VALMIERA REGION’S TOP NATURAL GEMS AND MOST BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
Sietiņiezis is located 17 km from Valmiera. It is one of the most beautiful rocks in Latvia and the largest white sandstone outcrop in the Baltics. It is about 15m high and 400m long. The landscaped nature trail is circular and takes about 45 minutes to explore.
20 km from Valmiera lies Lake Burtnieks – the fourth largest lake in Latvia un arī viens no teiksmām un nostāstiem apvītākajiem Latvijas ezeriem. Burtnieks is one of the most legendary lakes in Latvia, but in appropriate weather conditions (most often in autumn and spring) it is possible to observe and capture a unique natural phenomenon – the northern lights. During the summer season, you can indulge in various water activities – swimming, boating or SUP boarding. The boat Made Marija also takes guests on trips along the lake. During the one-hour cruise, you’ll discover various legends and myths through the stories of an audio guide. You can go on a cruise both during individually offered public trips and group trips.
Lake Burtnieks is rich in more than 20 different fish species and licensed fishing is also possible here. Camping “Ezerpriedes” and camping “Ezerupe” offers an excellent opportunities for relaxation activities on the water and for fishing enthusiasts.
A popular destination for both locals and travelers is Skaņaiskalns Nature Park, located in Mazsalaca (50 km from Valmiera), in the most scenic part of the Salaca River Valley. Here stretches an approximately 3 km long loop-shaped nature trail featuring scenic outcrops of red Middle Devonian sandstone, caves, springs, and pine forests. The place of rest by the Skaņākalns cliff is also excellent for boaters. The trail is circular and takes about 2 hours to complete.
11 km from Valmiera lies Zilaiskalns, a scenically beautiful and historically significant site. There is a 38,5 meters high viewing tower at the peak of the hill, which offers a wide panoramic view of the Zilaiskalns nature reserve and the surrounding area. A 3.5 km long circular nature trail leads along the slopes of the mountain – Zilākalna Health Trail. At the foot of the hill is the Zilaiskalns Cultural history and visitor center, where you can get to know the history of the village, climb over the hill and look at the historical narrow-gauge railway locomotive with the help of virtual reality, buy souvenirs and get tourist information about travelling opportunities in Valmiera.
Nature reserve Seda Bog is an almost uninhabited area. As a result of peat extraction, a peculiar cultural landscape has emerged here, consisting of peat extraction fields, bog ponds and a narrow-gauge railway, which is used for peat extraction. You can get acquainted with the riches of Seda Bog by following the marked walking route, which consists of two separate circles – Jērcēni circle (4.5 km, GPS 57.7055987, 25.7001324) and Seda circle (4.1 km, GPS 57.6699587, 25.7514815 ).
In the bog ponds it is possible to fish from a boat or go on a recreational trip with it. The Laidavas farm provides rental of boats, SUP boards and sauna barrels
TOP PLACES WHERE TO EXPLORE AND TASTE THE LOCAL GOODS MADE IN VALMIERA REGION
Right on the outskirts of Valmiera lies the Valmiermuiža Craft Brewery, where you are warmly welcomed to taste the rich flavors of Latvian beer cuisine and take a guided tour* to witness the art of slow beer brewing up closeValmiermuiža storytellers will show how to make a delicious, natural, royal beer for a festive table from the deep waters of Valmiermuiža, full-bodied malt, noble hops and yeast. It’s important that even guests who have said “no” to alcoholic beverages have not only sights and experiences to savour, but also beverages to enjoy.
In Rūjiena (50 km from Valmiera), you’ll find the legendary Rūjiena Ice Cream Factory * – a beloved name both in Latvia and abroad. Here, you can not only treat your taste buds to a variety of ice cream tastings but also take a look behind the scenes of the production process and discover fascinating stories from the factory’s beginnings to the present day.
In the scenic territory of Gauja National Park (~20 km from Valmiera), on the shore of Lake Vaidava, you’ll find the ceramic workshop “Vaidava Ceramics” *. This Latvian design brand has deep roots, with its beginnings dating back to 1980. Here, beautiful and functional tableware is crafted from pure clay, combining time-honored craftsmanship with aesthetic simplicity. The ceramics studio offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for hands-on workshops, where visitors can express their creativity and shape something truly unique from clay. A concept store is also open to guests, featuring the full product range, along with a spacious summer terrace for relaxed enjoyment.
Near Lake Burtnieks (~20 km from Valmiera) lies a traditional Latvian farmstead with a rich history – “Adzelvieši” *. Several buildings have been preserved from earlier times, and throughout the homestead you’ll find displays of historical household items and farming tools. On the farm’s vast fields, hemp is cultivated, and using time-honored methods, hemp butter is produced from its seeds. You will be able to see a Latvian homestead, taste the hemp relish, participate in the milling of the town’s barley malt.
The organic farm “Ozolzīles” * (~8 km from Valmiera) is a family-run business that grows quince and rhubarb. The fruits and berries are processed into healthy and delicious treats – syrups and crispy snacks. The welcoming owners offer guided tours of the production facility, share insights into the freeze-drying (lyophilization) process, and invite guests to taste their locally made products.
* Visit must be booked in advance!
TOP PLACES FOR RELAXATION, ENTERTAINMENT AND ADVENTURE
The museum’s permanent exhibition “de Woldemer” takes visitors into the story of ancient Valmiera. Centuries-old history of the town and castle, worldview of the Valmierians of the past, the might of the Hanseatic merchants and the skills of the craftsmen meet there. Accompanied by a guide or individually, you are welcome to take a tour of the exhibition. The exhibition is available in Latvian, English, German, Estonian and Russian. The building of “de Woldemer” also houses Valmiera Tourism Information Center.
The Gauja river tram is a vehicle for entertainment and excursion trips along the Gauja, which on certain public times takes you on trips, allowing you to get to know the most significant sights of Valmiera from the main street of Valmiera – the river Gauja. Its home, as well as the only starting and ending stop, is a boat dock in the old town of Valmiera. The tram is run by a guide, who makes the lazy leisure trip more exciting, supplementing it with various stories about Valmiera.
The Park of Senses is located in one of the most picturesque spots in Valmiera, along the banks of the River Gauja. A walk in the fresh air along the pine-covered Gauja steep bank can easily be turned into an unforgettable adventure.
- The Net Labyrith is a fun and active attraction – a suspended net structure 4 meters above ground, with walls reaching 3 meters high
- The Trail in the trees is a 1.5 km long adventure challenge set 5 – 11 meters above ground, featuring four zip-lines across the Gauja River.
- The 2 km Barefoot Trail offers a pleasant range of sensations through foot massage on various natural surfaces, enhanced with balance and agility elements along the way.
- A special Children’s trail in the trees, suitable from the age of one (with adult supervision), features a continuous safety system, 9 obstacles to overcome, and 3 zip-lines.
The Wooden Sculpture Park in Beverīna is located 11 km from Valmiera and is a real paradise, where sincere laughter sounds and people’s eyes shine with joy in life. The 2.5-hectare open-air recreation park with more than 80 different large-format outdoor games and attractions, 5 labyrinths (the largest of which is available from the age of 18) and more than 370 wooden sculptures will appeal to both children and adults.
A Unique Exhibition in Valmiera – “Neonija.” Featuring 11 small rooms, each distinct with its own concept and visual style. Here, visitors can admire unique waterfalls and dripping paintings. The inscriptions on the walls of Neonija preserve a centuries-old love story, inviting guests to experience it firsthand.
Laser Tag is an active, team-building, and modern high-tech outdoor game offered in Valmiera Region by “Lāzertags Dubultprieks” (~5 km from Valmiera) and “Lāzerparks Shooter” (~11 km from Valmiera).*
* Visit must be booked in advance!
TAKE A JOURNEY OF TASTE – TASTE THE BEST OF LATVIA AND WORLD CUISINES OFFERED BY VALMIERA RESTAURANTS AND CAFES!
Check out the Restaurants and Cafés Guide HERE.
The Valmiera Ethnomusic Festival which will bring together those seeking authentic experiences, outstanding domestic and foreign ethnomusicians. This is the most ambitious ethnomusical event in Latvia – one of the rare annual events, the main emphasis of which is placing Latvian traditional culture in both a modern and international – world music – context.
EVENTS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE VALMIERA REGION
On July 5, the annual “Ķeniņa Tālivalža Festival” will take place in Trikāta parish, Valmiera region. The day will be filled with various cultural events, sports entertainment, and a market of local craftsmen and producers.
On July 4-6, the Naukšēni Festival will take place in Naukšēni parish, Valmiera region, where you can experience active, creative, fun, educational, beautiful and resounding traditions of celebrating local holidays.
On July 10th at 7:00 PM, celebrate summer by lake Vaidava, where the Latvian band “Rīgas Modes” will perform. Valmiermuiža summer terrace “Gardu muti” will provide delicious snacks and drinks, and there will also be an opportunity to rent SUP boards for a trip around lake Vaidava.
More tourism information: https://visit.valmiera.lv/en/