Pārgauja

Outdoor adventures

One may access Pārgauja either by traversing the bridge over the River Gauja near Cēsis or Sigulda, or choosing a special adventure and traverse the river on a ferry near Līgatne. Līgatne ferry crossing is the only ferry crossing in the Baltic States, which is run on the power of the river stream. This allows enjoying the magic flow of the River Gauja.

Right after Līgatne ferry crossing one may find Lielstraupe thick forests where those preferring active leisure can enjoy excellent routes where to pick wild mushrooms and berries.

Heading through Lielstraupe forests in the direction of Cēsis, along the rolling terrain around Raiskums, one may enjoy the golden leaves of autumn. Peace, picturesque individual homes will make the autumn adventures outdoors even more pure and complete. A cycling route network has been created here. Depending on the mood, one may follow signposted routes for a few hours or for the whole day. Bicycle rent and convenient accommodation is offered by one of the best camping sites in Latvia — camping “Apaļkalns”.

The River Brasla, which mouths with the River Gauja close to Sigulda, flows through the municipality. The River Brasla is one of the most beautiful small rivers, delighting each and every water tourist with its colourful sandstone outcrops.

If you choose a two-day canoeing trip, accommodation sites offer other exciting adventures as well, for instance, the owners of “Mārkulīči” offer bow shooting or shooting with various hunting weapons. Meanwhile close to the holiday home “Vējiņi” one can step in the underground to see extraordinary, long lakes. These are the only underground lakes of this type in the Baltic States. 

Cultural heritage

Approximately 3 km walking route is suitable for any traveller, who wants to feel the mysterious charm of Straupe, the ancient Hansa City. By walking through the route, you can see two medieval castles, Mazstraupe and Lielstraupe castles, as well as an ancient windmill. The route makes you cross Brasla River and you will see the former place of the city, which shows that Straupe can be called the smallest Hansa City in the world!

Travellers are welcome to visit the church of Lielstraupe Castle, hosting divine services every Sunday. Meanwhile the castles are now home to a school and a hospital.

Ungurmuiža is another excellent architecture monument of the 18th century. It is the eldest wooden residential building of manors still preserved in Latvia. Here you can enjoy the charm of the authentic building, the antiqueness of the oak stand, and enjoy a meal made by the chefs of Ungurmuiža restaurant from local products.

Delicacies from local farmers and items made by craftsmen

It is the only regular market for small local producers in the Baltic States, which has been included in the prestigious Slow Food Earth Markets alliance. The market takes place in a unique cultural-historic complex – Straupe Horse Post Office, and the story of it dates back to the 18^th century, when an international horse post road from Western Europe to Petersburg was going through the Straupe Rural Territory. The market is open twice a month – on the 1st and the 3rd Sunday. During that time a Horse Post Office kitchen is also open, allowing every visitor to feel that this place is a flavour paradise with traditional high-quality products used in many creative ways.

• Pārgauja Municipality Festival is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of July.
• In August, those into active lifestyle are welcome to join Pārgauja Municipality sports event, and runners are welcome to participate in the traditional race around Rozula devoted to the celebration of the Lāčplēsis Day (11 November). 
• Nearly every Sunday Ungurmuiža hosts music performances of high quality. However, music festivals are the largest events — Small Opera Festival in June and the Schubertiad in August.
• Every year in the middle of summer a Winemakers Festival is organized and attended by winemakers from all around Latvia.
• A divine service is held every Sunday at the Straupe Evangelical Lutheran Church

Facts and figures

• Pārgauja Municipality was established in 2009 by merging Straupe, Raiskums, and Stalbe rural territories
• The total area amounts to 485.3 km², of which more than half is covered by woods
• Population — around 4000
• There are around 10 larger and smaller settlements in the municipality. Since long ago these were the centres of small manors or craftsmen villages
• Main employment areas are agriculture, timber processing, and food production
• Largest enterprises: peat extraction company SIA “Unguri” and the cooperative society of dairy farmers “Straupe”
• The municipality is crossed by two most beautiful rivers of Latvia — the River Gauja and the River Brasla, and there are also about 50 larger and smaller lakes
• The municipality is well linked by bus routes leading to Riga, Cēsis, and Valmiera. See the bus schedule in www.1188.lv