Discover Birži: River Landscape, Churches and Historic Sites

Birži is a riverside locality with historic churches, springs and notable memorial sites. Those planning a trip away from classic coastal destinations will find opportunities here to explore culture, landscapes and short excursions along the Podvāze. The location at the intersection of roads P72 and P75 is also an important reference point when choosing where to stay.

Churches and Historic Traces

The local character is connected with several aspects of church history. Biržu Church was built in 1848 and is a locally significant architectural monument. Birži Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Anne was built in 1847–1848 to a design by J. Held. After suffering severe damage during the First World War, it was restored in 1930 with a shortened tower. The churchyard complements this historical focus: in May 1939, a joint grave monument for A. Līventāls and J. F. Lundbergs was unveiled there.

The history of the locality itself can also be traced through specific sites. Birži developed next to the centre of the former Biržu muiža estate, also known as Groß-Buschhof. The writer Jānis Akurāters is also associated with Biržu “Beitāni”, where he lived. These sites make Birži particularly interesting for travellers who want to learn about local history not only through a single building, but through various historical connections.

Podvāze, the Spring and Walking Routes

Birži lies on the banks of the Podvāze, a tributary of the Ziemeļsusēja. The Biržu Zeltenes spring is also located on this river. A path to the spring passes the former Meža skola. The spring’s outlet is marked with stones. The “Ūdensdzirnas” recreation complex is located next to the spring; in its landscaped grounds, you can walk along paths and across bridges.

The combination of the riverbank, spring and walking paths allows for different focuses when planning your day. You can combine visits to historic sites in the locality with an exploration of the landscape, or treat a visit to the spring and the grounds at “Ūdensdzirnas” as a separate activity. A striking natural feature along the Podvāze is a huge larch with a circumference of 3.21 m.

Biržu dižakmens and Further Destinations

A signposted access route to Biržu dižakmens leads from the P72 via a left turn past Astarte Birži. After 1.5 km, you reach the erratic boulder. The history of this stone also goes back to earlier decades: until 1980, only a small part of the Biržu dižakmens was visible. In 1983, efforts were made to move it to the centre of Birži in the rural administrative territory of Sala. You should take these details into account in their correct chronological context when considering the site as a historic attraction.

For active pursuits, the Biržu karjers quarry offers another documented option, as it can be used for water sports. Competitions known as the “Žiguļu kauss” were held on the “Baroni” rallycross track on the grounds of the former Birži airfield. This connection with motor racing belongs to the site’s former history of use and should not be understood as an announcement of a current event.

Further Places to Compare

If you would like to compare Birži with other destinations in the surrounding travel area, you can also look at Tūja, Jelgavkrasti, Salacgrīva, Svētciems, Boķi, Liepupe and Tūjasmuiža. This allows your search for a suitable base to reflect different interests in history, river landscapes, walking routes and water sports.

For the main travel overview: Salacgrīvas Municipality.