Via Hanseatica landscape surroundings in Latvia

In Latvia Via Hanseatica covers beautiful and interesting regions of Vidzeme and Zemgale.

Vidzeme is one of the four historical territories in Latvia. It is famous for its beautiful nature, heritage relating to the history of civilization, and ethnical traditions.

In Vidzeme you can enjoy the picturesque beauty of rivers and lakes and see beautiful landscapes filled with forests, meadows, hills and lowlands. When visiting the castles and manors of Middle Ages you can feel the breeze of history. You will have a chance get to know many interesting facts about Latvian history, traditions and different life-styles.

The ancient towns, that each has their own charm, history and culture, are the bearers of important cultural and architectural heritage.

There are many places of interest in Vidzeme region, for example in the Cēsis district you will have a chance to visit the Līgatne Nature Trails, that were established in 1975 in order to protect the diversity of nature that is especially characteristic to Latvia. It is located in the territory of Gauja National Park. There are more than 5 km long trails running along the banks of the Gauja River and in the middle of wooded glens, where it is possible to observe wild animals and birds of the fauna of Latvia.

Gauja Nature Park was founded in 1973, and it was the first national park in the territory of Latvia at that time. It focuses mainly on nature protection but it is also used for educational and leisure tourism. Gauja Nature Park includes the Primeval valley of the Gauja River and together with its tributaries it forms a particularly original landscape. On the banks of the Gauja, Amata, Brasla and many other smaller rivers, there are the biggest Devonian outcrops in Latvia – sandstone cliffs, rocks and caves.

One of the many interesting places surrounding Via Hanseatica in Zemgale region is the Tervete Nature Park. Tervete is located near the border of Lithuania and is situated in the South-West part of Latvia, 20 km from the motorway Via Hanseatica. The Tervete Nature Park is one of the most often visited tourist destinations in Latvia, because it has unique and beautiful natural views, a landscape that is not typical of the Zemgale region, and both monuments of ancient and more recent history.

Find more information about Vidzeme region: http://www.vidzeme.com/eng.php