Naujene: Nature, Culture and Daugava Landscapes

• The Naujene Local History Museum houses several exhibitions, including a historical presentation on Polish cultural heritage in Augšdaugava and an ethnographic exhibition on the region’s pottery traditions.
• The open-air art collection “Valentīnas Zeiles darbnīca” comprises more than 6,200 objects.
• The 21 m-high Vasargelišķi observation tower offers views of the landscape and the Daugava river bends, including the Rozališķi bend.
• The Markova nature trail is 1.6 km long. The Slutišķi Ravine Trail is approximately two kilometres long and offers two routes to choose from.
• Regional cycling route No. 35 “Daugavas loki” is 122.8 km long and features information boards and route maps.

Juzefova Park is located in the Naujene parish, opposite the Naujene Local History Museum. The protected dendrological site complements a museum visit with its own focus on landscape and plants. In the area of Markova Castle Mound, the 1.6 km-long Markova nature trail leads to several sights. These include Markova Cemetery, Markova Castle Mound, the marker indicating the planned reservoir level of the Daugavpils Hydroelectric Power Plant, Putāni Stream and the stone at Putāni Stream. Several protected plant species also occur there.

Another perspective can be found at the Vasargelišķi observation tower. From the 21 m-high structure, you can see the landscape and the picturesque Daugava bends, including the Rozališķi bend. When planning your day, this viewpoint can be considered a separate landscape highlight, without equating it with the museum or trail offerings.

The museum covers various aspects of regional culture and nature. The open-air art collection “Valentīnas Zeiles darbnīca” comprises more than 6,200 objects. The historical exhibition “Poļu kultūras mantojums Augšdaugavas novadā” focuses on Polish cultural heritage in Augšdaugava. The ethnographic exhibition “Podniecības tradīcijas Augšdaugavas novadā” additionally provides information about pottery traditions in Augšdaugava.

The “SirdsDaugava” exhibition provides information about the protected natural area “Augšdaugava” and its natural values. The museum also offers a tourist route for exploring the flora and fauna of this specially protected natural area and of “Daugavas loki” Nature Park. This makes it possible to consider cultural and nature-related topics alongside each other when planning a trip.

Traditional rural architecture has been preserved in the settlement of Slutišķi. This includes rectangular log houses as well as decorated windows, doors and gables. The exhibition “Slutišķu vecticībnieku lauku sēta” preserves restored Old Believer cultural heritage in Slutišķi.

Crafts and regional production are also part of the character of the village. The “Pītenis” weaving workshop in the village of Kašatniki offers master classes in traditional crafts. In Slutišķi, “Urban’s Brewery” brews beer according to old brewing traditions. These offerings have different focuses, ranging from architectural and settlement history through restored cultural heritage to practical craft and brewing traditions.

The approximately two-kilometre-long Slutišķi Ravine Trail connects the steep slope of Slutišķi with the village of Slutišķi. Along the trail are wooden sculptures designed around motifs from the Latvian folk tale “Kā zvēri raka Daugavu”. Since you can choose between two routes, the planning can be adapted to the preferred itinerary. The length remains an important detail for planning your day.

Those who want to plan a considerably longer route can consider regional cycling route No. 35 “Daugavas loki”. It is 122.8 km long and equipped with information boards and route maps. This route should therefore be classified differently from the short Markova nature trail or the approximately two-kilometre-long ravine trail.

For travellers interested in culture, the exhibitions at the Naujene Local History Museum and the preserved architectural forms in Slutišķi are the main attractions. Those who prefer landscapes and trails can include the Markova nature trail, the Vasargelišķi observation tower or the Slutišķi Ravine Trail in their selection. For a cycling-focused trip, the length of Route No. 35 is a separate planning factor.

You should check distances, prices, availability and amenities for the respective accommodation offer. The sights mentioned are not necessarily located in the same area. For further travel comparisons, you can also find Daugavpils, Mīšteļi, Višķi, Ezeriņi, Medumi, Kumbuļi, Svente and Šengeida.

How long is the Markova nature trail?

The Markova nature trail in the area of Markova Castle Mound is 1.6 km long. Several sights lie along the trail, including Markova Castle Mound, Putāni Stream and Markova Cemetery.

What does the Vasargelišķi observation tower offer?

The Vasargelišķi observation tower is 21 m high and offers views of the landscape and the Daugava river bends, including the Rozališķi bend.

Which routes are available on the Slutišķi Ravine Trail?

The approximately two-kilometre-long Slutišķi Ravine Trail connects the steep slope of Slutišķi with the village of Slutišķi. Visitors can choose between two routes there.

What information does the “Daugavas loki” cycling route provide?

Regional cycling route No. 35 “Daugavas loki” is 122.8 km long and features information boards and route maps.

For the higher-level travel overview: Daugavpils Municipality.