The bridge over Gauja and the trenches of the War of Independence on the Gauja nature trail
Fortification

It is located by the bridge over the Gauja, one of the sections of the Gauja nature trail.

The bridge over the Gauja is remarkable for two reasons. The first one is the second oldest reinforced concrete bridge in Latvia. The second reason - it seems to be the only bridge in Latvia covered by three types of coverings. The length of the bridge is less than 100 meters.
The Strenču Bridge was seriously damaged for the first time during the Freedom Struggle, when the middle section of the bridge was blown up. The second time - in the great floods of Gauja in 1929, when the current washed away the embankment and constructions of the right bank of the bridge.
To correct this, one section of the bridge was constructed using wood. As a result, the bridge covering is made of three types of materials - wood, asphalt and pavement.

Not far from the bridge over the Gauja, in part of the territory of the Gauja nature trail, there are trenches from the battles of the War of Independence in 1919, when during the fighting Estonian troops helped liberate Strenči from the Red Army.
Trenches are fortification structures dug into the ground, which soldiers used to set up fire and observation positions and protect manpower.
Separate trenches are connected by trenches. Covered gaps, niches for storing ammunition or food, armor can be built in the trenches.

The nature trail has several rest areas with benches and tables, as well as fire pits, so be sure to plan a picnic!

It is possible to start the nature trail at different points and walk a shortened route.

Information about the nature trail and a map