Birži
Accommodation in Birži
Birži combines its setting on the Podvāze with a spring, a distinctive church and traces of its manor history. When planning a stay, you can choose from nature experiences, historical themes and a quarry that can be used for water sports.
Birži at a glance
Birži lies on the banks of the Podvāze, a tributary of the Ziemeļsusēja, at the junction of the P72 and P75 roads. Local landmarks include the Biržu Zeltenes spring and the Biržu dižakmens erratic boulder. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St Anne and the history of the former Biržu muiža manor also shape the place’s best-known themes.
What does the history of Birži tell us?
Birži developed beside the centre of the former Biržu muiža manor, also known as Groß-Buschhof. This connection to the former manor gives the place name a historical context, while the Church of St Anne has a specific building history: it was built in 1847–1848 to a design by J. Held. After suffering severe damage during the First World War, it was restored in 1930 with a shortened tower.
The churchyard is also connected with a historic event. In May 1939, a shared grave monument to A. Līventāls and J. F. Lundbergs was unveiled there. Another cultural landmark is Biržu «Beitāni», associated with the writer Jānis Akurāters, who lived there. Together, these themes offer different points of interest for a trip focused on local history and literature.
What nature experiences are there along the Podvāze?
The Biržu Zeltenes spring is on the banks of the Podvāze, beside the «Ūdensdzirnas» recreation complex. You can stroll along paths and over bridges in the complex’s landscaped grounds. A path to the spring passes the former Meža skola; stones mark the spring’s outlet. These individual landmarks can help you plan your visit to the spring and walk around the grounds.
A giant larch with a circumference of 3.21 m also grows on the banks of the Podvāze near Birži. If you want to combine natural features with local history, the Biržu dižakmens is another specific landmark. Until 1980, only a small part of this erratic boulder was visible. In 1983, there were efforts to move it to the centre of Birži in the Sala rural administrative territory.
How do you get to the Biržu dižakmens and other experiences?
The signposted route to the Biržu dižakmens leaves the P72 at a left turn, passing Astarte Birži. After 1.5 km, you reach the erratic boulder. The directions therefore give a specific route from the road; the distance refers to this access route to the stone.
The Biržu karjers quarry can be used for water sports. «Žiguļu kauss» competitions were held on the «Baroni» rallycross track, on the grounds of the former Birži airfield. These are two different connections to the area: the quarry offers a possible setting for water sports, while the rallycross competitions are part of the history of the former airfield grounds.
If you would like to compare other places for your trip, you can also visit Svētciems, Jelgavkrasti, Tūja, Liepupe, Boķi, Salacgrīva and Tūjasmuiža.
FAQ
Where is Birži?
Birži lies on the banks of the Podvāze, a tributary of the Ziemeļsusēja, at the junction of the P72 and P75 roads.
How do you get to the Biržu dižakmens?
The signposted route leaves the P72 at a left turn, passing Astarte Birži. After 1.5 km, you reach the erratic boulder.
What can you do at the Biržu Zeltenes spring?
You can stroll along paths and over bridges in the landscaped grounds of the «Ūdensdzirnas» recreation complex. Stones mark the spring’s outlet.
For the broader travel overview: Salacgrīvas Novads.
