Discover Zaķi: Forest Trail, Nature and Zvārtava Castle

Zaķi is a rewarding destination for anyone who wants to combine nature experiences and culture on a trip. The Forest Trail shapes the surrounding area with several distinct sections: one route ends in Zaķi, while another continues from there via Zvārtava and Gaujiena. Other highlights include the protected landscape area “Ziemeļgauja”, the four Kokši Lakes and Zvārtava Castle with its museum.

Nature and landscape along the Forest Trail

The section of the Forest Trail ending in Zaķi lies within the protected landscape area “Ziemeļgauja”, which is also a Natura 2000 site. The route therefore passes through a landscape that offers nature-oriented travellers a clear thematic focus. Another distinctive feature is the Cirgaļi dune massif, which the route crosses from north to south.

The four Kokši Lakes are also among the prominent natural attractions along the Forest Trail. The route leads to them; they are located about 4 km from the Spicu Bridge. If you want to focus your trip more strongly on landscapes and trail experiences, this information can play an important role when planning the individual stages. The different landscape elements – protected area, dune massif and lakes – give a stay in Zaķi several distinct focal points.

Two Forest Trail sections for different daily itineraries

Section 11 of the Forest Trail runs from the Spicu Bridge to Zaķi. It uses small forest roads, paths and gravel roads, creating a varied route. There are no services along this section in Zaķi. Hikers should therefore plan their logistics and overnight accommodation in advance. Especially when travelling with several people, it makes sense to coordinate the choice of a holiday apartment or holiday house with the planned route section and your own daily itinerary, rather than relying on spontaneous offers on site.

The subsequent Section 12 follows the Zaķi–Zvārtava–Gaujiena route. This makes it possible to combine orientation along the Forest Trail with additional places and a cultural destination. The Smiltene–Gaujiena bus connection links Zaķi with Aumeisteri, Zvārtava and Gaujiena. This connection is relevant to your arrival and local travel planning if you do not want to consider the destinations mentioned exclusively via the hiking trail.

Zvārtava Castle and Museum

Zvārtava Castle was built in 1881 and is a state-protected cultural monument of national significance. The castle houses the museum of the Latvian Artists’ Union. The castle therefore complements the nature experiences along the Forest Trail with a cultural and historical focus. Anyone who wants to combine different interests on their trip can allow separate time for the Ziemeļgauja landscape and the castle, rather than focusing their stay on just one activity.

The specific course of the trail also makes Zvārtava a clearly recognisable landmark: 1.5 km after Zaķi, the trail leaves the Sēļi–Vireši road (P23) and follows a small country road towards Zvārtava. Zvārtava Castle appears at the end of a long tree-lined avenue. This description helps you incorporate the transition from the road section to the cultural destination into your route planning.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Zaķi, you should first decide whether the focus is on the Forest Trail, the lakes and the landscape, or on combining nature with a visit to the castle. Anyone planning Section 11 should take the lack of services along the section into account and organise overnight accommodation and logistics well in advance. Those who want to include several destinations around Zaķi can also incorporate the bus connection and the course of Section 12 into their plans. This means that a holiday apartment or holiday house is chosen not just by place name, but according to the itinerary you actually want to follow.

Other places for your travel plans

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Zaķi, here is a concise overview: Turna, Ērģeme, Omuļi, Valka.

For the higher-level travel overview: Valkas Novads.