A cycling route along the north shore of Lake Babīte and several historical connections shape the way Pērnciems is seen. If you are considering staying in the area, you can focus on the cycling route, the history of amber searching, or the biographical story of Andrejs Liepiņš. Nearby, in Spuņciems, a cultural centre adds another historical perspective. This can help you decide whether the cycling route, local history, or a combination of the two is the main draw for you.

Cycling route along the north shore

Pērnciems is a stop on the cycling route along the north shore of Lake Babīte. Dykes and polder meadows shape the landscape along the shore. The route through Pērnciems includes asphalt, gravel roads, forest tracks and, in places, paths. This means the surfaces vary along the same route. For planning, it is more useful to account for this variation than to assume the entire route is paved. The surfaces were recorded in a survey conducted in 2015/2016. Before setting out, check current route conditions if the type of surface is important to your plans.

Amber searching and local history

At the end of the 19th century, amber seekers were active in Pērnciems as well as in Straupciems. Since that time, the houses called Zītaru, now Dzintari, and the Zītaru field have been associated with Pērnciems. These connections offer different perspectives: amber searching draws attention to an activity in two places, while the names Zītaru and Dzintari are associated with houses and a field. Andrejs Liepiņš offers a biographical connection. He was born in the Briežu houses in Pērnciems on 1 May 1888. He was a captain in the 8th Daugavpils Infantry Regiment. His birthplace, exact date of birth and military role give this local history a specific personal dimension. The history of amber searching and Liepiņš’s biography thus offer distinct perspectives.

Pērnciems on Mežzara

Pērnciems is also one of three settlements on the island of Mežzara. This adds a second geographical perspective to its connection with the cycling route along the north shore of Lake Babīte. One detail describes Pērnciems as a stop on a route; the other places the settlement among those on the island. These are two distinct points of reference: the route along the lake and the location on Mežzara.

“Vietvalži” Cultural Centre in Spuņciems

In nearby Spuņciems, the “Vietvalži” Cultural Centre offers another focus on cultural history. The two-storey building is equipped with a ramp and a lift. A permanent interactive exhibition is dedicated to actor Eduards Pāvuls. At the cultural centre, you can also learn about the history of the Salas and Babīte municipalities. An exhibition about one person and the history of two municipalities are presented as distinct subjects.

The cycling route, local history and cultural centre appeal to different interests. If your main focus during your stay is a cycling stage, information about the landscape and varying surfaces offers practical details for planning. If you are more interested in cultural history, you can compare the connections to amber searching and Andrejs Liepiņš with the exhibitions in Spuņciems. This makes it possible to understand Pērnciems through its own historical themes and its role on the cycling route.

Discover more destinations: Spuņciems, Egļuciems, Gātciems, Mežāres, Brīvkalni, Babīte.

Return to the main travel overview: Babītes Novads.