Vacation apartment in Valles Parish: Bogs, culture and Valle

Nature

Seržu tīrelis is an important protected area for bog forests, which are considered a priority habitat of European importance. Protected plant species such as stāvlapu dzegužpirkstīte and plankumainā dzegužpirkstīte occur there. Species listed in the EU Birds Directive that occur in this area include the black stork, pygmy owl, black woodpecker and osprey.

Dūņezera purvs is also characterised by its bog landscape: The raised bog is relatively open and flat and is surrounded by a bog forest. The habitat types listed under the EU Habitats Directive include intact raised bogs, transition mires and quaking bogs, as well as bog forests. Vāveres ezers, in turn, is an important protected area for the species spilgtā purvuspāre. In addition to the lake, the area around it includes the surrounding transition mire and wet black alder forests.

Aklais ezers has low, flat and peaty shores. The Vitkopupīte carries the water from Aklais ezers towards the Daugava. Thus, various forms of bog, forest and water landscapes shape the scenery of Valles Parish.

Culture

The Aktieru Amtmaņu muzejs preserves the history and family roots of the actors and directors Teodors Amtmanis and Alfreds Amtmanis-Briedītis. The permanent exhibition covers the Amtmaņi family, their lives and their work in theatre. Every year on 5 August, the director’s birthday is commemorated in the museum garden: the event includes a church service in Valle and celebrations in the museum garden.

Pētermuižas skola opened in 1878 and served as a school until 1964. Today, it is a local architectural monument. The two-storey building has an elaborately decorated balcony; the gables at both ends of the façade are adorned with skilfully crafted stone reliefs depicting a winged angel.

The cemetery of soldiers who fell in the First World War lies in Taurkalne Forest near Reizeni. It is enclosed by a moss-covered earthen rampart and a brick wall at the entrance. The cemetery contains a granite monument and four concrete slabs bearing the names of the fallen. The graves are dated 1915–1916; according to the inscription on the monument, 17 German and 29 Russian soldiers are buried there.

A fragment of a high defensive embankment has been preserved at Valles muiža. It belonged to a hydraulic defence system with drawbridges and a lock system that was constructed at the end of the 16th century. The historic complex at Valles also included a Dutch-style park, excavated ponds, the manor owners’ crypt and a wooden church. The rectory was built at the end of the 18th or the beginning of the 19th century.

Routes and experiences

The Reizeni–Taurkalne route provides opportunities for cycling tours to sites and objects of cultural and historical significance. It runs through Taurkalne Forest and offers health-promoting and informative walks. Here, nature and culture follow the same route in a shared course.

The Vallbrieži fallow deer park is open to visitors. Vallbrieži offers individual photo shoots and guided group excursions accompanied by a responsible person. At Vallbrieži, visitors can get to know fallow deer, walk with them and feed them oats and apples.

Visiting

An audio guide about Valles Parish is available through the “izi.travel” app. The Lutheran church of Valle and its viewing tower can be visited by prior arrangement.

For the overview of the wider destination: Vecumnieki Municipality.