Viesīte: a cozy town in the heart of pastoral Sēlija

In 1926, the settlement was renamed Viesite after the name of the river, and two years later it received the status of a town. On its coat of arms there are five acorns, referring to the old German name, which translates as «oak tree».

Mazā Bānīša parks narrow gauge railroad museum

Nowadays there are almost no traces of the narrow gauge railroad built by the German occupation troops during the World War I. Occasionally, mushroom pickers and hunters can still come across long, half-overgrown tracks in the forests with remnants of the rails that used to be used by trains. Some sections of tracks are hidden under the water of the dolomite quarry in Birži, and in some places you can even find former station buildings. 

After the end of World War I and Latvia’s independence, the railroad was gradually dismantled for lack of use. The dismantling of the tracks continued during the Soviet years, and by 1972 the train traffic had completely stopped.

Now the memory of the past is preserved in the museum of the 600-millimeter narrow gauge railroad, which is located in the former depot and repair shops in Kaļķu street 1. Here you can learn about the history of railway transportation in Sēlija, enter a passenger carriage with authentic interior or feel yourself in the driver’s seat.

In the historical depot building various means of transportation of the past times are exhibited: carts, sleighs, etc. In the museum administration building there is an exposition about the culture of the region, as well as a souvenir stand. Here you can buy a detailed book about the history of the narrow gauge railway.

The exposition is open from Tuesday to Saturday (closed on holidays) from 10:00 to 17:00. 

Full ticket price: 3 euro. 
To find out more: on the website.

Paula Stradiņa skola memorial museum

Pauls Stradiņš, one of the most important surgeons and oncologists of Latvia, was born in 1896 in Viesīte (then called Eķengrāve). On Peldu street 2 there is an elementary school building built in 1880, where he studied and was baptized. Now it houses a museum of medicine, an exhibition of paintings and classrooms with authentic furnishings.

The friendly staff will tell you about the history of this place and the region in general, share valuable information about other interesting places in Sēlija. In the museum kiosk you can buy souvenirs and even products of local artists: ceramic dishes, mugs and so on. 

The exposition is open Tuesday through Saturday (closed on holidays), from 10:00 to 17:00.

Full ticket price: 3 euro. 
More details: on the website.

Postmodern architecture

In the heart of the town on a small hill stands the huge building of the local cultural center. It was begun in the mid-1980s by the architect Linards Skuja. The idea was so ambitious that due to the deterioration of the economic situation of the USSR, the building was completed only when Latvia became independent in 2001. 

This is one of the most striking examples of early Latvian postmodernist architecture, when ascetic and standardized Soviet modernism was replaced by a playful reinterpretation of the heritage of the past. Triangular roofs, as a tribute to folk and medieval architecture, are becoming fashionable, as well as ceramic tile roofs, non-standard shaped windows and doors, eclectic decorative elements — everything that was called «excesses» not so long ago.

The example of this building shows how the typical gradually gave way to the individual. As a result, an important local trend — regionalism — was formed, which still determines the vector of development of Latvian architecture.

Where to walk?

Nature lovers will love Viesīte, as the city almost blends in with the surrounding landscape. Just a few minutes of a leisurely walk away from the center and you will find yourself on spacious hilly fields. The special «bumpy» relief distinguishes Viesīte from the neighboring, almost flat Jēkabpils.

The most romantic scenery can be seen on Kaļķu street, which winds around the city forest park and comes to the most picturesque hills in the area. If you come here in the early morning, you can easily come across a roe deer or some other forest animal.

A small wooden eco-trail also leads through the forest park. It starts at the building of the historic city pharmacy from 1884 on Brīvības street 2, and ends with a small stage in the spruce forest. On the way, you can rest and have a picnic at the organized picnic area by the round lake.

By the way, the name of this pub comes from the tavern, the first mention of which dates back to 1634. It is believed that this is where the history of the local settlement and then the town of Viesīte began.  

If a beer with a light snack or a mug of tea is not enough for you, visit the small market «Zaļā tirgus» on Paula Stradiņa street, where you can occasionally buy products of local farmers and eat street food in a mobile van.

Where to stay?

Sēlija is loved by many for its atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, spacious fields and deep forests. You can fully enjoy the local nature at the Rietumi guest house, which is located in the hilly fields near the northern border of Viesīte. Watch the roe deer run by while sitting in the hot outdoor hot tub, or refresh yourself after a hot day in the small pond.

A cozy lodge awaits you any time of year. You can find information, check availability and reserve accommodation on the Facebook page or by phone: +371 25429841