Kazu Krāces: Rapids by the Goats

Kazu Krāces, picturesquely named 'Rapids by the Goats', is a charming park located in Valmiera, Latvia, along the Gauja River. The rapids, as they appear today, are the result of human intervention in the 19th century. In the 1830s and 1840s, the Gauja River began eroding its banks, threatening residential buildings and even the local church. To combat this, a dam was constructed to redirect the river's flow and protect the shoreline. This created an artificial waterfall that also served to protect the newly built bridge from ice in 1864.In 1969, Kazu Krāces was used as a kayaking slalom course. According to local lore, the name 'Rapids by the Goats' comes from a time when the Gauja River was wide and shallow here, and people placed stones in the river to allow livestock, especially goats, to cross to graze in the forests. Another legend says that the Devil himself created the rapids by dropping stones into the river. Today, Kazu Krāces is a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat with lovely views of the Gauja.