SKAŅAISKALNS NATURE PARK
Skaņaiskalns Nature Park is a 3 km long trail that covers the most beautiful section of the Salaca ancient valley with sandstone outcrops, caves, springs and a pine forest. Going along the trail, you can see such unusual natural formations as Vilkaču priede (Werewolf Pine), Velnakmens (Devil’s Stone), Enģeļu ala (Angel’s Cave), Sapņu trepes (Dream Stairs), Velna ala (Devil’s Cave), Skābumbaļļu (The Sour Vessel), Dwarf Trail (Dwarf Trail), Neļķu klintis (Carnation Cliffs), Velna kancele (Devil’s Pulpit) and Skaņaiskalns (Skaņaiskalns cliff).
The Neļķu klintis (Carnation Cliffs) are one of the most picturesque red sandstone outcrops in Latvia, which stretch along the right bank of the Salaca at a height of 20 m and a length of 300 m. A particularly beautiful view of the cliffs opens from the Velna kancele (Devil’s Pulpit). Once upon a time, white, fragrant sand carnations grew on the rock wall, from which the name of the rocks originated. In the 1960s, they were uprooted and considered extinct. The Rūķu takas (Dwarf Trail), on the other hand, expresses the idea of diligence and wisdom, symbolized by the active oak dwarfs and the owl in the Dwarf Oak, but the Vilkaču Priede (Werewolf Pine) is unusual for its twisted roots, which are associated with stories of people turning into werewolves.
No less magnificent is the Eņģeļu ala (Angels’ Cave), which got its name from the rocky outcrop, reminiscent of an angel’s wings. The most recognizable object of the park is the Skaņaiskalns (Skaņaiskalns cliff ), about 20 m high, which can be seen on the left bank of the Salaca and gives the strongest echo in Latvia, with the listeners facing the cliff and the speaker in certain places in the middle or behind.
The place of rest by the Skaņaiskalns cliff is also excellent for boaters
The trail is circular and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Entrance fee for the Skaņaiskalns Nature park:
- Adults: 3 EUR
- For schoolchildren, students, seniors: 2 EUR
- For preschool children, people with functional disabilities, upon presentation of a valid Latvian Honorary Family Certificate “Goda Ģimene” / “3+ Ģimenes karte” and residents of the Mazsalaca association: free admission
- Motor vehicle pass: 10 EUR
- Year pass for the residents of the Mazsalaca association: 5 EUR
Entrance tickets and passes can be purchased via the Mobilly app.
