Hike Virga-Mazkalēti

Distance: 14.6 km - 23.6 km

Route type: Linear, can start from either Virga or Mazkalēti.

Start: Can start from either Virga or Mazkalēti.

Duration: 3 – 7 hours

Accessibility: By foot or by bike

Surface: Mainly gravel roads

Getting there: The easiest way to get to the start is by intercity bus. If starting from Virga, the bus stop is “Vētras”. If starting from Mazkalēti, the bus stop is “Mazkalēti”.

Route description:

This route is ideal for those who want to try a longer walk without choosing a difficult terrain. It is recommended to start the route from Mazkalēti at sunrise. If the sky is clear, the first section of the route is perfect for watching the sunrise. The main route is 14.6 km, but it is recommended to take a detour along the old Liepāja – Vaiņode railway to the Prūšu reservoir, where you can take a break, sit at the table, or swim. Rest areas are marked on the map.

Rest areas:

• "Mazkalēti Bridge" – fire pit, table, restrooms
• Lukužu Bridge – rest area "Inese" – fire pit, table, restrooms
• Prūšu reservoir rest complex – fire pit, table, restrooms. Camping cabins are available for rent.

Sights:

1. Krūtes – Bārta Evangelical Lutheran Church. A state significance 17th-century architectural monument. The outer appearance of the wooden church was restored in 2013. The church retains an authentic 17th-century altar and pulpit. Interestingly, the church is made of wood with a masonry tower. There are also old German baronial graves preserved by the church. Visitors say that there is a different spiritual peace in the church, and one can feel the scent of historical events. To view the church’s interior, it is necessary to agree on the visit time in advance. Phone: (+371) 29439220

2. Paplaka Baptist Congregation. Established in 1930. Initially, services were held outdoors, but by July 20, 1930, the foundation stone was laid. In 1945, most of the surrounding buildings were destroyed, but the Paplaka Baptist Church, although heavily damaged, was not completely destroyed.

3. Paplaka former railway station. The station was originally called PLEIKE. It opened in 1879 on the Liepāja – Vaiņode railway line. In 1919, a new station building was constructed, which was destroyed during World War II. After the war, railway stations across the Soviet Union were restored based on standard projects. The current Paplaka station, as seen today, was commissioned in 1952 as a small railway station building complex.

4. The Farmhouse and Horse Stables of Virga Manor. The farmhouse and horse stables are key components of the Virga Manor complex, dating back to 1837. The building is known for having housed various people throughout history, from farmers during the first Latvian independence to collective farm workers after the war.

5. Charles XII’s Boot. During the winter of 1701, Swedish King Charles XII’s army set up camp in Virga. According to local legends, after the Battle of Spilve, the king lost a boot, which was later "found" in Virga as a reminder of the Northern War events. The boot is still “preserved” in the park of Virga Manor.

6. Virga Manor Complex. The manor complex consists of the manor house, barn, several service buildings, a park, and manor ponds. Some parts of the manor offer beautiful views of the ancient and historically important Vārtājas River valley. Virga is a wonderful place for a walk and to soak in the atmosphere of the past. The park around the manor was created over many years with rare and interesting tree and shrub plantings.

7. Virga Mill Wall. The Virga mills, first mentioned in 1892, are Dutch-style windmills that were used to grind flour. They ceased operation in 1937 but have become a symbol of Virga.

Hiking route GPX file: /Download here/

To open a GPX file with a trail route on a mobile phone or computer, one of the travel applications or maps must be installed, e.g. GPX Viewe, Wikiloc, Outdooractive, ViewRanger, OS Maps or other GPX file reading programs and applications