An unusual craft, a manor house ensemble and red sandstone formations give Mazsalaca three distinct points of interest: traditional textile art, architectural history and landscape. You can choose the focus of your visit based on whether you are more interested in crafts, historic architecture or nature along the Salaca Valley.
Landscape and trails along the Salaca Valley
In Skaņākalna Nature Park, a trail about 6 kilometres long passes through a particularly picturesque section of the Salaca Valley. Sandstone outcrops, caves, springs and pine forest are among the landscape features along this stretch. The approximate trail length gives you a concrete reference point when planning a nature walk during your stay.
A striking red sandstone outcrop on the right bank of the Salaca is the Neļķu Cliffs. They are 20 metres high and 300 metres long, and are among the most picturesque sandstone outcrops in Latvia. The Skaņākalna Cliff, also known as Skaņaiskalns, is about 20 metres high and famous for its echo: it produces the strongest echo in Latvia. The rest area by the cliff is also particularly well suited to canoeists and other boating enthusiasts.
Crafts and architectural history
The making of patterned double mittens is intangible cultural heritage and part of the identity of the “Mazsalaca” folk arts and crafts studio. With this technique, the mitten has a pattern on both the inside and outside, with the colours reversed. At Amatu māja, you can learn how to make them from master craftspeople.
The Mazsalaca Museum is located in the historic Valtenberg Manor. The central manor house of the estate was built in 1780 at the suggestion of the landowner Vilhelms Georgs fon Falkerzāms. An example of late Classicism, it stands on the banks of the Salaca. The estate includes two Baroque gardens, which give way to a landscaped park created along the river in the 19th century. The avenue on Parka iela is also part of the manor’s landscaping.
The Līgojošais swinging footbridge leads from the manor park across the Salaca to Lībiešu pilskalns and the open-air stage. It connects the park with two named destinations on the opposite side of the river.
Another stop for architecture enthusiasts is St. Anne’s Church. Its oldest part dates from the 14th century; its walls are 1.5 metres thick. A cruciform section in the Gothic style was added in 1890 and completed in a single summer.
Getting around and planning your visit
The roads also offer a practical point of reference for getting around: the Valmiera–Pärnu (Estonia) road and the Valka–Ainaži road pass through Mazsalaca.
Prāmja jeb Āža krogs is one of the oldest buildings in Mazsalaca. Since winter 2022, it has been undergoing restoration as a place where visitors to the town can stop during everyday outings and celebrations. Restoration is ongoing; if you plan to visit, check in advance whether it is open to visitors.
The Ērenpreiss Festival is held in Mazsalaca every year, commemorating the anniversary of Gustavs Ērenpreiss. If the festival is important to your trip, check the dates before making plans.
For the broader travel overview: Mazsalaca.
