. over to Lake Round, while the Lucky Valley Nature Park. The centre Plant. Choose what suits you the most: Church of Christ Power. Although the make a little souvenir for yourself – a key 43. Pļaviņas Farmers’ Market. A place Bear trail with a rest site and arbour will offers guided tours for agricultural travel by foot, cycle or go by car. evangelical Lutheran congregation in pendant or a bookmark, advance booking 36. Irši. The place of the largest Baltic to buy home-baked rolls, smoked fish, 50. Vietalva Lutheran Church. The take you around Lake Apaļais. professionals and others – both for www.daugavasieleja.lv Aizkraukle city was founded in 1991, it is a must. German colonies in the Baltics, founded in meat and chicken, fruits and vegetables, church was built in 1814; the façade has student and adult groups. only got its own church in 1998. [22] [24] 4 Lakstīgalu Street, Koknese, the 18th century by the Russian Empress berries and mushrooms, cottage cheese been preserved as it was after the war 2. Biological Farm “Ragāres”. 7 Zemkopības institūts, Skrīveri, 11. Pļaviņas Hydropower Plant is the Architect Rudīte Lipore. +371 29227936, www.ada.viss.lv Catherine II. In the centre of the parish and other delicacies for healthy living. – riddled with bullets. Services are held The farm gives an opportunity to learn +371 65197512, www.zzi.llu.lv largest power plant in the Baltics and the 1 Baznīcas Street, Aizkraukle, 21. Koknese Medieval Castle Ruins. park features the renovated fountain you can see the storage barn and the 59 Raiņa Street, Pļaviņas, here every month. about 100 different medicinal plants. second largest in the European Union. +371 26490196 It is cultural monument of national “Faun’s Head” sculpted by V. Jākobsons, 30. Organic Farm “Janavas”. Tourist former parish house of the colonists – +371 27873332 Various herbal tea mixes, herbs and 6. Aizkraukle Castle Mound. Advance booking is required for a free significance and one of the most popular the sculpture “Owl”, the New Castle groups can enjoy herbal tea-tasting in a an originally built wooden building and 51. Veseta Flood-Land Swamp. Nature instant vegetable soups of 100% Settlement of the Balts from the 1st tour. 2 Enerģētiķu Street, 16. Meļķitāri Stone with trough-shaped sightseeing objects in Latvia. The historic ruins, a sculpture of a cat-fish and the unique environment and learn about the a memory stone in remembrance 44. The Daugava Raft. On Daugava Reserve, Natura 2000 territory where biological ingredients are produced by millennium B.C. The ancient town with Aizkraukle, +371 65110309, hollow, also called the Sacrificial Stone display exhibited in the pavilion will give highest wooden sculpture in the Baltics organic, preservative-free face cream of the Irši colony. Street, right on the bank of the Daugava, at least 10 orchid family species can the farm. You can enjoy a tour through streets and houses and artefacts of the [email protected] and Devil’s Stone. In the past, large you an insight into a landscape long lost called “For Eternity”, as well as cannons “Beāte”. Tours guided by Valda Kalniņa. a model raft placed on boulders and a be found. The nature reserve houses the fields of medicinal plants, with Latgalians and Livs were discovered oaks grew here and every year people to the human eye. Coinage, souvenirs, and ring-shaped crosses from the so “Janavas”, Koknese parish, Irši parish, +371 26369665 stand tells rafters’ memories which are a partisan memorial site – restored relaxing tea-tasting and tasting of on the site during archaeological 12. Aizkraukle St. Teresa of the Child sacrificed the first yields of grain, as well weddings performances for newlyweds in called Swedish times. The longest path +371 25994160, [email protected] supported by historical photos. dugout and cross. “Ragāres Fire Soup” cooked on an open excavations. The ancient castle has been Jesus Roman Catholic Church. Architect as ears of grain, butter and milk on this a medieval and old Latvian style. will take you to the site on the bank of 37. “Zemitāni” Safari Park. The farm fire. Advance booking. mentioned in Norse Sagas. Juris Letinskis. The most typical detail for stone. People used to throw money into Entrance fee. +371 65161296, the River Pērse where the lonely “Pērse 31. Latvian Museum of the History of is engaged in world-class trophy deer 45. Bulkhead. An almost 2 km long 52. Exhibition hall dedicated to “Ragāres”, Skrīveru parish, catholic churches – two towers marking the trough and baptise children by the 29275412, www.koknese.lv Girl” mourns over the lost waterfall. A Beekeeping. The exhibits, which are breeding. At present, more than 1300 red bulkhead protects Pļaviņas from the Juris Kalniņš (1847–1919), teacher of +371 65197569, 29229588, 7. “Skrīveri Sweets” – Manufacturing the religious affiliation – was used for the stone. You can be a part of the “Latvian beautiful view to the castle can be enjoyed spread out in four halls, give an insight deer and fallow deer, as well as other wild spring high waters. The bulkhead has Vietalva parish school, choir master and www.ragares.com Facility, Shop and Cafe. Here you can first time in the post-war construction of baptism ceremony” led by 22. Memorial Site “Likteņdārzs” from the gazebo of the tea pavilion. into the life of a bee colony, bee food animals (moufflons, bison and wild boar) become a popular recreation spot for neo-Latvian. The class-room arranged learn about the old tradition of the candy new churches in Latvia. Anita Ostrovska. +371 29497587 (Garden of Destinies). The site is our base, bee products and their importance. roam through around 300 hectares leisurely walks or sports activities. in his memory will help you to learn 3. Andrejs Upīts Memorial House and “Gotiņa” (Little Cow) – one of the Latvian 22 Lāčplēša Street, Aizkraukle, joint gift to Latvia on its 100th birthday. 24. Koknese Manor Ensemble. The You can order honey-tasting with rye- of the park. about the work and Garden. The museum offers a general national symbols. +371 26185184 17. Witch Airfield and the Old Limekiln. The walkway through apple-tree orchards former estate steward’s house, where bread and milk. Irši parish, +371 20039217 46. Pļaviņas Regional Museum gives activities of J. Kalniņš. exhibition and tells the story about the 82 Daugavas Street, Skrīveri, Witch Airfield will give you an opportunity and many trails will take you to the the writer Rūdolfs Blaumanis lived from Advance booking. a chance to learn about Pļaviņas County “Skola”, +371 65129090 “Boys of Moss Village”, as well as a tour +371 29377817, 65197009, 13. Aizkraukle Museum of History and to feel “the breath” of the ancient legends emerging amphitheatre and sightseeing 1885 to 1887. Today the building houses “Dravas”, Bebri parish, and its history. in the museum’s garden created by www.skriverusaldumi.lv Art offers the permanent display “Tales of and beliefs of Daugava Valley, enjoy a cup terrace revealing picturesque views over Vidusdaugava Forestry. +371 65164252, 22411283 50 Daugavas Street, Pļaviņas, 53. “Dzidris” – home winery offering Andrejs Upīts himself. destiny from the shores of the Daugava”, of tea with cheerful witches and learn the Daugava. +371 28442692 presentations and wine-tastings. 58 Daugavas Street, Skrīveri, 8. “Skrīveri Home-Made Ice Cream” – as well as exhibitions, tours, museum how to fly with a broom. Among other +371 67289535, www.liktendarzs.lv 25. Kokneses Lutheran Church. The Advance booking. +371 65197221, 29496725, Manufacturing Facility and Cafe. Here programmes, Latvian traditional games activities: a tour through the old limekiln church was built in 1687. Its tower 47. Stone of Peter the Great. The “Ozoliņi”, Aiviekste parish www.upisamuzejs.lv you can treat yourself with different and family activities. and the outdoor “Flash Ludo” game for 23. Park. The gate to the former manor features a large cast iron bell, while the Pļaviņas County stone is considered to be one of the four +371 65100305, 29186953, kinds of home-made ice cream flavours Muzeja Street, “Kalna Ziedi”, both adults and children. park, with stone pillars and a zoned interior is decorated with paintings boundary-marks of Lokstene with a www.dzidris.lv 4. Ravens’ Stone or Devil’s Stone. served in a leisurely, cosy atmosphere. Aizkraukle, Guided tours by a certified off old road along the ponds of the old by A. Dobenbergs. carved coats of arms of the Archbishop of An ancient cult place by the River “Poetry of Ice Cream” is a unique +371 65123351, 28305405, environmental guide Anita Turlaja. mansion, will lead you to one of the most Advance booking. Riga and his vassal Vrangelis (not earlier Kraukļupīte. surprise awaiting every guest. kalnaziedi.aizkraukle.lv +371 28372730, [email protected] popular recreation sites in Koknese. The +371 65161347 38. Tourist Service Centre “Latvju 39. Stukmaņi Manor. Built in the 16th than the 14th century). SIA “Rozīne”, 96 Daugavas Street, Spīķeris”. The Centre offers rides on the century, currently it can only be seen from [6] Skrīveri, +371 28361561, Viking Barge “Lāčplēsis”, sleigh rides the outside. You can also visit the family www.majassaldejums.lv in the snow, bike rentals, air pistol and tombs (17th century) of the owners of archery rental; as well as a walking trail Stukmaņi Manor, found near the Manor 9. Blacksmith’s Workshop. and cycling route. on the castle mound Vīnakalns. Blacksmith Aivars Grīnbergs offers “Liepsalas”, Klintaine parish, creative tours for groups. Advance +371 26161131, www.mezmalas.lv 40. Oliņkalns. Once one of the largest booking. 2 Bērzu Street, Skrīveri, castle mounds in Latvia, now it is a tree- +371 26597632, www.art-ag.lv covered island in the Daugava. [16] [17] [23] [26] [45] [49] Accommodation

Skrīveri Holiday house “Pērses krasts”, Hotel “Klidziņa” – restaurant, +371 29435631 conference hall, bistro-shop, Recreation Complex “Riverside’s +371 29409917, www.klidziņa.lv Rancho”, +371 29295900, www.rancho.lv Recreation Complex “Kriķi”, +371 28379352, www.kriki1.lv Recreation Complex “Kalnavoti”, +371 26554204, www.kalnavoti.lv Aizkraukle Guest House “Sidrabi”, +371 26593210 Hotel “Raijo”, Camping “Daugavas radzes”, +371 65121495, 29409988, +371 29284622 www.hotelraijo.lv Camping “Vecbordzēni”, Hostel of Aizkraukle County School, +371 26567971, www.vecbordzeni.viss.lv +371 65123026, 28382330 Tent Site “Senči”, +371 29644683 Hostel of Aizkraukle Vocational School, Motel “Kokneses DUS”, +371 25445114 +371 65161994 Recreation Complex “Zariņi”, Youth hostel – Hostel of Vecbebri +371 29410426, 65121510, Vocational School, +371 65164335 www.zarini.viss.lv Youth hostel – Hostel of Koknese Guest House “Valteri”, Boarding-school and Development +371 26161062, Centre, +371 29182926 www.atputavalteros.lv Pļaviņas Country House “Pakalni”, Recreation Complex “Mežezers”, +371 65123289, 29282229 +371 29345686, 26404745, Holiday house “Aronijas”, www.mezezers.lv +371 29429195, Recreation Complex “Avoti”, [email protected] +371 29490111 , Holiday house “Cepļi” Camping “Paegļi”, +371 29284285 +371 29149439 Rest Site “Labais krasts”, Koknese +371 26538740, www.labaiskrasts.lv Hotel “Orinoko”, Motel “Bu-bū”, +371 65133273 +371 26637918, www.orinoko.lv Recreation Centre “Gostiņi”, Holiday house “Mazā kāpa”, +371 65133311, www.gostini.com +371 29227936, www.ada.viss.lv Guest House “Arita”, +371 26757742 Holiday house “Līči”, Odziena Tavern, +371 27290000, +371 29610596, www.lici.viss.lv 29258555, www.odzienasmuiza.lv

Leisure activities

Legend

Main street Hotel • Other accommodation Public building (selection) One way street Restaurant, cafe • Market Outstanding building (selection) Pedestrian street Post office • Self-government Built-up area with 12 house numbers Unsurfaced road Hospital • Out-patient clinic Unsurfaced road Industrial area difficult to travel Church Pathway Deserted built-up area Museum • Monument Paths Allotment gardens Open-air theatre • Cinema Koknese Railway • Station Forest, park Tourism information

Boundaries of administrative Cemetery and territorial units Castle mound

Bus terminal, Bus stop Swamp The Daugava Valley Cycling Route – Horse-drawn carriage rides Rock, cliff route for cyclists and Nordic walkers are also available. Parking Bike route wishing to explore Daugava Valley in the Koknese, +371 26417516, counties of Aizkraukle and Skrīveri. [email protected] Filling station Stadium • Sports ground Nature trail www.aizkraukle.lv / Tūrisms Horses in Koknese – vintage horse- Society Sports Club “Garām ejot” – drawn carriage rides; horse-back rides; cycling development in Aizkraukle. photo sessions; fulfilment of different www.garamejot.lv creative ideas. Koknese, Bike rentals in Aizkraukle – +371 29120878, 29452397 at the gas station “Virši A”, 1 Gaismas Street, Aizkraukle, “Pērsejas” – boat rental, Nordic walking +371 65122374 routes, equipment rental and training. Koknese, +371 29119882, Aizkraukle Regional Sports Centre – www.persejas.lv volleyball, basketball, soccer and handball facilities; 60-metre running Sports Club “Vietalva” track with four lanes and a long jump pit “Mailes”, Vietalva, +371 28626845 on the second floor of the hall, facilities Sports Club “Jaujas” – lit cross-country for high jump and hurdling, tennis, table- skiing track in winters, orienteering tennis, as well as two fitness gyms and a events in summers. Skrīveri Information Point shooting-ground. “Jaujas”, Aiviekste parish, 1 A. Upīša Street, Skrīveri, Skrīveri county, LV-5125, +371 28373530, 21 Lāčplēša Street, Aizkraukle, Pļaviņas county, [email protected], www.skriveri.lv +371 26182772, 65133997, +371 26314193, www.jaujas.lv [email protected] Biathlon and skiing centre “Jankas” Aizkraukle County Municipality Leasure Activity Site “Kopā ar dabu” – Aiviekste parish, Pļaviņas county, 1a Lāčplēša Street, Aizkraukle, Aizkraukle county, LV-5101 mini golf, beach volleyball, badminton, +371 26171250 +371 26394302, [email protected], www.aizkraukle.lv / Tūrisms trampoline, cricket, novuss. “Cigoriņš” – downhill skiing trails, Advance booking. 2 Miera Street, children’s hill, cross-country ski track, Koknese Tourist Centre Skrīveri, +371 29323139, ski rental, a picnic area. 1 Melioratoru Street, Koknese, Koknese county, LV-5113 [email protected] “Cigoriņi”, Aiviekste parish, +371 65161296, 29275412, [email protected], www.koknese.lv Koknese Sports Centre – Pļaviņas county, stadium, sports hall, gym and aerobics +371 29203537, www.cigorins.lv Pļaviņas County Tourist Information Centre hall, swimming pool, sauna and “Mežezers” – “Liepsalas”, Klintaine parish, Pļaviņas county, LV-5129 hydro-massage bath. The children’s recreation site, skiing tracks. +371 22000981, [email protected], www.plavinunovads.lv swimming pool is equipped with a slide, “Mežezers”, Aiviekste parish, water cascade and underwater hydro- Pļaviņas county, Published by: massage. A skate park is arranged +371 29345686, 26404745, Aizkraukle, Skrīveri, Pļaviņas next to the stadium. www.mezezers.lv 27a Parka Street, Koknese, County Municipality and – +371 65161790,www.koknese.lv Tourist Service Centre “Latvju spīķeris” Kokneses Tourist Centre bike rental, Nordic walking rod rental, ski “Jautrie zirgi” – rental. Specially arranged Prepared by: Jāņa sēta take a leisurely ride on the back of a 13 km track. Map Publishers Ltd, 2014 friendly horse and enjoy the nature and “Liepsalas”, Klintaine parish, tranquillity of Koknese. +371 26161131, www.mezmalas.lv