The inhabitants of Dviete are proud of their well-kept, special aura-endowed and ancient park, which is a popular natural and public object. Dviete park was created in the 19th century as a landscape park with a masonry bridge. The total area of ​​the park is 7.41 ha, including 1.0 ha of water. The park has ponds connected by 3 small canals. On the edge of the park are 19th century manor buildings, 3 sculptures by sculptor I. Dobicins, dedicated to plowmen, and a burial place for German soldiers. The Dviete Park is a specially protected natural object of local importance. You can see several alleys and various species of trees and shrubs, as well as veteran trees. It also has a rock garden, flower and ornamental shrub beds, the “Bridge of Love”, paths, homemade benches, tables, swings, and a campfire site. Fans of a healthy lifestyle have the opportunity to play sports, as the park has 2 sports fields – football and basketball. The park territory is improved and supplemented with new wooden elements every year, and the planting fund is renewed. In 2012, as part of a project implemented by the association “Dvietiņa”, the open-air stage of the Dviete Park was built from a wooden log house and there were made spectator benches; in 2015, a publicly accessible gazebo and toilet were built from a wooden log house; in 2018, the football field was rebuilt, new football goals were installed, and a children’s playground set was installed – a children’s town.

In 2021, with the support of the association “Dvietes vīnogas”, there was created a parking.

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Latgale’s Wetland Biodiversity Park is a place that not only provides shelter for many rare and protected species of animals and plants, but is also an area that provides residents and visitors of the city with recreation, ecological learning and other ecosystem services. Moreover, it is located almost in the very centre of Daugavpils.

Daugavpils is a rare city in Latvia and even in Europe, which can be proud of a colony of seagulls, bog turtles, jackdaws, small pipits and other animals that live right in the centre of the city. That is why the Wetland Park can be safely called a unique tourist and natural object.

In the swampy area of the park, next to the Latgale Zoo, there is a Wetland Trail, which is about one and a half kilometres long. The trail is equipped with several observation platforms and shelters, allowing to observe birds and animals.

It offers two options for exploring wetland life: a leisurely stroll along a well-maintained trail or an explorer-style adventure route. It is possible to book a tour with the guide in order to explore the territory of the Wetland Park. Information about the tours is available in Latgale Zoo or by phone: +371 65426789.

The trail has several entrances:

•  at the observation hill – from the side of Esplanade Park and Kandavas Street;
• at the Daugavas Street footpath – next to the sewage treatment plant area;
• at the Daugavas Street footpath – next to the dog walking area;
• from the side of Latgale Zoo.

The trail is equipped with bicycle stands, information boards and signs providing information on possible directions of the trail.

A special trail, the Biologist’s Trail, is also built in the Wetland Park in Esplanade. It is a fascinating and informative route, which can be wet and flooded at times, with possible obstacles such as fallen trees, branches, animals and traces of their activity, as well as reeds. That is why the Biologist’s Trail can only be accessed with a guide. Guide services are offered by Latgale Zoo, you can book an excursion by phone +371 65426789.

The Wetland Trail is suitable for mums with prams and wheelchair users. The exception is the Biologist’s Trail route.

Latgale’s Wetland Biodiversity Park – a fascinating and unusual nature study complex for the whole family. Here you can get acquainted with unusual exotic animals by getting into their habitat.

Access to the territory is prohibited from 1 March to 1 August, as this is the bird nesting season.

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Subate Lake Park is a favorite recreation place of inhabitants of Subate and guests during the summer season. Children will enjoy a playground, while adults can work out in the outdoor gym.

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The Pilskalne Siguldiņa Nature Reserve (59.3 ha) is located in a picturesque valley carved by the meltwaters of glaciers. This area has been a nature reserve since 2003 when it was included in the Natura 2000 list of European protected areas. The reserve features 11 European Union priority habitats, 21 rare or protected plant species, 7 rare or protected lichen species, and a rich diversity of plants in and around the lakes. Several exciting walking and educational trails have been established in the reserve.

“Sprīdītis” Trail (1.6 km): Starting at a small water reservoir, this trail features 32 wooden sculptures of characters from A. Brigadere’s fairy tale “Sprīdītis”. The Black Hill is under national protection and is an archaeological monument. Historically, a Sēlian wooden fortress stood on this steep hill, existing for an extended period. Archaeological findings include fragments of pottery, both incised and plastered, as well as other evidence. These discoveries suggest the presence of Baltic tribes in the area. The cultural layer and a significant amount of charcoal found in the soil near the hill by the Dubupīte stream may explain the hill’s name, “Melnais kalns” (Black Hill).

“Dendrological and Geographical Route” (3.8 km): This circular trail introduces visitors to 28 dendrological, 10 geological, and cultural-historical sites. The route takes 2-3 hours to complete, showcasing impressive ancient trees, oak bridges formed by intertwined branches, and a variety of tree species.

“Historical Witnesses” Trail (0.6 km): Continuing from the dendrological route, this trail runs along a pristine section of old-growth forest and highlights remnants of German army fortifications from World War I.

“Bog” Trail (approx. 6 km, including a 600 m wooden boardwalk):This trail offers an exciting opportunity to explore bog plant life and discover insect-eating plants, such as sundews.

Trail Pricing (per person)*:

*  “Sprīdītis” Trail – 1.6 km (Children and seniors – EUR 1.00; Adults – EUR 1.50)

* “Dendrological” Trail – 3.8 km (Children and seniors – EUR 1.50; Adults – EUR 2.50)

* “Historical Witnesses Trail” – 5 km (Children and seniors – EUR 1.50; Adults – EUR 2.50)

* “Bog” Trail – 6 km (Children and seniors – EUR 1.50; Adults – EUR 2.50)

Guide Services:

* 1 hour – EUR 10.00 (for a group of visitors)

* 1 hour – Thematic tour – EUR 20.00 (for a group of visitors)

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It is a world-scale unique flocking and nesting place for migratory birds where rare, natural and nearly unspoilt watergrasslands serve as home to a number of rare and protected species of plants and animals in Latvia and Europe. Here you can see different cattle and horses grazing in the floodplain.

In the spring, the floodplain meadows of Dviete are flooding. Local inhabitants call this phenomenon as the fifth season. It is a popular place to go boating on flooded meadows in spring.

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An interesting walking route is located in the very picturesque territory of the nature park “Daugavas loki”. The Slutiski ravine trail connects Slutiski scarp and Slutiski courtyard.

The Slutiski ravine trail is more suitable for physically active people. You can walk this trail by choosing two different levels of difficulty. The most difficult route leads through ravines, so you will have to climb stairs up and down, crossing the small wooden bridges over the ravines. During the whole walk, the magic of the Daugava river is clearly visible, you can enjoy the fresh forest air, listen to birdsongs and delight your eyes with wide landscape views. Walking along the trail, it is possible to pass several biotopes, to observe the diversity of flora and fauna, because the area is rich with a very wide representation of flora.

The easiest route leads along the bank of the Daugava river, and following this route, you will have to cross fewer stairs. After following the trail, you can get to the Slutiski village and the camping “Daugavas lokos”. Or, starting the walk from the camping “Daugavas lokos”, get to the Slutiski scarp.

The ravines formed on the slope of the main bank of the right bank of the Daugava are relief forms formed by the erosion of temporarily flowing water flows. It can be assumed that their formation took place a very long time ago – at the end of the last ice age, more than 12,000 years ago, at the early stages of the development of the ancient Daugava valley, when the surrounding area and the valley had different natural conditions. At the time when the blocks of ice were melting, the streams of water flowed to the lowering – the future valley of the Daugava and washed away the ravines on their way. Nowadays water currents in ravine beds after rain or snowmelt only slightly transform these ancient forms of linear erosion. Therefore, it can be considered that erosion is almost non-existent nowadays and the ravines can be classified as a group of decayed linear erosion forms. The fact that the ravines have subsided is also shown by the forest vegetation that covers the slopes of the ravines.

We invite you to get acquainted with the Slutiski ravine trail and the surrounding natural values! And remember: “Going for a walk. What you bring, take away ”!

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Lielais Stropu Lake – the largest water body in Daugavpils, located 8 km from the city centre, attracts a large number of holidaymakers in the summer season. There is a 3,3 km long promenade along the shore of the lake. By walking along the promenade from the Central Beach to the left, you can reach the beach “Stropu vilnis”, where the adventure park “Daugavpils Tarzāns” and a camping site are located. The promenade along the lake goes to Daugavpils Regional Hospital and ends in Vecstropi neighbourhood.

The promenade is a 4.5 m wide asphalt path with separate lanes for pedestrians, roller skaters and cyclists and is illuminated at night. Bicycle racks and benches are installed along the entire promenade.

The main feature of the recreation area in Stropi are the two open-air swimming pools floating in the lake, located on the Central Beach. They are part of a unique pontoon structure comprising a 25-metre-long outdoor pool, jumping tower, children’s pool with integrated depth limitation base, relaxation area with umbrellas and sun loungers. The central beach is divided into zones. There are grilling areas and tables. There is an equipped children’s playground, beach volleyball court, parking, toilets and changing rooms. The beach offers a wide range of entertainment and recreation opportunities: summer cafe, electric scooters, electric bikes and go-karts rental, sports equipment rental for surfing. There is a fountain on the Central Beach.

The promenade of Stropu Lake is also accessible for people with limited mobility because of the pavement, which is lined at one level. In addition, a special recreation and swimming area has been created on the Central Beach for people with special needs.

There is a Stropu Forest next to the lake, Open Air Stropu Bandstand and Active Rest and Sports Track.

The most convenient way to go to Central Beach is by private car, tram No. 3 or No. 5 (get off at the “Stropu ezers” stop) or bus No. 3 and No. 12 (get off at the “Internātskola” stop).

Central Beach can also be reached by bicycle if you follow the regional cycle route No. 35 “Daugavas Loki”. The cycle route is marked with appropriate signs along the entire length. A bicycle parking rack is available at the beach.

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On the right bank of the Daugava River, in the vicinity of Gayok district the Bruģu Street promenade has been built.  It is aimed at giving the streets a new, functional look and meaning. After completion of the Bruģu Street promenade, Daugavpils city acquired a new, facilitated area for strolling and enjoying the splendour of nature.

The promenade on Bruģu Street is located in the street section from 18. Novembra Street to Ūdensvada Street, as well as on Dzirnavu Street  from Bruģu Street to Vidus Street, forming a 1.2 km long promenade along the Daugava River. Pedestrian and bicycle lanes have been built along the entire promenade, a new road surface has been laid, rainwater drains and street lights have been installed. Railings, several benches and bicycle stands have been installed along the entire promenade for the safety of pedestrians. Also,  greening has been carried out, as well as outdoor workout equipment for active recreation has been provided.

In order to make the promenade visually attractive, drawings with historical motifs of Gayok district have been created on the long concrete wall, replacing the old graffiti drawings on the fence along the adjacent companies.

The author of the sketches is Inguna Levsa, the chief municipal artist, who encouraged a group of artists-enthusiasts to create those wall drawings. Drawings occupy only a small part of the promenade wall. It is likely that in the future it will be supplemented by new drawings.

It took a year to complete the construction of the Bruģu Street promenade. The construction work was carried out by road construction company SIA “Binders”. Most of the funding for Bruģu Street revitalisation project was obtained from the ERDF.

Photo: Road Construction Company SIA “Binders “, Olga Kuzmina, daugavpils.lv, visitdaugavpils.lv

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JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) in the southern region of Latgale has opened the new hiking trail “Forest trail “Egļukalns””, that is suitable for both families and experienced tourists.

The new walking route winds around Eglukalns, which is 220 m above sea levels and is the highest peak in the Augszemes highlands.

The 4 km walking trail is situated in the Svente Nature Park, which is included in the ‘Augszeme’ protected landscape area, and which delights visitors with its breathtaking landscapes – deep ravines, lakes, mossy boulders, as well as powerful oaks and ruins of World War I, which are considered a historical heritage of this area.

The trail is marked with two-color flags that are painted on trees along the entire route. Going for a walk, keep in mind that the route leads along forest paths and small trails, so it can be difficult for young travelers. Soon, the route of the hiking trail “Forest trail “Egļukalns”” will be published in the LVM GEO mobile application and website.

The Svente Nature Park was established in 1977 to preserve the unique natural landscape of the Svente Lake. It is also a great place for bird watching, because several protected bird species have chosen reed places on the lake as a breeding place: the black-headed gull, big and little bittern, as well as other common bird species.

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“Silene” is a nature park situated in Augsdaugava region, in Demene and Skrudaliena municipalities near to the border of Belarus. It was founded in 1977 as a complex nature reserve and has an area of 37.9km2. In the Park there are 24 lakes, including parts of Lake Riču (5.9km2), Lake Sitas (0.4km2) and Lake Sila (2.6km2). There are also several small marshes, biggest from which is Glusonka marsh – a nature reserve that has an area of 142.3ha. Pine stands as well as pine-fir and fir-deciduous forests predominante in the nature park. European pond turtle, fire-bellied toad, great crested newt and forest dormouse can be found in the marshes and lakes of the park. Black storks, black kites and lesser spotted eagles nest in park’s forests. In the Southern part of the Park, in Belarus boarder area, there is nature reserve “Ilgas” and Daugavpils University’s Study and Research Centre ”Ilgas”.

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Lake Medumi is a picturesque lake located in Medumi parish, Augsdaugava district. The average depth is 6.9 meters, but the maximum depth is 25.3 meters.

Lake is included in the Protected Landscape Area “Augšzeme” and in Nature Park “Medumu Ezeraine”. The lake contains four islands that are part of the Botanical Reserve of Medumi Lake islands.

On the territory of Medumi village, on the shore of Lake Medumi there is a well-equipped recreation place and a beach (GPS: 55.7828276, 26.3467143)

Fishing in Medumi Lake requires a license!

Licenses are issued by organization “Medumu līcis” (tel. 29416122, e-mail: medumu_ezers@inbox.lv). The license can be purchased electronically here. Regulations of licence fishing in lake Medumi in Latvian language are available here.

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The overage depth of the lake is 6,7 m, but the maximum depth – 20,8 m. The mirror square area is 360.1 ha.

Pikes, perches, eels, breams, pike perches, silver breams, roaches and burbots dwell here. Let: pike perches one-summers – 39.2 thousand (2001), breams one-summers – 39 thousand (2003), tenches one-summers – 39 thousand (2003); pikes one-summers – 5 thousand (2005). Ducks and swans have their nests here. Rushes, horsetails, cattails, sedges and spatter docks grow on the lake banks. There is a small island in the southern part of the lake.

Recreational possibilities – licensed fishing. Daily license – 1.50 EUR, month license – 4.50 EUR. Licensed fishing organizer: Viski Parish Council.

Ostrova and Maskovska mounds are located near the lake.

On the bank of lake Viski, there is a recreation place “Viskezers” that offers recreational facilities: accommodation, sauna, camping and campfire sites, well-maintained beach, boat, catamaran and bike rental.

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The average depth of the lake is 2,4 m, but the maximum depth – 6,1 m. The mirror square area is 409.0 ha.

Ducks and swans have their nests here. The lake has one island. Rushes, horsetails, cattails, sweet flags and spatter docks grow on the lake banks. The pikes, tenches, breams, roaches, perches, eels and chubs dwell here. Let: silver one-summers – 400 kg (2000), 40 thousand (2004); pike larvae – 200 thousand (2000), tenches one-summers – 17.5 thousand (2002); pikes one-summers – 16 thousand (2004); pikes one-years – 5 thousand ( 2006).

Recreational possibilities – licensed fishing. Daily license – 1.50 EUR, month license – 4.50 EUR. Licensed fishing organizer: Viski Parish Council.

According to the project INTERREG IIIA “Cycling Development in the Baltic Country of Lakes”, on the beaches of the lake near the Viski technical school (GPS: 56.064032, 26.771286000000032) and in Ostrova (GPS: 56.0598558, 26.8116675) recreation places with different equipment (tables, benches, bowers, swings, toilets and garbage bins) were installed.

The bicycle route “Around the lake Lukna”, marked with wooden signs (association “Latvian lakes” ER, 2009) is developed within the mentioned project.

Boat station and pier „Višķi uz viļņa” is located near the Višķi Technical School (GPS: 56.064032, 26.771286000000032). The are available boats, water bikes, catamarans and aquaskipper for rent.

On the lake bank near Viski-Aglona road, between Lukna and Boltaru lake, near to recreation place, an observation tower is built. From this tower You can see a view on Viski surrounding lakes.

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It is located on the left bank of the river Daugava near Geitviniski. It is a 36.5 m (in other sources – 42 m) high cliff from Quaternary rock. There is a sandstone of the Upper Devonian on the foot, in the 30s of the 20th century, here, in sandstones, used to be a cave. The slope reaches 38 degrees. The structure is mostly gravel, pebbles and boulders with moraine layers. There is a deepening behind the cliff, where underwater of the river Daugava flows and threatens to wash the cliff. Beautiful view of peculiar narrowing of the ancient valley of Daugava -“Daugava gates” can be seen from the scarp.

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There is a sightseeing tower on the narrow peninsula between lakes Lukna, Viski and Boltaru, from which these lakes and the hilly landscape of the surroundings can be seen.

Next to the Lake Lukna there is a beach.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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Slutiski Scarp is the biggest outcrop of Quaternary rock on the territory of Latvia which is located in Daugava river’s valley. Its height is 40.9 m, length – 400 m and slope angle is 38 degrees.

In 1925, up to 6 m high outcrop of Middle Devonian white sandstone with several water-eroded caves were seen at the bottom of the scarp. Now Daugava doesn’t bathe its banks in so intensive way, landslides hide the sandstone, and the scarp is becoming overgrown with bushes.

Looking at the Slutiski Scarp it is difficult to imagine that in 1930 – 1940s its slope had no vegetation at all – only sand, gravel and rocks. That was a consequence of destructive inundation. Due to high water level, pieces of ice and heavy river flow the lower part of the slope was bathed what caused heavy landslides and plant cover was fully destroyed.

Numerous rare and protected plant species are can be found in adjoined pinewood: Ajuga piramidalis L. (bugle), Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. (eastern pasqueflower), Pulsatilla pratensis (L.)Mill., Polypodium vulgare L., Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C.Barton, Orthilia secunda (L.)House syn. Pyrola secunda L.; Ramischia secunda (L.)Garcke (sidebells wintergreen).

An outstanding view on Daugava river valley – Daugavsargi bend, opens from the Slutiski Scarp.

There is a recreation place on the Slutiski Scarp.

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The picturesque lake Rici is located on the border between Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus and it is included into the Silene Nature Park. The lake has many trenches and it is rather deep (39,7 m deep) and not very polluted since it is located in an isolated area. The east side of the lake extends into a long peninsula, which is covered with forests. The lake bed and shores are sandy and with stones. The lake bed is covered with dunes and sapropel. Riču lake is one of 10 Latvian deepest lakes and one of the largest according to the volume of water (124.4 mil. km ²). The lake has 9 islands, but they are located in the territory of Belarus.

Tourists believe that the great value of the Silene Nature Park is Perkule Scarp – a steep shore of  Ricu Lake – is an inspiring creation of nature. The scarp gives a view of a large deep lake with unbelievably transparent water, which is practically untouched by human activities. Several species of protected plants are encountered on the lakeshores that create a fabulous landscape: the black stork, the black kite and the lesser spotted eagle.

There is a recreation place set up for visitors. There are also opportunities for mushroom and berry picking in the area.

Lake Rici is located in the border zone! Visitors are required to take a personal identification document and a special pass.

Legend “The devil’s bridge over Rici Lake”

Once in the night time the devil wanted to cross Rici lake. He could not walk round it because there were a lot of villages on the shores of the lake. The devil had either to drag himself along the lake or to make a bridge. As soon as the devil stepped into the lake, he was already completely wet. So the devil had no other choices but to make a bridge. The devil immediately started to bring stones. The bridge was built till the middle of the lake. The devil could not continue to work because a cock, unfortunately, started to sign. The devil immediately disappeared. The bridge remained till nowadays, but it has subsided into the ground and it is not possible to see it. The place of the bridge can be seen because at this place was a seed and this seed place was overgrown with reeds.

LFK 935, 32297; Julia Churishka Ilukste, Demene, 1938.

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Daugava, while creating the valley in section between Krāslava and Naujene, has created a unique nature site – “Gate of River Daugava”. This is peculiar narrowing of the ancient valley of Daugava down the Slutiski village, the narrowest section of the valley between the scarp of bank in Slutiski and the scarp of bank in Ververi. In the process of meandering, creating the flow in accordance with the features of the relief, on both banks have been created 42-43m high scarps, although the valley of the river is only 0.5-0.6km wide. “Gate of River Daugava” is included in “Green Pearls of Latvia”, top 10 of the most important landscape features of the Republic of Latvia.

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Pogulanka (Saliena) River is the longest (24 km) tributary of the left bank of the Daugava in the Daugava Loki Nature Park. Many kinds of plants and animals were discovered in the valley, and a number of natural monuments and cultural-historical objects were found here. This is a typical river of the Augszeme upland, which was once considered to be rich in trout and, probably, salmon.

The bridge across the Pogulanka (Saliena) River was built at the end of 19th century from split and shaped boulders. Its arc height is 5,2 m, length – 5,5 m, but width – 4,6 m.  The bridge is local architectural and engineering monument.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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This is the second largest boulder in Daugavpils district. Boulder is located on the right bank of the Pogulanka (Saliena) River. This is natural monument of national importance.

Proportions of the boulder (1991):

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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Medumi Lake’s (Medumu ezeraine) Nature Park area is 1375 ha. The highest points of Nature Park are: Medumu hill, Samanku hill, Skirstenu hill and Ziedinu hill. Among the glacial hills, there are several lakes in the hollows, the largest of which are Medumi lake, Ilga lake, Samankas lake, Skirstenu lake and others. Lakes along with mixed and broad-leaved forests and fields, forms a unique, magnificent natural landscape.

Islands of Medumu lake is a botanical reserve, which has been protected since 1987. The total area of the reserve (4 islands) is 4 hectares. Vegetation of islands are dominated by linden, aspen and birch

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It is located in Ilūkste upland, 137m above sea level, in Augsdaugava region Svente municipality (Southern part of Medumi and Kalkūne municipalities). Svente Lake is included in the list of protected landscapes of Augšzeme, and with surrounding territory it  is included in Nature Park.

Svente Lake is one of the 10 deepest lakes in Latvia (its storage volume is also big – 57.3mil m3). The Lake has eminent landscape and many bays. Its 3 islands (in Southern part of the Lake) are botanical reserves. Banks of the Lake are high. Out of the SE part there flows Pakrāce, the tributary of Laucesa. Because of the small basin of the Lake water in it fully renews once in 16-17 years. In the lake there live pikes, perches, roaches, breams, tenches, whitefishes, carps.

Recreation at the lake is provided by:

• Guest house “Saules nams” – accommodation, sauna, campfire and barbecue area, football and volleyball courts, children playground, beach, boat rental, fishing.
• Holiday house “Pakrasti” – accommodation, sauna, camping site, boat rental, sports court, children’s playground, fishing.
• Recreation place “Sventes Rasa” – accommodation, campfire area, rent of water bicycles, windsurfing equipment and boats, fishing.

Anita Liepa (Kumeļa gadi.“Karogs” Nr. 6, 1982):

“In the place where the Lake now is, in former times there was a plain and meadows, but on the other side of the plain, there, behind Antuzeviču peninsula, on small hill – grove of sacrifice. Beneath the mightiest oak there was an altar made of stones. Ancient Selonians made sacrifices to Pērkons (Thunder, the god of thunder). But then the knights intruded in Selonia. In the middle of the plain they built a church with high turrets. Then the Selonians were ordered to go to the church and prohibited to make sacrifices to Pērkons. Then Pērkons got into a rage and on a fine Sunday, when the church was full of people, he threw down a lake upon the plain. Then the valley was under the water, only an island and grove of sacrifice were visible above the water. The Selonians got scared; they embarked the boats and floated to the island to make a sacrifice to Pērkons. The lake then was called Svente. The crosses of the church could be seen above the water for some time. Now they cannot be seen. But the fishers say that their fishing nets are catching on the crosses, if they occur in the place where the church once was. Also it is said that on Sundays, when the weather is fair, from the depth ringing bells, humming organ and singing churchgoers can be heard.”

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The sightseeing tower is located in Daugavas Loki Nature Park, on the left bank of the river. From the top of the new sightseeing tower (20 m) picturesque views of ancient Daugava River valley can be seen – forests, countryside, roads. The presence of the river itself, especially during the low water period, is badly noticeable as it has been hidden in the woods.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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If You dare to climb on the tower which is 21 meters high, a picturesque view on the Rozalishku  bend of Daugava river will definitely inspire You. Rozalishku bend was depicted on the banknote of 10 lats (LVL).

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

Vasargeliski Sightseeing Tower is included to excursion offer by Naujene Local History museum – “The Secrets of Augsdaugava”:

The aim of this excursion is to give and insight to the Augšdaugava Landscape Protected Area and Daugavas Loki Nature Park, objects included in the route: Naujene Local History Museum, Vecpils Hillfort, Dinaburg Castle Model and a nature path, Vasargeliski Sightseeing Tower, Markova Cognitive Path, Slutiski Old Believer’s Village and exposition “Slutiski Old Believers’ Rural Court”.

Guide services:
7.00 € – thematic excursion out of the museum, for 1 object/route

Preliminary reservation is obligatory! Phone nr. +371 65471321.

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Big boulder of Nicgale is the biggest known boulder in Latvia. It is situated deep in the forest, approximately 6km to the East of Nīcgale railway station, but it is easily reached due to arranged indicators and earthroad.  The stone is situated on the crossing of forest paths.

There are preserved stories narrating that on the flat surface of the stone there were located seats and a table. Kalupe, Līksna, Vārkava and other districts’ landlords gathered together around the stone to take a rest and to refresh themselves when they were hunting. V.Gavars, who in 1930s was a forester and being a young man he himself participated in landlords’ organized hunting as a beater, remembers local landlords’ doings connected with the hunting. Here were celebrated different holidays such as Līgo and, as older people narrate, on the surface of the stone was held dancing.

In 1938 A.Jotsons, a forester of Nīcgale Forestry, ordered a forest worker Lauskis to carve in stone 3 steps, and paid 5 lats for each. Still nowadays tourists set their feet on these steps.

Dimensions of the boulder (1991):

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

Tales and legends

A tale narrated by A.Smagars, the inhabitant of Līksna municipality

“Devils decided to obstruct Daugava. They found a huge stone and were bringing it to Daugava. Altogether there were 12 devils and they were bringing the stone all night long, but in the morning they heard a crowing cock, so they threw the stone into the marsh on the border of Nīcgaļa and Kalupa forests. Right there the stone lies till nowadays.”

A tale narrated by A.Vāverāns, the inhabitant of Nīcgale municipality

“In a forest in Latgale, in Kalupe municipality there was a huge stone, although in that region there are few stones. Once the devil was bringing the stone and wanted to throw it into Daugava in order to obstruct it. But the stone was too heavy and it fell out of his hands. The stone fell in Kolupe forest. There it may be seen nowadays.”

A tale narrated by E.Paukšs, the inhabitant of Līksna municipality

“Once the devil envied the fabulous and great flow of Daugava. He decided to put a stop to it, to fill up the river in the territory of Latvia. Somewhere in the North he filled his worn-out sieve with the stones and ran to Daugava. Not far from Daugava he noticed that all the stones had spilled, except the huge one which couldn’t fall out through the worn-out sieve. Then he in anger threw the huge stone out of the sieve. The stone had been fallen down in the Nīcgaļa marsh not far from Daugava. This stone to this very day lies in the same place, raised it humps and covered with moss.”

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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 recognized as the NATURA 2000 territory in 2004, but in 2011 this park was included in the Latvian National UNESCO World Heritage List.

The River Daugava is a structural axis for the Nature Park, forming a picturesque bends. There are picturesque landscapes from the banks of the river. Since ancient times the River Daugava was the main element of the development of this area – water trade route. Castles and villages were built on the banks of the river. An ancient but eternally young Daugava with its apparent calm watercourse had been conducting a titanic effort, for thousands years creating a unique valley that produces an unforgettable impression on each traveler.

The most characteristic peculiarity of Daugavas Loki nature its 8 meandres that stretches from Kraslava up to Naujene. The lenght of every meandre is about 4-6km, but the distance between them is only 2-3 km. Forests take up 38% of the whole park’s territory. Mainly it is a growth of nature park. On this score it is a one of the most valuable territories in Latvia. Mainly it is a growth of pine trees, fir trees and birch trees. Many area and peculiar species of plants can be seen in thw territory of nature park. On this score it is one of the most valuable territories in Latvia. Many protected species of birds are noted here. There are 23 known archaelogical monuments in the territory of the park including Vecpils and Markovas castle mounds, medieval settlement of Slutiski, Vasargeliski observation tower, Slutiski ethnographic village of old-believers etc.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

Excursion offers in Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”
Naujenes novadpētniecības muzejs, +371 65471321, naujenesmuzejs@inbox.lv, www.naujenesmuzejs.lv
Preliminary reservation is obligatory!

* “The Secrets of Augsdaugava”
The aim of this excursion is to give and insight to the Augšdaugava Landscape Protected Area and Daugavas Loki Nature Park, objects included in the route: Naujene Local History Museum, Vecpils Hillfort, Dinaburg Castle Model and a nature path, Vasargeliski Sightseeing Tower, Markova Cognitive Path, Slutiski Old Believer’s Village and exposition “Slutiski Old Believers’ Rural Court”.

* “Polish Cultural Heritage in Daugavpils District”
This excursion gives an insight to the Polish cultural heritage in Naujene Parish, objects included in the route: Juzefova Roman Catholic Church and Juzefova Manor Park.

* “Slutiski Novels”
This excursion is an attempt to introduce the biggest values of Slutiski Village: the well-saved housing and Old Believers cultural heritage.

* “The Stone Dinaburg Livonian Order’s Castle”
This excursion introduces Vecpils Hillfort – the place where Dinaburg (Daugavpils) was founded; it is possible to walk by the nature path to the ruins and the model of the Dinaburg Castle, after the excursion – have a rest on the “Knights’ Glide” (“Bruņinieku laukums”) – equipped outdoor rest place.

Guide services:
7.00 € – thematic excursion out of the museum, for 1 object/route for a group from 1 to 35 persons

Additional information:
The Nature Information Center is located in the Naujene Local History Museum (Naujene, Skolas iela 1)

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