Sietiņiezis is one of Latvia’s most beautiful rocks and the largest outcrop of white sandstone in the Baltics. It is about 15m high and 400m long.

Opinions on the name of Sietiņiežis are divided. One view is that the name comes from the appearance of the rock, the surface of which is covered with the eggs of wild bees, thus forming a sieve. The other view is that the outcrop is named after the nearby Sietiņi houses.

The southern part of Sietiņieža offers spectacular views of the Gauja valley and the surrounding pine forests are picturesque. Here you can see small caves and niches, erosion gullies, and pole-like formations.

The gorge has many fissures of different widths and was once home to the largest natural arch in Latvia. Next to it is the Sietiņieža Velnala, which is open at both ends, as well as a 15 m high sandstone pillar – the Devil’s Heel – a sandstone outcrop bounded by fissures with a platform at the end, which in time may become a sandstone pillar.

The well-maintained nature trail is circular and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

GPS: 57.4300651,25.3852144

Valmiera County Tourism Board photo archive