A hike Virga-Mazkalēti

Distance: 14.6km -23.6km

Type of route: Line-type, you can start from both Virga and Mazkaleti.

Sarts: You can start from both Virga and Mazkaleti.

Duration: 3 - 7 hours

Accessibility: Both on foot and by bike

Surface: Mainly gravel roads

Getting there: The most convenient way to get to the start is by intercity bus. If you start the route from Virga, then stop at "Vētras". If you choose to start from Mazkaleti, then stop "Mazkaleti".

Route description:

The route is well suited for those who want to try themselves on a longer walk, but do not want to choose difficult terrain. It is recommended to start the route at sunrise from Mazkaleti, if the sky is clear, then the first section of the road is ideal for watching the sunrise. The main route is 14.6 km, but it is recommended to take an additional circuit that leads along the old Liepāja - Vaiųde railway to Prūši water reservoir, where you can take a break, sit at a table or swim. Rest areas are marked on the map.

Resting place:

"Mazkalētu tilts" – fireplace, table, amenities

Lukužu bridge - resting place "Ineses" - fireplace, table, amenities

Prussian water reservoir recreation complex - fireplace, table, amenities. It is possible to rent camping cabins.

Sights:

(1) Krute - Evangelical Lutheran Church of Barta. State importance in the 17th century. architectural monument. In 2013, the exterior of the wooden church was restored. The authentic 17th century has been preserved in the church. altar and pulpit. It is interesting that the church is made of wood with a stone tower. In addition, ancient burials of German barons have been preserved near the church. According to the visitors, there is a different spiritual peace in the church, voices sound differently and you can feel the smell of historical events. To see the interior of the church, please make an appointment in advance. Phone: (+371) 29439220

(2) Paplak Baptist Church. It was founded in 1930. At first, services were held in the open air, but already on July 20, 1930, the foundation stone was laid. In 1945, most of the buildings in the area were destroyed, but the Baptist Church of Paplak, although seriously damaged, was not completely destroyed.

(3) Former railway station of Paplak. The original name of the station was PLEIKE. It was opened in 1879 on the Liepāja - Vaiųde railway line, then a branch was built to the quarries for the expansion of the Liepāja port. In 1919, a new station building was built, which operated during the first independent state of Latvia, but was completely destroyed in the Second World War. In the post-war period, railway stations were renovated according to standard projects throughout the territory of the Soviet Union. Paplakas station, as it is seen today, was put into operation in 1952 as a complex of small railway station buildings.

(4) Servants' house and horse stable for the Virga manor complex. An essential part of the Virga manor complex is the servants' house and the horse stable, which date back to the year of construction in 1837. The house is famous for the fact that many different people have lived there at all times. In the times of the first Latvia, farmers lived there, and in the years after the war, collective farmers lived there. A veterinarian, a zootechnician, livestock breeders, a paramedic, a mechanic, etc. lived in "Rožlejės". At the end of the 60s of the last century, the building was slightly rebuilt. On the first floor, there was a large hall, which at first housed a shop, but later was used as a People's House, where balls were held.

(5) Boot of Charles XII. During the Northern War. In the winter of 1701, the troops led by the Swedish king Karl XII established a camp in Virga. According to local people's stories, the king lost his boot in the battle of Spilve near Riga, but it was "found" again in Virga as a reminder of the events of the Northern War. The boot of the King of Sweden is "stored" in the park of Virga Manor, where a comfortable resting place has been arranged for both local residents and guests of Virga.

(6) Virga manor complex. The manor complex consists of a manor house, a granary, several outbuildings, a park and manor ponds. From some parts of the manor, there is an unusually beautiful view of the ancient valley of the river Vārtājas, which was important in ancient times. Virga is a wonderful place to walk and spend time in the atmosphere of antiquity. A park has been created around the Virgas manor, where rare, interesting trees and shrubs have been planted over many years. It is suitable for active recreation, as the sports field of the Virga school is located here.

(7) Virga mill wall. The Virga mill has become a symbol of Virga for a long time, as it is located on the top of the highest Virga hill. In the past, it was a Dutch-type windmill, where people ground flour. The mill was first mentioned in 1892, but last operated in 1937.