Discover Aizkraukle: the Daugava and culture

Aizkraukle brings together themes that are easy to distinguish when planning a trip: trails and views along the Daugava, museum exhibitions and an archaeological site. First consider whether you are more interested in the landscape and walks or in the history of the place. The specific attractions on site give each of these interests its own character.

Trails and views along the Daugava

The Daugava hiking trail in Aizkraukle is more than 800 metres long and illuminated. Another route, the Daugava walking and educational trail, consists of a 400-metre paved circular path connected to a cycling route. The descriptions refer to different trails: the hiking trail is specified by its length and lighting, while the walking and educational trail is described as paved and circular, and as connecting to the cycling route. As trail infrastructure can change, check the relevant information again before your trip.

The “Daugavas Takas” walking trail offers a different perspective: it has an observation platform with views of the Daugava landscape. Length and lighting, a paved circular path and an observation platform are different features that help you distinguish the trails described and what they offer. If the view is your main consideration when planning, the platform is the specific destination mentioned; the 400-metre route is described as a circular path.

Museum and archaeological history

The Aizkraukles Vēstures un mākslas muzejs “Kalna ziedi” has a permanent exhibition, “Daugavas krastu likteņstāsti”. The exhibition “Padomju gadi” explores the cultural and historical heritage of the 1950s to the 1980s. It occupies three floors with a total area of 1,060 square metres. Separate sections are devoted to the history of the Pļaviņu HES and the story of the city of Aizkraukle’s origins. The museum’s named themes thus range from the history of the Daugava’s banks to a clearly defined period and the city’s development.

The Kalnaziedu hillfort offers an archaeological perspective. It lies on a 17-metre-high hill surrounded on three sides by deep ravines. According to excavations, the hill was inhabited from the end of the 1st millennium BC until around the 9th to 10th century AD. Its former role is described tentatively: it probably served more as a refuge where people hid in times of danger than as a permanent settlement. The hill borders the grounds of the “Kalna Ziedi” museum; the exhibition and the hillfort shed light on different aspects of local history.

Church, river views and local market

The Aizkraukles Svētās Terēzes no Bērna Jēzus Romas katoļu baznīca stands in Aizkraukle on the banks of the Daugava. The garden surrounding the church also offers a view of the river. Two towers are a distinctive feature of a Catholic place of worship and indicate its religious affiliation. Along with the observation platform at Daugavas Takas, these are two different places with views of the Daugava: the church garden and the platform overlooking the Daugava landscape.

Fresh produce from local producers and artisans is available at the market near TC “IGA”. The selection may vary. If you would like to include local products in your travel plans, bear in mind that availability changes.

Decide which of these themes you would like to shape your stay, then look for a hotel in Aizkraukle.

For the broader travel overview: Aizkraukles Novads.