What to see and experience in Smiltene if you’re joining the #BeActive hike
On 26 September, the #BeActive hike will take place in Smiltene, offering participants four exciting routes. The town of Smiltene is already prepared to welcome a large number of participants. As this will be the first visit to Smiltene for some of them, the Smiltene Municipality Tourism Information Centre invites everyone to discover some of the most popular tourist attractions in this charming and picturesque small town.
NATURE
The Old Park and Lake Vidusezers. A beautiful, well-maintained park on the shores of Lake Vidusezers and the River Abuls, featuring recreation and picnic areas, wooden boardwalks, fountains, small bridges and sculptures.
Lake Teperis and Promenade.The picturesque surroundings of Lake Teperis are a popular recreation area for both Smiltene residents and visitors to the town. Here you can see a dam with a waterfall and a floating fountain, which is illuminated in the evening.
Cērtene Hillfort. Cērtene Hillfort is the oldest surviving witness to Smiltene’s history. The surrounding area is wooded and hilly, with a dense network of trails. A picnic and campfire area is available at the foot of the hillfort.
Lake Klievezers. Lake Klievezers is especially popular with families with children because of its shallow beach, and the water temperature in the lake is generally warmer than in the other lakes in the town. A wooden boardwalk, sun loungers and a campfire area have also been created here.
Lake Niedrājs and the Forest Lakes.Located 5 kilometres from Smiltene, Lake Niedrājs is a popular recreation spot for both local residents and visitors, with well-maintained swimming and picnic areas. The surrounding area is especially popular with running, Nordic walking, skiing and cycling enthusiasts.
Lake Niedrājs is connected by canals to six forest lakes – Mellūzis, Salainis, Niedrītis, Bezdibenis, Zummersand Bezvārdis. The best-known of them, Lake Salainis, is famous for its distinctive geographical shape, as from a bird’s-eye view this small bog lake resembles the outline of Latvia.
Silva dendrological park. Silva Arboretum is a specially protected nature area of national importance, covering 15 hectares. Around 200 species of trees and shrubs grow in the park, and for several of them, this is their northernmost growing location.
Vecsautiņu avoti.Vecsautiņu avoti ir spēcīgu avotu grupa, kas izplūst nelielā pašu avotu veidotā baseinā. Tos neparastus dara nelielie, nemitīgi mutuļojošie balto smilšu krāterīši, kas veidojas ūdenim paceļoties no pazemes dzīlēm.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Kalnamuižas Complex and Teutonic Order Castle Ruins.The manor buildings were constructed between 1767 and 1771. Several buildings have survived, including the manor manager’s house, an ice cellar, a hunting lodge, stables, a silage tower, a granary with historic weather vanes, and the ruins of a Teutonic Order castle with a small cheese house.
Smiltene Evangelical Lutheran Church.Smiltene Church is the only church in Latvia built in a typical cruciform layout. It was consecrated in 1895 and has been granted the status of a cultural monument of national importance. The seal of the Smiltene parish church bears the year 1370, which is regarded as the year the parish was founded.
Smiltenes Stounhendža.Iecienīta apskates vieta, kas iesaukta par Stounhendžu, ir bijušās Smiltenes muižas šķūņa drupas, jo drupu siluets atgādina arheoloģisko pieminekli Apvienotajā Karalistē. Objekts atrodas privātīpašumā, tāpēc ikviens aicināts izturēties pret īpašumu ar cieņu.
Jāņukalns Open-Air Stage. Jāņukalns is one of Smiltene’s hills and is also depicted on the town’s coat of arms. During the summer season, open-air theatre performances, concerts and dances take place here. A festive procession from the town centre to the open-air stage has become a tradition during both the Smiltene Town Festival and the opening of the summer season at the venue.
ACTIVE RECREATION
“Annes laivas” – Equipment for Active Recreation. At Lake Teperis, visitors can rent SUP boards, pedal go-karts, roller skates, longboards, electric bicycles, pedal boats and rowing boats.
Go-Kart rental. At the Teperis Sports and Recreation Complex, visitors can rent go-karts and enjoy an exciting ride on the Smiltene go-kart track. Adult, children’s and two-seater go-karts are available.
Active Recreation Park “Smiltiņš”. The park features areas for both younger and older visitors, with slides, swings, a sandbox, trampolines, a zip line and other play elements, as well as a pump track for cycling.
BMX Track “Silvas Ziķeri“. The Silva BMX track has been operating successfully since 1993. “Silvas Ziķeri” is one of the oldest BMX organisations in Latvia. In 2024, a world-class start gate was installed. Next to the BMX track, there is also a pump track, outdoor fitness equipment and a street workout area.
You can discover more attractions in Smiltene Municipality on the website visit.smiltene.lv under the “DISCOVER” section.
Written by: Linda Kļava, Tourism Coordinator at the Business and Tourism Department
