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Mazsalaca

Mazsalaca (pronounced- ma-sa-la-tsa) is a scenic town in northern Vidzeme. It is a well known tourist destination in Latvia. Mazsalaca welcomes its visitors with the tranquillity of the Latvian countryside and the beauty of the banks of river Salaca.

But don’t be deceived by its apparent serenity- Mazsalaca is the home for energetic people. Come and see for yourself the wonders of Skaņaiskalns nature park, the organic gardens, the Manor House and its gardens, and many other attractions. 

 

Mazsalaca Welcomes You!

History

The oldest facts known about the region were discovered through archaeological research in the Zvejnieku settlement and burial site close to the place where the Rūja river flows into the Burtnieku lake as well as on Riņņu hill at the beginning of Salaca river. The Zvejnieku settlement was inhabited during the middle of the Stone Age around 5000BC and on the burial site 315 burials have been discovered stretching over a period of 3000 years. This is the biggest known Stone Age burial site in Northern Europe. Later on, this area was inhabited by the Livs who have left the names of the rivers- Salaca, Ķirele, Iģe and Ramata. sm_Mazsalacas_baznica.JPG

The first information about the Valtenbergu manor-house, which was situated in the place of the present day Mazsalaca Secondary school, can be found in writing in 1528. The creation of Skaņaiskalns Nature park is connected to the manor-house.

Mazsalaca (Salisburg- Germ.) grew into a tightly inhabited place after 1864. The owner of the manor house Arnolds Fitinghofs rented out the first 42 plots of land as building ground for houses in exchange for manual labor. The first bridge over Salaca river was built and handcrafts and trade developed in the town.

In 1928 Mazsalaca was awarded the rights of a town. The first general plan for the town was developed and many small living houses were built. Mazsalaca is the only town in Latvia where the wide track railway line has existed for such a short time, because the Rīga- Masalaca- Rūjiena railway line, opened in 1937, was destroyed in 1944 by the retreating German army. The trains started to run again only in 1977 and ran for the last time in 1996. Today Mazsalaca is a touristic town in Northern Vidzeme and is covered in beautiful gardens.

Objects of interest

  • Objects of interest Waltenbergu manor-house and park - built in 1780 in the style of August Krubsaciuss
  • The Skaņaiskalns nature park offers :
    • A path bordered by carved wooden statues of characters in a Latvian epic tale featuring Kurbads,
    • The Lovers Bridge an the Stairs of Dreams,
    • Skābumbaļļa Cave
    • The Carnations Cliff
    • The Devil's Pulpit
    • The Dwarfs Path
    • Skaņaiskalns Cliff and its echoes
    • Werewolf Pine
    • The Angels Cave
    • A hill where a Liv fortress used to stand, a sacrificial cave and the Bezdelīgu Cliffs
  • Mazsalaca Regional Museum/ Valters Hirte's carved wooden sculptures
  • Latvian Cultural Foundation Offices in Northern Vidzeme offers a collection of local family trees
  • St Anna's Lutheran Church- built in the 14th century and reconstructed in 1890
  • The Heroes Grove

Activities

In the vicinity of Mazsalaca there are not only breathtaking sights but also opportunities for interesting and creative breaks. At Grūbīte lake you can pass time with your family and friends, take a gentle ride in a rowing boat, raft or pedallo, enjoy a sauna and descend into the lake on a thrilling zipline. You will find it interesting to see the different varieties of rabbits and Soviet era cars.
Tel. 42051811 and mob. 26326044

Akmeņkalni Art school offers workshops teaching graphic techniques and silk and cotton painting. The workshops are taught by Biruta and Jānis Jansoni.
Tel. 4250178 and mob. 29783256

Places to stay

  • Youth hostel - 4 Brīvības boulevard, groups up to 30 people, Tel. 29179179
  • Places for tents along the Salaca river - "Silmači", "Draudzības pļaviņa" (the Friendship meadow in th grounds of Valtenbergu manor-house)
  • Places for tents at Grūbīte lake