Discover Svētciems: Coast, Jūrtaka and Manor History

Svētciems combines coastal landscapes, a river estuary and traces of a long-standing manor history. At the same time, your travel planning can be tailored entirely to your interests, without limiting yourself to just one type of experience.

Coast, Islands and Waterside Paths

The Svētciema akmeņu saliņas are located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. One Svētciema akmeņu saliņa lies 200 m off the coast opposite Svētciems and adds a distinctive feature to the landscape. The mouth of the Svētupe also shapes the area. This is where the Svētciems–Ainaži section of the Jūrtaka coastal hiking trail begins, opposite the “Vējavas” campsite. The Tūja–Svētciems section ends at Svētciems, at the mouth of the Svētupe.

On the way to Svētciems, the coastal section of the Jūrtaka trail includes the stony Vidzeme coast. Before the mouth of the Svētupe, there is a heavily overgrown beach and a reed area. These contrasting landscapes make choosing the day’s programme particularly varied: depending on your preference, you can plan a coastal section, observe the river estuary or take a shorter trip to a single destination. Another section of the Svētupe water route runs from Jaunupe to Svētciems, where the river flows into the Gulf of Riga.

Manor History and Special Experiences

The Svētupes muižas komplekss complex comprises the historic buildings of Svētciema Manor. These include warehouses and horse stables from the 17th century. An information board in Svētciema Park provides information about the area where Svētciema Manor stood more than 300 years ago. The manor park also has a picnic area. This allows you to combine historical traces with a break in the countryside, without limiting your visit to a single building.

Visits to the Svētupes muižas komplekss complex in Svētciems are possible by prior arrangement. The complex hosts cultural, art, sports and motorsport events, as well as guided tours. If you would like to explore this aspect of the destination in greater depth, the Salacgrīva Museum also covers the historical areas of Svētciems; it also preserves materials on the history of Svētciema Manor.

The Svētupes nēģu tacis offers an unusual regional experience. It is a special, arbour- or bridge-like structure made of spruce poles. At the Svētupes nēģu tacis, you can try grilled lamprey and take part in lamprey fishing. For travellers who want to combine nature observation, regional traditions and a special culinary experience, this place is a destination in its own right.

Svētciems as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

When choosing accommodation, you can consider which of these facets should be the focus of your stay. The Jūrtaka sections suggest planning around the coast and the mouth of the Svētupe. Those more interested in history can include Svētciema Park, the manor complex and the Salacgrīva Museum in their travel plans. For a waterside perspective, the Svētupe water route and the designated access or fishing spot on the Svētupe are available.

Even without your own vehicle, there is a documented connection in the area: there is a bus service between Tūja and Svētciems on the Rīga–Ainaži route, approximately 11 times a day. A forest path connects Šķīsterciems with Svētciems; watch out for freely roaming dogs along the path. These details will help you prepare your stay and choose a holiday apartment to suit your planned activities. For further destinations, you can also explore Jelgavkrasti, Salacgrīva, Birži, Tūja, Tūjasmuiža, Liepupe and Boķi.

For the broader travel overview: Salacgrīvas Novads.