Zaķi: Forest Trail, Nature and Culture

Zaķi can be described in terms of two consecutive sections of the Forest Trail: Section 11 runs from the Spicu Bridge to Zaķi, and Section 12 follows the Zaķi–Zvārtava–Gaujiena route. This gives you a clear transition to plan your tour around: one section ends in Zaķi, and the next begins there and continues onwards. If you are looking for a hotel for a hiking-focused stay, this sequence of places gives you a specific reference point, without requiring you to combine the two sections into a single stage.

Landscape and Nature on the Forest Trail

The section of the Forest Trail that ends in Zaķi lies within the “Ziemeļgauja” protected landscape area, which is also a Natura 2000 site. In addition, the route crosses the Cirgaļi dune massif from north to south. The Forest Trail also leads to the four Kokši Lakes, which are about 4 km from the Spicu Bridge. This brings together several different natural features along the route: a protected landscape area, a crossing of a dune massif, and lakes as a named destination. If nature is important to your travel plans, you can consider these as separate points of interest rather than combining them into a single description of the landscape.

Route and Wayfinding

On Section 11, from the Spicu Bridge to Zaķi, the Forest Trail uses small forest roads, paths and gravel roads. Section 12 follows the Zaķi–Zvārtava–Gaujiena route. This makes it possible to distinguish the two stages by their different wayfinding details: the surfaces are specified for the section leading to Zaķi, while the next section is described by its sequence of places.

A Smiltene–Gaujiena bus service connects Zaķi with Aumeisteri, Zvārtava and Gaujiena. If you plan to use this service for your arrival or onward travel, check the timetable before departure. There are no services in Zaķi along Section 11. Plan your logistics and accommodation in advance, and confirm local arrangements before you leave.

Zvārtava Castle and Museum

A cultural monument is also one of the route’s named points of interest. 1.5 km after Zaķi, the trail leaves the Sēļi–Vireši road (P23) and follows a small country road towards Zvārtava. Zvārtava Castle comes into view at the end of a long tree-lined avenue. The castle was built in 1881 and is a state-protected cultural monument of national significance. The Latvian Artists’ Union Museum is located in the castle. The year it was built, its protected status and the museum each give the castle a distinct cultural significance: you can place the building in its historical context while also considering the museum as part of the castle. Zvārtava Castle adds a cultural dimension to the area’s nature and hiking themes.

Discover more destinations: Ērģeme, Omuļi, Turna, Valka

Go to the main travel overview: Valkas Novads.