Name: Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”
Item: Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”
Author: Laura Stepiņa

The Nature park “Daugavas Loki” (the Bends of the Daugava River) has been established in 1990 in the valley of the Daugava River between Krāslava and Naujene to preserve the unique landscape, biological diversity of plants and animals as well as cultural and historical monuments in the midstream valley of the Daugava. The nature park comprises eight 4-6 kilometers long scenic bends or meanders of the Daugava River, believed to be the most ancient formations of the Daugava Valley in Latvia where the river has maintained its natural course. These bends are part of the “Augšdaugava” protected landscape area, which was declared a NATURA 2000 site in 2004 and included in the national list of the UNESCO World Heritage in 2011.

Objects to visit in the Nature park territory:

Naujene Local History Museum
Naujene Local History Museum for visitors offers an opportunity to explore the history, ethnography, and nature of Daugavpils district, get to know local outstanding artists, participate in art workshops, be involved into the Guinness World Record-setting by participating in Augšdaugava Big Quilt creation, as well as participate in various events organized by the museum.
Adress: Skolas iela 1b, Naujene, Naujenes pag., Daugavpils nov., T. 65471321, 29468988, 26532508, naujenesmuzejs.lv

Slutišķi Old Believers’ Village
The only Old Believers’ Museum of the cultural and historical heritage of Latvia, which is located in the authentic populated village. Slutišķi village reflects the traditional construction patterns of peasant housing. The village accommodates the Slutišķi Old Believers’ House – an open-air ethnographic section of the Naujene Museum of Regional History.
Adress: Slutišķi, Naujenes pag., Daugavpils nov., T. 26532508, 29468988

Dinaburga hiking trail
Located on the very bank of the River Daugava. The Naujene mound, which was inhabited since the 8th century, is considered the founding site of Daugavpils. Nowadays only ruins of the castle remained, but there is a stone model of this castle on the mound and a historical exposition about the castle in Naujene local history museum. The ruins of the Dinadurg castle, built-in 1275, and a miniature model of the castle (1997) can be seen on the mound. Nearby Dinaburg Nature Trail and recreation area “Knights’ glade” is located.
Adress: Vecpils, Naujenes pag., Daugavpils nov.

Jezupova (Juzefova) Manor Park
Jezupova (Juzefova) Manor Park was built in the 19th century in Dutch style and until the end of the 19th century, there was also a manor here. Nowadays only a small part of the park, which contains more than 100 different species of plants, has survived.
Adress: Naujene, Naujenes pag., Daugavpils nov.

Markova Cognitive Trail and Castle Mound
The scenic Markova Cognitive Trail, less than 2 kilometers long, will provide you with information about natural diversity and cultural and historical monuments in the Daugava Valley. From atop the Markova Castle Mound, you will be able to gaze at the Slutišķi Old Believers’ Village and the Daugava Valley.
Adress: Markova, Naujenes pag., Daugavpils nov.

Vasargelišķi Sightseeing Tower
Ascending the 21 m high sightseeing tower the visitors may enjoy beautiful sceneries and picturesque meanders of the River Daugava from a bird’s-eye view. On the left Rozališķi meander can be seen in all its glory but on the right – a view that was depicted on the 10 lat bill.
Address: Vasargelišķi, Naujenes pag., Daugavpils nov.

Priedaine Sightseeing Tower
The observation tower in Priedaine is one of the tallest wooden observation towers in Latvia with a height of 32 meters. Climbing the observation tower, you will find yourself above the forests, Krāslava’s wooden houses, and spires of churches located on the territory of the “Daugavas Loki”. In addition, it is surrounded by protected natural territory “Augšdaugava”. At the foot of the tower, a recreation place is equipped.
Address: Priedaine, Krāslava, Krāslavas nov.

Horse ranch “Klajumi”
Good place for those who love nature. In 2013, the farm was awarded by a label “Latviskais mantojums” (Latvian Heritage). The ranch offers horseback riding in the nature park “Daugavas loki” and in Latvian – Belarusian borderland, horse riding, and trips in the sled, in the summer on a cart, in the winter – on a sleigh, accommodation, and etc.
Address: Kaplava, Kaplavas pag., Krāslavas nov., T. 29472638, klajumi.lv

Accommodation in the Nature park “Daugavas loki” territory:

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Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”

Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”

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