Seda (Latvia)
Seda is a town in the Valka district of Latvia, with 1,500 inhabitants. It lies just 20 km from Valka and the Estonia border.
Understand
Get in
Get around
See
- Seda itself is a monument of Stalinist architecture. It's a perfect place for people seeking Soviet nostalgia. The design and structure of the town centre is a wonderful example of the monumental architecture of 1950s Stalinist times, which has not been ruined by any new building yet.
Narrow-gauge peat enterpriseIn 2008, the status was unknown. The depot is located to the northeast of the centre. There you can see old wagons and other equipment. If active, take a trip on a narrow-gauge train going to the peat marshes.
Peat bogsThis is the hidden gem of Seda, and a dream for nature lovers. This former peat extraction occupies an area of more than 10 km². In the recent past, there have been sluggish attempts to turn this huge swamp into an object of nature tourism; a pedestrian route has been laid, observation towers have been built, one of which is 2 km from Seda, at the coordinates indicated with this listing. The trail to the tower is a densely peat-strewn road and one is not equipped with signs. In a dry state it is passable for cars. Further on, one will most likely have to walk. In general, this area is almost completely untouched by the man, but Estonian bogs are perfect for tourists; at least when having GPS or a map.
Do
- Walk around those three streets – it will not take more than an hour.
Seda nature trail
Buy
Sleep
Otherwise, check out the options available in the nearby town Strenči.
Go next
- Strenči – Just 5 km southwest. Features a mental hospital in a nice surrounding.
- Valka – A unique town on the Estonian border, which runs through the town centre, creating Valga on the other side. It is close to regaining the status of an important cultural centre.
- Smiltene – Features a manor, some castle ruins, and a watch tower over the surrounding area. Not very interesting, but quite cosy and slightly larger than Valka, and not far from the Pskov highway.