Location

Papardes is located on the northwest coast of Latvia's Baltic Sea, in the Kurzeme region, approximately 170km from the capital Riga. It belongs to the village of Mazirbe, a central settlement of the historic Livonian Coast stretching from Cape Kolka to Ventspils. The estate is part of the Slītere National Park, one of Latvia's oldest nature reserves, known for its remarkable biodiversity that includes rare coastal and forest ecosystems, as well as cultural heritage sites significant to the indigenous Livonian people.

Location: 57°39'57.4"N 22°19'57.5"E [View on Google Maps]

Getting There
From Abroad:
Riga International Airport (RIX) offers many regular low-cost connections from European cities

From Riga:
Approximately 150 km (2.5-hour drive)
Twice-daily bus service from Riga (approximately 3.5 hours)

Local Area

In Mazirbe:
- Historic Lutheran church across the road with regular services and ancient graveyard (featuring a notable "werewolf grave")
- Livonian Cultural Centre with exhibition space
- Ship graveyard near Mazirbe beachfront
- Village shop for basic supplies
- Sandy beaches (2km to nearest beach; 25 min walk, 8 min cycle, 5 min drive)
- Local cafés operating during summer months

Nearby Points of Interest:
- Traditional Livonian fishing villages
- Slitere Lighthouse and nature trails
- Bird watching opportunities along coastal migration routes

Dundaga (25 km):
- Medieval castle with museum
- Farmer's market with local produce
- Wool factory with traditional textiles
- Shops, cafés, and services

Cape Kolka (Kolkasrags) (30 km):
- Dramatic meeting of waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga
- Site of spiritual and pagan significance and unique natural phenomena
- Historic lighthouse and coastal ecosystem

Further Information

Regional Resources:
Livones.net - Comprehensive resource on Livonian culture and history: http://www.livones.net/en
Slitere National Park official site: https://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/slitere-national-park

Wikipedia Pages:
Livonian Coast: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livonian_Coast
Cape Kolka: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Kolka -
Livonian people: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livonians

Books and Publications:
"The Livonians" by Valda Šuvcāne
"Along the Livonian Coast" guidebook (available at the Liv Cultural Centre)

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