The historical tourist route “From Kaunas to Daugavpils along the old postal route” invites you to travel along the old postal road that connected Daugavpils and Kaunas.

This route connects the second largest cities in Latvia and Lithuania with two hundred kilometers of history, adventure and discovery. The route includes cities in Latvia and Lithuania such as Daugavpils, Zarasai, Deguchi, Utena, Ukmerge, Jonava and Kaunas. During the tourist route, everyone is invited to visit the historic post offices.

The Daugavpils horse post station was once located in the Old Town, on the southern side of the current Venibas square (in a building at 20 Lacplesa street). With the construction of the railway, the postal functions were transferred to the railway services, and the station buildings remained empty. At the end of the 19th century, firefighters settled in the post office. Currently, the complex houses various public and private institutions.

The route was created by the “Expansion of Cross-Border Regional Tourism for Cultural Heritage Sites (CIRCUIT)” number LLI-326 and was funded by the Interreg VA cross-border cooperation program between Latvia and Lithuania for 2014-2020. The aim of the project is to promote cross-border tourism in Lithuania and Latvia, preserve cultural heritage and promote tourism services.

The tourist brochure “From Kaunas to Daugavpils along the old postal route” can be viewed here.

A tourist route map is available here.

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1. Shmakovka Museum in Daugavpils
The largest museum dedicated to the Shmakovka drink in Latvia that offers a modern and attractive story about Latgale’s strong drink. The Shmakovka Museum is located in the historic building, named Unity House, in the heart of the city. It is possible to explore the process of making shmakovka in an interactive way and to see authentic and impressive production equipment. In addition, it is possible to become aware of the most important stages in Latgale’s history, along with the story of the creation of the drink. The exhibition also plays an educational role in informing about the consequences of alcohol consumption.
Visitors have access to free audio guides in 6 languages ​​- Latvian, Latgalian, Russian, English, Lithuanian and German. Moreover, it is possible to book guided tours in Latvian, Russian and English. Visitors are invited to buy various souvenirs, as well as to taste and buy shmakovka at the shop of the local farmer “Sēlija” in the museum. There is a special price for individual visitors (2.15 EUR) on the first Sunday of every month.
Address: 22a Rīgas Street (Rīgas iela 22a), Daugavpils
Contacts: +371 65422818; +371 26444810
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www.smakovka.lv

2. Shmakovka Lab in Silene
Laboratory of Shmakovka in “Silene Resort&Spa” is a stylish and modern place with a classic and long-standing tradition of making a man-made regional drink. The local producer has developed several types of the drink, which are produced according to the individual recipe. Here you can get acquainted with the drink production process and the history of its preparation. It is also possible to order shmakovka degustation with a funny Latgalian consecration ritual, as well as to buy the drink. Here you can enjoy new tastes, experience unusual experiments and have fun.
Address: Skrudalienas Parish, Daugavpils District
Contacts: +371 62004100, +371 22013509
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www.silene.lv

3. Latgale Culinary Heritage Centre in Krāslava
The association “Latgale Culinary Heritage Centre” was established in December 2013 in order to develop the Latgale culinary heritage network that currently unites more than 30 Latgale entrepreneurs and organisations. The association itself has found its home in Castle Complex of Counts Plāters. Here you can buy products made in Krāslava – honey, tea, linseed oil, hemp oil, home-baked bread, cottage cheese and others. It is possible to taste Latgalian dishes by prior agreement.
Address: 2 Pils Street (Pils iela 2), Krāslava
Contacts: +371 26395176; +371 29857557
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www.kulinaraismantojums.lv

4. Bread Museum in Aglona
The Bread Museum in Aglona is the only bread museum in Latvia that introduces visitors to the grain growing and bread making. The hostess Vija Kudiņa dressed in Latgalian folk costume welcomes every visitor of the museum. Vija has collected dozens of proverbs, beliefs, fairy tales, customs about growing cereals, baking and eating traditions. Guests can enjoy home-baked bread, try their hands at cutting the mill and holding a full-grain yard. Visitors can look at several hundreds of exhibits related to grain processing and bread baking. It is possible to order traditional Latgalian lunch, as well as to celebrate weddings here.
Address: 7 Daugavpils Street (Daugavpils iela 7), Aglona
Contacts: +37129287044
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5. Kandzas Museum – private collection in Kaunata
An exciting private collection about the beginnings and development of homemade strong drink in different countries has been created in the old pub building of Kaunata. There are lots of interesting exhibits and historical materials. The owner of the museum, Dace Zagorska, has many plans to continue collecting historical evidence of the traditions of making homemade potions. The museum has a large collection of glasses and every visitor can supplement it by an unusual glass sample. It is possible to taste shmakovka drink here.
Address: 45 Rēzeknes Street (Rēzeknes iela 45), Kaunata, Rēzekne District
Contacts: +37120203962
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6. Bykov Shmakouka Museum in Gaigalava
Shmakouka (šmakouka – local designation) Museum was opened in 2015 with the aim of preserving and promoting the shmakovka drink as a Latgale culinary heritage tradition. Here you can see various distillation devices collected in the local and more distant area, listen to the story of the owner Gunārs Igauņis about the process of making shmakovka, as well as taste different types of shmakovka. It is also possible to see the collection of musical instruments of Gunars Igaunis and get to know the musical traditions of Latgale.
Address: 2a Meža Street (Meža iela 2a), Gaigalava, Rēzekne District
Contacts: +371 28728790
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7. “Latgolys Šmakovka” in Malnava
The largest shmakovka distillery in Latvia. Here you can get real emotions, entertainment and a sense of community. All these emotions are provided by the attractive owner of distillery Jānis Krivtežs. Visitors can visit “Latgolys šmakovkys dadzynuotova” (brewery) and taste the drink during the tour, accompanied by a guide. In addition, it is possible to learn the secrets of Malnava Manor Park and take a look at World War II bunkers. There is an interactive program for guests of the wedding ceremony and an opportunity to make a gift for the young couple. It is possible to book a musical performance, theatre play and other entertainment.
Address: 11 Kļavu Street (Kļavu iela 11), Malnava
Contacts: +37128321856
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www.latgalessmakovka.lv

The route was created in the framework of the project “Gastronomiskais tūrisma maršruts “Latgales šmakovkas ceļš”” that was approved by the Latgale Culture Programme 2020 project competition with the financial support of Latgale Region Development Agency, State Culture Capital Fund, “Latvian State Forests”.

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1. Buildings of Mols manor and park
Viski, Viski parish, Augsdaugava region
The building was established in the late 19th century. The castle was built for the birth of Polish landlords – Mols. It was the castle with two towers. The castle was destroyed during the World War I. The barn, the shed and the 2-storeyed living building as well as the open-planed park, where you can observe 75 species of trees and shrubs, have survived till nowadays.

2. Mausoleum of the landowners Mols
Viski, Viski parish, Augsdaugava region
It is located in the village of Viski near the lake Dotka at the place of the old wooden church (1715). The church cemetery is situated beside it. Ancestral roots of the Mols (von der Mohl) originated in Prussia in the 15th century. The descendants came to Latvia in the 17th century. The first Catholic church was built in Viski in 1621 on means of Andrew and Elizabeth Mols, the next – in 1715, and the new church was erected in the period from 1908 to 1925. The birth of Mols is known not only in Latvia, but also in Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Great Britain and Argentina. The manor of Viski (Francis Mols) and the manor of Kalnavishi (Vladislav Mols) were mentioned in the list of the estates in 1772.

3. Settlement of Vecpils and the ruins of the Dinaburg castle
Vecpils, Nauene parish, Augsdaugava region. Tel. +371 65471321 (Naujene Local History museum), naujenesmuzejs@inbox.lv www.naujenesmuzejs.lv
The settlement is located on the bank of the river Daugava. The first settlers came in the 8-13th centuries. This place is considered to be the founder of Daugavpils. You can see the ruins of the foundation of Dinaburg castle, built in 1275, and a miniature model of the castle (1997) at the place of the settlement. “Glade of Knights” is a place for rest near the settlement.

4. Tabore manor
Tabore, Tabore parish, Augsdaugava region
The manor was built in 1875 and belonged to the birth of barons Engelhardt. Now it is a school.

5. Lielborne manor
Lielborne, Saliene parish, Augsdaugava region
Lielborne Manor is the only manor complex in the territory of the Nature Park „Daugavas loki“. You are welcome to enjoy the beauty of history and nature, settling down in tent places in the Lielborne manor’s yard.

6. Castle in Chervonka
Chervonka, Vecsaliene parish, Augsdaugava region. Tel. +371 65475870, parvalde@vecsaliena.lv
The castle in Chervonka was built in 1870 in the neo-gothic style and was located in a bend of the park, which was created in the 19th century. This picturesque building with a dynamic and complex composition of the volume is a real fairy-tale castle. The building is covered with a steep span roof. The risalits, the mezzanines and the tower increase its plastic. The details are worked out with special carefulness. They are diverse and successfully complete the expressiveness of the space. For example, the window openings are lancet, segment, rectangle and round. Their decoration and arrangement on the façade also vary. The estate belonged to the barons von Hahn. The open-planed park of 3 ha with 14 species of exotic trees is located near the castle and the building of the estate.

7. Didrihstein manor house
Laucese, Laucesa parish, Augsdaugava region
It is a former elementary school of Laucesa. The castle and the manor house have remained till today. The manor house was built of red brick with a tower in the neogothic style. There is a yard with a small building of red brick in front of the house. Victoria Plater-Zyberk was the owner of the estate in the early 20th century.

8. Rainis house in Berkenele
Berkenele, Kalkuni parish, Augsdaugava region. Tel. + 371 29272200, berkenele@inbox.lv
Farm in Berkenele, former possession of the barons Felkerzam, it is known due to the parents of Janis Pliekshan (Rainis), Krishjan and Darta Pliekshan, who rented it from 1872 to 1881. Rainis spent his childhood here and the impressions about it are reflected in his poetry, in “sketch notebook of Dagda”. Rainis museum has been opened in the farm in Berkenele since 1965. The manor house was built in the middle of the19th century. The house of Janis Rainis offers: a tour of an exposition “Rainis and Berkenele”, a tour of an exhibition of regional applied art, exhibitions of professional art, thematic excursions for groups of different age. There is a place for tents. Rent of fireplace hall, bed places.

9. Place of Liksna manor
Liksna, Liksna parish, Augsdaugava region
The original name of the estate: Lichten. Liksna manor was built in the style of Baroque by the voivode count J. Plater-Zyberk in 1770, but it was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the middle of the 19th century. The main building burned down in 1861 and was restored according to the project of Daugavpils architect A. Neimann in the period from 1878 till 1880. The main building was located on a steep slope of the right bank of the river Daugava, at the foot of which flows the river Liksna, which flows into the river Daugava after half of a kilometer. The estate has been partially preserved, but the main building was completely destroyed during World War I. You can see only partially preserved fragments of the ruins now.

10. Building of estate in Vabole
Vabole, Vabole parish, Augsdaugava region
Count Boleslaw Plater-Zyberk began the building of the manor in the early 19th century. A barn, the manager’s house and the stables have remained till nowadays. The shed is interesting for its massive forms, the door wings that are typical for Latgalian pediments. The manager’s house is a modest wooden building, located at the same level as the barn. In 1947 there was a school in the stables. But in 1999 the building was reconstructed. The new garret, made of a red brick, clearly stands out against a background of windows.

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Have a look into the working process of the modern farm and agricultural product processing, visit Rainis House in Berkenele where the poet’s personality and worldview began to form and the first verses were born. Find out about farming in the Berkenele apple garden in Rainis childhood times and nowadays.
The route includes:

• a visit of the Sēlija Orchard where its owner Alberts Mendriķis will introduce the farm, tell a “life story” of an apple tree, show the apple orchard, warehouses and refineries; you are welcome to taste apple wine (apple juice for children);
• a visit of the Rainis House in Berkenele, getting to know the house and the garden of poet’s childhood;
• a rich choice of apple treats.

Additional information and order:

Daugavpils district municipal agency “TAKA”

+371 65476748; +371 29431360

taka@dnd.lv

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Get to know local craftsmen and rural producers’ work, visit lots of farmsteads and Skrinda Family Museum of Vabole. Try your hand in ancient crafts: weaving, woodcarving and smithcraft. Dare to shoot a bow and arbalest, treat yourself with local delicacies during the excursion route and taste a traditional meal of Vabole.
The route includes:

• a visit of Skrinda Family Museum (the museum is dedicated to the Latvian first “Atmoda” (Awakening) figures – Skrinda brothers); treating with herbal tea and rural bread at the host’s table;
• learning weaving skills with Dace Teivāne;
• a visit of Varis Vilcāns workshop: viewing the woodcarving process, participating in smithery product making, shooting a bow and arbalest;
• participation in Vabole traditional meal – “komas” cooking on the open fire and having an outdoor meal!

On pre-order is possible to buy smoked meat; on every route’s stage is possible to buy local craftsmen and rural producers’ products.

Additional information and order:

Augsdaugava district municipal institution “TAKA”
+371 65476748; +371 29431360
turisms@augsdaugavasnovads.lv

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In anticipation of the long-awaited school vacation, a tourist route for pupils “Let’s go to Daugavpils!” offers ideas where to go on a small family trip or an organised group excursion during the spring or autumn holidays. This route aims to diversify the learning process and will help to gain new knowledge.

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This route is designed to explore the Daugavpils, the second largest city in Latvia. The historical centre of Daugavpils city is an architectural heritage of national importance (the construction work was carried out in the 19th century according to the project endorsed in St Petersburg in 1826). Daugavpils is one of the few cities in Latvia which can pride itself on a unified ensemble of both classic and eclectic styles. The main part of the city is located on the right bank of the Daugava River, between the river and the Great Stropu Lake. Part of the city that is located on the left bank of the Daugava River is called Griva. Griva is the place where Janis Rainis, Latvian writer of poetry, and Rihards Karlis Valdemars Zarins, creator of the image of the coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia and inventor of the graphic design of a silver coin, par value of five lats, spent their school years.

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We invite you to visit Daugavpils Museums and to explore the cultural and historical heritage that is preserved for a long time. Museums are usually the places that invite us to explore the history, traditions, culture and the identity.

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This route will help to get acquainted with the sacral heritage of Daugavpils – holy places and churches of the main religious confessions. A variety of churches of different confessions contribute to the city panorama with its diversity of architectural styles, from Baroque and Neo-gothic to the Byzantine style.

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In the forest, on the right bank of Daugava – River of Destiny Slutiski Village is situated. Latgalian Old Believers used to settle in Slutiski from the beginning of the 18th century, hiding behind the Markova Hillfort “back”. Visit the village, breathe fresh air and admire the landscapes of the Daugava River, find out more about Old Believers lifestyle and habits, as well as taste a meal in Old Believers’ style.
The route includes:

• a visit of the open-air exposition “Old Believers Rural Court”, getting acquainted with the culture and household of Old Believers, viewing the exposition of horse harnesses with a guide;
•  a lunch in Old Believers’ style and getting to know why were these meals preferable among locals.

We recommend add the visit of Naujene Local History Museum, Vasargeliski Sightseeing Tower or Dinaburg Castle Ruins to the route.

Additional information and order:

Augsdaugava district municipal institution “TAKA”

+371 65476748; +371 29431360

turisms@augsdaugavasnovads.lv

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The origin of Earls Plater family dates back to medieval times in Germany, Westphalia, when in 1210 for the first time was mentioned the name of Westphalia knight Humbert von Plater. The ancestors of Plater family arrived to the Baltic with crusaders. After settlement in Latgale they assimilated and adopted Polish culture developing family ties with Zyberk family. Earls Plater-Zyberk became one of the most notable and powerful families in Latgale. Their property was situated not only in Latgale, Vidzeme and Kurzeme, but also in Poland and Lithuania. Earls Plater-Zyberk financed the building of several manor houses, castles, churches, parks that have been preserved up to nowadays on the territory of Daugavpils and Ilukste regions. This contribution of Earls Plater-Zyberk is an integral part of culture historical heritage, as well as significant sightseeing objects that give unforgettable impression during a trip.

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This route gives an opportunity to get acquainted with the city and nature park “Daugavas loki” (Daugava Valley) where located Vecpils Castle mound and the Dinaburga Castle ruins. You can see the ruins of the foundation of Dinaburg castle, built in 1275 and a model of castle.

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Units of Polish Army entered Latvia in the end of August 1919 and after a month completely pushed back Red Army from the left bank of Daugava thus fortifying their position in Eastern part of Ilukste district. On 3 January 1920 together with Latvian Army units I and III Legion divisions of Polish Army launched the attack over Daugava. At the same day they liberated Daugavpils and later – Kraslava, Viski, Rusona, Dagda and other towns and villages. Fighting together with Kurzeme Division units of Latvian Army groups of forces of Polish General E.Rydz-Śmigły until February liberated Southern Latgale, but in 1920 left Latvia. Small squad of Polish Army forces stayed in Daugavpils until summer. Post-war documentation of Polish graveyards of 1919s-1920s wasn’t arranged or systemized. Latvian historian Eriks Jekabsons, who studied the problems about Polish graveyards, also admitted that, unfortunately, in 1920s-1930s in the Republic of Latvia was not arranged the data about the graveyards of Polish soldiers in Latgale and Ilūkste district. The historian points that “locations of all these graveyards were not known to Polish diplomatic representations too. Later, during World War II and in post-war period existing documentation was destroyed. That’s why it is impossible to study not only all the graveyards of Polish soldiers, but also the surnames of the soldiers who are buried in known and well preserved burial grounds, especially because the majority of the killed were buried in common burial grounds. In Latvia there are 400-500 Polish soldiers buried. 237 of them – in Slobodka (in Daugavpils – the burial ground was destroyed), more than 50 soldiers – in other Daugavpils burial grounds, 200 – in Laucese”. Choosing this tour route the interesented ones have an apportunity to get acquainted with resting places of Polish soldiers.

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A significant part of the population of Daugavpils had been Jews since the beginning of the 16th century. Therefore, Daugavpils is a place where outstanding Jews such as Mark Rothko, Solomon Mikhoels, Oskar Strok, Gzegoz Fitelberg and other came from. This route offers to learn about the history, culture and religion of the Jews, as well as to know more about the Holocaust.

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This route includes the most popular sights of Daugavpils, which are worth seeing for every guest of the city.

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In 1561 Latgale became the part of Poland. After Polish-Swedish War (1600-1629) Latgale remained in the possession of Poland until 1772 and was called Inflanty or Polish Vidzeme (Midland). During these historic zigzags Daugavpils had special role. The head of Inflanty Princedom was the governor appointed by the King. Such governors were called voivode. Latgale was divided in 4 districts: Daugavpils, Rezekne, Ludza and Viļaka. The heads of the districts were called starosta. Daugavpils starosta was supreme starosta. Inflanty had its own bishop: initially with the residence in Daugavpils, later – in Vilnius. Besides the state Seim in Poland, in Daugavpils there was established so-called seimelis (small Seim) with 6 deputies (landlords) from Latgale, Lithuania and Poland. In 16th century from 1513 until 1525 the komturei of Daugavpils was Heinrich Plater. But in summer of 1883 Count Jan Kazimir Josef Plater-Zyberk (1850-1922) in one of present-day city microdistricts – Pogulanka – established sanatorium where were used mineral water, mud and koumiss treatment procedures. Since that time Poguļanka was called the health resort. The Count managed the property until 1918. The sanatorium stopped functioning in 1920s. In 1886 the Count had established boat and small ship traffic Dinaburg-Pogulanka on Daugava. Nowadays in Daugavpils there is Plateru Street. Daugavpils has close link with Poland due to the events of January of 1920, when divisions of Polish Army drove the Bolsheviks away from the city.
In Daugavpils at the present moment there live approximately 15% of Poles. In the city there functions Polish Culture Centre and Polish Gymnasium. President of Poland Bronisłav Komorowski, who visited the city in 2010, named Daugavpils the Capital of Latvian Poles.

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Daugavpils – the second largest city of Latvia and the centre of East-Latvian region – has given to the world the outstanding painter Mark Rothko, the “King of Tango” Oscar Strok and the actor, stage director, public and political figure Solomon Mikhoels (Vovsi). The 19th century fortress and the Church Hill with the churches of four different confessions situated there are the symbols of Daugavpils. Daugavpils is one of the few Latvian cities that can boast of a unique ensemble of classical and eclectic buildings. Welcome to Daugavpils!

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