Ape – a Town that Inspires
Welcome to Ape!
You are currently in the northeastern part of the Vidzeme region. It’s just a few kilometers from the Estonian border.
Ape is one of the smallest towns in Latvia, covering an area of 2.52 km². Although it is a very small town, it has a unique energy. In Ape, you can experience both the values of the past and a modern, active lifestyle.
The people of Ape are very warm and hospitable. They strive to make their environment more beautiful and better. Here, you’ll truly feel all of that! This special atmosphere is most vividly felt during the Ape Town Festival, held annually on the last weekend of August. Both locals and visitors can enjoy a joyful celebration during this event.
Ape has a very active cultural life. The local residents call the small-town Cultural Center the “Palace of Light” of this town. It hosts various events throughout the year. At the Crafts House, you can learn both traditional and modern skills. In this way, Ape’s ancient traditions are passed on to future generations.
In spring and autumn, cross-border fairs take place in Ape. These are impressive festivals of culture and trade, offering the chance to explore both Latvian and Estonian traditions.
Ape will also be interesting for sports enthusiasts.
For example, the legendary motocross event “Vaidava Cup” has been held for over 50 years at the Ape motocross track, named after Arvīds Levans. It brings together the fastest motocross riders from the Baltic States. Ape also hosts an MTB cycling marathon, popular with both professionals and amateurs. In this marathon, participants can complete a route as long as 100 kilometers. Motorsports, volleyball, BMX and other sports are also popular among people from Ape.
Ape also has a vibrant business community.
Entrepreneurs are mainly active in agriculture, forestry, home-based production, and trade, as well as in providing transport services.
The town of Ape is proud of its younger generation.
These are young people who return to Ape after their studies and go on to establish modern and competitive businesses.
The people of Ape are responsible and caring.
They are always ready to help others. For example, the newly built fire station is home to brave firefighters and emergency medical staff, who work daily to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Education is very important in Ape.
The town’s youngest residents begin their learning journey at the preschool “Vāverīte.” They then continue at Dāvis Ozoliņš Ape Primary School. In the surrounding area, children and young people also have access to sports, music, and art schools. In Ape, youth can spend their free time in meaningful ways—singing in choirs, performing traditional dances, participating in the youth guard, various projects, or activities at the local youth center.
In Ape, you can enjoy both the historical charm of the town and its beautiful natural surroundings.
Head to Pasta Street to feel the town’s history! Take a walk along the Vaidava River nature trail to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. There is also a cycling and walking route in Ape that leads all the way to Estonia. This tourist trail was developed on the former railway line as part of the Latvian-Estonian cooperation project “Green Railways.”
Ape is constantly evolving.
The town offers its residents a modern dental clinic, a library, a café, various shops, and a recently opened gas station.
We hope you will feel the spirit of Ape!
Feel Ape as a town where people live with heart and soul. Feel Ape as a place where people love their work, their families, and their homeland!