Explore the Aizkraukle walking trail

Each trail has its own story, including the present Aizkraukle walking trail. In 1973, the Stučka Secondary School No.2 (now Aizkraukle Regional Secondary School, Lāčplēša iela 21) opened its doors. The school was built in what was then a remote and bushy part of the town, and landscaping work began. Under the leadership of the school's first headmaster, Leon Geikins (1928-2016), a lawn was laid and the first flowerbed was created in the shape of a large foot, symbolising the first step in greening the school's surroundings. Although it has changed shape, it is still there today, surrounded by spruce, maple, juniper, lime and chestnut trees - Leon Geikin's favourite trees. On the edge of the Daugava reservoir, opposite the school, the headmaster and his pupils planted the first birch trees with the aim of creating a park. Over the years, walking trails were laid out and created from Ievu Gully to Kalna Ziedi, which were then called Geikin's trails by the inhabitants, and were also called Daugava trails and Daugava Gully trails.

In 2024, as part of a cross-border project, the Aizkraukle municipality restored and landscaped the walking trail between the Aizkraukle municipality secondary school building on 5 Draudzības krastmala and the multifunctional cycle park and the previously established Daugava walking and educational trail opposite the Aizkraukle municipality secondary school building on 21 Lāčplēša Street.

The trail is 828 metres long and winds through a scenic and hilly terrain along the bank of the Daugava Reservoir. The trail offers the peace and beauty of nature - trees provide pleasant shade in summer and the proximity of the river creates a special atmosphere. It is picturesque in all seasons - in spring, bright white hollyhocks bloom along the sides of the ravine and linden trees blossom; in summer, birdsong can be heard throughout the green of the trail; in autumn, the surroundings are clothed in a golden swirl of leaves; in winter, the terrain is covered in a blanket of white snow - on sunny days, you can watch the ice on the Daugava glistening. In some places, the trail winds upwards, revealing picturesque landscapes of the Daugava, while in others, it curves down towards the water, where the water ripples against the shore.

The road has steep slopes, which is why wooden stairs and wooden footbridges have been built on screw piles. The steps are constructed using materials that reduce the impact on the soil and allow the trees to continue to grow and develop. The adjusted height and layout help to reduce pressure on the tree roots, while special supports and platforms ensure stability by avoiding direct contact with the root system. To protect the landscape and prevent soil erosion, methods have been used to stabilise the ground while preserving the natural environment. The walking trail is marked and maintained to minimise impact on the ecosystem. Rest areas have been created along the sides of the trail, benches have been placed using natural materials, creating a comfortable and environmentally friendly place for peaceful relaxation. The trail is illuminated, making it easy to navigate even in the darkest hours of the day.

The restoration and improvement of the Aizkraukle walking trail is part of a cross-border project. Aizkraukle Municipality and Biržai District Municipality Administration in Lithuania are implementing Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme 2021-2027 project No LL-00045 "Conservation of biodiversity and natural ecosystem through sustainable management of Biržai and Aizkraukle recreation areas". The project aims to conserve biodiversity and green infrastructure by introducing sustainable management practices in recreation areas and promoting environmentally friendly and waste-free lifestyles in Biržai and Aizkraukle.

 
     Photos: Aizkraukle Municipality Communications Department, Aizkraukle Municipality Tourism Department.

Information was prepared by Aizkraukle Tourism Information Point, 4 Lāčplēša Street, Aizkraukle.