Valdemārpils on Lake Sasmaka: lake and history

Valdemārpils combines its location on the shores of Lake Sasmaka with striking reminders of the town’s history. This gives you two main themes to focus on when planning your trip: time by the water and a look at historic buildings and places of remembrance. An easy circular trail adds another way to explore the town on foot.

By the lake: walking trail, beach and fishing

Lake Sasmaka is 7.2 kilometres long and averages 6.4 metres deep. The beach has a bathing area, tent pitches and various opportunities for active recreation. If you’d like to try SUP, Walle group rents SUP boards in the centre of Valdemārpils on Lake Sasmaka. Check whether the service is available before your visit.

The lake is popular for fishing because of its diverse fish species. A fishing licence is required, so check the current fishing regulations before setting off. For a walk, try the “Valdemārpils – liepziedu pilsēta” circular trail: it is 6 kilometres long, rated easy and takes approximately two hours. This estimated duration can help you plan the walk as a separate part of your day.

At the narrow point of Lake Sasmaka, a road bridge crosses the water as an extension of Raiņa iela. It is said to be the only bridge of its kind in Latvia, linking a specific road crossing with a distinctive feature of the lakeside landscape.

Church and local history

Valdemārpils Lutheran Church was built in 1646 as a small, single-nave longitudinal building with a bell tower. It preserves an original altar with the central painting “The Last Supper”, as well as a wood-carved pulpit; both works date from the mid-17th century. As an architectural monument of national significance, it is one of the town’s notable historic buildings. Visits can be arranged in advance.

Valdemārpils was named in honour of Krišjānis Valdemārs. He studied there from 1835 to 1845 and worked as a teacher. The monument to him was created by sculptor Dzintra Jansone and unveiled on 18 November 1993. The town’s name and monument connect the memory of Valdemārs with his earlier years as a student and teacher in Valdemārpils.

Jewish heritage and remembrance

The former Valdemārpils synagogue at 1 Ezera iela was built around 1830. In the 19th century, the Sasmaka synagogue complex included a synagogue, a ritual slaughterhouse, a ritual bath and the rabbi’s residence. The range of facilities in use at the time offers a glimpse into the town’s religious and communal history.

On Dzirnavkalns, the Jewish cemetery is a memorial site with gravestones belonging to Valdemārpils’ former Jewish community. Burials took place there until 1940. The cemetery commemorates the community and complements the architectural heritage with a place of remembrance.

A tree and traces of the landscape

The Sasmakas Elku Linden stands in the park at the end of Liepu iela, in front of the former Sasmaka manor house. Its trunk circumference is 8 metres, and its age is estimated at 350 to 400 years. Its location, size and estimated age make the tree a distinctive natural feature of the area.

The name Dzirnavkalns also points to a former use of the site: a mill stood there until 1960. Its upper floors once offered a view towards Lake Sasmaka. The landscape can therefore also be read through its historic names and the changes it has undergone over time.

Discover more destinations: Pastende, Aklaisciems, Kalnmuiža, Roja, Talsi, Dzedri, Dārte, Spāre

For the broader travel overview: Talsu Novads.