Murmastiene Parish: Moor, Islands and Culture

Murmastiene Parish features natural areas, landscapes and cultural memorial sites in different geographical contexts. Its character becomes apparent through individual places whose names, forms and chronological classification create a varied picture.

Nature and Geography

The Teiči Nature Reserve also encompasses Murmastiene Parish and has been designated a strict nature reserve since 1982. At the same time, it is an important resting place for migratory birds. In autumn, up to 1,500 cranes and 8,000 geese may gather there. The Murmastienes staignāju meži provide a habitat for protected lesser spotted eagles (Aquila pomarina), black woodpeckers (Dryocopus martius) and European honey buzzards (Pernis apivorus).

The geographical surroundings include several clearly named landscape features. Vilku Sala is an island in the vicinity of Murmastiene Parish. Pūdnīka Sola, another island, is also located nearby. Arklenieku Kalns is a hill in the vicinity of Murmastiene Parish. Malno Sola is an island in the wider regional surroundings of Murmastiene Parish.

Landscape and Views

The Tolkāja observation platform is 6.5 metres high and offers views over the moor. The Siksala observation tower is 28 metres high and offers views of the expansive raised bog landscape, Lake Siksala, islands and the village of Siksala. Siksala itself is an island in the middle of the moor.

For visits to Siksala, the Dabas aizsardzības pārvalde specifies a meeting point. It is located in a car park next to the Murmastiene-Silagals-Siksala road.

Culture and History

The Murmastienes Krucifiksa namiņš was inaugurated in 1993 in Murmastiene, based on a design by architect I. Ketlere. In August, pilgrims stop at the Murmastienes Krucifiksa namiņš, where masses are celebrated.

Another connection between landscape and culture is the birch avenue Martas birze. Planted in 2001, the avenue leads to the birthplace of the poet Marta Bārbale in Skalbjudambji.

Siksala was once home to a village of Russian Old Believers. At another historic site stands a monument to the 1st Liepāja Infantry Regiment: it is located at the site of its 1919 battle.

Accommodation and Terms

When comparing offers for Murmastiene Parish, you can pay particular attention before booking to the exact location, accommodation type and stated occupancy. You can also check the included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions. Looking at these individual fields makes differences between the offers visible without making additional assumptions about the respective accommodation. In this way, the publicly stated terms remain the basis for comparison. Travellers can also check whether the stated occupancy suits their group, which services are included in the price and which costs are listed separately. Arrival and departure times, payment deadlines, and the conditions for changes or cancellation can also be compared on the respective offer page based on the fields listed there. The specific wording of each individual offer remains decisive.

In the same higher-level area, you will find Varakļānu pilsēta, Varakļānu pagasts; directly assigned places also include Trizelnieki.

To the higher-level travel overview: Varakļāni Municipality.