Sietiņiezis Rock

The rock is like a luxurious, beautiful and bright sandstone castle designed by nature itself. It has formed over millions of years of natural processes, which are still at work today, shaping the face of Sietiņiezis (Strainer) Rock.

Sietiņiezis Rock is very diverse — it has an arch in the making, a huge pillar, a cave with two exits, high cliffs and nooks.

Its sandstone surface is dotted with tiny holes that distinguish Sietiņiezis Rock from other rocks.

It is the similarity to a strainer that gave way to the rock’s name.

As the rock preserves the heat of the sun, a species of wild ground bees have chosen it as their home. The little holes were created by these bees, which constantly buzz in an out of them!

According to a legend, the cave with two exits was home to Devil himself; therefore, it is called Velnala (Devil’s) Cave.The biggest sandstone protrusion is found in the southern part of Sietiņiezis Rock and is called the Devil's Heel, as this is where the Devil kicked off from to jump across the river. Other legends have it that the Devil was furious with the owner of Liepas Manor on the opposite side of the river and wanted to roll this protrusion in front of the manor door. However, that morning the rooster crowed early and the Devil could not carry out his plan.

On your walk on the trails and stairs, you will feel just like a prehistoric ruler, drawing inspiration and new ideas from this charming natural formation.

The highest point of Sietiņiezis Rock, the tower of this natural castle, offers a picturesque view to the beautiful blue ribbon below that is the river, adorned with bright green lace of tree branches.

Free of charge

Facts

• Sietiņiezis Rock is the largest and one of the most beautiful sandstone outcrops in Latvia
• It is the longest white sandstone outcrop in the Baltics
• Sietiņiezis Rock is made up of light, weathered sandstones, which originated 350 million years ago when the territory of Latvia was covered by sea
• It is still undergoing changes today due to temperature fluctuations and the influence of water
• Sietiņiezis Rock is 15 m high and 400 m wide
• The unique Velnala Cave of Sietiņiezis Rock, which is open on both ends, is 10.5 m long
• Back in 1927 students demonstrated their appreciation of Sietiņiezis Rock and its beautiful scenery by placing a stone with an inscription “Behold the beautiful Latvia and revel in it” next to it. The memorial stone has been restored and can be seen today

Additional services

• Guide services available by individually contacting Valmiera Tourist Information Centre (Rīgas iela 10), and booking an excursion at least three days prior (phone: +371 64207177, e-mail: tic@valmiera.lv).

For your convenience

• Free parking
• Restroom

Other nearby attractions

• Nature Education Centre "Vecupītes"

Vecupītes is located in an old forester’s house, where you can learn about the natural diversity within the specially protected area. At the Nature Education Centre, you can see an exhibition on forests and biodiversity, participate in nature research activities, play video games, etc. There is a 2.8 km long nature trail near Vecupītes. Phone: +371 29433353. Address: Vecupītes, Kocēni Rural Territory, Kocēni Municipality. GPS: Lat: N 57 29.146, Lon: E 25 21.865.

• Rubene Church
• Barrel Museum (Happiness Academy "Nu, liela muiža")
• Kokmuiža Manor
• Livonian Order Valmiera Castle Ruins
• Valmiera Museum
• Valmiermuiža Castle

Other information

• To protect Sietiņiezis Rock, climbing the cliffs and making inscriptions on their walls is prohibited! Help us to conserve this beautiful natural site!