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1. Enjoy a rest for body and 1. Visit the medieval ruins soul and visit S:t Mary´s of the Orden Castle. The Cathedral, built in 1225 by construction of the castle merchants from Lübeck. began in 1224, built on the Unique organ from 1599. former Estonian stronghold.

2. Explore the impressive City 2. Relax at the shores of Lake Wall. The 3,5 km long City . Wall started to be built in the middle of the 13th century 3. Enjoy the best selection of to protect the medieval local cuisine at café Fellin and 9 ENCHANTING Android: iOs: Hanseatic city. It belongs to Android & iOs: café-restaurant Harmoonia. the most complete and best- preserved fortifications in 4. Take part in workshops of HANSEATIC CITIES Europe. VILJANDI Bonifatius Guild’s craftsmen. 3. Enjoy the Black Truffle. 5. Visit the annual Hanseatic What almost nobody knows – Day in Viljandi, always on the CITIES WITH Visby – Manhattan of Middle Ages Black Truffle grows on Viljandi (Fellin) – City of Festivals 1st weekend of June. STORIES TO TELL Gotland! The real highlight Joint heritage. Castles. In 1161 Gotland signs the Artlenburg Treaty with the especially the Cathedral S:t Mary. Visby remained a The oldest settlement findings at the Viljandi Lake it was permanently extended and modernized. In is the Truffle Festival in Medieval flair. German Duke Henry the Lion. The Hansa was born. Hanseatic centre for 200 years. In 1361 the island was November. date back to the 5th millennium B.C. In the 12th 1283 Viljandi got privileges. In the beginning of German merchants used Gotland as important trading conquered by the Danish king Valdemar and slowly fell century the first permanent settlement around the 14th century, the town became a member of the point within the Baltic Sea region. Visby was founded into a slumber of ages. Since 1645 Gotland belongs to 4. Biking tours around Visby. the emerged, which later developed and an important trading point to CULINARY AND INFORMATION and became the first commercial centre of the Hansa. Sweden. Today Visby is a flourishing town where the Rent a bike and make a tour to an economic centre in the Sakala District. In the and from . Viljandi is a bit remote place in the TIPS Merchants came from far and near to trade. Magnifi- Hanseatic heritage is present everywhere. The Old Local. Seasonal. Tasteful. in the surroundings of Visby early 13th century, the Sword Brethren besieged southestonian forests but is anyhow a very beloved Inspired by old recipes. cent churches, convents and impressive warehouses Town of Visby, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, is and enjoy the breath-taking Viljandi. Where a wooden stronghold was situated, tourism destination by the . In the small gave the city its character. The architect Corbusier has the venue of several festivals all through the year: the nature. the construction of a powerful Orden Centre was charming city, a wide range of popular thematic in modern times called Visby the medieval Manhat- Medieval Week and the Gotland Art Week in August, initiated in 1224. It was supposed to be the biggest festivals take place, from Viljandi Folk Music Festival BIKING AND TREKKING tan – nowhere else so many imposing buildings were to the Food-Festival Gotland Gastronomy in April and the 5. Enjoy the Medieval Week – one in the Baltic region. During the next 200 years to authentic medieval markets. ROUTES be seen. Some of them are still impressive landmarks, Truffle Festival in November. an authentic Hanseatic Nearness to nature. festival in August. Medieval Breath-taking scenery. 9 HIGHLIGHTS market, tournaments, 9 HIGHLIGHTS concerts and much more. 1 Park Almedalen, originally 1 The ruins of the medieval HANSEATIC FESTIVALS the Hanseatic harbour Viljandi castle Medieval ambience. 2 The Cathedral S:t Mary 2 Viljandi suspension bridge, Taste, feel, experience. constructed in 1879 in 3 The Botanical Garden, an Rīga, installed at Viljandi oasis all year round Castle in 1931 4 Stora Torget, dominated by 3 Kondas Centre, the ruins of the Franciscan art museum convent 4 Viljandi Museum, presents 5 Klinten, hill from where the history of Viljandi you have a wonderful view 5 Viljandi Old Water Tower 6 Gotlands Museum, get to Contacts Contacts know Gotland’s rich history Tourist Information Centre, 6 Bonifatius Guild, medieval Viljandi Tourist Information 7 St Hans Café, situated in Donners plats 1 artisans’ guild Centre, the ruins of St Per and 7 Lake Viljandi beach Vabaduse plats 6, Viljandi, St Hans churches 621 57 Visby, Sweden Tel.: +46 498 20 17 00 8 Strawberries in Viljandi 8 Fiskargränd, the most Tel.: +372 433 0442 beautiful alley of the Old [email protected] 9 Viljandi St. John’s Church, SUOMI Town www.gotland.com built on the ruins of a [email protected] PÄRNU, VILJANDI Franciscan Abbey www.visitviljandi.ee CĒSIS, ,STRAUPE, KULDĪGA, LIMBAŽI, VISBY 9 Restaurant Lindgården, /inspirationgotland NORGE taste local specialities

SVERIGE EESTI 5 INSIDER TIPS 5 INSIDER TIPS Pärnu Viljandi A 1. Visit Cēsis Castle Complex. 1. Pärnu Beach. Enjoy a E ROSSIJA The Medieval Castle and romantic walk along Pärnu's S Valmiera Limbaži the New Castle make an beach promenade. Stop for a interesting ensemble, which drink at sunset in one of the Visby Cēsis reflects 10 centuries of cosy beach-cafés. C Straupe I history. 2. The wooden villas. Admire DANMARK T LATVIJA Koknese L Kuldīga 2. Explore Cīrulīši Nature the architecture from Pärnu’s A Trails by the River . ancient times as a health B The River Gauja served as resort. an important trade route in Android: iOs: Android: iOs: MOBILE APPS LIETUVA the Middle Ages. Today the 3. Feel the festival mood at the river is perfectly suited for Hanseatic Day. Always the last recreational activities. weekend in June. Medieval market, performances, music. CĒSIS 3. Experience the Hansa PÄRNU Easy. Offline. Just download and “Explore Hansa”. ABOUT THE HANSA PROJECT Market and Cēsis Town Festival. 4. The thematic tour “City In the 3rd weekend of July, air shall set you free”. Get to The HANSA project unites 9 small and enchanting Hanseatic cities,BIEŁARU Ś Cēsis (Wenden) – Where Past Meets Future history comes alive at a Pärnu (Pernau) – Hanseatic Paradise for Seaside Holiday know everything about the Explore Hansa mobile applications provide you with all the necessary rich in heritage and tradition, – Visby in Sweden, Pärnu and Viljandi in sparkling medieval festival. way of living in Pärnu during information about each city and its wonderful sights. You can also Estonia and Cēsis, Koknese, Kuldīga, Limbaži, Straupe and Valmiera Cēsis was founded in 1206 and is the third oldest town Today Cēsis belongs to the most important Latvian Pärnu was founded in 1251 by the Teutonic Order, the tourists come from Estonia, Finland, Germany and Hanseatic times. learn about the Hanseatic history of the 9 cities. in . in Latvia. In the 14th century Cēsis became a member of centres for art and culture. Sights of interest are the 4. Take a themed tour “Cēsis – and the castle (Castle of the Order) was Sweden (Swedes already before WWII). After the fall of POLSKA the Hanseatic League. Thanks to the city’s favourable medieval castle, the Old Town with its completely Hanseatic Town”. mentioned for the first time in 1265. Pärnu became the iron curtain and Estonia’s regained independence, 5. Pärnu moat. Admire the The QR codes you find on the page about each city. Available both for DEUTSCHLAND The cities are real hidden gems, worthwhile to experience and explo- location on the trading route to Russia, Cēsis rapidly preserved street-net, the oldest brewery in Northern a member of the Hanseatic League – of importance Pärnu was appointed „Summer capital of Estonia“ highest fountain in Estonia Android and iOS. The downloaded Apps can be used offline. Available re. Make your choice: developed into an important trading post for all kinds Europe and the wooden villas built on the banks of the 5. Participate in a medieval was the ice-free harbour. After the in in June 1996. Pärnu has a big yacht harbour and an and enjoy a walk or a picnic in several languages. of merchandise. A mint was built towards the end of the River Gauja. feast at Cēsis Castle. 1561, Pärnu belonged to Sweden and had a cultural airport. The Elisabeth and Katarina churches, the Red on the charming meadow of • A cosy weekend to enjoy local specialities 15th century and Cēsis got its own currency: the Cēsis An opulent medieval meal in and economic heyday. Pärnu is situated at the mouth Tower, the Villa Ammende and the (Reval) Gate the Pärnu moat. • Active holiday by biking, walking or trekking Schilling. This brought an even higher significance to the splendid castle, shared of the river with the same name. The city has a 3 km are interesting sights in the Old Town. Cēsis and the city became one of the most important long sandy beach in the northern part of the Bay of • Exciting authentic Hanseatic Festivals with the most famous Hanseatic junctions in the whole Baltic region. Rīga. Pärnu is a popular spa and beach resort since • Splendid scenery for nature lovers personality of the Livonian period – the Master of 1838, when the first swimming baths opened. Most of The HANSA project is part of the activities of the modern Hansa the , Wolter network (die Hanse), established in in 1980, and their label 9 HIGHLIGHTS von Plettenberg. 9 HIGHLIGHTS as Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, awarded in 1991. The 1 Cēsis Medieval Castle and 1 Tallinn Gate, the only re- HANSA project is implemented with support from the European its garden maining 17th century gate Regional Development Fund Central Baltic Programme 2014–2020. 2 Cēsis New Castle, History 2 Monument to the Decla- and Art Museum ration of Independence of the Republic of Estonia 3 Riekstu (Nut) Hill with 11th–13th century 3 Pärnu Mud Baths, the fortifications symbol of Pärnu resort www.hanse.org/en/ExploreHansa/ 4 Cēsis Castle Park, created 4 Pärnu Town Hall by Count K. G. von Sievers /ExploreHANSA 5 Mary Magdalene Guild that 5 St. John's Church unites the artisans in Pärnu Contacts 6 “Vēverīšas”, a weavers' 6 Red Tower, tower of Contacts Photos: Andres Putting, Artis Gustovskis, Imants Urtāns, Indriķis Stūrnieks, Cēsis Tourist Information Silver Tõnisson, Baltic Pictures, Dikļu pils (Dikļi Palace), from the archives of workshop and exhibition of defence of the Hanseatic Pärnu Visitor Centre, the project HANSA partners ethnographic costumes Centre, town of New-Pärnu Maps: SIA „Karšu izdevniecība Jāņa sēta” Uus 4, 80010 Pärnu, Estonia 7 Rožu (Rose) Square, the Baznīcas laukums 1, Cēsis, 7 Villa Ammende, one of main square of the town in Latvia the best examples of art Tel.: +372 447 3000, 2018 +372 5330 4134 the mid-13th century Tel. +371 64121815, nouveau in Estonia 8 Rauna Gate, one of the +371 28318318 8 St. Elizabeth's Church [email protected] 5 gates in the medieval [email protected] (from the Baroque period) www.visitparnu.com fortifications 9 Beach Hotel, masterpiece EUROPEAN UNION http://turisms.cesis.lv / visitparnuEE European Regional Development Fund 9 Līvu Square, the first of Estonian functionalism marketplace of the town /VisitCesis 5 INSIDER TIPS 5 INSIDER TIPS 5 INSIDER TIPS

1. Visit the ruins of Koknese 1. Explore the nature trails 1. Explore the Old Town. These medieval castle. In past times along the River Venta. During are the highlights of this city the ruins of Koknese medieval Hanseatic times, the River tour: Old Pharmacy, the castle castle were situated on a high Venta meant an important ruins of the Livonian Order hill, at the confluence of the trade route for Kuldīga. Today and the museum quarter. rivers Pērse and . the river is perfectly suited for Today the waters of the river active recreation. 2. Best view. From the 43 m Daugava lap its feet. high tower of the St Simeon 2. Visit Duke Jakob's Fair. This Church you have a breath- 2. Take a walk through historic festival takes place in taking panoramic view. Likteņdārzs (the Garden of the middle of October. Arts Android: iOs: Destiny). On an island in the Android: iOs: and crafts, live-music. Android & iOs: 3. Restaurant “Vecpuisis”. River Daugava develops The Bachelors' Park was a natural monument in 3. Join the interactive tour created by 8 bachelors, who Koknese: Likteņdārzs, the “The History of the Ancient later gave it as a gift to the KOKNESE Garden of Destiny. KULDĪGA Town of Kuldīga”. The VALMIERA town. Nowadays there is a interactive museum gives you restaurant with outstanding 3. Explore Koknese Park. an overall perspective on the cuisine in the pavilion. Koknese (Kokenhusen) – Pearl on the River Banks Situated between the Kuldīga (Goldingen) – Town with a Rich Soul history of Kuldīga. Valmiera (Wolmar) – Creativeness Through Centuries restored manor complex and 4. Amusement park on the Koknese is situated on the scenic banks of the River Today culture and history dominate the city and, to- the ruins of Koknese castle. Already in the 2nd century B.C., fishermen and hunters keeps its historic charm. In 2008, the Old Town of 4. Take a trip through Kuldīga Valmiera is one of the biggest and most creative cities Livonian Brothers of the Sword was destroyed in 1702, steep banks of the River Daugava and the River Pērse, about 100 km from gether with the scenic surroundings, make Koknese Perfect for recreation. settled down on the shores of the river Venta. In 1242, Kuldīga, situated on the small river Alekšupīte, received on the Goldingen Train. A must in Latvia. With its more than 27 000 inhabitants, it is during the Great Nordic War, and is now to be seen in Gauja. Take a walk through Rīga. Koknese got town privileges in 1277 and flou- worth visiting. Major cultural and sport events, as Dietrich von Grüningen, the Livonian Master of the the European Heritage Label. Two main attractions are not only for old-train-lovers. the veritable regional centre for culture, education, ruins. The oldest Livonian pharmacy is still in use, built the amusement park on the rished as Hanseatic city during the 14th century. well as a variety of cafés, increase the interest of 4. Enjoy the Catfish Waking Order of Knights, built a castle here, after warfare well worth mentioning: Waterfall Ventas Rumba which industry and sport. The commercial heyday was obvious in the 18th century on the embankment of the castle. steep banks of the river Gauja, 1420 the castle Kokenhusen became summer resi- the visitors. Festival in May. Medieval against the Couronians. The castle was first called is the broadest in all Europe (249 meter) and the 164 5. Experience the adventure in Valmiera already in the 14th and 15th centuries, when Valmiera is the cultural centre of the region. It where nature trails thrill all dence of the Archbishop of Rīga and in the 16th cen- festival with an extensive “Jesusburg” and later “Goldingen”. In the documents meter long Old Brick Bridge, which you can cross by tour “On the Old Glass Road”. the city became a member of the Hanseatic League. is the only city in the region with a professional theatre, your five senses. tury it was their main seat. A railway that connected cultural program. Taste the of the Hansa, Kuldīga is mentioned for the first time in car. The surroundings of Kuldīga are perfect for active Take a ride in a canoe down In the vicinity of the city you find the Gauja National the Valmiera Drama Theatre, operating since 1919. Koknese with Rīga was completed in 1861 and made delicious catfish soup, made the middle of the 14th century. At that time, German holidays. At the end of May, a large non-commercial the River Venta to the ancient Park. One of the landmarks of Valmiera is the gothic 5. Visit a fair of old traditions. Koknese a popular holiday resort for Rīga citizens. from an old Hanseatic recipe. craftsmen and merchants settled down here. They Cycling Festival takes place with activities both during sand cave-labyrinth and return St Simeon’s Church, situated in the eldest part of the Since more than 20 years, the came to dominate the trading activities and brought daytime and at night. to Kuldīga by bike. city. It was built in 1283 and the original Ladegast organ Simjūds Fair takes place on 5. Take a walk along the River wealth to the citizens of Kuldīga. The city still today from 1886 is still there. The castle that belonged to the the 2nd Saturday of October. Daugava. An ever-changing, 9 HIGHLIGHTS 1,5 km long nature trail from 9 HIGHLIGHTS 9 HIGHLIGHTS Koknese to Likteņdārzs. 1 Medieval castle ruins 1 Kuldīga Old Town 1 Complex of Buildings (13th century) of Valmiera Museum 2 Likteņdārzs, gift from the (18th century) nation to the state on its 2 Waterfall Ventas Rumba centenary (249 m), the broadest 2 Bachelor's Park and the waterfall in Europe historical pavilion building 3 Koknese Park, created in 1900 3 The Town Hall Square with 3 Valmiera Castle of the Old Town Hall the Livonian Order 4 Nature Trail along the River (13th century) Daugava to Likteņdārzs 4 Interactive museum “Senās Kuldīgas stāsts" 4 St Simeon’s Church and its 5 Crafts Centre “Mazā Kāpa” tower (13th century) 5 St. Catherine's Lutheran 6 Deer and Safari Park Contacts Church (end of 5 Steep Banks of the Contacts “Zemitāni” Contacts Koknese Tourist the 13th century) River Gauja Valmiera Tourist Kuldīga Active 7 Creative House Information Centre, 6 6 Information Centre, The Town Garden Recreation Centre, Old watermill 8 Organic Farm “Janavas”. 1905. gada iela 7, Koknese, Rīgas iela 10, Valmiera, 7 Kuldīga District Museum Baznīcas iela 5, Kuldīga, 7 Park of Senses on the River Herbal teas, organic Latvia Gauja’s steep banks Latvia cosmetics, barefoot trail 8 Waterfall on the River Latvia Tel.: +371 65161296, Tel.: +371 64207177, Alekšupīte Tel.: +371 633 22259 8 Gauja Tram 9 Tourism Information Centre: +371 29275412 +371 26332213 Model of Likteņdārzs and 9 Cooperative shop [email protected] 9 Valmiermuiža Brewery the medieval castle [email protected] “Kuldīgas labumi” with [email protected] www.visit.kuldiga.lv www.visitkoknese.lv regional products www.visit.valmiera.lv / kuldiga.tourism /visitkoknese / visitvalmiera

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1. Join the tour “Hansa Town 1. Take a walk along the Limbaži”. City tour with focus Hanseatic Hiking Trail and get on the Hansa and medieval to know Straupe together living. with a skilled guide.

2. Visit the Old Town Hall. 2. Experience true hospitality Everything you need to know at Straupe Old Post Station, about silver and splendid rustic restaurant with tasteful wall-paintings from the 18th local food. Open on market century. days or with pre-reservation. Android & iOs: Android: iOs: 3. Be enchanted by the aroma 3. Visit Straupe Farmers' of freshly-baked bread in Market on the 1st and the 3rd Lielezers Bakery. Taste the rye Sunday of every month, from bread that is made from a STRAUPE 11:00 to 15:00. LIMBAŽI century old recipe. 4. Biking tour “Around 4. Relax on the beach of the Straupe (Roop) – the Smallest Hansa Town in the World Straupe”. Enjoy a comfortable Limbaži (Lemsal) – Town of Silver picturesque Lake Lielezers. tour through the nice Straupe is an ancient Hanseatic city in Latvia, north of 2008 opened the Straupe Farmers’ Market, offering a va- The well-tended beach was surroundings of Straupe. Rīga. Thanks to its location at the crossroads of major riety of local slow food products. All year round it opens Limbaži is situated 90 km north of the capital Rīga, bet- tre decreased, both the river Svētupe and the nearby awarded the Blue-Flag in trading routes, Straupe became a central site already 800 on the first and third Sunday every month. ween Valmiera in the east, on the shores of the Limbaži situated Dune Lake silted up. 2015. Playground for children, 5. Boat trip on the river Brasla. years ago, in the administrative district Rosen. The family The district Pārgauja, to great extent situated within the Lake, 20 km to the west of the Bay of Rīga. The Livonian The historic city centre still keeps its street system as boat rental, sports field, Discover the most beautiful von Rosen had their family seat here until 1939, with one Gauja National Park, attracts hikers and anglers thanks to castle “Lemesele” was built in the 10th century at the it was arranged in 1385 when the ramparts were built. pontoon bridge. small river in Latvia in a canoe. crossroad of two commercial routes. A settlement grew The greatest part of today’s Old Town dates back from interruption. Straupe grew very fast and was an impor- the picturesque scenery with many lakes. Here you also tant Hanseatic city until the middle of the 17th century. find the one and only subterraneous lake in the Baltic around the castle Ordensburg (built in 1223), got town the 18th century and from the end of the 19th century. 5. Celebrate Limbaži’s Several wars during the next centuries devastated the region. Comfortable summerhouses and camping sites privileges at an early stage and became member of the The “Museum of Living Silver” is a real highlight. Here birthday. Every year, during region, and the castle lost its importance. The Swedish- close to the rivers Brasla and Gauja or on the lake-shores Hanseatic League. Thus, today’s Limbaži is one of the the collected works of the artist Olegs Auzers are exhi- the first weekend of August, Polish war destroyed Straupe. Today Straupe is the big- are appropriate for family holidays. oldest cities in the historic . In 1385, the Lübeck bited. His magnificent silver sculptures are unique in all the town festival takes place gest village in the municipality Pārgauja. law was applied in Limbaži. In the beginning of the 16th Europe. including a Medieval market. century the importance of Limbaži as a commercial cen-

9 HIGHLIGHTS 8 HIGHLIGHTS 1 Limbaži medieval castle 1 Lielstraupe Castle, the ruins church and the park (13th century) 2 Limbaži Town Museum, the New Castle of Rīga Town 2 Mazstraupe Castle Council (14th century) 3 Museum of Living Silver, 3 Straupe Old Post Station the workshop and wall and Straupe Farmers' paintings in the Old Town Market Hall 4 Vējiņi Subterraneous Lakes 4 The radial network of 5 streets in the Old Town Bakery Rožkalni’s shop Contacts “Senā Hanza” 5 Old Firefighter's Depot Limbaži Municipality Tourist 6 Primeval valley of 6 Transfiguration of Christ Information Centre, the River Brasla Orthodox Church Torņa iela 3, Limbaži, Latvia 7 The farm shop of Contacts 7 Limbaži St. John's Evangeli- Tel.: +371 64070608 Straupe’s Dairy Tel.: +371 26620422 cal Lutheran Church [email protected] 8 Blacksmiths’ workshop [email protected] 8 Lake Lielezers in Limbaži www.visitlimbazi.lv in Straupe Beach and Nature Trail www.tourism.straupe.lv / Visitlimbazi 9 “Limbažu Tīne”, wool pro- / PargaujasNovads cessing based on ancient design traditions