Background

Līgatne Paper Mill: A Journey Through Latvian Industrial History

Step back in time at the Līgatne Paper Mill, exploring Latvia's industrial heritage and the unique village built around it.

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Explore the historic Līgatne Paper Mill, a unique industrial heritage site dating back to 1815. Witness the evolution of papermaking, tour the original village built for mill workers, and step back in time within this remarkably preserved factory complex in the Gauja National Park.

A brief summary to Līgatnes papīrfabrika

  • Spriņģu iela 4A, Līgatne, Līgatnes pilsēta, Cēsis Municipality, 4110, LV
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Book a guided tour in advance to fully appreciate the history and production processes of the paper mill.
  • Explore the surrounding Gauja National Park for nature trails and scenic views.
  • Visit the sandstone caves in the village, once used for storage and now offering local wines and souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Riga, take a train to Līgatne. Then take the local bus from Augšlīgatne to Līgatne. The bus ride is approximately 10 minutes. A single bus fare will cost around €1-€2.

  • Walking

    From the center of Līgatne, the paper mill is easily accessible on foot. Follow Spriņģu iela. The walk is relatively short and allows you to appreciate the surroundings.

  • Driving

    If driving from Riga, take the Cēsis road (Brivibas iela). Līgatne is located 6 km after Augšlīgatne. Free parking is available at the Līgatne Tourism Information Centre. From there, the mill is a short walk away.

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Discover more about Līgatnes papīrfabrika

The Līgatne Paper Mill, established in 1815, stands as a testament to Latvia's rich industrial past and is one of the oldest paper mills in Europe. For nearly 200 years, it operated almost continuously, shaping the town of Līgatne around it. The mill produced various types of paper, including high-quality paper known as 'Tsarskaya Bumaga' for important governmental documents. The mill's village, constructed for its workers, showcases 19th-century wooden architecture and is a cultural monument of national significance. The village provided its workers with a high standard of living for the time, including apartments with firewood heating, a school, a hospital, and a society house. Today, visitors can explore the village, visit the sandstone caves used for storing vegetables, and imagine the lives of the mill workers. Although the paper mill ceased large-scale production in 2014, it has recently been undergoing renovations and has resumed small-scale manufacturing of paper, particularly focusing on watercolour paper. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the mill's history, the paper production process, and the formation of the town. The tours take you through the remarkably preserved employee offices and production facilities, complete with motivational slogans and vintage equipment. The Līgatne Paper Mill is more than just a historical site; it's a living museum where visitors can experience the atmosphere of a bygone era.

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