Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”

Nature Park “Daugavas Loki” was created to preserve the unique natural complexes, natural, cultural and historical values and little transformed landscapes of the ancient valley of the Daugava on the site of Naujene to Kraslava. The bends of the ancient valley of the Daugava are considered to be the oldest geological formations in Latvia. The Nature Park “Daugavas Loki” as part of Augsdaugava protected landscapes area was recognized as the NATURA 2000 territory in 2004, but in 2011 this park was included in the Latvian National UNESCO World Heritage List.

The River Daugava is a structural axis for the Nature Park, forming a picturesque bends. There are picturesque landscapes from the banks of the river. Since ancient times the River Daugava was the main element of the development of this area – water trade route. Castles and villages were built on the banks of the river. An ancient but eternally young Daugava with its apparent calm watercourse had been conducting a titanic effort, for thousands years creating a unique valley that produces an unforgettable impression on each traveler.

The most characteristic peculiarity of Daugavas Loki nature its 8 meandres that stretches from Kraslava up to Naujene. The lenght of every meandre is about 4-6km, but the distance between them is only 2-3 km. Forests take up 38% of the whole park’s territory. Mainly it is a growth of nature park. On this score it is a one of the most valuable territories in Latvia. Mainly it is a growth of pine trees, fir trees and birch trees. Many area and peculiar species of plants can be seen in thw territory of nature park. On this score it is one of the most valuable territories in Latvia. Many protected species of birds are noted here. There are 23 known archaelogical monuments in the territory of the park including Vecpils and Markovas castle mounds, medieval settlement of Slutiski, Vasargeliski observation tower, Slutiski ethnographic village of old-believers etc.