Elkšņi: Sēļtaka, Chicory Coffee and the Sēlija Landscape

Elkšņi combines quiet landscapes, regional history and an unusual coffee tradition. Anyone planning a trip to Sēlija will find opportunities here for active days on the Sēļtaka trail, cultural and historical discoveries, and a special culinary experience. When looking for accommodation in Elkšņi, this makes it easy to tailor your holiday to your own interests: should the focus be on paths through meadows and forests, or would you prefer to allow more time for the church, places of remembrance and regional specialities?

Exploring the Sēļtaka Trail

In the vicinity of Elkšņi, the Sēļtaka trail offers two sections described in different ways. The Skārdupītes–Elkšņi section is approximately 9 km long and leads through meadows and forest paths. Those who would like to include a longer route in their day's plans will find a clear point of reference here, without any specific walking time being assumed.

The Elkšņi–Cīruļi section is approximately 6 km long and runs along little-used, scenic gravel roads. Together with the longer section, it provides options for walks, hikes or cycling trips in which the route length and the character of each path play a role. The Skārdupītes–Elkšņi section ends at the “Alīdas kafeja” factory, a tourist attraction. This allows route planning to be combined with a regional visitor experience, without combining different offerings into a single circular route.

Church, Art and Remembrance

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elkšņi is an important cultural landmark in the village. The present masonry church was built from 1831 to 1833 and consecrated in 1834. It can only be viewed from the outside. Nevertheless, those interested in architecture and local history can include the church in their exploration of Elkšņi.

Inside is the altarpiece “Christ on the Cross” by Julius Dērings. It is classified as a cultural monument of national significance. The history of the village also includes a memorial at the church: seven lime trees and a thuja commemorate seven families from Elkšņi who were deported to Siberia on 14 June 1941. This combination of architectural history, art and remembrance gives a visit to the village a thoughtful historical dimension.

The bunker of the Indāna-Grāvelsona group in Elkšņi Forest also points to the region's turbulent history. In the winter of 1949–1950, it formed a unique defensive stronghold for that period, with surrounding defensive trenches and firing slits. The historical significance of this place adds a testimony from a later era to the visible history of the village.

Chicory Coffee as a Speciality

A distinctive side of Elkšņi can be experienced at Kafeja Alīda. There, an old beverage of the Sēlija region is made according to traditional recipes: chicory and grain coffee. For travellers who want to learn about regional traditions not only by seeing them but also through taste, this speciality is an independent reason to include the village in their travel plans.

At Kafeja ALIDA, a visit to the chicory coffee factory with a coffee break is possible by prior arrangement. Arrangements can be made by telephone on 26582074. Small groups of up to 10 people can also choose their coffee ingredients there. In addition to nature and cultural attractions, Elkšņi therefore offers a concrete opportunity to learn about the production and individual selection of a regional beverage.

The Landscape around Elkšņi

Ormaņkalns, the highest point of the Sēlija upland, is located nearby. The hill is 167 m high and has a relative height of 86.5 m. A 20 m-high observation tower stands on Borīšu Hill near Ormaņkalns. From there, visitors can see the panorama of Lake Sauka and the vast forests of Sēlija. These landscape experiences particularly appeal to travellers who, in addition to the paths near Elkšņi, would like to discover a viewpoint and the wider regional context.

When choosing your holiday apartment in Elkšņi, you can therefore make your preferred daily rhythm the starting point: the Sēļtaka sections suit a more active itinerary, the church and places of remembrance a cultural and historical focus, while Kafeja Alīda adds a regional speciality and the possibility of a factory visit. If you would like to include more places in your travel plans, you can also look at Viesīte and Lone.

To the overarching travel overview: Viesīte.