“The active 100” is a route that takes you to Vidzeme highlands and the town of Ergli. Here you will experience an interesting variety of attractions, a few of which will be adventures outside your car. Let’s mention just a few of the things you will experience and see: impressive bridges on the former railway line Riga – Ergli, table and bench for giants, nature park “Ogres ieleja” (“River Ogre Valley”), bog walk in Lielie Kangari, the highest swing in Latvia and other, mostly not-so-well-known objects. The roads on this route will be very different too – some winding, some bumpy or muddy. An opportunity for the driver to show off some skills. If you have not been on the walking trails that we have included in this route before, they are definitely worth seeing.
Now the railway track, which was closed more than 10 years ago, looks like a straight, narrow, yet easy to drive on country road that crosses several railway bridges. The state of the bridges varies. The bridge over the River Little Jugla, near the former army town and ammunition depot Cekule, is in very good condition. It is used by pedestrians of the surrounding villages. You will also be able to get over the railway bridge near Kangari station, or one of the highest bridges in Latvia – the River Licupe bridge, but it will be impossible to cross the bridge that is just before the former Suntazi station. The buildings of the former stations are like sad companions of the past, and only a couple – Keipene and Ergli station buildings have a new – different purpose now.
This route will take you to the motorsport complex “333”, the bog walk in Lielie Kangari, where you can climb the viewing tower. You will also find a beautiful sand outcrop in the Kastrane forest on the shores of River Maza Jugla called “Laumu alas” (“Fairy caves”), you will drive up to Lake Plauzu, but from the observation tower in Dullais Dauka grove, you can enjoy the landscapes of the nature park “Ogres ieleja” (“River Ogre Valley”). If you dare to find the “Devil’s Ditch”, you will feel like you are standing by a fabled mountain river, because of the unusual pile of stones and the sound of water.
Lovers of manors and castles will also get their cultural fix: on the route you will see well-kept places, such as Zakumuiza Manor complex, Suntazi castle and Taurupe Manor, as well as some that have lost their former glory a long time ago, such as the once beautiful Vatrane Manor.
In the old Upespils manor barn your passengers will have the opportunity to taste the brews of the quirky “Indie Janis” craft beer brewery. Around 10-minute drive further up the road, in the “Supolu parks” (Swing Park) you can swing to your hearts content on the biggest swing in Latvia. But at the already mentioned Keipene railway station, enjoy the cinema related exhibition and unusual art installations in the environment around the station building.
You just have to choose what takes your fancy and let the adventures begin!
