Tirza

The old valley of the Tirza river. Photo: N.Treijs

The Tirza parish is located near the largest tributary of the river Gauja – the Tirza river, on the very Eastern side of the Vidzeme elevation, 164km from Riga. The Tirza river has carved a very beautiful and old valley which is the basis of the unique landscape of Tirza. If compared to the Gauja valley the Tirza valley is much flatter and shallower but this is the reason why it is much better suited for skiing on backcountry skis. On its run through the meadows, the river creates several tributaries which meander slowly  through a fantastic labyrinth for wandering and studying nature as it journeys to the sea. As looking at the relief, as it rises from the left side of the river, your gaze will take you towards the edge of the old valley, which does not flatten at once. It makes its waves in form of hills covered with meadows and and fields for several kilometers to the Vecaduliena.

The beauty of nature in Tirza is supplemented by many architectural monuments – church, ruins of a medieval castle, Society house, local Monument of Freedom and others. Many who stayed in Tirza for a longer period of time are talking about the special magic of Tirza. Maybe this is why many famous Latvians have been born here? Anyway if there is snow on the ground there is the freedom to get familiar with all the aforementioned with your skis on. Because only in winter and on skis can you reach places which cannot be experienced in other seasons – you can just walk along the lakes, rivers and swamps.

The old valley of the Tirza river. Photo: N.Treijs

Attractions in Tirza the visit of which is to be announced by phone (371-25650809, Iveta), admission - donations:

• Evangelic Lutheran church of Tirza (state architectural monument) and repository of Baron von Ceumern family  
• Exhibition of evidences from the period of the USSR regime 
• Exhibition of the historical and cultural heritage “Ziedukalns”
• Excursion through the historical places of Tirza