Discover Mazsalaca

The town offers a range of themes, from a distinctive mitten-making technique and architectural history to a route through the Salaca Valley. Decide which aspects you want to focus on during your stay.

Double mittens: Craftsmanship with a distinctive technique

Making patterned double mittens is part of the intangible cultural heritage and identity of the folk crafts studio “Mazsalaca”. What makes them special is their construction: both the inside and outside of the mitten have a pattern, with the colors arranged in reverse on each side. The technique is therefore evident not only in a single motif, but also in the reversal of the color sequence.

At Mazsalaca’s Amatu māja, you can learn to make double mittens from master craftspeople. If you want to include this as a specific activity in your itinerary, check the dates in advance. This craft tradition adds a cultural focus to a stay that differs from the town’s architectural history and natural attractions.

Valtenberg Manor and St. Anne’s Church

Valtenberg Manor on the banks of the Salaca is an example of late Classicism. The central building of the ensemble was built in 1780 at the instigation of the manor owner, Vilhelms Georgs fon Falkerzāms. Today, the Mazsalaca Museum is housed in the historic manor house. The building’s history and its current use as a museum offer two distinct cultural points of interest.

The ensemble includes two Baroque gardens that merge into a landscaped forest park along the Salaca. The park was laid out in the 19th century. The avenue on Parka iela is also part of the landscaping at Valtenberg Manor. The sequence of Baroque gardens and landscaped park makes the design of the ensemble a subject in its own right, alongside the architecture of the central building.

From the manor park, the swaying Līgojošais pedestrian bridge crosses the Salaca to Lībiešu pilskalns and the open-air stage. Along the route described here, it connects the park, the river crossing and two named destinations. St. Anne’s Church also tells a story of different building phases: its oldest part dates to the 14th century and has walls 1.5 meters thick. A cruciform section in the Gothic style was added in 1890; its completion took one summer.

Salaca Valley: Trail, sandstone and echoes

A trail about 6 kilometers long runs through a particularly scenic section of the Salaca Valley in Skaņākalna Nature Park. The landscape features mentioned include sandstone outcrops, caves, springs and pine forest. The approximate length gives you a guide for planning your time, without specifying a walking time.

The Neļķu Cliffs are red sandstone outcrops on the right bank of the Salaca. They stretch for 300 meters and reach a height of 20 meters; they are considered one of Latvia’s most picturesque red sandstone outcrops. Another notable feature is the Skaņākalna Cliff, also called Skaņaiskalns, which is about 20 meters high and produces the strongest echo in Latvia. The rest area at this cliff is also particularly suitable for canoeists and other boaters. For trip planning, this offers two distinct nature-related options: a trail through the valley and a rest area specifically suited to boating.

Roads, a festival and places to eat

Two roads pass through Mazsalaca: the Valmiera–Pärnu road toward Estonia and the Valka–Ainaži road. Their names can help you find your way on the map.

The Ērenpreisa Festival is held in Mazsalaca every year to commemorate the anniversary of Gustavs Ērenpreiss. If you want to combine your trip with the festival, check the event dates before planning. Another historical point of interest is Prāmja jeb Āža krogs, one of the oldest buildings in Mazsalaca. Since the winter of 2022, Prāmja jeb Āža krogs has been undergoing restoration as a place where visitors to the town can stop by during everyday outings and celebrations. If you plan to stop there, check in advance what is currently possible.

For the broader travel overview: Mazsalaca.