Smiltene Municipality: Holiday Rentals between Nature and Culture
Rauna Staburags is a rare, cliff-like travertine deposit formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from calcareous spring and spring-marsh water. It is a Natura 2000 nature reserve in the Rauna parish of Smiltene Municipality. The most prominent cliff reaches a height of 3.7 metres and a length of 17 metres. Rauna Staburags can be visited via a dedicated nature trail; in rainy weather, the trail may be slippery.
Nature
“Gaujienas priedes” protects pine stands that are 150 to 180 years old, as well as several protected bird species. The nature reserve has small forest paths and is used for walking, running, cycling and skiing. Another geological landscape can be found at the Kalamecu–Markuzu Gorges. They are nationally significant, geologically protected sites comprising canyon-like gorges, waterfalls and dolomite outcrops. Seven waterfalls have formed in the bed of the Kalamecu stream.
The lower valley of the Vizla contains rapids, low waterfalls, a spring, a stone island and the Žākļu Diabas Stone. The outcrops in the lower reaches of the Vizla extend for more than one kilometre along both banks between the Vizla Bridge and the river’s confluence with the Gauja. The Žākļu Diabas Stone is 3.4 metres high, 6 metres long and up to 3.7 metres wide.
Along the Gauja, the Gaujiena Nature Trail passes through the protected Ziemeļgauja landscape area and showcases its natural values and diverse habitats. The route is 6 kilometres long, although shorter sections can also be chosen. The Launkalne Nature Trail follows the bends of the Rauza River and passes through natural meadows. It includes a picnic area, outdoor exercise equipment and a masonry bridge over the Ruņģu stream.
Trails and Activities
Smiltene Old Park and Vidusezers offer developed paths for walking, Nordic walking, cycling and inline skating. The Tepera Promenade has opportunities for walking, cycling and inline skating, swimming areas, outdoor exercise equipment and beach volleyball courts. Outside opening hours, the Smiltene Municipality Tourist Information Centre provides tourism information in a box next to the entrance door.
Four sections of the long-distance Mežtaka hiking trail – sections 12, 13, 14 and 15 – pass through Smiltene Municipality. Section 13 runs from Gaujiena to Trapene through remote forests, past extensive marshlands, through open agricultural landscapes and along the Trapene larch avenue.
Cērtene Hillfort is considered the oldest witness to Smiltene’s history and a fortification of fortress type. The wooded and hilly surroundings of Cērtene Hillfort are criss-crossed by a dense network of paths suitable for walks and sporting activities. There are also paths for sledding in winter, as well as a picnic area with a fire pit.
Culture and History
The Gaujiena Manor ensemble is an architectural monument of national significance. The Kalnamuiža manor complex is located on the steep bank of Vidusezers. Several manor buildings and the ruins of a castle of the Teutonic Order have been preserved within the complex.
Kalnamuiža Castle was built in 1370; today, only individual fragments of the walls remain on the steep slope along the shore of Vidusezers.
Water Landscapes
Two sections of the Palsa are identified as suitable for canoeing: from Krustakmens to Ūdrupe and from Variņi to Palsmane. The approximately 8-kilometre Krustakmens–Ūdrupe section passes through scenic landscapes with large erratic boulders and golden sandy areas. At higher water levels, rapids form in the rocky sections.
The section of the Rauna from the Rauna mills to the V187 road (Rauna–Valmiera) is considered the best stretch for canoeing.
For further regional selection, see the local pages for Smiltene, Aumeisteri and Blome.
For the broader travel overview: Latvia.
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