Bicycle route "Mērnieku laiki"

Length: 100 km
Duration: 3–4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail type: Circular
Starting point: Any location along the route
Map

Challenge yourself on a multi-day cycling adventure through the scenic Piebalga region, following in the footsteps of Latvia’s first novel, “The Time of the Surveyors” (Mērnieku laiki).

This picturesque route winds along gravel roads, disused railway lines (Green Railways), and forest trails, taking you to the very places where the Kaudzīte brothers found inspiration for their colourful characters like Ķencis, Pāvuls, Švauksts, Oļiniete, Pietuka Krustiņš, and others.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views from Brežģi Hill and Viņķi Hill towers, visit the authors’ family home “Kalna Kaibēni”, and stop at local farms and museums.

Your perfect companion for the journey is the interactive digital map, which includes practical information like cafés, accommodation, bike rentals, and site descriptions linked to characters and places from the novel — helping you make the most of every stop.