Talsi

Talsi District is one of 26 rural districts of the Republic of Latvia and it consists of 20 local communities. These include three towns - Talsi (12,391 inhabitants) - the center of the district, Valdemarpils Town with its rural territory, and Stende[?] Town; one region - Sabile Region, including Sabile Town; and 16 pagasts[?] - Balgale[?], Dundaga, Gibuli[?], Ive[?], Kulciems[?], Laidze[?], Lauciene[?], Libagi[?], Lube[?], Mersrags[?], Roja[?], Strazde[?], Valdgale[?], Vandzene and Virbi[?] Communities.

Talsi District is located in the northern part of the Kurzeme Peninsula[?]. It borders on Venspils[?], Kuldiga[?], and Tukums[?] Districts. It is surrounded by the 96 km long shoreline of Riga Gulf[?] and Irbe Strait[?].

The district measures 2,751 square km, or 4,1% of the whole territory of Latvia. Woodland covers 55% of Talsi District territory, 29% is agricultural land, 3.5% is water, and 3.4% (9,400 h) is swamps, of which peat production covers 1,700 h.

The highest point in Talsi is Kamparkalns (174m above sea level) at Talsi Hillock.

The total population is 49,842 people, or 2,1% of whole population of Latvia. Nationalities include Latvian - 92%, Russians - 4%, other (Gypsies, Byelorussians and Ukrainians) - 4%. The population density is 18 people per square km, compared to the national density of 38 people per square km. 63.5% of the population is urban, and 36.5% is rural. Talsi-town of nine hills

Talsi- "Pearl of Kurzeme"-The town of nine hills' perches above two lakes. talsi history of hidden in its calm cobbled sreets,in its well- preserved parks'cherry and apple-tree gardens of long standing.

In all seasons Talsi can be compeared with a proud lady of Kurzeme- it is mysterious' reserved, diligent and variable. Such we see our town at everyday work pace...

The hilly relief of the town has influenced spreading of building in a peculiar way- the town resembles of puff pastry-where the roof of one building ends, there the basement of other one begins, and local steep staircases are the shortest route at Talsi.

The ancient castle mould of Cours in the heart of Talsi, and standing on its top, the whole town panorama is seen. People like to come here for rest and climbing the mould is an event! Here come for a walk Talsi people, here come for a stroll guests, here dance and sing in different culture events. In summer Sauleskalns open-air scene becomes the center of local life, where different concerts and culture events.

Talsi is to most of travelers, who can estimate both the calmess of workday rhythm of a rural town and the aura of culture and pastime on weekends. Talsi is the town where a traveler can sense the reciprocal harmony of history, nature and town.

Most interesting sigseeing objects! Talsi Castle Mould. Town Garden or Keninkalns. Previous Summer Manor of Baron Firx (Talsi District Museum). Talsi Protestant Church. Liela Street with specific samples of building of the start of 20th century.

Museums. Talsi District Museum "Smith" Museum of Agriculture Machinery.

Accommodation. Hotel TALSI, Boardinghouse ZVIRGZDI. Country home JANKALNI

http://www.talsi.lv

e-mail: talsurp@apollo.lv