Hike Mazkalēti-Bārta
Distance: ~18 km
Route type: Linear, available in both directions
Start: Mazkalēti or Bārta
Duration: 4 – 7 hours
Accessibility: By foot or by bike
Surface: Mainly gravel roads, unmarked forest trails, and off-road sections (~3 km)
Getting there: The easiest way to get to the start is by intercity bus to the "Mazkalēti" stop. Alternatively, you can leave your car in Bārta and take the bus to the "Mazkalēti" stop.
Route description:
This route follows gravel roads and forest trails. The most beautiful spots start where the roads end, and you will face about 3 km of complete off-road sections along the Vārtāja River. The route is perfect for adventure seekers who are not afraid of challenges and are ready to discover new places.
Sights:
(7) Vārtāja River – The entire river is full of magnificent natural views. In the end, the Vārtāja, along with the Durbe River, forms one of Latvia's most impressive river valleys with several hillforts on its banks. The largest of these is the Vārtāja Hillfort, once inhabited by the Curonians. The river's straight sections alternate with numerous bends. On the river's banks in Krote, on April 15, 1837, the famous Latvian publicist, linguist, and educator Atis Kronvalds was born.
(8) Krūtes Hillfort (confluence of Vārtāja and Bārta rivers) – The Vārtāja and Bārta rivers are still water-rich rivers, useful for log rafting. They merge in a forested area and flow under the name of Bārta, eventually reaching the Liepāja Lake, now about 40 meters wide. The hillfort's mound has long captured the attention of people, as legends say it hides barrels of gold, but archaeological excavations have only revealed traces of ashes.
(9) Bārta Catholic Church – The congregation was established and initially held services at the Bārta cultural center, later moving to the Bārta museum premises. A chapel was originally planned, but thanks to the efforts of two parishioners, Marija Ceriņa and Ērika Frišmane, support from the parish, bishop, and local community was gathered, and the chapel construction plans turned into the building of a church. On July 6, 2002, the Bishop of the Liepāja Diocese, Wilhelm Lapelis, consecrated the church in Bārta, dedicating it to the glory of the Resurrection of Christ.
(10) Memorial Stone for Arvīds Manfelds – Dedicated to the land reclamation specialist Arvīds Manfelds, the former head of the Liepāja district land reclamation company, in gratitude from the local residents for the roads and bridges.
(11) Bārta Museum – The museum has existed since 1985. It was created to research and reflect the history of the Bārta village and the collective farm. It was made possible by a local resident, folklorist, journalist, and poet, the then pensioner Jēkabs Rūsiņš (1917–1994). Since 2004, the Bārta Museum has operated as an accredited museum. According to its mission, the museum collects, preserves, and studies sources that reflect Bārta’s cultural history. Between 2004 and 2009, the museum's collection grew from 597 to 1323 items. Contact: +371 28687254