Best known for its ancient castle ruins, the small Latvian town of Koknese lies on the banks of the Daugava River, about 70 miles from the capital city of Riga. There has been a castle safeguarding the town for centuries, but the original wooden structure was replaced by an impressive stone castle in around 1209, which was abandoned in the 1700s after it was partially demolished by retreating Saxons. Today the ruins (which were once located on a hillside) appear to float on the surface of the enormous lake created by the Plavini Hydroelectric Power Station. While you are visiting the town you can explore several nature walks, visit various historic homes and even take a tour of the Koknese Museum of Bee-keeping.

Aluksne Bauska Cesis Courland Daugavpils Dobele Gauja National Park Jekabpils Jelgava Jurmala Kemeri National Park Koknese Kuldiga Lauma Nature Park Liepaja Ligatne Rezekne Riga Salaspils Sigulda Slitere National Park Tervete Nature Park Tukums Valmiera Ventspils

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