Svētciems

Svētciems between the Coastal Trail, River Mouth and Manor History

The Jūrtaka Coastal Hiking Route follows the Tūja–Svētciems section to the mouth of the Svētupe. This gives Svētciems a direct connection to a coastal route as well as a landscape section that differs from other beach destinations: the stony Vidzeme coast lies along the route, followed by a heavily overgrown beach and a reed bed near the river mouth. Those who want to consider both the coastal landscape and nature observation opportunities and regional history when choosing where to stay will find several clearly distinct points of interest here.

Coast and Nature along the Svētupe

Among the notable natural features are the Svētciema akmeņu saliņas in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. Svētciema akmeņu saliņa lies 200 m offshore opposite Svētciems. In addition, a section of the Svētupe water route runs from Jaunupe to Svētciems. There, the river flows into the Gulf of Riga. A path leads from Svētciema Park to Svētciems Beach.

For orientation on foot, a forest path connects Šķīsterciems with Svētciems. Along the road, watch out for dogs roaming freely. The village can also be reached by bus on a specifically described connection: there is a bus service between Tūja and Svētciems on the Rīga–Ainaži route, approximately 11 times a day. The frequency is explicitly approximate.

Traces of the Manor and Regional Culture

An information board in Svētciema Park describes the area where Svētciema Manor stood more than 300 years ago. This history is complemented at the Svētupes muižas komplekss by historic buildings from Svētciema Manor, including 17th-century storehouses and stables. The complex hosts cultural, art, sports and motorsport events as well as guided tours. Visits to the complex are arranged by prior registration; this requirement is therefore part of the specific visiting arrangements and should be taken into account when planning.

The Salacgrīva Museum also includes Svētciems in its exhibits. It covers the historic territories of Svētciems and preserves materials relating to the history of Svētciema Manor. This makes it possible to explore the local history both in the village itself and in a museum context, without combining the two offerings into a single location.

Lampreys and Special Routes

The Svētupes nēģu tacis offers a distinctive experience of its own. It is a special arbour- or bridge-like structure made of spruce poles. At the Svētupes nēģu tacis, visitors can try grilled lamprey and take part in lamprey fishing. This adds a regionally distinctive experience to the coastal and river landscape, while Jūrtaka and the Svētupe describe different ways of moving through and experiencing the landscape.

If you would like to expand your search area for your trip, you can also look at Tūjasmuiža, Birži, Liepupe, Boķi, Salacgrīva, Jelgavkrasti and Tūja.

For the overarching travel overview: Salacgrīvas Novads.