Salacgrīva on the Salaca

Salacgrīva combines history on the Salaca with a distinctive lamprey tradition and short nature excursions. Those looking for accommodation in this town will find several different starting points for planning their trip: historical traces, maritime landmarks, regional cuisine and landscapes that can be explored on foot.

History on the right bank of the Salaca

One of the notable historical sites is the medieval Salacgrīva Castle. It is protected as an archaeological monument of national significance and is located on Baznīcas iela on the right bank of the Salaca. The Salacas pilskalns is also situated on the right bank and is considered the oldest site in Salacgrīva. Both landmarks give the town a historical dimension that differs from the later facilities along the promenade.

The religious and urban history of the town also includes the Orthodox Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Salacgrīva. It was built according to a design prepared by the architect R. Pflūgs in 1849. The Slavas aleja was opened on the promenade on 16 July 2016. Its 24 bronze-cast handprints of notable people who have visited the town present another explicitly public aspect of its history.

Museum and lighthouse

The Salacgrīva Museum focuses on a long historical period with its exhibition “LĪBISKĀ PIEDERĪBA”: the presentation ranges from prehistory through the Soviet occupation. In this way, the museum complements the individual buildings and commemorative sites with a coherent historical framework.

A clear maritime landmark is the Salacgrīva lighthouse. The square white tower has a red lantern at its top. Its simple colors and form make it a distinctive point of orientation among the town’s sights.

Lampreys as part of the town’s character

The town’s local character is particularly evident during Nēģu Day. The event usually takes place on the second Saturday in October and has been organized by the municipality since 2008. For visitors, the event is not only a seasonal occasion but also a direct introduction to a specialty associated with Salacgrīva.

At Nēģu Day, you can sample dishes featuring and made from lampreys. These include lamprey soup, lamprey pastries, lamprey pizza, lamprey sushi and lamprey porridge. Since 2022, the food product “Salacgrīvas nēģi” has also been included in a European food quality scheme. The event and this classification describe two different sides of the same culinary tradition: public tasting and the recognized name of the food product.

Promenade, nature center and a short hiking trail

The promenade along the Salaca was built to protect the banks of the Salaca from erosion. The Nature Center of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve represents the nature perspective. It provides information about the coast with its dunes and forests and also introduces visitors to salmon, salmon rivers and lampreys.

Those wishing to plan a short excursion on foot can choose the “Starp divām ostām” hiking trail. The short hike leads through picturesque, photogenic natural landscapes, providing a peaceful contrast to the museum, buildings and event. Salacgrīva can thus be experienced through its history and cuisine as well as its riverbanks and nature.

Other places in the wider area

If you would like to compare Salacgrīva with other places, you can also visit Svētciems, Tūja, Tūjasmuiža, Birži, Jelgavkrasti, Liepupe and Boķi.

To the overview of the wider destination: Salacgrīvas Municipality.

More about the destination

Useful information for planning your trip:

Northern Latvia Salacgriva - Saulkrasti - Gauja National Park.