Vidzeme

Vidzeme (sometimes Livonia) is a region in northeastern Latvia, bordering Estonia.

Destinations

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Cities

• Cēsis GPS 57.313305,25.271352 – One of the nation's oldest towns. It has an impressive castle complex of Livonian Order origin, a charming downtown with some cobblestoned streets, and historic wooden buildings.
• Ligatne GPS 57.233721,25.039789 – A village fairly well known for its nature trails, with a great natural park with wildlife animals and "fairy tale" forests with characters from famous Latvian fairy tales. Nearby, also an old Soviet bunker complex can be visited, which was built in case of a nuclear war.
• Madona GPS 56.851726,26.218395 – A scenic town surrounded by hills, forests and lakes, and a winter sports centre.
• Seda (Latvia)|Seda GPS 57.650435,25.750989 – Founded in 1953 in an uninhabited area, it still embodies the pomp of Communist and Stalinist shock-work aka architecture. Nearby a vast man-made peat bogs nature area can be found, and is not to be missed. Both occurrences are historically tied to each other.
• Valmiera GPS 57.538025,25.422837 – Features the only professional theatre in the region, castle ruins, a medieval church, a famous brewery, and is the start of the Gauja National Park.
• Alūksne GPS 57.172402,26.748688 – A summer holiday destination with Lake Alūksne, recreational activities and start/destination of the only narrow gauge railway in the Baltics
• Gulbene GPS 57.172402,26.748688 – A small town with the only narrow gauge railway in the Baltics, to/from Alūksne.
• Strenči GPS 57.626924,25.692294 – Features a mental hospital in a nice surrounding.
• Valka GPS 57.776024,26.022332 – A unique town on the Estonia|Estonian border, which runs through the town centre, creating Valga on the other side. It is close to regaining the status of an important cultural centre.
• Smiltene GPS 57.426830,25.898754 – Features a manor, some castle ruins, and a watch tower over the surrounding area. Not very interesting, but quite cosy and slightly larger than Valka, and not far from the Pskov highway.

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More Destinations in Vidzeme

• Cesvaine GPS 56.969346,26.312751 – A small town that is home to the eclectic 19th century See|Cesvaine Palace, and ruins of medieval castles. The oldest palace in the nation, its magnificent landscapes of pine forests are cut by Gauja river.
• Straupe GPS 57.353596,24.955924 – A large village, drawing its history from times, when somewhere in these region the largest fort of the Livonians existed. At the time of the Livonian Order, two castles were built in Straupe. Even though the city itself was part of the Hanseatic League, it was under the control of Riga, using it as an outpost for fighting the mighty Cēsis|Wenden. The wars of the second half of the 16th century completely destroyed Straupe. Later, it resurrected in the form of a village and apparently not quite where it was before.

National parks

• Gauja National Park - GPS: 57.416667, 25.416667 - Gauja National Park - - Latvia's largest national park and one of the most famous natural attractions in Latvia with remarkable sandstone rocks and medieval castles, noblemen's estates and ancient churches of varying degrees of preservation, and the interesting and picturesque cities and towns of Sigulda, Ligatne and Cēsis. It is located to the northeast of Riga, where the Gauja River forms a deep valley with steep cliffs of sandstone. Along the river bank numerous caves and a beautiful mixed forest can be marvelled at. Also and the valley of Gauja is a wonderful opportunity to see small towns, rural life and nature of Latvia.

  Vidzeme Halal Travel Guide

Cesis castle ruins (Latvia) - Castle ruins in Cesis

The main tourist attraction of this region is the Gauja National Park, which offers superb natural landscapes and several castles. The old town of Cēsis as well as its two castles have been totally restored – it is an unmissable destination of the region. Further south and the city of Madona is surrounded by numerous winter sports centres.

Local Languages

• Latvian is the official language of Latvia.
• English is the best option with youth as it is normally being taught as the first foreign language in the schools.
• Russian is widely spoken by mid-age and eldery people.
• People of northern areas (near Valka) may speak Estonian.
• German was taught in some schools during the Soviet times, some people may still speak it at a basic level.

Travel as a Muslim to Vidzeme

provides up-to-date bus and train schedules, route planner and prices.

Travel on a Bus in Vidzeme

Many bus routes exist in the region. Direct connections between Riga and all major cities and towns exist and departures are fairly frequent - usually once an hour.

Many buses in the region provide free WiFi access, especially on longer distance routes.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Vidzeme

There are some train routes going from Riga as far as Valga, in Estonia. The further the distance and the less frequent the connections. However, at least two trains a day go till Valga, connecting Cēsis, Valmiera, and Seda. There is an evening train to Madona on some days of the week.

By car

Getting into the region by vehicle is fairly simple. In remote places of the region the road might be unsealed.

What to See

Cesvaines_pils_kopskats - Cesvaine Palace

• Cesvaine Palace - Adolf von Wolf Palace / Cesvaines Pils | Pils iela 1, Cesvaine GPS: 56.969323, 26.312595 ☎ +371 64852225 | Opening Hours: Tu–Su 10:09–18:00 Cesvaine Palace - Enclosed by a romantic park and an ancient manor houses. The palace is considered one of the brightest architectural achievements of the 19th century. It is a masterpiece of eclectic art, which combines architecture, metallurgy, sculpture and painting.
  The castle was built between 1893 and 1896. Since 1919, a school inhabited the castle. In 2002 a fire destroyed the castle roof. Thus, a new school was built in Cesvaine, and the castle gradually recovered its former appearance. Between 2003 and 2006 the left wing and a historic castle tower were restored, with restoration work continuing today.
  The castle also inhabits a museum.
  It is closed for renovation of the roof until end of 2023, but it should still allow for great pictures and a visit to the surrounding area.

Lielstraupe - Lielstraupe Castle

• Lielstraupe Castle - Straupe GPS: 57.34755, 24.94796 Contrary to what the name might suggest, not situated in the Lielstraupe village but Straupe town. - Lielstraupe Castle - One of the six medieval castles in the Gauja Valley. The most intact, but at the same time the most heavily reconstructed – from the distance it will look like some large modern country estate. The castle is believed to have been built in 1263, but its architect is unknown. In the fourteenth century Lielstraupe Castle became a vassal castle for the archbishop of Riga. During the second half of the 16th century, it was destroyed by numerous times and consequently rebuilt in the style of Baroque. The church adjacent to the castle is the only building that survived. It is is connected to the residency by a covered passage and stands out from yellow buildings with its white colour and rectangular shape. However, also the church was burned, collapsed, and then in the middle of the 18th century was converted from a three-nave into a one-nave version. In 1905 and the castle again was burned, by rebellious peasants this time, and afterwards carefully restored in the former style of Baroque. During Soviet times, Narcological Hospital was moved into the castel, which still there to this day.
  Check out the church behind the castle, and further behind it, a wooden bell tower from 1848. The bell tower was added later, when the church became a parish church. Before it was just part of the castle and did not need a bell.
• Mazstraupe Castle - Straupe GPS: 57.35424, 24.95085 - It was built about one hundred years later than Lielstraupe Castle. Otherwise history repeated itself here, just the major restructuring took place earlier, at the very end of the 18th century. The resulting palace was smaller and less impressive. Furthermore, in 1938 one of its parts was demolished due to the lack of money for repairing the roof. Nowadays and the palace is a school and not that interesting anymore.

Orellen6 - Wall paintings of Ungurmuiža Manor

• Ungurmuiža Manor - Ungurmuiža, Raiskuma pagasts GPS: 57.36247, 25.08870 15 kilometers northwest from Cēsis ☎ +371 22007332 | Opening Hours: May–September Tu–Sa 10:00–18:00, Sunday 10:00–16:00 €3 (2023) Ungurmuiža Manor A very small manor with its main attraction, a wooden baroque manor house from 1732. Of course, separately and there are more than enough wooden houses and baroque monuments all over Latvia. However, in combination, something like it can only be found here. As it was common in the 18th century and the house was painted in the style of Baroque. The paintings were done directly on the logs preserving their texture. Thus, parallels exist with the painted wooden house of Khvalynsk in Russia, and other very few monuments of the same style. The paintings are neither abstract nor primitive, but full of honesty. Besides a slant in serene Italian landscapes and they are absolutely anecdotally, like the portraits of Peter the Great in the form of a grenadier.
  The paintings can only be visited when the museum is open. Access to the rest and the territory of the estate, is not restricted. In addition to the manor house, pay attention to the tea pavilion in the park, which resembles a wooden chapel from the side and the wooden granary (1738-40) and the tomb (1758-60).
• Tirza Ski Museum - Ziedukalns, Tirza GPS: 57.146470, 26.395544 ☎ +371 26954827, +371 25650809 - The museum presents an exhibition of ski equipment of the past, and additionally provides equipment for active recreation during the winter (skis, sticks, sledges) and during the summer (equipment for Nordic walking).
• Museum of Emils Darzins - Jāņaskola, Jaunpiebalgas GPS: 57.143341, 25.995210 ☎ +371 64162354, +371 64100351 - Emīls Dārziņš - Famous Latvian composer, who lived between 1875 and 1910.

What to Do

Lubāna_ezers_Bāka_(2) - Lake Lubānas Teiču dabas rezervāts - panoramio - Teiču Swamp Nature Reserve

• (Mount) Gaiziņkalns - GPS: 56.870754, 25.959870 - Gaiziņkalns The highest point of Latvia (311 m). But it is more famous for winter and summer recreation possibilities offered by numerous ski slopes, lake Kaķītis (rafting, fishing) and the Lido recreation complex, etc.
• Lake Lubānas - GPS: 56.765833, 26.858056 in the far southeastern corner of Vidzeme - Lake Lubāns Lubāns-See (Lettland) The largest lake in Latvia by area, but also one of the shallowest ones with average depth of 3 meters. A great place for windsurfing and under-ice fishing in winter.
• Teiču Swamp Nature Reserve - Teiču dabas rezervāts - 56.6025, 26.4986 in the far southeastern corner of Vidzeme - Teiči Nature Reserve Teiču dabas rezervāts A Take some of the wood-board walking paths to observe wild animals and birds. It is necessary to contact the reservoir's guide for entry permission.
• Krustkalnu Nature Reserve - Krustkalnu dabas rezervāts - 56.751762, 26.149923 located between Mārciena, Lazdona and Ļaudona Rich in wildlife and forest-covered steep hills.
• Underground Lakes - Vējiņu alas - 57.341197, 24.905954 about 15 kilometers north of Ligatne € 1.5-3 - Only feasible with guide. Fun with kids but probably not that exciting for adults.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Vidzeme

Vidzeme - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Vidzeme, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vidzeme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Vidzeme and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Vidzeme. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Vidzeme. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inVidzeme: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Vidzeme.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Vidzeme: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Vidzeme, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Vidzeme.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Vidzeme, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Vidzeme, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Vidzeme and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Vidzeme, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Vidzeme, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Vidzeme without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vidzeme is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Vidzeme.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Vidzeme is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Vidzeme, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Vidzeme Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

In the following a list of various accommodation options in the region worth mentioning and outside of the above covered cities, towns, and parks:

• Daina Mezanci Brivdienu Maja - Страупе, Straupes pagasts GPS: 57.3574373, 24.9529982 ☎ +371 26520523 - From €10
• Green Camping - Daibes 1, Plāņu pagasts, Strenču novads GPS: 57.600329, 25.815729 ☎ +371 20420295
• Chill Up - Vecpiebalga GPS: 57.0848306, 25.8104288 ☎ +371 22013324 - Single from €10 - Cosy, clean, quiet and affordable wooden rooms. Bed linen – all at your disposal. Hot shower and WC outdoors.
• Krāči - Burtnieku novads ☎ +371 27886969 (Ilze), +371 26647065 (Juris), +371 29218371 (Kalvis) - Situated on the banks of the Gauja river.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Vidzeme

• Riga region – Starting or finishing point for most people coming to Latvia, and also home to numerous sights worth visiting, like Riga and its old city and the holiday and sea resort city of Jūrmala, Sigulda and its castles, as well as The Great Ķemeri Moorland.
• Latgale – A less touristy and more Russian influenced region, but with the amazing Basilica of the Assumption near Daugavpils.
• Zemgale – Flattest region in Latvia, and famous for the neighbouring and historically related Jelgava Palace and Rundāle Palace, near Jelgava and Bauska, respectively.

• South Estonia – From Valka a stone's throw away is Valga and the gateway to South Estonia, with the beautiful Sangaste Castle and the winter sports and nature centre Otepää and the Seto ethnicity in its far southeast and the intellectual hub and university town of Tartu and the picturesque and folk-focused Viljandi, as well as the centre of Estonian production, Põltsamaa. Hiking, skiing, fishing, clubbing, folk music, and beaches – South Estonia leaves nothing left to be desired.

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