On a trip to Strenči, you can explore its photographic history, architecture and landscape from a range of perspectives. A four-kilometre photographic trail leads through Strenči and Gaujmala; the Forest Trail’s tenth section runs from Strenči to Spicu Bridge. Other highlights include Strenči Church, the Gauja Nature Trail and an annual festival. A tree nursery nearby adds another option. To plan your visit, it is worth grouping the places according to your interests: the photographic trail connects images with local history, while the walking routes offer direct encounters with the landscape.
Photography and Local History
The “Divi gadsimti vienotā rakursā” photographic trail covers four kilometres through Strenči and Gaujmala and presents material from the 20th-century Strenči photographer Dāvis Spunde. An older route description names the Strenči Tourist Information Centre at Rīgas iela 7 as the starting point; check the current signs on site. Spunde documented events in Strenči and the surrounding parishes, including timber rafting on the Gauja. The trail’s subject matter therefore extends beyond individual photographs to include specific events captured by the photographer.
A monument to the historic Strenči photographer Dāvis Spunde is shaped like a camera and contains photographs by Spunde set in glass. Its camera form reflects his photographic work, while the images in the glass incorporate his photographs directly into the design. Another cultural and historical highlight is Strenči Church, built in 1907 in the National Romantic style, a movement that developed within Art Nouveau.
Forest Trails and Landscapes
The tenth section of the Forest Trail runs from Strenči to Spicu Bridge. After 3.5 kilometres, the route continues along small, remote forest paths. At Zemā sala (Low Isle), you can see some of the finest views of the protected Northern Gauja (“Ziemeļgauja”) landscape. This route offers a different focus from the photographic trail: here, forest paths and landscape views shape the experience, while the other trail focuses on Dāvis Spunde’s photographic material.
The Gauja Nature Trail adds a specific cultural and historical connection to this perspective on the landscape. The Dravas oak stands along the trail and preserves evidence of beekeeping. The Strenči tree nursery is also located near Strenči, in Kociņi, in Trikāta Parish. Around 200 different coniferous and deciduous tree species are cultivated there. During your visit, you can walk freely through clean, scenic surroundings. Alongside forest paths, the variety of trees and a walk through the nursery offer different ways to enjoy nature.
Festival and Getting Around
The annual “Gaujas plostnieku svētki” features a wood-carving competition for wooden sculptures. The new sculptures are later installed in the wooden sculpture park. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the specific event dates.
The grounds of Strenči Hospital have an orientation system with clear markings, maps, directions to the buildings and information boards. It helps visitors find their way around the grounds, while the photographic trail and walking routes each offer their own focus for planning a trip.
For an overview of the wider area: Strenču Novads.
