Daugavas Loki Nature Park

Between Kraslava and Naujene the Daugava runs through a deep wooded valley and makes eight large meanders, the daugavas loki, in a stretch that survived the dam schemes proposed for it in the Soviet period and abandoned after public opposition in the 1980s. Viewpoints on the high banks look down on the loops, of which Vasargelisku and Slutiski are the best known, with the river turning back on itself between forested slopes. The park holds old-growth stands, meadows with a rich flora, and the village of Slutiski with preserved Old Believer wooden houses. Kayaking down the loops is the other way to see them, and the valley is on Latvia's tentative World Heritage list.

What you actually see

• The river loops - the meanders seen from the high bank viewpoints.
• Slutiski village - the Old Believer wooden houses above the river.
• Valley forest - the wooded slopes along the Daugava.
• Kayak routes - the paddling through the loops.

When to go

May to October for the viewpoints and paddling; autumn colour on the valley slopes is the best time. Spring high water speeds the river. Winter freezes the loops and empties the viewpoints.

Honest expectations

Viewpoints are scattered along the valley and a car is needed. Signage is mainly in Latvian. Facilities are limited to a few information points. Kayak hire needs arranging in Kraslava or Daugavpils.

Nearby

Kraslava lies east; Daugavpils is west.