Introduction to our excursion to Vidzeme The second meeting of the COMENIUS Multilateral school partnerships project „Free Time under Microscope - Diversity enriching united Europe?” Riga, February 8, 2012 General Republic of Latvia is situated in Baltic region, Northern Europe. It is bordered by Estonia (north), Lithuania (south), Russian Federation (east), Belarus (southeast), maritime borders (west) with Sweden. Area 64,589 km2 Longest river – Gauja The highest point - Gaiziņkals (311.6 m). 4 regions: Kurzeme, Zemgale, Vidzeme and Latgale Where are we going today? Gauja National park The Gauja National Park in Vidzeme is the largest and the oldest national park in Latvia, with an area of 917.45 km² running from Sigulda to Cēsis along the valley of the Gauja River, from which the park takes its name.It was established on September 14, 1973 in order to protect slightly disturbed natural areas, promote nature tourism and ensure sustainable development in the area. National park is characterized by a high biological diversity, rock outcrops, springs, picturesque landscapes and many historical and cultural monuments from different centuries. Sigulda Sigulda is a city in Vidzeme. Also called as "the Switzerland of Latvia" for its picturesque scenery. It is located only 53 km from Riga. Sigulda has Latvia’s largest ski resort, and the town offers opportunities for sports. Each season here has its own charm. Sigulda lies near Gauja river. There are artificial bobsleigh and luge tracks, which makes Sigulda a major winter sports center. A vertical air tunnel "Aerodium“ is located near Sigulda . Gutmana cave The biggest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States. About 10’000 years old. - Protected geological object. Height – 10 m, width - 12 m, depth – 18,8 m. Turaida medieval castle Built in 1214 according to the Bishop Albert’s directive. Gradual expansion and building continued until the 16th century. The castle was one of the Riga Archbishops’ residencies. After the collapse of Livonia states, Turaida castle became a private property. After the fire in 1776 it was not renovated. The sight area in the big round tower was built in 1936 but its restoration was started in 1953. Bobsleigh and luge track The track was built in the 1986, its length is 1200m. Bobsleigh, luge and skeletons competitions are held here. The track we have nowadays was designed by Leipzig’s sports facilities Scientific and technical center. Firm "Graming" built it in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina ). The 1st part of the track was put into service in 1986. Max speed possible - 125 km/h. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GV8zQxlU27Y Skeleton racer Martins Dukurs In 2010 during Vancouver Olympics he won a silver medal. 2 times won The World Cup (2009.— 2010.; 2010.—2011.), World Champion in 2011 and triple European Champion. He earned State Award – Order of Three Stars - for achievements in the Olympics. 4 days ago (on February 4) Martins Dukurs gained his sixth won out of seven possible in World Cup in Whistler, Canada. Skeleton racer Tomass Dukurs In 2010 during Vancouver Olympics he got the 4th place. In 2007 during European Chempionship he won a bronze Medal. In 2012 during European Chempionship he won a silver medal. Bobsleigh racer Oskars Melbārdis In 2011 during America’s Cup he and Helvijs Lūsis won the 8th place in bobsleight racing competition. On January 29, 2012 Oskars Melbārdis and his team won the 1st place in World Junior Championships in Igls, Austria. Ligatne Ligatne is a town in Vidzeme. Also known as ”the beer city”. Ligatne has one of the most beautiful nature in the Gauja’s National Park. Ligatne is connected to the only paper producer in Latvia. The town is situated on 6 hills: Rigaskalns, Springukalns, Skolaskalns, Plucukalns, Kiberkalns and Remdenkalns. Remdenkalna (Beiwerkas) caves Caves were chopped out after five dwelling houses were built there in 1895-1898. They are sometims used as small cellars or even garages. Caves are 5m underground. There are 2 caves nowadays in this cave system: 1) Small alley is 16m long, and it has 7 cellars; 2) Big alley is 56m long, it has 28 cellars. Soviet secret bunker In the territory of the rehabilitation centre Līgatne, 9 m underground, there is a well-equipped facility with a total area of 2,000 sq.m, whose secrecy grading was removed only in 2003. In Soviet times, no one knew even the existence of sanatorium employees who worked on a daily basis over the bunker. Shelter was one of the most strategically important places in the Soviet Latvian in case of nuclear attack. Thank you for listening! .