Ozolkalna Stirnu buks
Congratulations! You have reached the description page of trail run’s “Stirnu buks” sixth season’s seventh stage!
Race centre:: Active retreat centre "Ozolkalns" (camping). GoogleMap here!
Race programme:: Here!
Detailed distance maps:: bit.ly/OzolkalnaStirnuBuks
Distance GPX files available here (press “Save link as”!):: “Vāvere – GPX”, “Zaķis – GPX”, “Stirnu buks – GPX”, “Lūsis – GPX”.
An epic end of the season – will it truly be as epic as we claim it to be? And why shouldn’t it be? We truly think so as Cēsis in not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most Latvian towns there is. Rich in beautiful scenery and historical evidence, it embodies an intriguing spirit of antiquity and modern identity. Both the town of Cēsis and the county of Cēsis are some of the most tempting Vidzeme tourist destinations. Throughout all seasons there are plenty of visitors who come here because they appreciate cultural and historical heritage, the beauty of nature and the slow-paced lifestyle of the town. Oh, and besides – Cēsis is the birthplace of Latvian flag!
Cēsis was established on the edge of the Gauja valley between the lands of Tālava and Idumeja. In 11th century Vendi people came to Cēsis and settled at Riekstu hill. Right after Vendi accepted Christianity in 1206, the Order of Sword Brothers transformed the Vendi castle into a fortress for their crusades to Estonia. In 1237 after the Sword Brothers were defeated during the Battle of the Sun, Cēsis became the residency of the master of newly established Livonian order.
The Gauja river valley is undeniably trail run’s organizing team’s second biggest source of inspiration right after Āžu hill, so we want to come back here time and time again!
EnterGauja:: “Gauja National park is the place to seek for adventure while you explore and learn at the same time. The variety of offered adventures lets anyone choose the pace and scenario of their trip. The beginnings of the Gauja river valley can be found more than 350 million years ago. Nowadays here you can find breath-taking sights of nature, cliffs and caves. The longest river in Latvia, Gauja, runs through the park itself. The river is exciting as it is full of twists and turns – 98 of them only in the park’s territory! The park is also home to two thirds of Latvia’s known caves and more than 500 objects of cultural history – castle mounds, castles, churches, manors, water mills, windmills, as well as countless monuments of archaeology, architecture and art.”
Race centre – active retreat centre “Ozolkalns”, right next to it – winter retreat centre “Žagarkalns”, but near both of them – Cīrulīši nature trails and Mirror cliffs (Spoguļklintis). We think that should be epic enough!
The trails of Stirnu buks in the heart of Vidzeme are still co-created by Artis Ločmelis (“VSK Burkānciems”)! An extra-epic “Thank you” goes out to Ģirts Kaļķis (active retreat centre “Ozolkalns”) and Juris Žagars (winter retreat complex “Žagarkalns”)!
And remember – you are in especially protected nature area – the Gauja National park! We encourage you to protect and be mindful of the valuable objects created by nature and people!
See you in Ozolkalns!!!
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