The Valmiera Administrative District - the heart of Northern Vidzeme
The town of Valmiera and the Beverīna, Burtnieki, Kocēni, Mazsalaca, Naukšēni, Rūjiena and Strenči administrative districts were merged into the new district, which is becoming an attractive tourist destination full of offers. It is the second largest territory in Latvia in terms of population after the capital city of Rīga. The Valmiera Administrative District as the heart of Northern Vidzeme includes the town of Valmiera, four small towns – Mazsalaca, Rūjiena, Seda and Strenči, as well as 26 parishes.
The Gauja River as the main street in Valmiera, the St Simon’s Church with a rooster on its steeple, the hospitality of Valmiermuiža, sunsets and auroras on Lake Burtnieks, new strength at Zilaiskalns Hill, breath-taking views of the banks of the Salaca River at the Skaņākalns Nature Park in Mazsalaca, bird-watching at the Seda swamp, returning to childhood with the flavour of Rūjiena ice cream — all this and much more will welcome guests to the Valmiera Administrative District.
Local residents have always been busy, busy, busy. That was true back in antiquity, when a wide network of rivers with the Gauja as their main artery encouraged people to live here and develop economic activities. During the Middle Ages, longboats from the cities of the Hanseatic League plied the Gauja River, introducing people to foreign goods such as spices, various craftsmanship products, etc. It may be because of these genes of economic business that Valmiera has flourished and become the centre for economic growth, management, education and outstanding life in the Vidzeme region. People here are proud of their green lifestyle and global success stories.
When joy about work coincides with joie de vivre and honouring of nature, miracles turn into reality. We want to share them, because we can accomplish a great deal by working together. It is particularly important to find strength and inspiration in joie de vivre. That will be true at the “Home Café Days” in the Valmiera Administrative District. Guests will find beautiful and interesting stories, as well as natural goodies that skilful cooks will turn into a true feast of flavours!
