Elkšņi – Sēļtaka, Alīda Coffee and the Sēlija Landscape
Elkšņi connects paths through the Sēlija landscape with a small but remarkable selection of cultural and culinary destinations. For travel planning, two sections of the Sēļtaka trail, the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Kafeja ALIDA are of particular interest. At the church, seven linden trees and a thuja commemorate deported families, while the bunker is located in Elkšņi Forest. Ormaņkalns lies in the vicinity of Elkšņi; in its surroundings, a lookout tower stands on Borīšu Hill.
Key facts about Elkšņi
The two documented sections of the Sēļtaka trail are called Skārdupītes–Elkšņi and Elkšņi–Cīruļi.
Which sections of the Sēļtaka trail run in the vicinity of Elkšņi?
The Skārdupītes–Elkšņi section is approximately 9 km long and passes through meadows and forest paths. It ends at the Alīdas kafeja factory, a tourist attraction. Thus, this section combines a landscape route with a specific destination in Elkšņi, without requiring any further characteristics for the route as a whole.
The Elkšņi–Cīruļi section of the Sēļtaka trail is approximately 6 km long and runs along quiet, scenic gravel roads.
What makes Kafeja ALIDA special?
Kafeja Alīda preserves a culinary specialty of the Sēlija region. An old regional beverage—chicory and grain coffee—is made there according to traditional recipes. For travellers who would like to learn more about this aspect, Kafeja ALIDA offers a tour of the chicory coffee factory with a coffee break by prior arrangement. Registration is possible by telephone at 26582074.
Small groups can also help shape the content of their visit: at Kafeja ALIDA, groups of up to 10 people may choose their coffee ingredients. If you would also like to compare Elkšņi with other travel destinations, you can find information about Lone and Viesīte.
Which cultural and memorial sites are there?
The brick Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elkšņi was built from 1831 to 1833 and consecrated in 1834. Inside is the altarpiece Christ on the Cross by Julius Dērings. It is considered a state-protected cultural monument.
The history of the area also includes a memorial at the church. Seven linden trees and a thuja commemorate seven families from Elkšņi who were deported to Siberia on 14 June 1941. The bunker of the Indāna-Grāvelsona group is also located in Elkšņi Forest. In the winter of 1949–1950, it formed a unique defensive fortress for that period, with surrounding defensive trenches and loopholes.
Which landscape landmarks are located in the vicinity?
Ormaņkalns, the highest point of the Sēlija Upland, lies in the vicinity of Elkšņi. The hill is 167 m high and has a relative elevation of 86.5 m. A 20 m-high lookout tower stands on Borīšu Hill in the vicinity of Ormaņkalns. From there, visitors can see a panorama of Lake Sauka and the extensive forests of Sēlija.
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Can the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elkšņi be visited inside?
No. The church can only be viewed from the outside.
How high is Ormaņkalns?
Ormaņkalns is 167 m high and has a relative elevation of 86.5 m.
What is known about the bunker in Elkšņi Forest?
The bunker of the Indāna-Grāvelsona group is located in Elkšņi Forest.
To the main travel overview: Viesīte.
