Route No. 18 “Northern Border”

Price
€29
Price
€29
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Route No. 18 “Northern Border”

  • Route: Ainaži - Ipiķi - Rūjiena - Naukšēni - Ērģeme - Valka
  • Duration: 1 day (8 - 10 hours)
  • Length: ~ 180km
  • Sights: 26
  • Requirements: appropriate clothing and footwear for walking in nature, as well as personal identification documents in the border area.
  • Difficulty level of the route: can be done with a passenger car, with some OPTIONAL parts of the route requiring an off-road vehicle. During spring, autumn, or extreme weather conditions, some parts of the road may become challenging, so please rely on the actual situation and, if necessary, use alternative routes to reach the next sightseeing spot.

We invite you to explore Latvia’s northern border! You will have the opportunity to observe how life on the border has changed over the centuries. You will see how people have changed their borders and, for example, built railways in the sea. You will have the opportunity to visit various mills – both water mills, windmills, and mechanized mills. You will also have the chance to see and compare how the Livonian Order protected its borders compared to the USSR.
You will be able to visit different churches and schools and learn how they can be so different! Along the way, between abandoned homesteads, the most observant will also notice a restored traditional Latvian-style sample homestead. There will also be a chance to stretch your legs on a bog trail! And perhaps you will also be able to test your and your car’s limits on a challenging stretch of road!
Do you know what your limits are?

Important things about the route:

  • Beautiful unspoiled nature of Northern Latvia.
  • Forests, rivers, remote places free from crowds.
  • The fate of churches and schools.
  • Bridges of various types and designs.
  • Opportunity to test your and your car's abilities in slightly challenging sections.
  • Opportunities to relax in Salaca and its tributary coast recreation/picnic areas.

You get:

  • The best sights on the route
  • Route map
  • Objects descriptions
  • Route in gpx format
Photo
Route description

Northern border

The northern border of Latvia conceals many historical testimonies and various historical pearls. On this trip, we offer you a look at the different fates of churches. You can get to know different types of mills and their stories as you head along the boundary rivers. Nowadays the border area seems quiet, but once here life melted. The border developed and maintained the economy, exports of goods took place, people taught, attended churches, active public life took place.

Church stories

Latvia’s northern border holds many historical evidence and various historical gems. In this journey, we offer you to get acquainted with various church destinies. You can travel along the borderlands, discover various types of mills and their stories. Nowadays, the border area seems quiet, but in the past, life was bustling here. The border developed and maintained the economy, exports of goods, people studied, visited churches, and there was an active public life.

The invisible

Latvia has always been interesting to various great powers. Many have tried to rule here and call it their own, and each has left their marks in Latvia’s history. You will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the ruins of the Livonian Order Castle, where interesting historical events took place. The castle’s defense plans can still be found in the Stockholm War Museum. You will learn where the city was hidden in the city and how during the Soviet era, they hid an entire military city from the civilian population.

Natural values and traveler's responsibility

We want to remind you that part of the route’s roads are located in a protected area, and you should treat nature gently wherever you go. We ask you to take everything you have taken to the forest back with you. We wish you an exciting and memorable car journey along Latvia’s northern border!

Map

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