The Akmeņupe Nature Trail is located in the valley of the Akmeņupe River, a tributary of the right bank of the Dviete River. Here you can get acquainted with the natural diversity of the Augšzeme Highlands – geological formations, forest and meadow plants, wild animals. The trail is characterised by steep ups and downs covered with mixed forest. Springs with clear and invigorating water break out from the precipices to the river bed. The valley of the Akmeņupe River is beautiful in all seasons, and around every turn of the river a different and unique landscape is revealed. The sound of the water is particularly relaxing. It sounds different at each resting place. The trail’s resting places allow campfires, meals and overnight camping.

The trail was started in 1998 with the aim of introducing visitors to the natural diversity and the need for protection of the Upper Highlands. Visitors can walk along the 1 km long “Akmeņupes Trail” and get to know the landscapes, geological formations, plants, birds and animals typical for the Akmeņupes valley, forest, meadow or wet places. The Akmeņupe is a typical highland river with a fast current and a large drop. The name indicates that the entire bed of the Akmeņupe is covered with stones of different sizes. A diligent history researcher can try to find a stone with an inscription indicating that there was a World War I front line here.

The walking trail along the banks of the river is beautiful in all seasons, with a different landscape around every bend. In spring, the banks of the fast-flowing river are blue, as blue honeysuckles, then white and then yellow, bloom all around. In summer, the bluebells are a delight to the eyes, and the river remains calm and peaceful. The trail is characterised by steep ascents and descents covered with mixed forest. Several springs with clear and tasty water break out from the cliffs on the shore to the bed of the Akmeņupe, which can be used to cool thirst and regain vitality for the rest of the journey.

Both the solitary dreamer and the active recreation enthusiast can find respite from everyday stress and haste in nature. The sound of water is particularly relaxing, it sounds different in each resting place.

In well-maintained resting places it is allowed to build bonfires, to eat takeaway food and to camp overnight.

GPS: 56.06771614926455 , 26.144720940569535

Photos from Daugavpils TIC archive.