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Zilaiskalns Viewing Tower

At the peak of the hill is a viewing tower, which is 38,5 m high.

With the new viewwing tower, Zilaiskalns stands 104.3 meters above its surroundings in terms of relative height, making it the second highest and most impressive landscape in Vidzeme by relative elevation.

The observation tower has two viewing platforms—one at 16,06 meters and the other at 29,25 meters.

Along with the new tower, a Health Trail has been created around Zilaiskalns, suitable for walking and Nordic walking. The circular route is 3.5 km long. The trail starts at the Zilaiskalns Cultural History and Visitor Center, then continues along the steep terrain of the hill, leading visitors and hikers to the summit. From there, it winds down through forest trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the hill's greatest treasures — untouched nature, century-old spruces and pines, majestic hazel trees, ancient stones, and pine forests with blueberry bushes.

The Health Trail is enhanced with 12 checkpoints, each featuring interesting facts about Zilaiskalns' cultural history, flora, and fauna. Additionally, walkers are encouraged to perform various muscle and breathing exercises along the route to make the walk even more energizing. Some sections of the trail include wooden agility and balance elements, as well as two well-equipped picnic areas (without designated fire pits).

 

Facts and figures

  • There are several versions telling about the origin of Mound Zilaiskalns. It is linked to the word „to tell fortune“ or the Russian word „sila“ meaning „power“, and the blue, hazy mist, which comes from the nearby bogs and often encloses the mound.
  • Mound Zilaiskalns has inspired several Latvian writers: Auseklis, Rainis, Kārlis Skalbe, Jānis Akuraters, Marta Grimma, Skaidrīte Kaldupe, Pāvils Rozītis, Māra Zālīte, Valdis Rūja

Extra services


For your conveniences

  • Free parking
  • WC
  • Free picnic site
  • Access for disabled persons


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