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Valdemārpils

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City
—°5
Valdemārpils (Latvia)
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Practical info — Valdemārpils

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the large Elksnītis linden tree, one of the oldest and largest in the Baltic states, right in town.
  • Take a walk by Lake Sasmaka in the early morning for the best photography light and no crowds.
  • Learn about Krišjānis Valdemārs, the town's namesake, to better understand local historical pride.
  • Explore the historic center on foot, as the old wooden architecture is closely packed.

🍽 Food

🍽
Freshwater fish

Try freshly caught fish from Lake Sasmaka, often available at local guesthouses.

🍽
Sklandrausis

A traditional Kurzeme sweet pie made with carrots and potatoes, found in local bakeries.

🍽
Local dairy products

Kurzeme is known for its excellent sour cream and curd cheeses available at farm stalls.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Linen goods

The Kurzeme region produces beautiful linen clothes and textiles.

🛍
Traditional ceramics

Look for regional pottery which often features traditional Latvian patterns.

🧘
Lake Sasmaka public beach

A calm spot to relax by the water outside of peak summer weekends.

🧘
Dupurkalns hill

A historic hillfort area that provides a peaceful walk through trees and nature.

Valdemārpils, historically known as Sasmaka, is a welcoming small town in northern Kurzeme, situated on the shores of the scenic Lake Sasmaka. The town was renamed in 1926 to honor Krišjānis Valdemārs, a prominent leader of the Young Latvian movement, who was born nearby. A highlight for visitors is the 'Idolu liepa' (Idol Linden), one of Latvia's largest linden trees, boasting a trunk circumference of over 8 meters. The town's historical center features a 19th-century manor house and various churches that reflect its diverse cultural past. Lake Sasmaka is notable for being the only lake in Latvia bisected by a road bridge, which connects the town's segments. Valdemārpils is known for its well-preserved wooden architecture and tranquil parks, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism. Local industries include woodworking, fishing, and agriculture, maintaining the town's traditional connection to the surrounding land.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-3051015181814840
Rain mm524038374059677054666757

Geography

Population
1,135
Coordinates
57.37750, 22.59360

Facts

  • The town was renamed Valdemārpils in 1926 after Krišjānis Valdemārs.
  • The 'Idolu liepa' linden tree has a circumference of 8.5 meters.
  • Valdemārpils was officially granted town rights in the year 1917.
  • Lake Sasmaka is approximately 7 kilometers long and very narrow.
  • The town was first recorded in historical documents in 1570.
  • It features a unique road bridge that crosses directly over Lake Sasmaka.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Valdemārpils (5)

Sasmakas ezers🌿 nature

A calm lake near Valdemarpils, good for walks in nature.

Lubes ezers🌿 nature

This lake in Valdemarpils provides a peaceful atmosphere by the water.

Dupurkalns🏺 historical

An ancient hillfort site providing historical insight into early Latvian settlements.

Valdemārpils meža muzejs🏛 museum

A forest museum in Valdemārpils showcasing local forestry history and wildlife.

Sasmakas muiža🏺 historical

A historic manor house in Valdemārpils situated on the shores of Lake Sasmaka.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Valdemārpils named after?
After Krišjānis Valdemārs, a Latvian national hero.
Is the town located on a lake?
Yes, on the shores of Lake Sasmaka.
What is the Valdemārpils Linden?
A huge historical tree, one of the thickest in the Baltics.
What can you do at the lake?
Swimming, rowing, and picnicking at the public beach.
How far is it from Talsi?
About 15 km north of Talsi.
Valdemārpils: where is it located?
Valdemārpils is located in Latvia.
Valdemārpils: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sasmakas ezers, Lubes ezers, Dupurkalns.
Valdemārpils: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Valdemārpils: why is it worth visiting?
Valdemārpils, historically known as Sasmaka, is a welcoming small town in northern Kurzeme, situated on the shores of the scenic Lake Sasmaka.
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