ONE DAY TOUR / LATVIA / KOKNESE CASTLE RUINS

 

• Koknese castle ruins - in 1209 bishop Albert ordered to replace an ancient Latvian wooden castle with a castle of stone. In 1701, during the Northern War, the castle was blown up by the retreating Saxons and was never restored. Until 1966 the castle ruins were situated high on a hilltop, but due to the construction of the Plavini hydroelectric power station the castle foundations were flooded by the Daugava and Perse rivers;

 

• Memorial Site "Liktendarzs"  - with support of the entire Latvian nation a memorial site “Liktendarzs” (Garden of destinies) is being created on an island in Koknese. No day passes without visitors coming here from all over Latvia. It is a memorial site to all those lost to Latvia in the 20th century – those who suffered from totalitarian regimes, those who were forced to exile, those who suffered based on their political views or family tree;

 

• Mezmalas Boats - let us experience our very own trip on the Daugava by a mighty boat named "Lacplesis" after an epic hero, and reminding us of tales and legends. The boat holds 24 people. The route takes the travellers past Oliņkalns, Selpils castle mound, and the Daugava's numerous little bays;

 

• Skriveri Sweets - when Latvians are talking about the national identity of their country, nothing can feature it more precisely than a genuine "Gotina" (Little Cow) candy. The tasting of "Gotina", guided tour programmes including hands-on experience;