Birži brings together a riverside landscape, church and local history, and a range of activities. The Biržu Zeltenes spring and a giant larch stand on the banks of the Podvāze; a signposted route also leads to the Biržu dižakmens, and the quarry can be used for water sports. Nature, historic sites and activities are all options for your stay.
Riverside Landscape and the Spring
Birži lies on the banks of the Podvāze, a tributary of the Ziemeļsusēja. The Biržu Zeltenes spring is on the riverbank beside the «Ūdensdzirnas» recreation complex. You can walk along paths and across bridges in its landscaped grounds; check their condition on site. A path to the spring passes the former Meža skola, and stones mark the spot where the water emerges. A giant larch with a circumference of 3.21 metres grows on the banks of the Podvāze near Birži. The Ziemeļsusēja is the river into which the Podvāze flows as a tributary. The river name provides geographical context for the landscape; the spring, the marked emergence point and the larch are specific features on the riverbank.
Church Architecture and Local History
Birži’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of St Anne was built in 1847–1848 to a design by J. Held. After suffering severe damage in the First World War, it was restored in 1930 with a shortened tower. Its history thus spans the church’s construction, wartime damage and reconstruction. A shared memorial to A. Līventāls and J. F. Lundbergs was unveiled in the churchyard in Birži in May 1939.
Birži developed beside the centre of the former Biržu muiža estate, also known as Groß-Buschhof. This connection to the former estate adds another dimension of local history to that of the church. Biržu «Beitāni» is associated with the writer Jānis Akurāters, who lived there. The place is also linked to his school years and youthful memories—a biographical connection alongside the buildings and memorials.
Biržu dižakmens and Other Activities
Birži lies at the intersection of the P72 and P75 roads. The signposted route to the Biržu dižakmens leads from the P72 via a left turn past Astarte Birži; after 1.5 km, you will reach the erratic boulder. Until 1980, only a small part of it was visible. In 1983, efforts were made to move it to the centre of Birži in Sala rural municipality. This site therefore brings together specific directions and several historical milestones, without suggesting that the proposed relocation was completed.
The Biržu karjers quarry can be used for water sports. Another activity links Birži to motorsport history: «Žiguļu kauss» competitions were held on the «Baroni» rallycross track, on the grounds of the former Birži airfield. Water sports at the quarry and competitions at «Baroni» offer different points of interest for planning a trip.
Highlights for Your Stay
When looking for accommodation, you can decide on the focus of your trip in advance: riverside and spring scenery with opportunities for walks, water sports at the quarry, or places connected with local history. The historical topics also span different periods—from the church’s construction in 1847–1848 and its restoration in 1930 to the efforts considered in 1983 to move the erratic boulder.
Discover more destinations: Liepupe, Jelgavkrasti, Boķi, Tūjasmuiža, Tūja, Svētciems, Salacgrīva.
View the wider travel overview: Salacgrīvas Novads.
