Nature Park "Daugavas Loki"

Nature Park “Daugavas Loki” was created to preserve the unique natural complexes, natural, cultural and historical values and little transformed landscapes of the ancient valley of the Daugava on the site of Naujene to Kraslava. The bends of the ancient valley of the Daugava are considered to be the oldest geological formations in Latvia. The Nature Park “Daugavas Loki” as part of Augsdaugava protected landscapes area was recognized as the NATURA 2000 territory in 2004, but in 2011 this park was included in the Latvian National UNESCO World Heritage List.

The River Daugava is a structural axis for the Nature Park, forming a picturesque bends. There are picturesque landscapes from the banks of the river. Since ancient times the River Daugava was the main element of the development of this area – water trade route. Castles and villages were built on the banks of the river. An ancient but eternally young Daugava with its apparent calm watercourse had been conducting a titanic effort, for thousands years creating a unique valley that produces an unforgettable impression on each traveler.

The most characteristic peculiarity of Daugavas Loki nature its 8 meandres that stretches from Kraslava up to Naujene. The lenght of every meandre is about 4-6km, but the distance between them is only 2-3 km. Forests take up 38% of the whole park’s territory. Mainly it is a growth of nature park. On this score it is a one of the most valuable territories in Latvia. Mainly it is a growth of pine trees, fir trees and birch trees. Many area and peculiar species of plants can be seen in thw territory of nature park. On this score it is one of the most valuable territories in Latvia. Many protected species of birds are noted here. There are 23 known archaelogical monuments in the territory of the park including Vecpils and Markovas castle mounds, medieval settlement of Slutiski, Vasargeliski observation tower, Slutiski ethnographic village of old-believers etc.

Excursion offers in Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”
Naujenes novadpētniecības muzejs, +371 65471321, naujenesmuzejs@inbox.lv, www.naujenesmuzejs.lv
Preliminary reservation is obligatory!

* “The Secrets of Augsdaugava”
The aim of this excursion is to give and insight to the Augšdaugava Landscape Protected Area and Daugavas Loki Nature Park, objects included in the route: Naujene Local History Museum, Vecpils Hillfort, Dinaburg Castle Model and a nature path, Vasargeliski Sightseeing Tower, Markova Cognitive Path, Slutiski Old Believer’s Village and exposition “Slutiski Old Believers’ Rural Court”.

* “Polish Cultural Heritage in Daugavpils District”
This excursion gives an insight to the Polish cultural heritage in Naujene Parish, objects included in the route: Juzefova Roman Catholic Church and Juzefova Manor Park.

* “Slutiski Novels”
This excursion is an attempt to introduce the biggest values of Slutiski Village: the well-saved housing and Old Believers cultural heritage.

* “The Stone Dinaburg Livonian Order’s Castle”
This excursion introduces Vecpils Hillfort – the place where Dinaburg (Daugavpils) was founded; it is possible to walk by the nature path to the ruins and the model of the Dinaburg Castle, after the excursion – have a rest on the “Knights’ Glide” (“Bruņinieku laukums”) – equipped outdoor rest place.

Guide services:
7.00 € – thematic excursion out of the museum, for 1 object/route for a group from 1 to 35 persons

Additional information:
The Nature Information Center is located in the Naujene Local History Museum (Naujene, Skolas iela 1)
www.visitdaugavpils.lv/en