Walking along Birži village(Latvian)

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Way of traveling: Route distance: 7 km Duration of the route: 2.5 d..
asphalt: 65% dirt road: 35% forest path: 1%

The residential area of Birži has been established on the shores of Podvāze, a tributary to Ziemeļsusēja river, 12 km from current municipal centre in Sala village. It started at a road crossing near former Birži Manor.

We offer to begin your walk at "Ūdensdzirnas" mill landscape park. There you will also find directions to Saule and Zeltene water springs nearby. Next, the route will take you to the Freedom Fight Memorial site with an informative stand, a monument to war heroes and memorial stones.

If you are inclined to walk a longer distance, we invite you to visit the Birži cult rock 1.5 km further. At the spot, you will notice the former Birži aerodrome where a rallycross track is now installed. The path will take you back to the Birži evangelical Lutheran church of Saint Anne. The courtyard houses the memorial of Mr. Leventhal, a Birži literate and also the memorial of a famous Birži pastor Lundberg. Nearby, fallen World War One German soldiers have been buried near the church walls.

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Route start. Recreation complex "Waterstone" in Birzi

Recreation complex "Waterstone" in Birzi

In this mill, flour was ground until mid-20th century. Afterwards, it was used as an accommodation. For more than 10 years now the mill hosts a holiday rental complex "Ūdensdzirnas" among a well-planned scenic park and sightseeing landmarks. This is a well favoured venue for organizing both major and minor events. Rooms for gatherings host up to 80 guests (with overnight stay included), there is a fireplace hall, kitchen, billiard table and executive rooms.

Duration: 20 h.

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Duration: < 10 min. Distance: 2.2 km

Memorial for Freedom Fights at Birži

The fight next to Birži is a military clash on October 17, 1919, next to the house of a vicar of Birži (Groß-Buschhof), in the vicinity of Podvazes Bridge – Station of Silini (now in Sala parish) between the Western Volunteer Army Unit on the one side and two platoons of the 4th company of the 3rd Jelgava Infantry Regiment of the Latvian Army (Commander Lieutenant K. Šteinbriks) and the local commandant`s office team and guards on the other side. The fight next to the house of a vicar of Birži was of great uational importance because it helped to stop the Bermontian plans in Augšzemgale and, on the other...

Duration: 10 h.

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Duration: < 10 min. Distance: 2.7 km

Birži Great Rock

Birži Great Rock was only partially accessible until 1980. It was positioned in a glen, enclosed by trees, bushes and a mound of gathered rocks. When amelioration work was being done in the 80ies of 20th century, the rocks were taken away and field flattened but the Birži Great rock remained. In 1983 there was an attempt to transport this giant to Sala parish Birži village. While excavating it, the huge size of it was revealed hence it was deemed immovable and the operation failed. Measurements of the rock: height - 2.80 m, circumference - 12.80 m, volume- 22 m3, weight - ~57 t. Due to its size, it falls in the category of the...

Duration: 10 h.

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Duration: < 10 min. Distance: 1.9 km

Saint Anne’s Evangelic Lutheran Church in Birzi

Constructed from 1847 until 1848 by the project of architect J.Held. The altar painting was created by L.Eginks, the organ constructed by Martin. The church has suffered much during World War I. It was restored in 1930 with a lowered tower and consecrated in May 18, 1930. The second organ was constructed by Sūnekls and installed in 1936. The organ was then dismantled and taken away before the construction of a batting manufactory in the church and it its’ location is still not known. The batting manufactory was run here from 1969 to 1993 – for 24 years. In 1826 and for further 30 years the sexton and organist position was...

Duration: 20 h.

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