Capital of the Summer!
Transcription
Capital of the Summer!
Roja Capital of the Summer! About Roja The Port of Roja around 1932 Roja – Capital of the Summer! The Port of Roja during the “The Tall Ships Race 2013” In The Sea Festival in Roja Fishermen’s Festival in Roja in 1970s 2 nowadays Roja has become a sea resort during the summers! It is a place where people enjoy relaxation, summer holidays, fresh wind of the sea, and generosity of the nature. But there is a much deeper history hiding behind Roja, witnessed by the seashore with the dunes full of pines, as well as the historically significant River Roja surrounded by the rich forests. Also the stones that lay down both in the ancient seashore of Kaltene’s Littorina Sea, and the mysterious forests of our seashore, and have already overgrown with the dark green moss, are the everlasting witnesses of the diversity of Roja region. The first written account of the name Roja comes from 1387. Till the end of the 19th century Roja was a little fishing village full of various fishermen huts. At that time Krišjānis Valdemārs came to appearance inviting people living on the seashore to turn to seafaring and shipbuilding. One of the first naval schools in Latvia was founded in Roja – it was a beginning of the iron men era. More than 200 wooden sailing ships were built on the seashore from Mazirbe till Mērsrags. Roja region was populated by powerful and large seamen families that passed their own traditions from generation to generation. Only during the soviet times Roja become a larger and more contemporary fishing village by rapidly building its urban village and bringing the port up to date. Roja region is beautiful – it has its own distinct scent and aura. People who have been here always want to return. Here you can find the charm that cannot be found anywhere else. We have the most beautiful blue sea, the softest white sand, and the greenest forests that hold centuries old secrets. At the same time though, Roja Region is modern and developed. Here you can enjoy exquisite meals in contemporary restaurants, go on an exciting boat trip in down the River Roja or simply catch the wind on the deck of a yacht while being in an open sea. Also, here you can try a real fishermen feast together with the fishermen, play golf with your friends, simply be at the beach with your children, or beat the new rope track that is installed high up in the slender pines. After being done with all of the activities, you can delight yourself in calming and relaxing bathhouse procedures under guidance of trained bathhouse specialists. Roja Municipality Parade Author: J. Straupe, “Mezozojs”. Festival ROJA`L 2012 Ordinary day at the Port of Roja 3 Valgalciems, Kaltene 2 1 T he trip to Roja Region may be set off from different directions. In this brochure we travel from Riga. The first village after entering Roja Region is Valgalciems – a small fishing village with a beautiful coastline. Here you can stay at a little guest house called “Lēveri” and recreate your body in a real rustic bathhouse under the guidance of a professional bathhouse specialist. Following Valgalciems, the next is Kaltene – one of the longest villages in the coastline of Northern Kurzeme; it stretches for more than 7 km. It is impressive how diverse is the nature in the forests and coastline of Kaltene. 4 1 | Kaltene’s Bird Trail is around 800 m long, and it has a bird observation platform and observation tower. The trail is rather wild as the shore has overgrown with sword grass and reeds, which is inhabited by small sea birds of warbler, sandpiper, and plover families. From the spring up till the fall they are swans, herons, spurries, ducks, and seagulls that gather here for the most part. 2 | Kaltene’s Kalvas. It is considered that these wavy stone piles (in Latvian “kalvas”) that later have become overgrown with forests have formed from the recession of Baltic Ice Lake. Special plank-ways for walking are set up in the forest for the visitation of these unique formations. There are the short track ~800 m and the long track ~1.5 km. Once the largest of all the stone piles – called “Devil’s Kalva” – used to stand as high as the top of the trees, however it was destroyed completely during 1960s–70s to acquire metal for road construction purposes. All that have remained in nowadays 3 is only a fairly small lower part of the pile, which is around 300 m long and 2 m high. 3 | St. Catherine’s Evangelic Lutheran Church of Kaltene. At the end of the 16th century Kaltene already had a church on its seashore; the current building was built in the 18th century. There is an organ in the church that was built by August Martin in 1843; originally it was set up in the Church of Gulbene, however, in 1943 it was sold and transported to the church in Kaltene. Ph. +371 26201528 4 | Degustation of Fish Salad in Kaltene. There is a small company in Kaltene –“Kaltene VM” Ltd. – that produces more than 30 types of fish salad. For those who are interested it is possible to book little tours around the production lines or purchase some of their freshly made products. “Elzas“, Kaltene, ph. +371 26430227 5 | Kaltene’s Rocky Seaside. It is attractive, rocky seashore rich with dune pines and beautiful landscapes. Here you can find rare formations of 5 Littorina seashore – sediment rich with mollusc’s remains from the era of Littorina Sea. In Kaltene you will be able to find a suitable accommodation to enjoy the closeness of the sea and the fresh forest air, and sincerity of the locals. 5 Roja throughout Selgas Street on Jūras Street in the beach area the square next to the Roja Municipality Council 6 A pproaching Roja you will see a big white sign opening up that says ROJA. There is a free Wi-Fi connection set up in Roja (throughout Selgas Street, on Jūras Street, in the beach area, as well as the square next to the Roja Municipality Council) that can be used by everyone. 6 6 | To get familiar with the distinctiveness of our region and coastline, you should visit the Roja Sea Fishery Museum. Here you can learn about the history of Roja region and charm of the sailing vessel era, the victory walk of the most popular fishermen collective farm during the Soviet occupation – “Banga”, or simply to take a look at the history of canned fish production. There are some theme acti vities for children, as well as entertainment programs specifically created for newly-wed and tourist groups. There is a small, recently built open are stage for outdoor events. Selgas Street 33, ph. +371 632695994, 29449917, [email protected] 7 | Roja Secular Stone of Sea. There is a sea stone at the rocky beach of Roja that was has travelled here along with glacier. Its girth is 12.5 m; height – around 2 m. Its girth is 12.5 m; height – around 2 m. 7 7 Artworks in Roja 15 | “The Horizon” (Sergei Isupov and Katri Parnamets / Estonia, USA / ROJAL 2013). Figures similar to baroque on a ruined factory wall, stunned waves, two-dimensional drawings that turn in to three-dimensional sculptures create the illusory part of our lives. A wall of a building in the territory of an old fish factory. 8 9 8 | Evangelical Lutheran Church of Roja originally was a wooden construction; in 1854 it was supplemented with a stone wall tower, but in 1878 with a whole new stone wall church building. In 1916 the tower was bombed and reconstructed only in 1992. The church possesses an altar piece named “Christ and St. Peter on the Lake” and an organ built by Mārtiņš Krēsliņš in 1883. Ph. +371 29533671 9 | Not too far from the Catholic Church you can find the Roja’s Spring. The vigorous qualities of this water are acknowledged no only by the locals, but also by visitors from the neighbour regions and Riga. 2013. A second access point to the spring was built in 2013 to lessen the long lines of those who want the water. The end of Kāpu Street. 13 11 10 | Open-air Trail of River Roja. River Roja and surroundings are rich with tourism and recreation objects. The trail is suitable for walking, riding a bicycle, or skiing in the winter. It is divided in three different routes – the short (2 km), intermediate (7 km), long route (15 km). There are direction signs and four informative boards with maps, three halts with benches, tables, toilets, swings, constructions for gymnastics, trash bins, as well as bonfire places. 11 | Roja Beach and the Blue Piglet of Hopes. This is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the coastline of Northern Kurzeme. There are foot-bridges, WCs, playing fields, and changing booths arranged on the beach. Since 2013 the beach is accommodated to people with disabilities. During the tourism season you can find the Blue Piglet of Hopes basking in the beach. It is a lovely environmental object (author Māris Grosbahs) that has become very popular amongst the visitors of the beach. The stone breakwater may be found right next to the beach, and it is a popular destination for those wish to take a walk not only amongst the locals but also the visitors. The 106 m long breakwater is a great place to view splitting of the waves as well as daily port activities. 10 12 | Roman Catholic Church is a new church that was built in 2010; the interior works of the church are not fully completed yet, however, since 2011 every Sunday a service is held for all Catholics. Kāpu Street 2b. 8 15 16 14 13 | Artworks “Astrolabe” (Arina Ailincai / Romania / ROJARAKU 2006) and “Teleportation” (Remigius Sederavačius / Lithuania / ROJARAKU 2004) are located on the pedestrian bridge over Mazupīte. The works were created within the framework of the international art laboratory – ROJARAKU. Astrolabe is a historic navigation tool that up till the 18th century was used by sailors and astronomers. Top of the footbridge over Mazupīte. 14 | “Gates for Restless Souls” (Nathan Cox / ASV / ROJAL 2013). The structure of this work gives the “poor” souls the opportunity to find the way and to enter the afterlife being equal to each other. Kāpu Street before the Catholic Church. 17 16 | “The Boat” (Vilnis Titāns / Latvia / symposium “Roja–Roņusala–Salacgrīva” 2003). Green next to the restaurant and recreational centre “Otra Puse”. 17 | “Stone Magnet” (Rimantas Milkintas / Lithuania / ROJAL 2013). After analyzing the urban environment and surroundings of Roja, the artist has used stones that are tied with round iron bars in this work. Roja’s rocky beach next to the south breakwater. 9 Artworks in Roja Recreation in Roja 20 20 | Recreation in Roja’s Skate 22 22 | Meadow Golf Park and Ice Hockey Rink For those who enjoy extreme sports, there is a new skatepark arranged in the territory of Roja Stadium. Right next to it there is an outside ice hockey rink, where it is possible to skate or play hockey during the wintertime. The beginning of Priežu Street near the stadium. There is a 3-hole golf course on the 3rd km of the Roja–Talsi highway, where you can rent equipment and play golf under the guidance of the local coach and instructor. 18 24 18 | “Spirit of the Fields” (Trey Hill / USA / ROJAL 2013). The image of a tree made out of in the River Roja 19 | “The Conversation” (Una Mjurka / Latvia / ROJAL 2012). People met in Roja shortly describe their associations to the city. These descriptions were turned into ceramic objects that were placed right were the conversations had taken place. The stones for the locals has a curve going up, however, for the visitors they always have dinted middle part. Selgas Street in its complete length. 19 10 24 | Feast in the Fishermen Farm 23 | Boat Rental and Boat Trips stone paste symbolize the support that the artist has received from the locals of Roja, while working at the art laboratory. The Spirit of Fields is a symbol for luck therefore anyone is invited to create feedback – to stand next to the sculpture and get support from it, and then pass it on to others. Green next to the Cultural Centre of Roja. 21 21 | Pontoon rides on the Roja River Those who enjoy the silence and nature have the opportunity to go on calm pontoon rides on the Roja River and observe birds and forest animals, or even come across a beaver. Pontoon rental: next to the bridge over the Roja River. The local businessmen offer a recreation and entertainment program, where groups of 15–40 people may get familiar with the work of the local fishermen, and taste different kind of sea foods, including fish soup. There three different programs available. Jūras Street 8, ph. +371 29477602, [email protected] There is a recently built marina and boat rental next to the bridge of River Roja. There you can rent row-boats, canoes, SOT kayaks, as well as the necessary equipment for boat trips and boat transportation; it is also possible to rent a boat for taking it along. It is a convenient access to the River Roja. Depending on the rout, a boat trip on River Roja usually takes at least half a day. There are special boat launching and landing docks. 25 | Rope Track at the Top of the Trees 23 There is a multilevel rope track at the Roja Beach set up in the pines growing next to it. The track is suitable for different age groups – from children to adults. The rope track will be an individual challenge for everyone to test your strengths and get unforgettable experience. 11 ĢiPka, Melnsils Festivals in Roja Region V isitation of the traditional regional festivals in Roja will make your recreation much more colourful and impressive. 27 27 T raveling away from Roja towards Kokla, the next places worth to visit are located in Ģipka and Purciems. When approaching Kolka, one of the last villages in Roja Region is Melnsils. A small, net fishing village, where you can enjoy the proximity of the sea and the special aura of a small fishermen village. There are many archaeological sites in this place, for example Baznīckalns, or the Castle of Trommel, who was a sea plunderer and as heard was active during the 14thcentury by robbing the passing ships. 12 26 26 | Evangelic Lutheran Church of Ģipka. Consecration of the renewed church was held in 2010. Before the construction of the new stone wall church in 1860, there have been several wooden churches there. In 1979, the church burned down, and all that was left were stone walls. There after the reconstruction was carried out in to stages, and the last one was completed in 2010 due to the unselfish efforts and support of Daina and Valdis Rande. The artwork on the pulpit and altar table is created by artist Modris Sapuns. Ph. +371 29212933 27 | The White Dune of Pūrciems. This 20 m high dune originates from the era of Littorina Sea and has witnessed more than 6000 years of human culture. There is a nature trail arranged in this historical place right next to the banks of Pilsupīte, where you can find out how the sand stripe was created and how the nature has changed under the influence of time and people. Length of the trail – 900 meters. Archaeological research shows as that the dune was inhabited by fishermen already during the Stone Age. The international Night of Museum at the Sea and Fisher Museum of Roja in May. Exhibitions, creative workshops, collective soup making, many interesting guests and other activities throughout the whole night. The last Saturday of May (31.05.2014.) the Days of Roja – the traditional festival of Roja Region with a parade, concerts, many performances and sport activities. June 23 – the Midsummer Night Festival or Līgo. Enjoy the magnificence of the Midsummer Night Festival in Roja by lighting up the festal bonfire at the seaside un witness the unique phenomenon – the sun both sets and rises from the sea, which in this time of year may be seen only at the seaside in Roja. The second Saturday of July (12.07.2014.) Sea Festival – the traditional festival of fishermen and sailors that usually gathers up many visitors from the whole Latvia. The festival takes place from the sunset till the sunrise, and includes welcoming of Neptune, athletic games, concerts, and other performances. The last weekend of July (24.–26.07.2014.) Cinema Festival ROJAL – the festival popularizes cinema and art industry outside of Riga, gathers the new and experienced representatives of the cinema industry, as well as other artist from many different countries. Open-air movie shows take place within the framework of the festival. The festival concludes with a movie show at the Roja beach. The last Saturday of August (30.08.2014.) the Night of the Ancient Fire – before lighthouses came to existence, bonfires at the seaside were used as landmarks for sailors. For many years a Roja has celebrated the symbolic festival of bonfires as remembrance of the old lighthouses with a huge bonfire at the seaside. Once a year such bonfires are light up simultaneously on the shores of the countries that are surrounded by the Baltic Sea. Lāčplēsis Day celebration on November 11 with a patriotic torch parade. Independence Day celebration on November 18 with a ceremonial concert, honouring of significant people to the region, and party in the conclusion. Beginning of December “Lighting Up of the Central Christmas Tree”. The gorgeous central Christmas tree of Roja is being lit up with musical ceremonies in the square next to the Culture Centre of Roja. There is a Christmas fair during the daytime before lighting up the Christmas tree, where various local and neighbour merchants offer their production. 13 27 | The White Dune of Pūrciems 26 | Evangelic Lutheran Church of Ģipka 22 | Meadow Golf 10 | Open-air Trail of River Roja 5 | Kaltene’s Rocky Seaside 4 | Degustation of Fish Salad in Kaltene 3 | St. Catherine’s Evangelic Lutheran Church of Kaltene 2 | Kaltene’s kalvas 1 | Kaltene’s Bird Trail Places to visit in Roja Municipality: travel offers hotel “Mare” Selgas Street 1c, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 28328599, 29169490, [email protected] [email protected], www.hotelmare.lv www.facebook.com/hotel.mare www.draugiem.lv/hotelmare https://twitter.com/hotel_mare Recreation and sports complex “DZINTARKRASTS” “Dzintarkrasts”, Žocene, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 28600600 [email protected], www.dzintarkrasts.lv www.facebook.com/pages/Dzintarkrasts/211117522 263868?ref=hl 10+7 60 m 110 km 3 km I–XII 120+80 35+20 500 m 120 km 50 m 127 km 7 km 100 Camping “TĀTI” “Tāti”, Kaltene, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29385841 [email protected] http://taatikaltene.tumblr.com Guest house “Vanaturs” “Vanaturs”, Kaltene, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 26441722, 63220202 [email protected] 12 3 gb. V–IX 19+7 350 m 105 km 12 km VI– IX 80-250 50 hotel “Rēderi” “Vējkalni”, Kaltene, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29238929, 63220558 [email protected], www.hotelrederi.lv https://www.facebook.com/viesnica.rederi Guest house “Dana” Raudu Street 3, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29927556, 63260234 [email protected] Guest house “Vīnkalni” “Vīnkalni”, Kaltene, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 26596275 [email protected] Camping “VASAROŠI” “Vasaroši”, Valgalciems, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 22409683 [email protected] https://twitter.com/vasarosi V–IX VI–X 30+16 4 300 m 112 km 5 km 19+3 500 m 120 km 8+4 50 m 110 km 3 km 6 5 70 m 102 km 15 km V–X 15 45 5 gb. 30 hotel “Roja” Jūras Street 6, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29477602, 63232226 [email protected], www.rojahotel.lv www.facebook.com/rojahotel https://twitter.com/rojahotel Guest house “Klētnieki” “Klētnieki”, Ģipka, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 26414763, 63200189 [email protected] www.vmkletnieki.lv Guest house “ZIVTIŅI” Kaltene, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29231907, 2927 2689 www.visit.roja.lv I–XII 100 50 hotel “ROJUPE” Rude, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29441780, 63260272 [email protected], www.visit.roja.lv 50 20 m 50 36 Guest house “Lēveri” “Lēveri”, Valgalciems, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29481598 (LAT and RUS), 26330770 (ENG) [email protected], www.leveri.lv 5+2 Camping “Melnsils” Melnsils, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 28605606 [email protected], www.melnsils.lv 52+4 100 60 110 km 5 km 2-3 500 m 120 km 4 gb. I–XII 42+20 5 km 125 km 5 km IV–X I–XII 22+5 300 m 130 km 12 km 35+10 100 m 120 km holiday house “Priežkalni” Miera Street 29, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29479675, 26527774 9+2 6 5m HOSTEL “ĶIPĪTIS” Selgas Street 4, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 26373806 [email protected] 142 km 22 km V–X 20 400 m 107 km 13 km 500 m 120 km 40 4 gb. 16 10 gb. 100 17 travel offers rooms in a private house in ROJa Priežu Street 13, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29913881, 63269310 [email protected] V–X 6+6 500 m 120 km rest area “RAUDIŅI” “Raudiņi”, Kaltene, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 26700062, 26345921 (Ruta Penēze) [email protected], www.raudini.lv travel offers. Helpful information. Where to have a meal. legend YAcHT “BREEZY” Ostas Street 1, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29432979 (Viktors Ivanovs) [email protected] 120 km Yacht rides • in the Gulf of Riga • Roja–Ruhnu island • Roja–Saaremaa island The rides must be booked in advance. Roja Port Authority Ostas Street 1, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29238127, 26434813 [email protected] Fish “Dižbute” Ltd. Selgas Street 14, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29140234, 26604016 [email protected] • fish production – smoked fish, cookery, and fresh fish • if arranged in advance, it is possible to observe and participate in the process of smoking fish (Viļņu Street 1, Roja) Fish Cookery “KALTENE VM” “Elza”, Kaltene, Roja Municipality Visitations must be booked in advanced: ph. +371 26430227 [email protected] legend food options bar guest limit (number of spots/ extra spots)) camping site caravan connection V–X tourist season distance till the sea distance till Rīga 500 m 105 km 10 km 120 km Trips around Kurzeme accompanied by experienced tour guides. Rustic Bathhouse in Roja Krasta Street 18, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 26532430 [email protected] 50 m 120 km Bathhouse attendant offers: • steaming/flapping procedures with herb whisks • natural beauty treatment • herbal teas, and various massages. Roja Golf club “Jaunlaukgravas”, Rojas–Talsu šos. 3. km, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 28627919, 29127447 [email protected], www.visit.roja.lv 500 m 120 km • Boat rental and boat rides on the Roja River • pontoon rental • meadow golf 18 • marina for up to 20 yachts • yacht rescue • sailing instructions Fish Recreational Centre “Otra Puse” Jūras Street 8, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29477602, [email protected] • participation in smoking fish, baking “dižrauši” (large traditional pies), as well as food tasting • morning catch and fish food • rides in fishing boats • production from Roja Region seafood producers available for sale Fisherman Ervīns Vilciņš “Ķirķragi”, Roja, Roja Municipality Ph.: +371 29171505, 632 22248 [email protected] • smoked or fresh fish • observation of the process smoking fish, as well as participation in it – all of it accompanied by the narration of a fisherman • fish tasting • rides in a fishing boat (must be arranged in advance) • around 30 types of fish salad • food tasting • opportunity to purchase the production Helpful information Roja Tourist Information Centre – Selgas Street 33, Roja, ph. +371 63269594, 28630590, [email protected] Roja Municipality Council – Zvejnieku Street 3, Roja, ph. +371 63233050, [email protected] Roja Municipal Police – Zvejnieku Street 5, Roja, ph. +371 63232052, 28600215 Cultural Centre of Roja – Zvejnieku Street 5, Roja, ph. +371 63232282, 27234280 First Aid – Bangu Street 2, Roja, ph. 113 Computer Service “RGU”– Selgas Street 14b, Roja, ph. +371 63291097 Swedbank ATM – Selgas Street 4, Roja Swedbank Cash Deposit Machine – Selgas Street 14b, Roja Gas Station “Astarte” – Selgas Street 70, Roja, ph. +371 63269163 Where to have a meal Recreational Centre – Restaurant “Otra puse” – Jūras Street 6, Roja, ph. +371 29477602 Restaurant – Bar “Mare” – Selgas Street 1c, Roja, ph. +371 29169490, 28328599 Café “Ķipītis” – Selgas Street 4, Roja, ph. +371 26373806 Pub “Rēderi” – „Vējkalni”, Kaltene, ph. +371 29238929, 63220558 Restaurant “Dzintarkrasts” – Žocene, Roja Municipality, ph. +371 8600600, 29105411 Café “Rojupe” – Rude, Roja Municipality, ph. +371 63260272, 29441780 distance till Roja parking sauna or bathhouse offering bathhouse attendant services fireplace room outside toilet (if there is only outside toilet in the house) WC TV shower, outside shower, bathroom laundry room room for seminars (max. number of people) public and dancing events pets not allowed accessible for people with disabilities Wi-Fi internet connection smoked fish, fresh fish, fish food marina boat rental bicycle rental Nordic walking pole rental billiards, table football or table tennis golf active recreation rest area place to relax with children swimming pool bonfire area, outside fireplace cooking fafilities mushroom and berry picking room for celebrations (max. number of people) 19 Roja Tourist Information Centre Selgas Street 33, Roja Municipality, Roja, LV-3264 Ph.: +371 63269594, 28630590 E-mail: [email protected], www.visit.roja.lv Publisher: Roja Tourist Information Centre Text: Kristīne Voldemāre Design, cartography: Jāņa sēta Map Publishers ltd, www.kartes.lv Photo: Roja Tourist Information Centre, photo archive of Roja Museum and Cultural Centre of Roja, Māris Grosbahs, Normunds Liepa, Evita Riekstiņa-Maure, Egils Mūrnieks, Raitis Strautmanis Year: 2014