The “Daugavpils Circle” cycling route goes along the streets and promenades of Daugavpils and covers a large part of the city.

The “Daugavpils Circle” is a 32 km long cycling route, which gives travellers the opportunity to see the most popular tourist attractions and landscapes of the city. The route is circular, starting and finishing in the city centre, on the Unity Square. Cyclists can ride along the city streets and promenades, enter the Daugavpils Fortress, see the city’s industrial zone and enjoy the beauty of the Lielais Stropu Lake. The route continues to the Rugeli Reservoir, an artificial body of water created in preparation for the construction of the Daugavpils Hydroelectric Power Plant. Travelling along the promenade of Bruģu Street, cyclists will approach the end of the route in Unity Square.

The cycling route is of medium difficulty and it goes along asphalt, forest and gravel roads. The route includes a section of marked cycle route No 35.

The post “Daugavpils Circle” cycling route appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post The historical tourist route “From Kaunas to Daugavpils along the old postal route” appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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
Facebook , Instagram
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
Facebook, Instagram
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
Facebook
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
Facebook

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
Facebook

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
Facebook

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
Facebook, Instagram 
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”.

The post The gastronomic tourist route “Latgalian road of shmakovka” appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

The cycle route covers Daugavpils city, Daugavpils and Krāslava Districts and allows to get acquainted with nature, culture and history of the region. The length of the route is 122.8 km.
Nature Park “Daugavas Loki” was created to preserve the unique natural complexes, natural, cultural and historical values and little-transformed landscapes of the ancient valley of the Daugava on the site of Naujene to Kraslava. The bends of the ancient valley of the Daugava are considered to be the oldest geological formations in Latvia. The Nature Park “Daugavas Loki” as part of Augsdaugava protected landscapes area was recognised as the NATURA 2000 territory in 2004, but in 2011 this park was included in the Latvian National UNESCO World Heritage List.

Following the Daugavpils stage of the cycle route, there is a chance to visit the historical centre of Daugavpils, Daugavpils Regional Studies and Art Museum, Dubrovin Park, Unity House, Shmakovka Museum, Daugavpils Innovation Centre, Latgale Zoo, Daugavpils Fortress, Mark Rothko Art Centre and other tourist objects. What’s more, the cycle route goes through a Stropu living area where beaches of Lielais Stropu Lake with a Blue Flag, as well as promenade and  “Tarzāns” Adventure Park are all situated.

The post Daugavpils stage of the regional cycle route Nr.35 “Daugavas loki” appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

 Route. The route is suited to active boaters who love long boat trips and enjoy discovering interesting nature, cultural and historical monuments. Because of high waves during windy time, the route is not suitable for boaters with little or no experience. The route will not fit to lazy ones as it requires strength and strenuous physical efforts.

As the bends of the river Daugava rather frequently change the flow direction, you must be ready to face counter wind (north, south and west winds). In such situations it is recommended to sail leeside, closer to the shore from which the wind blows. Before or after the trip tourists are welcome to visit tourism sights in Daugavpils or elsewhere along the banks of the river invisible from the boat.

Route course: Slutišķi – Daugavpils – Līksna – Nīcgale. The route described above is located in Daugavpils district.

Type of boat. A canoe or kayak boat is recommended, which is faster and easier to manoeuvre in case of windbreaks. Inflatable boat or raft also can be used however it may be difficult to manoeuvre even in insignificant crosswind. The route can be completed also with a bigger row boat.

Recommended time. The best time for completing the boat route is June to August. However, if the weather is appropriate, trip can be completed also earlier or later, e.g., in autumn when leaves change colour.

Length: ~ 74 km. The route can be extended till Līvāni (+ ~ 30 km) or Jēkabpils (+ ~ 57 km). The route also can be started already from Krāslava (+ 30 km) or near Koškovci (+ 63 km) village situated near the border between Latvia and Belarus.

Time. For canoe or kayak type boats the route takes 3-4 days.

Length of the first part of the route “Slutišķi – Daugavpils” – 38 km. Length of the second part of the route “Daugavpils – Nīcgale” – 36 km.

Time spent for the trip depends on various factors – boat type, number of boaters per boat, their physical fitness, direction and strength of wind, water level, stream speed, purpose of the trip (recreation, sporting activities, fishing etc.) and time spent on tourist attractions.

Degree of difficulty. The route can be defined as a moderate difficulty route, if it is completed in 3 days and in case of favourable weather conditions (with no wind or counter wind up to 3 m/s). However, having hardly manageable boat and unfavourable weather conditions (strong counter wind) make the route hard to complete.

Start point: Slutišķi, between Putāni brook and Slutišķi village on the right bank of the river – a place with a pontoon for boarding and docking.

End point: Boat deck in Nīcgale, 0,1 km from catholic church in Nīcgale. Steep shore must be taken into account as boats will have to be carried up the hill. On top of the shore there is a drivable road.

Logistics and public transportation. Although bus services are available near the start and end points, it is more convenient to use local boat rental facilities (boat transfer, passenger transportation to personal vehicles, accommodation) or use private means of transport.

Recreation places for nautical tourists. Between Slutišķi and Daugavpils there are several well-equipped (in Slutišķi and Vasargelišķi, near Dinaburg castle mound) and some not fully equipped boat docks. Between Daugavpils and Nīcgale, however, there is only one well-equipped dock on the left bank of the river near Svente and Pilskalne parish boarders just in front of Ilūkste town. Sandblasts on the banks of the river or islands can be used for short time rest. Availability of sandblasts and islands is highly dependent on the level of water in the river, therefore summer and time with no significant rainfall is more appropriate for boating.

Information. All valuable items including maps, information materials and navigation equipment must be packed in waterproof covers before the trip. Tourism information materials and maps are available at Daugavpils Tourist Information Centre.

Distance from Rīga:

– Slutišķi – 248 km

– Nīcgale – 194 km

Please, pay attention to safe boating tips!

• Check the current day weather forecast before starting the trip. Don’t start the trip unless favourable weather conditions are expected as the weather is highly dependent on wind direction and strength on Daugava river.
• If the wind speed exceeds 4 to 5 m/s, river waves may be dangerous to canoe type boats as boats may be overturned.
• There is a strong stream in the river Daugava especially in spring and after heavy rain. Do not overestimate your skills!
• Make sure you always wear a life vest, even if the boat is close to the bank of the river. Daugava has very unequal bed level especially between Slutišķi and Daugavpils, where shallow places are often changed by deep places and little river rapids.
• Beware of underwater objects such as stones, tree branches, fishing nets etc.
• Respect fishermen! Try not to scare fish.
• Evaluate whether this route is suitable for travelling with young children.
• Do not cross the river Daugava unless conditions are suitable for that.

Take care of your and your peers ‘health and safety! Everyone is responsible for their own their peers ‘safety. Emergency phone number: 112.

The post Water tourism route “Slutišķi – Daugavpils – Līksna – Nīcgale” appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post “Let’s go to Daugavpils!” School Excursion appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post Open the history of Daugavpils! appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post Take a look at the hope chest of the Daugavpils Museums! appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post Sacral pearls of Daugavpils appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post Visit Daugavpils and discover the old Dinaburg! appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post Polish Army Divisions in Battles for the Independence of Latvia appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post Jewish Heritage in Daugavpils appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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

The post Explore Daugavpils city! appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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.

The post Polish Heritage in Daugavpils appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

Walking tour. During the excursion you will visit Daugavpils fortress and a unique monument of the 19th century – the historical center of Daugavpils with its buildings constructed in the style of Russian Empire and Modern. You will see a unique building of House of unity – the monument of the monumental building of the period of independent Republic of Latvia. Park Dubrovina was created in the late 19th century and it is the decoration of the city, where you can relax near the fountain in the shade of ancient trees.

The post Walking by Daugavpils appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.

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!

The post Get to Know Daugavpils – metropolis of Eastern Latvia! appeared first on VISITDAUGAVPILS.