ABOUT THE NATURE PARK

The Nature Park “Daugavas loki” was established to preserve the unique nature complexes, natural and cultural-historical values and the little modified peculiar landscapes of the upper Daugava valley in the Naujene – Krāslava section. The Daugava Bends are considered to be the oldest valley formations in Latvia. Daugavas loki” Nature Park, as part of the protected landscape area “Augšdaugava”, was recognised as a NATURA 2000 site in 2004 and included in the Latvian UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.

The axis of the NaturePark structure is the Daugava River, which throws picturesque curves. The banks of the river offer wide landscape views. The river has been a driving force for the development of the area – a trade route, castles and settlements were built along its banks. The ancient but ever young Daugava with its seemingly calm flow has done a titanic work over the millennia, creating a unique valley that gives everyone an unforgettable travel experience.

Situated in the Daugava valley in the stretch from the border of Krāslava R to Naujene, covering an area of 120 km2. Established in 1990 to preserve the unique and peculiar landscape of the middle Daugava valley, its valuable natural complexes, biodiversity of plant and animal species, as well as cultural and historical monuments. The most characteristic natural feature is the 8 large meanders of the Daugava River, which are 4-6 km long, and the cliffs along their banks. The territory of the park contains many natural and cultural monuments: the Daugava valley, Juzefovo Manor Park with a unique ravine (Marijas taka), Vecpils Castle Mound with a 13th-century castle.

Open to the public every day.

No entrance fee.

Excursions in the territory of the Nature Park “Daugava loki”
Naujene Regional Research Museum (prior reservation required)

* “The Secrets of Augšdaugava”
Excursion route for exploring the flora and fauna of the nature territory “Augšdaugava” and the Nature Park “Daugava loki”, route includes: Naujene Museum of Local History, Old Castle Hill with a model of Dinaburg Castle and nature trail, Vasargeliski observation tower, Markova educational trail and Slutiškis homestead with the exhibition “Slutiškis Old Believers’ Homestead”.

* “Polish Cultural Heritage in Daugavpils Region”
Excursion route to explore the Polish cultural heritage in Naujene municipality, the route includes: Naujene Local History Museum, Juzefovo Roman Catholic Church and park.

* “Lunch at the Wealthy Old Believers”
During the excursion there is an opportunity to visit the exhibition “Old Believers’ Farmstead of Slutiškis”, where you can enjoy the culinary heritage of the Old Believers in the courtyard, we recommend to supplement the route with a visit to the Naujene Museum of Local History.

* “Slutiškis noveles”
The excursion route introduces the main values of Slutiškis farmstead – the preserved farmstead buildings and the Old Believers’ cultural heritage. During the excursion there is an opportunity to see the Markov cemetery site, the Slutiškis medieval cemetery and settlement site, the exhibition “Slutiškis Old Believers’ Farmstead”, where the “Slutiškis Old Believers’ dwelling house” and “Horse-drawn instruments in Daugavpils Region” are on display.

* “The Livonian Order’s Dinaburg Castle”
The excursion route introduces you to the founding place of Daugavpils – the Old Castle Mound, a guided nature trail leading to a miniature model of the castle and the ruins of the castle, as well as, after the excursion programme, a rest in the “Knights’ Square” – a well-kept rest area on the bank of the Daugava River.

Guided tour:
7.00 EUR – thematic excursion outside the museum for 1 object/route for a group of 1 to 35 people

Additional information:
The Nature Information Centre is located in the Naujene Regional Research Museum (Naujene, Skolas iela 1)