IN ENGLISH

Detaļas: Parādīts Pirmdiena, 21 Aprīlis 2008 18:22; Autors Inga Barinska

Bānītis – NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY

The only general usage narrow gauge railway line in the Baltic States. For transportation, they use 20^th century diesel-electric locomotives and wagons.

This railway is approved as national culture monument.

Banitis offers opportunity to drive with narrow gauge train every day. It is also possible to order special services and organize corporative events.

Accomodation and guide services available.

Address: 15 Viestura Street, tel: +371 64473037, 20228884, e-mail: Šī e-pasta adrese ir aizsargāta no mēstuļu robotiem. Pārlūkprogrammai ir jābūt ieslēgtam JavaScript atbalstam, lai varētu to apskatīt. , www.banitis.lv

Vecgulbene manor

Near to destroyed Castle of Riga archbishop, in 17^th century a manor started to develop. From 1802, manor belonged to baron von Wolff family. It contains two castles – White, wich is one of the greatest examples of Neo-renaissance architecture in Baltic states and the Red, built in Neo-gothic style. Both castles are surrounded by park with beautiful sceneries and ponds. Today manor houses a four star hotel “Vecgulbene Manor”.

Excursions with guide are available every day from 10:00 - 18:00.

Address: between Brīvības, Rēzeknes and Parka Street, Gulbene, ph.+371 64474800, e-mail: Šī e-pasta adrese ir aizsargāta no mēstuļu robotiem. Pārlūkprogrammai ir jābūt ieslēgtam JavaScript atbalstam, lai varētu to apskatīt. , www.baltapils.lv,

Gulbene Evangelic Lutheran Church

Built in 1838 – 1843 in Classical style. During World War II bell tower was destroyed, the organ and altarpiece were lost too. Until nowadays Gothic style oak altar is preserved (the second half of 19^th century), pulpit and rostrum (18^th /19^th cent.). Monument to M. Luther.

Address: 15 Brīvības Street, Gulbene, ph. +371 26516480

Gulbene History and Arts Museum

Gulbene History and Art museum is located in Vecgulbene Manor conservatory. It was founded in 1982. The collection of museum exceeds 50 thousand units. Museum offers information about history of Gulbene, a lot of expositions, exhibition in Vecgulbene Manors granary and excursions in town or district.

Working Hours: Weekdays: 10:00 – 16:00, Saturdays: 10:00 – 13:00.

Address: 10 Brīvības Street, Gulbene, ph. +371 64473098, e-mail: Šī e-pasta adrese ir aizsargāta no mēstuļu robotiem. Pārlūkprogrammai ir jābūt ieslēgtam JavaScript atbalstam, lai varētu to apskatīt. , www.gulbenesmuzejs.lv

Youth’s (Swan) park

Is situated in the very centre of the town. Fountain and the sculpture "Swans" designed by J. Zariņš, has become a symbol of the town.

Address: between Rīga, Līkā, O. Kalpaka and Ozolu Street, Gulbene.

Lejasciems Culture Historical Heritage and Tradition Centre

Is situated in the building where the novelist and philosopher Zenta Mauriņa (1897 – 1978) was born. Visitors are offered permanent expositions: Zenta Mauriņa `s memory exposition, ''Lejasciems old work tools and household goods," "Lejasciems local history explorers'' .

Address: 18 Rīgas Street, Lejasciems, Lejasciems village, ph. +371 64473660

Beļava manor

One of the oldest master’s dwelling houses in Gulbene district that is preserved until nowadays. The castle was rebuilt to house a school in the 1920's. Initial interior decoration design is preserved in some rooms, park with monument dedicated to the master `s favourite horse.

Address: K.Valdemāra pamatskola, Pilskalns, Beļava village, ph. +371 64400858, +371 29157775

Stāmeriena manor

The castle is built in 1820^th and reconstructed in 1835. During revolution of 1905 the castle was burnt down. In 1908 it was renovated rebuilding heavily with historic traits. It is surrounded by Landscape Park. In 1930^th Italian writer, the author of novel “Cheetah” Gusepe Tomazi di Lampedusa lived in the castle. He was married to the owner of the manor baroness Alexandra von Wolf.

Address: Vecstāmeriena, Stāmeriena village, ph.+371 64492054, +371 29468334, e-mail: Šī e-pasta adrese ir aizsargāta no mēstuļu robotiem. Pārlūkprogrammai ir jābūt ieslēgtam JavaScript atbalstam, lai varētu to apskatīt. , www.stamerienaspils.lv

Stāmeriena Snt. Alexander Nevski Orthodox church

Building of the church began in 1902 on June 29th but it was finished and consecrated only in 1904. Four onion-shape cupolas decorate the church, also a slim bell tower above the main entrance. In both higher tower crosses there are mountain crystals caste in situ. Restoration of the holy church was finished in 2004. Now church looks as beautiful as in former days.

Address: Vecstāmeriena, Stāmeriena village, ph.+371 29187527, +371 28389893

Litene manor

The castle is built in the first half of the 19^th century analogically to Wolf family house in Jaunlaicene. In 1920's castel operated as a school. Landscape Park with expressive lime alley surrounds the beautiful castle on the banks of the river Pededze. Ambit - several manor buildings – servant houses, laundry, stable, barn etc.

Address: Litene, Litene village, phl.+371 26395383, +371 29269823

Pededze floodplains

In spring floodplains of the river Pededze overrun in vast area and the places stay flooded all summer. This provides perfect conditions for wading birds, great snipe, for instance. There is a high density of nesting birds in the plains. Bog owl is noticed and several pairs of small eagles are feeding there. In June in the evenings You can listen to nighthawk. Wild horses and cows are among the inhabitants of the meadows.

Address: Litene village, ph. +371 26467087

Latvian Army summer camp place

Name Litene is forever connected with tragic destiny of Latvian Army officers. In the riverside of picturesque Pededze, during Latvia independence time, there was Latvian Army camp. There was cut firebreak, bored wells, built wooden barracks and kitchens, and wooden structure bridge across Pededze, but nearby – modern firing-ground.

In 1941 when the Soviet Army occupied Latvia remorseless repressions against officers and soldiers took place there. Every year on June 14^th remembrance events are organized.

Address: Kordona, Litene village, ph. +371 26395383, +371 29269823

Jaungulbene manor

Since 1806th the manor has been property of Kārlis von Tranzē. The castle is built in Neo-Gothic style. Front yard is decorated with pond and boulder gate. Landscape part with small architecture forms: Devil’s gate, Bee House, signpost, obelisk etc.

Address: Jaungulbene, Jaungulbene village, ph. +371 26239247, www.jaungulbene.lv

Tirza Evangelic Lutheran church

Tirza Evangelic Lutheran Church is the oldest church in Gulbene district. It was built by following the design of architect Siegel. It was sanctified in 1826. The church has got Classical obverse decorative finishing.

Address: Tirza, Tirza village, ph. +371 64497640, +371 29132713

Lizums manor

Lizums Manor belonged to Tīzenhauzeni, but after them Medums leaded it. Manors most luxurious building is castle that was built in the middle of the 19^th century in Historical style with an octogonal tower. Inside wooden decoration works were done by A. Knock who also did interior design of the Blue (Hunting) hall. In 1936/37 school was arranged in the castle and it is still there. In the proximity – manor buildings: stable, barn, servant houses, etc.

Working Hours: All year, previously applying

Address: Lizums, Lizums village, ph. +371 29167399, www.lizums.lv

Wedding museum

In the only Wedding museum in Latvia, you can see different wedding attributes, starting from song sheets till bride dresses. Everyone, who visits this museum, has a chance to add something from their wedding to this collection.

It is possible to organize different events.

Working Hours: All year, previously applying.

Address: “Rubenes”, Lizuma civil parish, tel. 371 29492964, Šī e-pasta adrese ir aizsargāta no mēstuļu robotiem. Pārlūkprogrammai ir jābūt ieslēgtam JavaScript atbalstam, lai varētu to apskatīt. , www.kazumuzejs.viss.lv

Velēna Evangelic Lutheran church

Church is built from boulders in Neo – Gothic style. There is still preserved the Gothic equipment from 19^th century in the church interior – altar, pulpit, organ prospect. Organ made in Zauers company in 1898 still delights church visitors with their beauty and sound.

Address: Velēna, Lizums civil parish, tel. +371 64430483, 26380209

Rutkaviņu springs

On the left bank of the river Gauja, approximately 800 m lower the house „Sējatām”, 5 km to the north of Ranka. The springs flow out of a 25 m high incline of the Gauja coast and flows into 2 springs. The longest lean is 20 m and it has formed a high-pitched glen.

Address: Ranka village.

Ranka manor

Construction started in 18^th – 19^th century. The castle was built approximately in the middle of 18^th century and was extended many times. In 1920^th domestic science school was founded. In 1986 and 1990 fire destroyed the castle. Servant houses, sheds, barns, gardener `s house, “brewery” and other buildings were preserved. Landscape park with ponds and dendrologically significant species of plants surrounds the manor. Renovation works are started.

Address: Ranka, Ranka village, ph. +371 29435542, 26474409

Druviena old school - museum

Druviena Old School – Museum provides unique opportunity to attend the Latvian countryside school of the 19^th century end - 20^th century beginning . You can explore classroom, bedroom and room where bread boxes were kept. Museum also shows ethnographic exhibition which reflects the life and work of Druviena inhabitants, since 19^th century

Working Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 9:00 – 15:00, Sunday 10:00 – 13:00, Monday, Tuesday – closed.

Address: Druviena civil parish, tel. +371 26473671

“Silmači” – open air stage, museum

In 1986 specially for the play “Skroderdienas Silmačos” (dressmaking days in Silmači) by R. Blaumanis an open air stage was built. And with that – also a museum showing expositions on the beloved theatre performance. By dressing in hstorical costumes museum gives You the opportunity to enter into the spirit of the characters of play.

Working Hours: Wednesday – Saturday from 10:00 - 14:00

Address: “Silmači”, Druviena village, ph.+371 26184864

Cycling route "Trough North Latvia and Southern Estonia" (click to the map cover to download 7,41MB)