Discover Aizkraukle

• The Daugava shapes several trails and the location of the Catholic church on the riverbank.
• The exhibitions range from a permanent exhibition about the banks of the Daugava to the history of the 1950s to the 1980s.
• Kalnaziedu pilskalns offers an archaeological point of reference, with a past that should be interpreted with caution.

The Daugava hiking trail in Aizkraukle is more than 800 meters long and illuminated. The Daugava walking and educational trail includes a 400-meter paved loop connected to a cycling route. The shorter loop and longer hiking trail therefore differ in more than length: paving and the connection to the cycling route are important features of the loop, while the hiking trail is illuminated. The municipal descriptions of these trails are dated May 27, 2026, and August 7, 2023, respectively; check the infrastructure details again before your trip.

The “Daugavas Takas” walking trail offers another perspective on the Daugava: it has an observation platform with views of the Daugava landscape. If the landscape view matters more to you than comparing routes, this platform is a point of interest in its own right. The trails and platform thus offer different ways to shape a stay around your personal interest in exercise, trail surface, or views.

The Aizkraukles Vēstures un mākslas muzejs “Kalna ziedi” has a permanent exhibition, “Daugavas krastu likteņstāsti.” Its title turns attention to the history of the banks of the Daugava. In addition, the “Padomju gadi” exhibition in Aizkraukle focuses on the cultural and historical heritage of the 1950s to the 1980s. It spans three floors, covering a total of 1,060 square meters.

The “Padomju gadi” exhibition also covers the history of Pļaviņu HES and the origins of the city of Aizkraukle. The two exhibition titles therefore present different historical perspectives side by side: the stories of the Daugava’s banks and a defined period of recent cultural history. This can help you decide in advance whether you’re more interested in the river landscape, the recent past, or the development of the city.

Kalnaziedu pilskalns sits on a 17-meter-high hill surrounded by deep ravines on three sides. It borders the grounds of the “Kalna Ziedi” museum. According to excavations, the hill was inhabited from the end of the 1st millennium BC until approximately the 9th–10th century AD. However, it is not thought to have served as a permanent settlement: it was more likely a refuge where people hid in times of danger.

This interpretation combines the visible description of the terrain with an archaeological theory that remains explicitly tentative. For a sense of the timeline, it is important to note that this was a long period, ending only approximately in the 9th–10th century. Together with the exhibitions, this creates a contrast between the history of archaeological habitation and Aizkraukle’s more recent cultural and historical themes.

The Aizkraukles Svētās Terēzes no Bērna Jēzus Romas katoļu baznīca stands in Aizkraukle on the banks of the Daugava. The surrounding garden also offers a view of the river. The church, garden, and observation platform on the “Daugavas Takas” walking trail offer different ways to experience the Daugava landscape, without assuming any connection between the individual places.

The market at TC “IGA” is also part of the local offering. It features fresh produce from local producers and craftspeople; the specific products available may vary. Alongside the landscape, history, and exhibitions, products from the surrounding area add to the range of themes you can use to weigh your travel interests.

How do the trails mentioned differ?

The Daugava hiking trail is more than 800 meters long and illuminated. The paved loop on the Daugava walking and educational trail is 400 meters long and connected to a cycling route. The “Daugavas Takas” walking trail has an observation platform with views of the Daugava landscape.

How do the historical periods differ?

“Padomju gadi” covers the cultural and historical heritage of the 1950s to the 1980s. Excavation findings for Kalnaziedu pilskalns date from the end of the 1st millennium BC to approximately the 9th–10th century AD.

How can you tell the church’s denomination?

The church has two towers. They are considered a characteristic feature of a Catholic church and indicate its denomination.

For the broader travel overview: Aizkraukles Novads.