Routes: Mežite – Vandzene – Valdemarpils – Talsi – Kuldiga – Turlava – Aizpute – Embūte
Nature and believing in pagan deities played a major role in the Couronian lifestyle, and rituals were carried out at various cult places for their favour: in sacred groves and forests, near cult stones and trees. Feel the magical power of ancient Couronians at their sacred sites and get the energy you need for the road!
Mežite Hillfort is an extensive complex of Couronian sacred places consisting of an outstanding scenic hillfort, Hill of Idols (Elku kalns), ancient burial grounds and an ancient cult stone – the cup-marked stone.
The Idol Linden of Valdemarpils is of particular value to health of women; one should just think of its meaning in context of Latvian mythology, which compares a beautiful maiden to a gorgeous and leafy linden-tree, while the greatness of a man is embodied in the Krauju Giant Boulder.
In the 11th–14th centuries, the banks of Lake Vilkmuiža were a Couronian cult place for burning of the dead. At that time, it was believed that the body of a deceased person shall be burnt, since ames disintegrate him into smoke to make it easier for the soul to move more quickly to another life. The archaeological ndings from the lake are kept in the Talsi Museum.
Sacred caves are a speci c type of cult places, but the Māra’s Chambers in the valley of the River Abava are particularly interesting. Venta Rapid Waterfall is the most impressive Couronian sacred place in terms of size and visibility, but it is also the widest waterfall in Europe. The instructive phrase warning of not breaking a single twig mentioned in Latvian folk songs is attributable to the most famous of the Couronian holy groves – the Idol Grove of Turlava Ķoniņciems.
In Aizpute, visit Dzintare Hillfort and enjoy the ancient traditions by participating in stone beer brewing in the Artist Residence “Serde”. The legendary town of Embūte is among the most picturesque places in Kurzeme with several ancient places, nature trails and an observation tower.
The route includes Sabile and Veckuldīga hillforts and mythical and sacred places: the folklore trail “Jāņkalni” and the Spring.
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