Blome combines a challenging circular hike along the Nigra with a reservoir in the centre of the village and several sites of cultural and historical interest. When planning your visit, you can choose to focus on a distinctive hiking route, activities by the water or Latvian cultural heritage. The hiking trails described provide a concrete comparison of distances; the Nigras taka is also explicitly rated as highly difficult.
Hiking trails along the Nigra and near Jeberleja
The Nigras taka is a circular hiking route approximately 7 km long. It starts at a bridge over the Nigra near the houses called “Janēti”. A red stripe on a white background marks the route on the trees. The starting point and trail markings provide clear guidance for anyone planning to hike this route.
The terrain defines the character of the Nigras taka: the route follows the river past steep banks, through ravines and by streams, with numerous bends along the way. There are also ascents, descents, narrow bridges and mud. The route is highly difficult. Both its approximate length and challenging terrain are therefore important when assessing it.
Near Jeberleja, two trails combine to form the Jeberlejas apļi, a route approximately 3 km long. In terms of distance, this means around 3 km near Jeberleja compared with around 7 km on the Nigras taka. These figures help you weigh up the route lengths; the explicitly high difficulty rating is an additional factor when choosing the Nigras taka.
Blomes Dzirnavezers
Blomes Dzirnavezers is in the centre of Blome village, near the cultural centre and apartment buildings. The lake was created in the late 18th century by artificially damming the Nigra. Its origins also give the lake a historical dimension: it is not just a place by the water, but part of Blome’s landscape history.
The lake’s southeastern section has a sports field and leisure facilities. There are several fishing spots and jetties along the shores, as well as a bathing area. This brings together a range of activities associated with the lake: sports facilities, fishing spots and access to the water. Visitors exploring Blome’s landscape will find a different focus here than on the challenging Nigras taka.
Cultural history and local places of remembrance
The Riņģi Assembly House bears witness to Latvian religious life in the 19th century. Every July, it hosts its own festival, Kambara svētki. The memorial stone to Ķikuļu Jēkabs is located near the building. He is considered the first Latvian poet and was a poet, weaver and practising member of the Moravian Church. The assembly house and memorial stone thus offer two different ways to explore local cultural history: through religious life and through a person associated with poetry and craftsmanship.
Blome’s Pasaku Oak is another local place of remembrance. It stands 1.3 km from the centre of Blome, beside the V232 road, has become a symbol of Blome and remains standing to this day. Another recurring cultural event is “Satiec savu meistaru” at Blomes Tautas nams, where it has been held for two decades. When planning your visit, you can therefore choose between a lasting natural monument, a place of remembrance and events with their own traditions.
Jeberleja: Open-air stage and campsites
The Jeberleja open-air stage was built as an old barn in the second half of the 20th century. There are volleyball courts and a grassy area beside the stage, suitable for a range of activities. A small pond with a bathing area and a jetty are nearby. Together, these features combine the stage’s historic form with spaces for exercise and spending time outdoors.
Spacious campsites are available near the open-air stage. If you are planning to stay in a tent, Jeberleja is a specific option to consider when choosing where to stay. The hiking trails, lake and cultural sites also offer a range of ways to tailor your stay in Blome to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Smiltene, Aumeisteri.
See the regional travel overview: Smiltenes Novads.
