Smiltene, Latvia
Museums
If you're interested in museums and are in Smiltene, Latvia, I would recommend visiting the Smiltene History Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the town. Additionally, you may be interested in visiting the Gauja National Park, which is located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Smiltene and features several museums dedicated to the park's natural and cultural heritage, such as the Ligatne Nature Trails and the Cesis Castle Complex.
Food
Latvian cuisine is known for its hearty, traditional dishes that make use of local ingredients. Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Smiltene and throughout Latvia include:
1. Pīrāgi - small pastries filled with bacon, onion, or cottage cheese
2. Rupjmaize - dense dark rye bread, often served with butter
3. Skābeņi - a cold soup made with fermented milk, potatoes, and dill
4. Rasols - a potato salad with boiled potatoes, carrots, beets, pickles, and mayonnaise
5. Jāņu siers - a caraway-flavored cheese served during the midsummer festival
6. Cepumi - traditional Latvian biscuits, often made with caraway seeds or cinnamon
These dishes can typically be found in local restaurants and cafes throughout Smiltene and Latvia.
Activities
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Smiltene, Latvia include hiking or biking in the nearby forests and nature trails, visiting the local weekend market to sample local foods and crafts, attending cultural events and festivals such as the Smiltenes Jāņi festival in June, and exploring historical landmarks in the town such as the 19th-century Lutheran church. Additionally, you can visit the Tervete Nature Park, located approximately 90 kilometers from Smiltene, where you can experience outdoor activities such as ziplining, rope courses, and tree-top walks.
