Cycle route: Great Southern circle
Distance: ~90km
Route type: Circular
Start: Grobiņa
Duration: 1-2 days
Accessibility: By bike
Surface: Mainly gravel roads
Getting there: The starting point is in the center of Grobiņa. It is possible to come by bus or private car, there are several parking spaces.
Route description:
This cycling route was created with the idea of going on a leisurely two-day cycling adventure through the southern part of Grobiņa county. We recommend choosing the "Ods" recreation base as a place to stay, which is located exactly halfway. The route will take you through all the major attractions in the region.
Equipped bus stops:
(1) Rest base "Mosquito"
(2) "Lavender Villa"
(3) Active Tourism Center "Cursian Viking Settlement"
(2) Rest area "Mazkalėti tilts"
(4) A resting place on the side of the Grobiņa - Bārtas road
(5) Resting place "Pūcīte"
Sights:
(18) Grobiņa castle ruins – the construction of the Grobiņa medieval castle dates back to the 13th century. Middle Ages, when Grobina Palace was first mentioned in historical sources as "hus to Grobin". It is thought that it was made of wood, because it was burned in 1263. In 1328, the castle was rebuilt. It is located next to the Grobiņa mound - it was typical in Kurzeme to build castles in the immediate vicinity of the ancient Curonian mound. The castle was an important military fortification for centuries until it lost its military importance as a result of the wars of 1795 and 1812. In the course of its life, the castle has been repaired and modernized several times. The medieval walls, 17th century, have survived to this day. the built fortification bastions and moats, as well as steep slopes.
(17) Railway bridge over Otaňke river.
(16) Gavieze station - located on the closed railway line Liepāja - Vaiņode. Opened in 1871. under the name "Grobin", 1904-1919. g. called "Gawiesen", 1919-1927 g. — "Lent". The building is currently occupied.
(6) Krute - Evangelical Lutheran Church of Barta. State importance in the 17th century. architectural monument. In 2013, the exterior of the wooden church was restored. The authentic 17th century has been preserved in the church. altar and pulpit. It is interesting that the church is made of wood with a stone tower. In addition, ancient burials of German barons have been preserved near the church. According to the visitors, there is a different spiritual peace in the church, voices sound differently and you can feel the smell of historical events. To see the interior of the church, please make an appointment in advance. Phone: (+371) 29439220
(11) Barta Museum - exists since 1985. It was created with the aim of studying and reflecting the history of the village of Barta and the kolkhoz. It was created thanks to the bearded man, local researcher, journalist and poet, Jēkab Rūsiņas (1917-1994), who was already retired at the time. Since 2004, the Barta Museum has been operating as an accredited museum. In accordance with its mission, the museum collects, preserves and studies sources characterizing the cultural history of Barta. Between 2004 and 2009, the number of items in the museum collection increased from 597 to 1323 items. http://www.bartasmuzejs.lv/ +371 28687254
(9) Bartas Catholic Church – The congregation was founded and services were initially held in the Bartas House of Culture, but later in the premises of the Bartas Museum. Initially, the construction of a chapel in Barta was planned, but thanks to the activities of two parishioners, Marija Ceriņa and Erika Frišmanes, the support of the parish, the bishop and the parish was received so that the previously planned chapel construction turned into the construction of a church. On July 6, 2002, Bishop Wilhelms Lapelis of Liepāja diocese consecrated the church in Barta, dedicating it to the honor of the Resurrection of Christ.
(10) Memorial stone to Arvīds Manfeld - Dedicated to reclamation Arvīds Manfeld - the former head of the Liepāja district reclamation company as a thank you from the local residents for the roads and bridges.
(12) Vīle Bridge - as we see it today, is not quite the same as the one built by the Germans in 1916. The first bridge was made of wood. During the construction of the railway, several sawmills were created near the future line, where the necessary materials were sawn on the spot, including the new bridge. The entire bridge structure rested on four wooden piers in the Barta River. 600 mm narrow railway tracks are laid on top of it.
(15) USSR Army Missile Base - Unclear events, incomprehensible stories and plans that were once forged in the forests of Grobiņa county. The buildings that are still preserved from the times of the war allow us to be aware of the part of history in which we lived for many decades. In order to get to know the communication point of the Baltic Navy, the ship's missile and nuclear warhead warehouse, accompanied by a guide, please register in advance. Apply for a guided tour by phone: +371 29242324
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