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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A river-bank promenade was created on the right bank of the River Daugava alongside the fortress citadel in 2021. The total length of the promenade is around 1 kilometre, it goes on the upper level of the protection dam around the fortress.

The promenade begins in the place of a harbour where boats and floating bridge parts were kept in the 19th century, and ends near the historical water outlet where water is gathered from the entire citadel protective moat. It is possible to see the Fortress model in the harbour territory. In the central part of the promenade, everyone can see the original round-stone pavement that used to cover the whole protective dam and the passage till the floating bridge. Here also one of the historical wells is renovated that was used to pump water to the fortress water-main in the 19th century.

The fortress promenade is a great place for leisurely walks, to view fortress fortifications on both banks of the River Daugava, as well as to enjoy sunsets and slow flow of the river. A car and bicycle parking spot is available at each end of the promenade.

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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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Here it is possible to get acquainted with the natural diversity of the Augszeme highlands – geological formations, forest and meadow plants, to meet wild animals. The peculiarity of the trail is steep ups and downs, springs with clear and invigorating water.

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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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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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The recreation place “Latgales sēta” is located on the shore of Daugava River in Slutiski, Naujene parish.

This place was provided with the necessary infrastructure in order to take visitors, both local inhabitants and tourists, during the active holiday season.

This recreation place can be interesting for people of all ages, and not only adults but also children will find some activities here. Here was created also a playground for children, as well as the gates, which will only be opened in special cases, because the place is separated from a road. There was created also a walking trail.

Where it was possible, the materials of the objects were chosen from wood to be as close as it is possible to the surrounding environment, while one of the main and visible objects, the newly built stage, is made of concrete. This stage was necessary for the organization of cultural events, and if up to now the biggest cultural event of the district, the Festival “Augšdaugava”, has had problems with the placement of dancers and techniques, then these problems are now resolved.

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In Lielborne you will find an old park created on the terraces and a 2-kilometer walking trail. Illumination of the park in front of the owner’s house will lead you to the pond of the windmill and the waterfall. On historical places there were built leisure objects  with views of the ruins of the windmill, ponds, rapids of the River Borne and the Nature Park “Daugavas loki”. In the park of the manor you can see two centuries-old trees: oak and elm, as well as the eyes of visitors will also be pleased with a larch and an unusually beautiful pine. In the shade of old trees grow new decorative seedlings that harmoniously co-exist with the wild plants that grow here.

In addition to walking in the wide park, photographing or just meditating on the banks of the Daugava, you can also find active entertainment. There is a fascinating playground for children, a rope track for young people and a climbing wall. The most betting people will be able to compete in agility of walking on a slack line or on a street exercise machine. Guests of the manor are provided with bicycles, boating, winter quad biking, as well as horse riding, including equine-assisted therapy.

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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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The trail is located in Laucese parish of Daugavpils region 10 minutes drive from Daugavpils and 1.5 km from the guest house called “Pie vecā kalēja” that is situated at the road Daugavpils – Demene. The creating of this trail began with the oldest oak tree in the parish. There are two elms near this oak tree that create a unique monument of nature with other oaks. The trail meanders along the very well-conditioned elm wood and crosses 4 bridges over the ravine and creek. Legends says that once there was a hunting lodge of Count Engelhardt. Very impressive forests grew here 200 years ago. Another legend says that here is hidden chest with the light that sometimes surprises travelers.

Preliminary reservation required!

Entry fee:
Donations

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In the surroundings of Markova Mound, there is a 1.6 km long Markova cognitive trail. There are several objects located on this trail: Markova Cemetery, Markova Mound, Putānu Streem, Putānu Streem Boulder etc. There are a number of protected plant species, such as snowdrop windflowers and rolling hen-and-chicks.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge

Excursion offer “The Secrets of Augsdaugava” 
Naujenes novadpētniecības muzejs, +371 65471321, naujenesmuzejs@inbox.lv, www.naujenesmuzejs.lv
Preliminary reservation is obligatory!

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 €  excursion for a group from 1 to 35 persons.

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Dinaburg trail goes up and down to finally reach steep bank of the river Daugava, where Naujene (Vecpils) mound is located. By the way, this place is considered to be the founding site of Daugavpils. The ruins of the castle have been preserved, with the unique open-air model of the Dinaburg Castle. The object is located in the territory of Daugavas Loki Nature Park.

Trail offers a great opportunity to experience the knights’ environment – bridges,  springs, steep slopes, narrow paths, a true medieval spirit and magnificent nature. At the foot of the castle mound has been an old settlement. On the way back, after crossing the bridge, you will reach the place of the former Vecpils Cemetery marked by three white crosses.

The trail is about 1 km long. In 2016, the trail was restored. Upon climbing up and down (the total length of the stairs is over 300 meters!), You can take a breath and take a meal at the recreation area “Knights’ glade”, located near by.

Excursion offer “The Stone Dinaburg Livonian Order’s Castle”
Naujenes novadpētniecības muzejs, +371 65471321, naujenesmuzejs@inbox.lv, www.naujenesmuzejs.lv
Preliminary reservation is obligatory!

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 € for a group from 1 to 35 persons

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In 1999, a walking path was made by the inhabitants of Liksna village, every year this path is been extended. Everybody can see different creations made of stone, metal and wood while walking the path as well as find out that this path rode a horse Polish national hero – Emilia Plater, who used to live in Liksna in 19th century. Emilia because of her lifestyle and character was always compared to Joan of Arc. A portrait of Emilia Plater which was drawn by Sandijs Greiškalns is kept in a library of Liksna parish. In the park of Liksna manor a historic architectural monument – the chapel of Liksna manor, is located.

The park of Liksna manor is very popular among newlyweds. Thanks to LMT (mobile communication company) and a craftsman – Valērijs Konstantinovs, a new design object was put in the park in 2015 – “The Tree of Love”. Since then newlyweds can put a lock on it as a symbol of being unseparable during all their life.
Moreover, in Liksna village it is possible to get acquianted with village’s local history, visit inspiring church, enjoy different activities in the park and visit local craftsmen.

Entry fees:
Entrance to Liksna manor park is a paid service for tourist groups which includes guide services.

Available to visitors every day.

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The Svente walking trail is located several kilometers from Jaunsvente park, runs along Sventes lake. The network of walking paths with benches, rest and picnic places, gazebos, footbridges, viewing platforms and other infrastructure elements have been reconstructed on the landscaped trail. A parking for cars has been created.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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The park in Medumi is located near Medumi lake. In the park you can see a great variety of plantation – ashes, oaks, lindens, elms, scarlet dogberries, Daugava hawthorns, European spindles, balsam firs, European larches, Colorado sharp spruces etc.

Medumi Park is a popular place for relaxation – this is place for fishing and relaxation on the beach of Medumi lake, which is also available for people with reduced mobility. In the park is located 2 km long trail, which crosses the “Bridge of Love” and runs along the First World War trenches and the basement of the manor.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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