A nature trail begins at a dolomite arch bridge over the Vizla, built in 1834, and follows the river’s meanders to its confluence with the Gauja. The one-way trail is 1.2 kilometres long and lies in the specially protected Ziemeļgauja Nature Area. The lower reaches of the river also feature geological points of interest: outcrops extend for more than a kilometre along both banks between the Vizla Bridge and the confluence. The landscape includes rapids, low waterfalls, a spring, a stone island and Žākļu Diabas Stone. This natural stone is 3.4 metres high, 6 metres long and up to 3.7 metres wide.
River Valleys, Cliffs and Forests
Another natural monument is Raunas Staburags, a rare, cliff-like travertine deposit. It formed from calcium carbonate deposited by calcareous spring water and water from a spring fen. The most prominent escarpment is 3.7 metres high and 17 metres long. The site is a Natura 2000 nature reserve in Rauna Parish, Smiltene Municipality. A dedicated nature trail leads to Raunas Staburags; it can be slippery in the rain.
The Gaujiena Nature Trail follows the Gauja and introduces visitors to the natural values and diverse habitats of the protected Ziemeļgauja Landscape Area. It is 6 kilometres long, but can also be explored in shorter sections. The Gaujiena Pines Nature Reserve has stands of pine trees that are 150 to 180 years old; the area also protects several bird species. It is located in Gaujiena Parish, Smiltene Municipality. Small forest paths are used for walking, running, cycling and skiing.
Several other routes showcase different types of landscape. The Launkalne Nature Trail follows the meanders of the Rauza through natural meadows; its facilities include a picnic area, outdoor exercise equipment and a brick bridge over the Ruņģu stream. The Tilderi Nature Trail leads through a river valley with a dolomite escarpment, former quarries and lime kilns. Its loop runs for 2.3 kilometres along the Gauja; the return route by road is 1.7 kilometres long. There is a small rest area and a staircase down to the Gauja at the end of the route. In dry months, the Randāti Nature Trail can be connected to the Tilderi Nature Trail by crossing the Gauja. Check the crossing conditions on site.
History and Culture Along the Way
Buildings and historic sites are also among the discoveries to be made in Smiltene Municipality. The Gaujiena Manor ensemble is an architectural monument of national significance. The Kalnamuiža manor complex stands on the steep bank of Vidusezers. Several manor buildings and the ruins of a castle of the Teutonic Order have been preserved there. The castle was built in 1370; today, fragments of the walls can be seen on the steep slope by the lakeshore. The manor buildings and the remains of the castle stand side by side as distinct parts of the complex.
The Jāzeps Vītols Memorial Museum “Anniņas” presents the life and work of composer Jāzeps Vītols. A walk through the particularly picturesque surroundings of Anniņas Park takes visitors to eight stations with musical instruments that are freely accessible. The Smiltene Municipality Museum has exhibitions on the medical history of Smiltene Municipality and Birzuļi Primary School. Whether you are interested in music, local history or architecture, you will find a variety of cultural points of interest.
Walking and Cycling at Your Own Pace
The route lengths help you choose the kind of outing that suits you: the Gaujiena Nature Trail is 6 kilometres long and can be explored in shorter sections; the Tilderi route offers both the short one-way section and the loop described above, with a return by road. On a longer scale, four sections of the Mežtaka long-distance hiking trail—numbers 12, 13, 14 and 15—pass through Smiltene Municipality. Section 13 runs from Gaujiena to Trapene through remote forests, past large bog areas, through open agricultural landscapes and along the Trapene larch avenue.
Cyclists can choose from three marked LVM routes from Smiltene that pass through forests, along lakes, over hills and through valleys. They are described by different lengths and levels of difficulty: an easy route of about 10 kilometres, a moderate one of about 20 kilometres and a challenging one of about 30 kilometres. Along the way, the cycling routes pass designated picnic and rest areas, several swimming spots and places of interest. Choose between a shorter cycling trip rated easy and longer, more challenging routes.
Discover more destinations: Smiltene, Aumeisteri, Blome, Mārupe, Rūjiena Municipality, Aloja Municipality, Dundaga Municipality, Jēkabpils.
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