TOURISM GUIDE 2013 - Smiltene

TOURISM GUIDE 2013The placeto grow up!More in the guide:Get to know the Smilteneregion through crafts, tasteand smell!„Trīssaliņas” invites you to explore the Nature – relaxationtrail and the cheerful „Baby zebra”Ezerlejas is preparingan annual sports event„SUPERFAMILY”pages 2 - 4The Smiltene Region’s BiggestCulture and SportsEvents of the Year 2013Matuļu nature trails invite you to theGlow-worm nighteventpage 4As the summer solstice is approaching, whichis the time of plenty, we experience the longestday and the shortest night of the year. Duringthe summer solstice one can physically feel howevery living being receives strength, flourisheswith unbelievable magnificence and generouslyshares it with everyone.On the Matuļi nature trails every living being receivesstrength and flourishes with unbelievablemagnificence before the summer solstice already,therefore the trail hosts wish to share it with others,inviting people to feel, experience and enjoyall of it on the 1st of June already during the„Glow-worm night” event.Matuļi nature trails will begin the approach ofthe summer solstice with this event, offering thevisitors an opportunity to create the „Glow-wormnight” lanterns with which they can go on an excitingadventure to the unbelievably magnificentcorner of the nature trails where everyone, just fora moment, will have an opportunity to become afirefly, to feel the smell and taste of the approachingsolstice, to dedicate time for fortune tellingand different interesting activities.Let’s welcome the solstice together!The number for inquiries:+37129396137. www.draugiem.lv/bilskaThe new „Nature trail” will be interesting for children as well as adults. In the trail, which is around400 m long there are more than 30 sculptures of wooden animals, which you will need to findwith the help of a special map, marking the check-points on the map. There is also a little arbourwith several interesting games for the whole family and an amazing place for children’s parties.Once you have walked through the Nature Trail, we invite you to go within the wideTrīssaliņas territory to go on an exciting and rapturous ride with „The Baby Zebra”. No-one will bebored here, everyone loves it! On the way you will be able to climb the viewing point, but whilstthe children will be having fun in the playground, the parents will have an opportunity to go fora relaxing ride with a boat or catamaran.Looking forward to see you again, already from May!The numbers for inquiries: +37126536637, +37129477124. www.trissalinas.lvPaulīna school offers to enjoy a school day frommore than 30 years ago!The guesthouse „Oāze” invites youto enjoy the ball attraction.With the beginning of the new tourism season,the guesthouse “Oāze” will offer excitingwater ball attractions to children and adultsas well as joyful and active groups of friends,where the whirling in a ball on the surface ofthe water won’t let you get wet and will bringfun and adventurous emotions to everyone.This will also be an ideal gift to children aswell as to adults who love active adventurousactivities and fun. Price 5min/1Ls.Come and enjoy the water balls and experiencefun and unforgettable moments!The number for inquiries: +37129619602.www.smiltenesoaze.lvIn the Vizla surroundings, Paulīna school, the formerSpaliņi School in the Grundzāle parish Smilteneregion has again started to work, which allowsevery visitor to get a feeling of being a pupiland to return to the past – to a time more than30 years ago. The pupils of this school have anopportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and feelingof the school in those times – to participate indifferent lessons – to write difficult dictations, tolearn songs, participate in physical education andto get prepared for the line parade. Prove yourselfas a hard-working pupil and you will get anopportunity to even get into the line of pioneers.It is an exciting adventure for excursion groupsof up to 20 persons within one hour, especiallyfor those who have actually lived through thesekinds of school times themselves.For further information on this exciting adventure,visiting times and prices, please call the directorof Paulīne school Dace Ozoliņa on telephone:+37126401913 or the Smiltene region TourismInformation Centre on telephone:+37164707575.In the middle of last year, in the „Ezerlejas” restinggrounds, the first sports event for families„Superfamily” took place, which was organisedby the hosts of Ezerlejas themselves. Eventhough the number of participants wasn’t toobig the first time, the hosts of Ezerlejas are hopingthat every year more and more familieswill join who wish to participate in sports activities;enjoying their day and fighting for themain award – the title of „Superfamily”.In the new season this event will take place onthe 14th of July, and every family wishing toenjoy sports activities, get to know other activeand energetic families and spend a nicetime in nature is warmly welcomed to join.Of course in Ezerlejas there is an everyday opportunityto get to know different exotic andlocal birds and animals and taste home-madeproduce together with a guide. The visitors ofEzerlejas can enjoy the accommodation, picnicand bonfire places, tent places as well as saunasand swimming area. There is a playgroundfor children, a volleyball field and other attractions.The fishermen can catch fish in ponds,where carps, crucian carps, cat-fish, trout andsturgeons are reared. There is a shop on-site,where you can buy natural cosmetic and householdgoods which are made in Latvia.We welcome families as well as groups and individualvisitors!The numbers for inquiries: +37126357959,+37129140178. www.ezerlejas.lv

The first dayWalk from 1 Smiltene city centre along Gaujas Streetdown to Jāņu hill, then along Atmodas Street past Lazdukalnshill. Then up Raiņa Steet until the road takes you toGet to know the Smiltene region through crafts, taste and smell!but in this case it is better to agree on it in advance withthe workers of the coffee-shop.Prices: pizza~2.00-3.50 Ls, coffee~0.60-2.00 Ls, cocktails~0.60-1.20Ls.After that go bowling.7Ls/1h, the visiting time ~2-3h, advanced booking. With anadvanced booking you will also have time to purchase thetasty bread rolls.When the evening comes, go to the nearby „Kalbakas”homestead.(A 3 dayroute)5 Bowling (Baznīcas square 2, Smiltene, Tel.: +37164707445)Here you will have a chance to compete for less, as on7 Homestead „Kalbakas”, rabbit visit (Kalbakas, Smilteneparish, Tel: 37129465018, +37129257467; www.kalbakas.lv)a very tiny street with a beautiful name – Ābeļu (Apple)Street. At the end of it, encircled by the forest, you will seea nice recreation area – the „Oāze” guesthouse.2 The „Oāze” guesthouse, flower garden, rabbits andwater balls (Ābeļu Street 4, Smiltene, Tel.: +37129619602,+37164774653; www.smiltenesoaze.lv)It has very beautiful surroundings with different flowers,ponds and ornamental shrubs. In the pond one can observegreen frogs which sit on the lily pads and of coursepay a visit to our four legged friends – the rabbits. They livein a big fenced garden – „rabbit city”. You can cuddle therabbits and feed them with bread given by the hosts. Youcan also eat yourselves in the coffee-house of the guesthousewith home-made food, to gain energy for the rest ofthe journey. Here you can also swing, enjoy the water ballsand if you wish – also stay overnight and have a relaxingsteam-bath in a Latvian style sauna.The visit to the flower garden and the rabbits ~ 1h, 0,50Lsper person, including the rabbit treat, the water balls5min/1Ls. The visit should be booked in advance.Near this beautiful resting place Cērtenes hillfort can befound, so go and look at it. Walk through a pine tree forestalong a little trail up to Drandu Street where there is an informationstand beside the parking place and the Cērtenehillfort trail.3 Cērtenes hillfort and nature trails (located in theSouthern part of Smiltene city, tel..: +37129577078 (guide services)).This is a nice place for resting in nature, as several trailshave been created here, but you will definitely like thehealth trail the most with different nature elements andinteresting tasks. Once you get to the Cērtenes hillfort, youwill see wonderful scenery above the canopy of the widesurroundings and Pilskalna (Hillfort) meadow, where thereis a facilitated recreation and picnic place, aswell as an arbour. In order to get there, climbdown the hillfort along the stairway built on theslope. As Cērtenes hillfort is the oldest historicalplace in Smiltene and it has been announced asa national archaeological object, it holds manyexciting secrets, which our guide will help youto unfold.Excursion with a guide ~ 2h, agreed price, advancebooking.When walking back to the city centre, definitelydon’t walk past the coffee-chop „Mūza” withoutpaying a visit.4 The musical coffee-shop „Mūza” (Baznīcassquare 16, Smiltene, Tel.: +37164707235,+37120241040; http://www.mkmuza.lv/)Here you will be able to order and enjoy pizzaswhich are made according to a true Italian recipe,charming both big and small eaters withtheir smell and taste. You will also have a chanceto taste amazing ice-cream cocktails and cakes,sip some tea or coffee and get to know Smiltenecity through the historical photos on thewalls, as well as enjoy the quirky interior and differentsouvenirs and gifts which can be boughtthere. Children will have an opportunity to dosomething creative or to play in the play corner.You can also organise children’s parties here,working days from 12:00-18:00 a family bowling game ischeaper than during the later hours of a day or on otherdays. Before the game don’t forget to put on the specialbowling shoes, which you are able to rent on site. Each ofyou chooses your own ball to bowl down the track in orderto knock down the skittles. Play and play until you will findout who is the winner.Price for a bowling game on working days: 3-10Ls/1h, therent of bowling shoes 0,80Ls.Continue your trip by car to get to know Smiltene manorcomplex and its exciting offers.6 Smiltene manor complex, German Order hillfort,meeting Smiltiņš and trying the tasty bread which hasbeen baked in the prince Lieven bakery (Kalnamuiža,Smiltene parish, Tel.: +37127887933 (Gunārs Auders – the excursionguide), +37126393523 (Jānis Valdmanis – the baker),+37164772173, +37126556681 (hotel „Kalna ligzda”); http://www.smiltenestehnikums.lv/)Once you get to Kalnamuiža you will see the Smiltenemanor complex which has been taken good care of, setwithin beautiful trees and plant life, as Prince Pauls Lievenstarted the creation of a progressive household in his time.Here you will meet Smiltiņš – the talisman of SmilteneTechnical College, who will show to you the manor house,stables, barn, hunters’ house, and cheese house – the onlyone preserved in Latvia. Then the manor greenhouses andGerman Orden castle ruins which have preserved fromSlimtene castle, which was built in the 14th century bythe Riga archdiocese. You will visit the canteen of the college,the hotel „Kalna ligzda”, which offers cosy rooms foraccommodation, have a meal prepared with love, sauna,and during the winter season – equipment rental. Togetherwith Smiltiņš you will go to the Prince Lieven bakery toenjoy the bread making process according to ancestralmethods and listen to the stories of the master to tastethe baked loaf. Here you will have an opportunity to tastefine rye-bread, kite bread and white bread, as well as finesweets and special jams from the madam. To relax, sit fora while next to the fountain to enjoy the peace and harmony,which is characteristic only for this place, where thespecial energy makes you come back again and again.Excursion and degustation price in the bread bakery 1.00Ls per person, excursion and degustation price with participationin the bread making process (up to 10 persons)2,50Ls per person, excursion with a guide in KalnamuižaThis is a peaceful and cosy place near Smiltene for wonderfulholidays together with family. There are 14 rooms foraccommodation. In the upper floor of the big house thereare double and triple as well as family rooms. The hosts offera small kitchen where you can cook your own meals.You can also cook outside where there is a bonfire placeor on the grill, and for eating you can move to the outsidetables and benches.But if you don’t want to bother with cooking, ask the hoststo pamper you. Even the small guests of Kalbakas homesteadwon’t be bored – they will have a nice sandbox toplay in, a swing to swing on, and they will have a chance tolook after, cuddle and feed the friendly rabbits and chicks.„Kalbakas” have thought about every guest – big and small,the ones who wish to enjoy a sauna and sports activities,cyclists, nature children and party lovers. Every one of youwill have an opportunity to rest according to your owntaste and to find something amazing to do!Not far away from Kalbakas homestead there is NiedrājaLake, which with its surroundings is a perfect place for restin the nature. Use the chance to rent bicycles from Kalbakasand go for a little evening ride, but when you comeback, enjoy a real countryside sauna before you go to bed.Check the prices on the website or by calling on the telephone,mentioned above.8 Niedrāja lake and surroundings is a place wherethose who orienteer, cyclists, skiers, Nordic walkers, fishermen,swimmers, berry and mushroom pickers often goto regain their energy as the lake is very close; around fivekilometres from Smiltene city centre. This place loves localsas well as the guests of our region so you will definitelylove it. There are facilitated swimming areas on the sides ofthe lake, dressing rooms, a picnic place, tables and benches,bonfire places as well as toilets. You can get to the lakeby easily accessible roads which go through the pine treeforest. There are three labelled cycling trails of differentlengths and difficulty in the surroundings of the forest withsome information stands. As this territory is maintained byLatvian State Forests, it is always very clean and tidy.Take care that you leave everywhere clean and tidy. Let’stake care of nature!The second dayIn the morning go to „Bābēni” farm.9 „Bābēni” farm, herbal teas and medical plants(Bābēni, Bilska parish, Tel.: +37129287084)It is organic farming, which offers excursions and lectureson growing medical plants, spices, the processing ofplants, tea-making and use for everyday life. You will beoffered tea degustation. Definitely try Blue Cornflower tea.You will also see some domestic birds and rabbits in thefarm.Visits all year round ~ 1-2h, price 1Ls per person; lecture~3h,price 1,50Ls per person, advance booking.Then go to Matuļi family, they will definitely surprise youwith their nature trails.10 Matuļi nature trails (Asari, Bilska parish, Tel.:+37129396137; +37129431118)The total distance of the Matuļi nature trails is around 1650metres. While walking along them you will see around 150formations, which have been joined by new ones. You willhave a feeling that you are on the same trail, but it is dividedinto 9 smaller ones, where each of them carry theirown story – the Fantasy trail, Giant trail, Klucis Konstantīns(Log Konstantins) trail, Viewpoint, Saknīšu trail (Roots trail).At the end of the trail there will be a facilitated playgroundand picnic place as well as tent places.The visit of the trails, excursion with a guide ~2h, donationbased, advance booking.Nearby to the trails is Mēri manor, in which the Smilteneregional museum is found, which offers interesting and excitingexcursions, so make sure you visit it as well.11 Mēri manor and Smiltene regional museum (Mēri,Bilska parish, Tel.: +37129227562)Here you will see Mēri manor castle, which was built in theyear 1905 in the style of eclectic romance with little towerswhich give it an aged look. In the manor premises SmilteneRegional Museum can be found, which offers the chance tosee a very wide collection of medical items, wooden itemsand crafts, different photos and evidence on the history ofBirzuļi primary school as well as some old and importantbooks. The historical items are placed in different rooms –The hall of Personalities (Personību zāle), the Gallery of Antiques(Senlietu galerija), the Crafts Room (Rokdarbu istaba)and even the doctor Ilzes Krūmala’s study. On the last Sundayof every month different themed events take place here.The price for the visit to the manor and the museum ~1-2h,advance booking.3.12 Grundzāle nature trail (Tilta Street 1, Grundzāle, Tel.:+37126401913 (guide)When arriving to Grundzāle, you will have an opportunityto quench your thirst in the Grundzāle sacred spring, towalk the nature trail along the rapid flow of Palsa River foralmost the length of one kilometre, enjoying birds chirrupingand discovering special limestone-dolomite exposures.If you sit on the comfortable wooden benches for a whileand observe the birds, you might be lucky enough to seethe blue kingfisher. This is Palsa as you have never seen itbefore!As the evening approaches you will need to think whereto spend the night. I suggest you to go to the beautifulrecreation and sports complex Trīssaliņas, which is locatedin a wonderful place on the lakeside, not far away fromGrundzāle and towards Aumeisteri.13 Recreation and sports complex „Trīssaliņas”(Threeislands) (Trīssaliņas, Grundzāle parish, Tel.: +37126536637,+37129477124; www.trissalinas.lv)Here you will be able to choose your own island with a nicelog house where you can stay. You will have your „own island”,we have several of them here. We also have a guesthouse, celebrationhalls, other houses and lots more things. You can havea lot of fun playing in the children’s playground and go to thenature trail to look for wooden animals and overcome obstacles.You can also go fishing and if you have managed to catchsomething, have an opportunity to smoke it in the smokehouse.One can do sports in sports fields or have a chilled ridein a boat on the lake. You can also experience a real „black sauna”and after steam-bathing and patting yourself with birchtwigsyou can refresh yourself in the lake. If you wish to seethe sunset, the best place to do it is from the viewpoint. As theevening becomes dark, you can light the bonfire and talk withyour family over what you have experienced and seen duringthe day. But then you do need to go and have a nice sleep, asthe new day will bring new adventures.Look for the prices on our website or by calling the telephonenumbers indicated above.continued on page 4 ►2 3

The third dayIn Trīssaliņas as the wildlife awakens, you can slowly climbout of bed too and enjoy this beautiful nature place a littlemore before you head off to the next destination – Launkalniwhere different birds and animals will be awaiting yourarrival.sembles our country - Latvia. And if you are lucky, there willbe clouds, clouds.... It is a fantastic adventure.Excursions and flights need to be booked in advance andcheck the prices by calling on the telephone number indicatedabove.Once you are on the land again, take the road towardsBlome to enjoy the land of goats, created by Muižniekifarm.12Catering12Accomodation14 Ezerlejas farm (Ezerlejas, Launkalne parish, Tel.:+37129140178- Guntis or 26357959-Evita; www.ezerlejas.lv)18 „Muižnieki” farm, yeanlings, goats and horned Billy-goats,cheese (Cerieši, Blome parish, Tel.: +37126863259;+37164772563)3344565On the Ezerlejas guided tour you will see different types ofpheasant and other birds, feed ostriches and get to knowthe big fallow-deer family. You will be able to have fun withthe dwarf goats of Cameroon and the Netherlands, as wellas get to know the two Soay sheep and other animals. Youcan catch different fish in the ponds, swim, enjoy the sauna,as well as take a rest in the facilitated English type houses.You can treat your tummy with products made at thefarm and buy them in Ezerlejas shop. You can have a nicetime on the big swing, play in the playground, play somevolleyball and have a picnic on the island.Get more information on visits and prices on the websiteor by calling on the telephone; excursion in the territorytakes ~1h.A lot more surprises are awaiting us, so let’s get on the roadagain. On the way to Blome, the road will again take youthrough Smiltene city. Here, be sure to visit the NationalDecorative Arts Studio and visit the Brūzis hotel.15 „Smiltene” National Decorative Arts Studio(Atmodas Street 2, Smiltene, Tel.: +37126765927)„Muižnieki„ farm is one of the biggest goat breeders in Latvia,where one can see the industry leading contemporarygoat milking and milk preserving technologies. Here youcan cuddle the little baby goats, talk to them and showrespect to the horned ancestors – the bucks. If agreed inadvance, the hostess will make some cheese for degustationand to take-away.The excursion and degustation should be booked in advance,visit 1Ls per person, visiting time ~ 1-1.5h.In „Donas” homestead one can enjoy a real bread makingprocess and have a tasty meal so be sure to visit this placeas well.19 „Donas”-homestead culture-educational program„Bakery” (Donas, Blome parish, Tel.: +37126425426, http://maizesdarbnica.blogspot.com/)Here you can visit ,,the Bakery”, where you will have a78910111267891310The main activity of NDAS „Smiltene” is weaving, crochetingand knitting. The crafts women make different things– Vidzeme stripy blankets, pillows, scarfs, shawls, rugs, linentowels, table cloths, table linen, gloves, socks etc. You canalso see a little exhibition of the works, as well as the workprocess and the tools. You will have an opportunity to tryout weaving on the loom, to try on the shoulder scarves orother things, as well as purchase them for remembranceas a gift.The visit will take around 1h, it is free, book in advance.16 The park hotel „Brūzis” and Smiltene cider factory(Brūža Street 2, Smiltene, Tel.: +37164773708; www.hotelbruzis.lv)In the hotel Smiltene cider factory can be food, which offersexcursions to get to know how wine and cider made ofLatvian nature produce is made in Smiltene. The adults willhave an opportunity to taste and purchase the produce totake away. You can also taste and purchase the wine in thecoffee-shop of the hotel. Here you should definitely takeadvantage of the opportunity to have a real Latvian meal.The hotel also offers accommodation in facilitated rooms,a sauna and other Services.Excursions in the cider factory and the Latvian meal needto be booked in advance; the visit takes ~ 0.5-1h, price 2Lsper person.In order to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views over Smiltenecity and region you need to go to Rožkalni.17 „Rožkalni” farm, visit the farm and fly in the clouds(Rožkalni, Smiltene parish, Tel.: +37129193642)„Rožkalni” farm mainly does farming (rapes, rye, barley,wheat, caraway, and clover seed growing and forest exploitation).The hosts don’t only offer excursions aroundthe farm, but also flights with a pilot in a plane which isflown by the Rožkalni host himself. You will have the opportunityto see the Smiltene Evangelic Lutheran churchfrom above, and notice that it has been built in the shapeof a cross. You will also see the lake with a shape that re-chance to participate in bread making according to ancestraltraditions; to see how you make bread from thekneading dough, how it is scalded, kneaded, and put inthe wood heated bread oven. You will make bread rolls onmaple leaves and take them home as a gift to your lovedones. Nothing can be better than a warm slice of breadmade on the hearth with homemade milk, bacon, butter,honey or jam. You can really fill your belly in Donas! Youcan also order all kinds of real Latvian countryside goods,grain-sausages and roasts here and if you wish there willalso be „17 types of cheeses” and „one little piglet”. Here youcan also enjoy the sauna and have a wonderful sleep.Book the visit in advance; check the prices on the websiteor by calling on the telephone number indicated above.The Smiltene Region’s Biggest Culture and SportsEvents of the Year 2013DATE EVENT PLACE03.03 Folk-race, Latvian Automobile Federation Cross commission cup Smiltene01.04 Smiltene region competition for little vocalists „Cālis 2013” Smiltene28.04Latvian autocross championship for passenger cars stage 1;NEZ and Baltic Buggies CupSmiltene01.05 “top!” street relay-race Smiltene12.05 SEB MTB Cycle marathon Smiltene25.05 The opening of the summer season at Jāņukalna open-air stage Smiltene26.05 Smiltene Open Championship and the “Small prize” in orienteering sport Smiltene01.06 Charity campaign „White, white is my heart” Smiltene15.06 Smiltene city festival Smiltene20.06 Latvian Championship in individual cycling Smiltene22.06 Latvian Championship in group cycling Smiltene23.06 Midsummer festival in Smiltene Smiltene20.07 „Apvedceļš” schlager-music festival Smiltene28.07 Veloprofs MTB Cycle marathon Smiltene03.08 Smiltene region celebration Grundzāle18.-25.08 “Baltic Chain Tour 2013” multi-day cycle race Smiltene24.08 Smiltene region sport celebration Grundzāle24.08 The end of the summer season at Jāņukalna open-air stage Smiltene25.08 NEZ autocross and the 5th stage of the Latvian autocross championship Smiltene07.09 International javelin-throwing competition “Smiltene-Valga Javelin Cup’2013” Valga06.10 National run “Smiltene circles ‘2013” Smiltene31.12 The New Year’s event in Smiltene city centre Smiltene(Some changes to dates may occur; please follow the information on the Smiltene District Council website www.smiltene.lv !)Smiltene Region Culture DepartmentDārza Street 11, Smiltene, Smilteneregion, LV-4729T.: +37164774884, F.: +37164707583kultura@smiltene.lvwww.smiltene.lvwww.draugiem.lv/smiltenesnovads141516Smiltene region Tourism Information CentreDārza Street 3, Smiltene, Smiltene region,LV-4729T/F.: +37164707575tourism@smiltene.lvwww.smiltene.lv11121314151617Pictograms, symbolsfor accomodationBar, Restaurant, CafeCateringSeminars, ConferencesRooms for celebrationSaunaWaterbikes, BoatsBicyclesHorse ridingSkiingFishingSports groundsTent placesPicnic placesPossibility to swimJacuzzi, TubThe year 2013The publisher – Smiltene District Council in collaboration withregional tourism entrepreneursPrepared by – Smiltene Region Tourism Information CentreLayout – SIA „Arteum”Published – SIA „Dardedze hologrāfija”Photos: A.Bērtiņa, M.Mūze, V.Paeglis, D.Matule, S.Veismane, as well as photosfrom the archives of Smiltene District Council and TIC and tourism entrepreneurs.