This time, our destination is Gaujiena.

As usual, participants can choose between a shorter or longer route, exploring scenic trails of 7 or 18 kilometres. Hikers can set off individually or join a group led by local storytellers to discover more about Gaujiena Parish.

The longer route will take hikers from Gaujiena Manor Complex to Zvārtava Castle, the lake, and “Lauri” Farm. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the rooms of Zvārtava Castle, which house hundreds of works of art and fascinating stories from the past. Admission to the castle is €5. At “Lauri” Farm, hikers will be able to purchase hot drinks and a delicious, hearty “Hiker’s Energy Bowl”. Please note that only cash payments will be accepted at both locations. The second half of the longer route will lead past the Jāzeps Vītols Memorial Museum “Anniņas” and continue along the Gaujiena Nature Trail.

The shorter route will wind through Gaujiena, taking hikers past Baznīckalns (Church Hill), the open-air stage, the manor complex, the ancient hillfort, the nature trail, the Jāzeps Vītols Memorial Museum “Anniņas”, the “Lauvasmute” spring, and other beautiful sights.

At the end of both routes, participants will be treated to a bowl of hot soup.

The hike starts at 10:00 at Gaujiena Manor.
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Advance registration for the hike is required by 22 October. You can register using the online registration form or by calling or sending a message to +371 29395200.

The event is part of the hiking series “Smiltene Municipality – A Place to Discover”, which introduces two new hiking routes in a different parish of Smiltene Municipality every month throughout 2026. After each event, the routes remain available for everyone to explore at any time. The previous nine events have already attracted approximately 1,200 participants in total.

See you in Gaujiena!

Written by: Rūta Brakovska, Tourism Coordinator, Business and Tourism Department