Svētciems combines manor history with coastal trails and activities on the Svētupe. The area is also featured on several sections of the Jūrtaka Coastal Hiking Trail. Different conditions are important when planning your trip: visits to the manor complex are possible by prior arrangement, while some activities should be checked seasonally.

Manor history and culture

The Svētupes muižas komplekss complex includes historic buildings from the Svētciems manor, including 17th-century storehouses and stables. The information board in Svētciems Park offers further insight into the area's history: it describes the area where the manor stood more than 300 years ago. Check the signs when you arrive.

The Salacgrīva Museum also covers the historical areas of Svētciems. It also holds materials on the history of the Svētciems manor. This means the historical story extends beyond the buildings on site, although the different locations do not have to serve the same purpose for your visit.

The complex hosts cultural, art, sports and motorsport events, as well as guided tours; individual events may vary by season. Visits to the complex are possible by prior arrangement. There is also a picnic area in Svētciems manor park.

Coast and trails

The Svētciema akmeņu saliņas are located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. The Svētciema akmeņu saliņa is 200 m offshore, opposite Svētciems.

The Jūrtaka Coastal Hiking Trail section on the way to Svētciems follows the stony Vidzeme coast. Before the mouth of the Svētupe are a heavily overgrown beach and a reed bed; coastal conditions and vegetation may change seasonally. A separate path leads from Svētciems Park to Svētciems beach. Check the signs when you arrive.

The Svētciems–Ainaži stage of the Jūrtaka Coastal Hiking Trail starts in Svētciems at the mouth of the Svētupe, opposite the “Vējavas” campsite. The Tūja–Svētciems stage ends near Svētciems at the mouth of the Svētupe. Svētciems is therefore the starting point for one stage and the endpoint for the other. Check local conditions before setting out.

A forest path connects Šķīsterciems with Svētciems. Watch out for dogs roaming freely along the path. The forest path and the path from the park to the beach are two different ways to explore the landscape on foot.

Activities on the Svētupe

At Svētupes nēģu tacis, you can try grilled lamprey and take part in lamprey fishing. Before your trip, ask about seasonal arrangements for both activities.

The Svētupe water route runs along a stretch from Jaunupe to Svētciems, where the river flows into the Gulf of Riga. If you would like to paddle, check water conditions in advance, as they vary seasonally. There is also a designated access or fishing spot on the Svētupe near Svētciems.

Getting there and planning your trip

There is a bus service between Tūja and Svētciems on the Rīga–Ainaži route, approximately 11 times a day. This is an approximate frequency; check the current timetable before travelling.

When planning your trip, take the different requirements for activities into account: visits to the manor complex require prior arrangement, lamprey activities should be checked seasonally, and paddling depends on water conditions. This will help you plan cultural stops, walking trails and river activities according to their respective conditions.

Discover more destinations: Jelgavkrasti, Birži, Liepupe, Tūjasmuiža, Boķi, Salacgrīva, Tūja

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