Skanaiskalns Park

Skanaiskalns, the sounding hill, is a nature park on the Salaca at Mazsalaca where the river runs between sandstone banks and a cliff face throws back an echo, which is what gives the place its name and its folklore. A trail of a few kilometres runs along the valley past the Skanaiskalns cliff, the Nezinamas caves, Nightingale rock and the Devil's cave, with wooden sculptures on folklore themes set along the path, steps and boardwalks on the steeper sections and a swing bridge across the river. The Salaca is a clear river used for canoeing and holds salmon and lamprey. The town of Mazsalaca is small and the park is its principal draw.

What you actually see

• The echo cliff - the sandstone face the park is named for.
• The caves - the hollows cut into the sandstone along the valley.
• Wooden sculptures - the folklore figures along the trail.
• The Salaca - the clear river running through the park.

When to go

May to October for the trail; autumn colours the valley. Spring high water can flood parts of the riverside path. Winter is quiet with icy boardwalks.

Honest expectations

The trail involves steps and boardwalks that are slippery when wet. The caves are small hollows rather than systems. Mazsalaca is remote and facilities are limited. The echo depends on conditions and where you stand.

Nearby

Valmiera lies southeast; the Estonian border is north.