Valdemārpils lies on the shore of Sasmaka Lake. The water and the town’s history offer different ways to shape your stay: you can spend time by the lake, plan a walk or explore the town’s historic sites. A gentle circular trail provides a clearly measured walking option.
Sasmaka Lake: Shoreline, Recreation and Fishing
Sasmaka Lake is 7.2 kilometres long and has an average depth of 6.4 metres. A road bridge crosses the lake at its narrowest point, extending Raiņa iela. It is described as the only bridge of its kind in Latvia. The beach has a bathing area, campsites and various opportunities for active recreation.
Fishing and stand-up paddling are also among the activities available at the lake. Thanks to its variety of fish species, Sasmaka Lake is a popular fishing spot; a fishing permit is required. Check the current fishing rules before setting off. Walle group rents SUP boards in the centre of Valdemārpils by Sasmaka Lake. Check availability before your visit.
An Easy Circular Trail for a Walk
The “Valdemārpils – liepziedu pilsēta” walking trail is an easy six-kilometre circular route. It takes approximately two hours. You can include it in your day’s plans as a walk in its own right; the stated time is a guide, not an exact schedule.
Church and Memorial Sites
Valdemārpils Lutheran Church was built in 1646 as a small, single-nave rectangular building with a bell tower. It preserves an original altar with the central painting “The Last Supper,” as well as a wood-carved pulpit. The altar and pulpit date from the mid-17th century. The church is a nationally significant architectural monument and can be visited by prior arrangement.
Valdemārpils was named in honour of Krišjānis Valdemārs. He studied there and worked as a teacher from 1835 to 1845. The monument to him was unveiled on 18 November 1993 and was created by sculptor Dzintra Jansone.
Jewish Heritage and the Town’s Earlier History
The former Valdemārpils synagogue at 1 Ezera iela was built around 1830. In the 19th century, the Sasmaka synagogue complex included a synagogue, a ritual slaughterhouse, a ritual bath and the rabbi’s residence. The Jewish cemetery on Dzirnavkalns, with its gravestones, is a memorial to Valdemārpils’ former Jewish community; burials took place there until 1940.
Place names also point to earlier times. Dzirnavkalns takes its name from a mill that stood there until 1960. The upper floors of the mill once offered a view towards Sasmaka Lake. Valdemārpils lies on the Dupurkalns castle hill; its elevation is given as 47 metres.
Tree and Park at Sasmaka Manor
The Sasmakas Elku Linden stands in a park at the end of Liepu iela, in front of the former Sasmaka Manor. Its trunk circumference is eight metres, and its age is estimated at 350 to 400 years. Its location, circumference and estimated age give this tree a distinct place among Valdemārpils’ natural and historical highlights.
Find a Hotel in Valdemārpils
These highlights offer different ways to plan your day. If you would also like to visit the Lutheran church, arrange your visit in advance; check SUP board availability ahead of time.
Discover more destinations: Strazde, Dzedri, Aklaisciems, Jaunpagasts, Lielvirbi, Ģibuļi, Sukturi, Pastende.
To the main travel overview: Talsu Novads.
