The Naujenes Local History Museum in Naujene combines an open art collection with exhibitions on nature, cultural heritage and crafts. The “Valentīnas Zeiles darbnīca” collection comprises more than 6,200 objects. The museum’s themes therefore range from visual art to nature and regional history.
Museum and Regional Cultural Themes
The “SirdsDaugava” exhibition provides information about the protected natural area “Augšdaugava” and its natural values. The museum also includes a historical exhibition on Polish cultural heritage in Augšdaugava and an ethnographic exhibition on the region’s pottery traditions. The exhibition list may change; check which displays are on view before your visit.
The Naujenes Local History Museum also offers a tourist route for exploring the flora and fauna of the specially protected natural area “Augšdaugava” and the “Daugavas loki” Nature Park. If you would like to book this route, confirm the details in advance.
Cultural Heritage, Architecture and Crafts
In Slutišķi, the “Slutišķu vecticībnieku lauku sēta” exhibition preserves restored Old Believer heritage. The settlement itself retains traditional rural architecture: rectangular log houses and decorated windows, doors and gables. Together, these themes offer different perspectives on cultural heritage and rural architecture.
Crafts and regional production add further points of interest. The “Pītenis” weaving workshop in the village of Kašatniki offers masterclasses in crafts. Booking details may change; confirm them in advance. Founded in 2024, “Urban’s Brewery” in Slutišķi brews beer according to old brewing traditions. Its founding year and traditional brewing methods offer two distinct perspectives on the brewery’s timeline.
Landscapes and Trails
In Naujenes pagasts, Juzefova Park is opposite the Naujenes Local History Museum. This protected dendrological site complements the museum and exhibition themes with a specific place in the landscape.
The 1.6 km Markova Nature Trail runs through the Markova hillfort area. Its points of interest include Markova Cemetery and the Markova hillfort, as well as the marker showing the planned reservoir level of the Daugavpils Hydroelectric Power Station, Putānu Stream and the stone at Putānu Stream. Several protected plant species also grow there.
The 21 m-high Vasargelišķi Tower offers a different view: from there, the landscape and the bends of the Daugava River, including the Rozališķi bend, are in view. Those wishing to compare trails by length can use the 1.6 km Markova Nature Trail and the approximately two-kilometre-long Slutišķu Ravine Trail as reference points.
The Slutišķu Ravine Trail connects the steep slope of Slutišķi with the village of Slutišķi. Along the trail are wooden sculptures inspired by the Latvian folk tale “Kā zvēri raka Daugavu”. Check before travelling to see whether these newer installations are still in place. Visitors can choose between two routes on the trail; as the route may change, check the current options before your outing.
Further Planning Ideas
Regional Cycle Route No. 35, “Daugavas loki”, is 122.8 km long and has information boards and route maps. Route details, signage and printed materials may change; check the latest information before setting out.
When looking for hotels in Naujene, you can first decide whether museums and cultural themes or nature trails and landscapes will shape your stay. Exhibitions, trail lengths and viewpoints offer specific starting points to help you decide what to focus on during your trip.
Discover more destinations: Kumbuļi, Mīšteļi, Silene, Saliena, Višķi, Vabole, Šengeida, Medumi
For the broader travel overview: Daugavpils Novads.
