Plācis offers several distinct reasons to visit: events at the cultural centre, a monument in the town centre and a boat route starting from the town. Baukalna adds a historical perspective with a medieval cemetery and church site in Straupes parish. The themes differ in focus and location, so you can consider culture, remembrance and time on the water separately when choosing where to stay.

Culture at the cultural centre

Concerts and theatre performances take place at the “Straupes pagasta Tautas nams” cultural centre in Plācis. The programme also includes educational seminars and cinema evenings. It therefore features both stage events and educational and film formats. If you are planning your stay around a cultural event, you can choose the format you want: a performance, seminar or cinema evening. Check event dates before travelling if a particular event is important to your plans.

A monument in the town centre

The monument to the Liberators of Northern Latvia stands in the centre of Plācis, right beside the bus stop. It is dedicated to the Liberators of Northern Latvia from the Battles of Cēsis in 1919 and was unveiled on 8 November 1931. The two years refer to different things: 1919 marks the battles, while 1931 is the date of the unveiling. This distinguishes the historical event from the date the monument was unveiled. The bus stop by the monument is a landmark in the town centre; if travelling by bus, please check current services.

Baukalna: a medieval site in Straupes parish

The medieval cemetery and church site of Baukalna lies near Baukalni in Straupes parish, on the right-hand side of the Valmiera–Riga road. As an archaeological monument of regional importance, it is listed in Latvia’s State Register of Protected Cultural Monuments. Its historical context differs clearly from that of the monument in the centre of Plācis: Baukalna represents a medieval site, while the monument commemorates the battles of 1919.

Boat route from Plācis to the Brasla estuary

The boat route from Plācis to where the Brasla flows into the Gauja is 28 km long and is listed as taking eight hours. It therefore takes up more time than a short visit to the town. Water levels and conditions can affect the actual duration. Allow for this flexibility if you want the trip to be the main focus of your day. Planning for the route differs from planning for a cultural event: the route depends on distance, duration and water conditions, while the cultural centre depends on the specific event date.

Tastings and practical information

For groups, the Straupe Dairy Cooperative in Plācis organises tastings and introduces visitors to its work in milk production and processing. This combines tasting with an insight into the cooperative’s work. If you are planning a group tasting, confirm the current options and dates for your group before travelling.

There is free parking in the centre of Plācis. If you are driving to the town, you can factor this parking option into your arrival plans.

Discover more destinations: Stalbe, Straupe, Lielstraupe, Auciems.

View the main travel overview: Pārgaujas Novads.