Saulkrasti

Saulkrasti (pronunciation ; German: Neubad) (in translation from Latvian - Sun shores) is a town in Latvia, which lies on the east coast of Gulf of Riga. It stretches across 17 km from Lilaste river to Zvejniekciems village including. The town itself spans across 48 square kilometres (19 sq mi), and includes 42 square kilometres (16 sq mi) of field and forest territory. The centre of Saulkrasti is situated 45km from Riga, 47km from Limbaži, 40km from Sigulda and 58km from Salacgrīva. The territory of the municipality is crossed by the international road VIA Baltica.

Saulkrasti
Town
Town hall of Saulkrasti
Flag
Coat of arms
Saulkrasti
Location in Latvia
Coordinates: 57°15′N 24°25′E
Country Latvia
MunicipalitySaulkrasti municipality
Town rights1991
Area
 • Total4.8 km2 (1.9 sq mi)
 • Rural territory42 km2 (16 sq mi)
Elevation
12 m (39 ft)
Population
 • Total3,341
 • Density696/km2 (1,800/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
LV-2160
Calling code+371 67

The towns motto – "The town closer to the Sun. Town which carries the name of the Sun". The coat of arms of Saulkrasti represents the four rivers (white stripes) Inčupe, Pēterupe, Ķīšupe, Aģe, and five villages (green stripes) – Bādciems, Katrīnbāde (Pabaži), Pēterupe, Neibāde, Zvejniekciems. The top parts represent the sea and the sun.

Saulkrasti carries its present name since 1933, when the villages of east coast of Gulf of Riga were merged into one common municipal structure, and since 1991 it is a town.

An EU funded bypass of the main A1 Motorway between Riga and Tallinn was completed in 2007, which will reduce through traffic, noise pollution and the large amount of lorries.

Saulkrasti is the home to the annual Saulkrasti Jazz Festival.

Geography

Saulkrasti is located in Saulkrasti municipality, on the south-east side of Gulf of Riga, 40 kilometres (25 mi) north-east of Riga.[r 1][r 2] It lies along a 17 kilometres (11 mi) long and 2–5 kilometres (1.2–3.1 mi) wide coastal forest zone from the south of Lilaste River and lake to Zvejniekciems including.[r 1][r 2] The territory is made up of four distinct populated places — Pabaži (Inčupe River), Pēterupe (city centre, Pēterupe river), Neibāde (Ķīšupe River), and Zvejniekciems (Aģe River).[r 2] The territory is adjacent to Carnikava, Ādaži, Sēja, and Limbaži municipalities and the closest populated places to Saulkrasti are Carnikava, Ādaži, Sigulda, and Limbaži.[r 1] The direct town's borders mostly include a stretch between the railway and the sea from Inčupe to Ķīšupe rivers.[r 1][r 2]

The territory is 4,774.2 hectares (18.433 sq mi), from which 604.4 hectares (2.334 sq mi) are town's territory and 4,169.8 hectares (16.100 sq mi) rural territory.[r 1][r 2][r 3] As of 2008 2,824.5 hectares (10.905 sq mi) are occupied by forest and 246.2 hectares (0.951 sq mi) are used for agriculture. There are 5,830 separate owned land territories with 1,583 real estates.[r 3]

History

The earliest data about the territory are stone axes found around Inčupe and Pēterupe,[r 4] which show that the territory was populated from at least the newer ice age.[r 1] The first written mention of populated places in the Saulkrasti territory are documented in the Livonian Chronicle of Henry.[r 1][r 4] The territory overlapped with Livonian Metsopole and Kubesele populated place, and some today's names are inherited from the Livonian language, for example, Līlaste, Age, Pabaži.[r 4][r 1] Metsepole significant centres included Skulte, Liepupe, and Limbaži villages. A significant road crossed the territory towards Soontagana territory in Estonia. After the 13th century Baltic Crusades, Saulkrasti lands became part of newly formed Krimulda parish.[r 4]

Before the formation of Saulkrasti, the territory was a part of Bīriņi parish.[r 5][r 6] The current Saulkrasti territory gradually formed by merger of several populated places on Inčupe, Pēterupe, and Ķīšupe river banks. In 1823 the Neibāde territory formed next to Ķīšupe River and was mostly Vidzeme's noblemen recreation and swimming spot that became quite popular after World War I. In 1898 Katrīnbāde swimming spot formed as Pabaži Manor estate was divided into summerhouse territories. In 1920 construction plans were conceived for Neibāde and Pēterupe towns.[1]

Pēterupe

After World War I and coastland town reforms[r 7] during the 1920–30s, unions, cooperatives, and various associations were established across Latvia.[r 8] After World War I the fishermen village[1] Pēterupe gathered the vicinage's economic life, including markets and association life.[r 8] In 1919 Pētērupe Fishing Association (Latvian: Pēterupes Zvejniecības biedrība) was established to represent interests of the fishermen, and purchase land and fishing tools. In 1923 the association moved into Bīriņi Manor Pub (Latvian: Bīriņu muižas krogs), illegally sold by Neibāde resort manager Paul Moltrecht. The pub was renovated, renamed Enkurs (English: Anchor), and became the local fishermen social gathering place with regular shows, concerts, and lectures.[r 7] The association had plans to build a port on the mouth of Pēterupe River, however construction never started.[r 7][2] The association was closed on May 1, 1938 by Fishermen's Central Union (Latvian: Zvejnieku Centrālbiedrība), whereby many fishermen joined Skulte's Zvejniekciems cooperative.[r 7]

Neibāde

Neibāde at the time was a quiet summer[r 8] resort location preferred by Rigans for its quiet region between Pabaži and Skulte.[3] The major local activity was at the local pub Āķu krogs (English: Hook pub) that housed public services, such as, a shop, a conference room, hairdressers, and a library. During the 1920s the pub exerted particular cultural influence and was supported by the State Cultural Fund (Latvian: Valsts kultūras fonds) on numerous occasions.[r 8] That year Pēterupe Cooperative Consumer Association (Latvian: Pēterupes kooperatīva patērētāju biedrība) was founded to provide their members with discount groceries and manufacturing goods; the Āķu Pub rented office space to the cooperation. The cooperative organized many cultural events, such as, a drama club, a choir, and lectures. In 1927 a separate location was allocated for construction of a new headquarters building, however it was never finished due to ineffective governing and the cooperative almost going bankrupt. The cooperative prominently sold merchandise on debt to workers, especially fisherman, and soon exhausted its resources and in 1932 held a public auction. After the May 15, 1934 coup d'état by Prime Minister Kārlis Ulmanis the cooperative was suspended, forbidden, and on April 9, 1935 — disbanded.[r 8] That year Neibāde was renamed Saulkrasti.[1]

After World War II Saulkrasti and Inčupe workers village territory stretched 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) along a 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) wide maritime territory north of Inčupe.[4] Saulkrasti as a town was established in 1945. The town's executive committee led by Mārtiņs Lasmanis settled in Baron Alexis von Pistohlkors'[r 9] previous cottage. During this time former guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, larger cottages, as well as a rectory were nationalized.[r 5][r 6] The territory remained quiet in the 1930–50s and was given worker town rights in 1950.[5]

Skulte Port

At the start of the 20th century there had been several ports in Courland, but none in Vidzeme.[r 10][r 11] Various ports were being built across Latvia[r 10] and In 1911 the Ministry of trade and industry (Latvian: Tirdzniecības un rūpniecības ministija) began researching Neibāde and Pēterupe beaches for a suitable port location.[r 11] Neibāde at the time was a busy cultural and commercial location and Skule village was the largest fishing centre in Vidzeme with 100 fishermen and 40 motorboats, who in 1932 they joined Sea Fish (Latvian: Jūras zivs) cooperative.[r 11] The mouth of Aģe, which had served as a port before and was then used for boat towing,[r 10] was selected as the most suitable and cheapest location for port construction.[r 11] After years of inactivity, On May 21, 1937 president Kārlis Ulaminis decided to build the port.[r 10][r 11] The construction started in autumn 1937 with building of south mole and afterwards north mole. On September 30, 1938 port coastline plans were conceived. Along the port construction, nearby fish smoke-house was built.[r 11] The port was opened on October 7, 1939.[r 10][r 11]

Saulkraste region

In 1950 the Saulkraste region was formed by joining 19 local counties and 42 kolkhozes under the Latvian SSR decree "On the formation of countrysides in Latvian SSR" (Latvian: Par lauku rajonu nodibināšanu Latvijas PSR sastāvā).[r 6][r 5] Many of the kolkhozes were merged and renamed[r 6] after Party functionaries.[r 5]

Sulkrasti town became the centre of the region that coordinated a wide territory led by M. Slosmanis. Party and Komsomol Committees, and the Saulkrastu Stars (English: Saulkrasti Ray) newspaper editorial were formed in the Stirnu pub (English: Doe Pub), now the hospital building. Finance, culture, and education departments and municipal administration were located in the Saulkrasti Town Hall, together with the Saulkrastu Stars typography. The region's paperwork was now handled locally instead of through Riga.[r 5][r 6] Saulkrasti village was the center of Saulkrasti Region until January 1957.[r 6]

The only public transport to Riga was the often full intercity bus,[r 5] as railway lines had been detonated by Germans at the end of World War II.[r 12][r 13] On July 3, 1952 a railroad line to Saulkrasti was restored[r 12][r 13] and electrified in 1958.[5]

During this time new establishments and workforce increased demand for shops, catering, and other public services. Saulkraste region Consumer Society opened and began a trade organization within the region. In 1950 the town market was opened[r 5][r 6] at the planned location of Pēterupe Cooperative Consumer Association's headquarters.[r 8] However, public services developed slowly and had poor customer service.[r 5] Later in 1952 there were several canteens, teahouses, two shops[r 13] and a meat product shop.[r 12] In 1952 a regional hospital was opened.[r 12][r 13]

On July 16, 1950 Saulkraste Region held its first Song Festival. Saulkrastes Stars reports it as a colourful and solemn with many participants.[r 5][r 6] On July 8, 1951 the state's first Fisherman Day (Latvian: Zvejnieku svētki) was held with thousands of participants.[r 5] In autumn 1950 a high school[r 14] and night school opened,[r 6] and next year a renovated kindergarten.[r 5] In 1953 a new high school project was approved and construction began autumn 1954 until the school opened September 1, 1956. The construction was one of the biggest region's buildings costing 2 million rubles.[r 15][r 14]

The culture saw a decrease in 1952, choir and dance collectives disbanded and Culture House management was being constantly changed. Zvejnieks also saw cultural decline with finances missing for musical equipment. The wall newspaper Zvejnieks now had irregular publishings.[r 12][r 13] However, soon a traveling cinema[r 13] and library opened at the end of 1952 and 1953 respectively.[r 12] Several dance and singing collectives were organized in Zvejnieks in 1954. On July 18 Saulkrasti Song Day (Latvian: Saulkrastu Dziesmu diena) was organized with visitors from many regions. On July 5, 1955 Saulkrasti Song Festival (Latvian: Saulkrastu Dziesmu svētki) was held with 600 singers and dancers and over 7,000 spectators. At the end of July 1956, the first Latvia SSR's young tourist rally takes place with participants and visitors from many USSR republics.[r 15][r 14]

The region, village, and local newspaper carried "Saulkraste" name for almost two years from 1950 to middle of 1952 until Saulkrasti name was restored in 1952.[r 6][r 5] In 1957 a new territorial reform in Latvia disbanded the Saulkrasti region.[r 15][r 14]

Rise of fishing industry

Vidzemes beaches had long been housing fishing industry.[6] In 1945–1946 fishermen started joining into unions[7] and in 1946–1948 into artels.[8] There were 16 artels in Latvia, and 5 in Vidzeme — the largest being 9. maijs (English: May 9), Zvejnieks (English: Fisherman), and Brīvais vilnis (English: The free wave).[9] Fishing kolkhozes received funds for tool production and installation.[r 5][r 6] Press reported artel Zvejnieks having twice exceeded their initial plan[r 5] by skillful use of new equipment and increase of their fishing fleet.[r 6] The first year following region's establishment, fishermen already towed a successful catch.[r 6]

A lot of Saulkraste attention was directed at kolkhoz construction — allocating long-term loans, supplying building materials, and educating construction specialists. In 1950 region's kolkhoz construction was funded by 328,000 rubles.[r 5][r 6] Kolkhozes competed socially in timber processing, land cultivation, grain sowing and harvesting, milking, and fish hauling.[r 5]

The 39 kilometres (24 mi) long Aģe river creek houses the Skulte fishing port (Latvian: Skultes zvejas osta), where artel's ships and motorboats anchored.[10] Next to the port was located Vidzeme's second largest [11] Skulte fish canning factory (Latvian: Skultes zivju konservu fabrika) office.[12] Fish salting workshop, freezer, fish smokery and cannery were one of the most modern in Vidzeme. The factory served all local fisherman.[r 14][12] Big catches prompted expansion and construction of new of Skultes fish processing workshops (Skultes zivju apstrādāšanas cehi),[r 12] and factory expanded yearly.[12] New equipment, semi-automated lines, and freezers were being built;[r 12] work organization was being revamped.[r 13] If the factory only made fish products before 1956, canned fish now became its primary produce. Production was exported to many countries, such as, Great Britain, France, Australia, Mexico, etc.[12]

During this time fishermen life significantly improved,[r 5][r 6] new electrified houses were built[10][r 14] in 1955–56 on the banks of Aģe.[r 15] One of that time's state's biggest and modern Culture Houses (Latvian: Kultūras nams) opened on November 8, 1956 in Zvejniekciems on Aģe's left side[10][r 15] and cost 2.5 million rubles.[r 14] Soon Culture House opens a drama club[r 12][r 13] and library.[r 14]

Population

As of beginning of 2008, there are 6,089 Saulkrasti residents, 2,771 of which live in rural areas. 57% (3,487) residents are of working age and 26% (1,611) beyond working age. 82% of the population are Latvians and 11% are Russians, the remaining Belorussian, Polish, Lithuanian and Estonian nationalities make up 7% of the population.[r 3]

Saulkrasti population between 1997 and 2008[r 3]
Year199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008
Population5,5285,5605,5415,5325,4275,4635,4035,6515,9266,0326,0406,089

Economy

Tourism
Beach in Saulkrasti

Saulkrasti attracts local and foreign tourists during the summer period.

In 2011, most visitors were from Russia, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland. In addition, 2011 has seen increase in bicycle touring through the city.[r 16]

Skulte fishing port

The port is currently being funded from European Fisheries and European Regional Development Funds for over 5 million lats for construction of two new piers and a warehouse complex. With the completion of these constructions, the port will have completed reconstruction started in 1997. Currently one of the pier has been completed and work is under way to finish the warehouses by 2010/11.[r 17]

Education

Saulkrasti high school (Latvian: Saulkrastu vidusskola) was attended by 360 pupils in 2008/2009[r 3] and employed 38 teachers in 2007/8.[r 1]

Zvejniekciems high school (Latvian: Zvejniekciema vidusskola) was attended by 395 pupils in 2008/2009 and employed 27 teachers.[r 3]

Vidzeme Music and Art school (Latvian: Vidzemes jūrmalas Mūzikas un mākslas skola) was established in 1968 as Zvejniekciems Children Art school (Latvian: Zvejniekciema Bērnu mūzikas skola). The school started its Art department in 1995 and was renamed to its current name in 1997. The school had 288 student in 2008. Students participated in several competitions and some of their work has been shown in international exhibitions.[r 3]

Pre-school educational establishment "Brownie" (Latvian: Pirmsskolas izglītības iestāde „Rūķītis”) had 160 children and employed 22 teachers in 2008.[r 3]

International relations
Main article: List of twin towns and sister cities in Latvia

Twin towns — Sister cities

Saulkrasti is twinned with:

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gollark: Look, ASCII art, I'm the hacker here.
gollark: Hey, *I'm* Hackerman.
gollark: I just used a python script to make money on the r/memeeconomy subreddit.
gollark: Just repost it on all subreddits.

See also
  • List of cities in Latvia

References

Citations
  1. "Saulkrastu pilsētas ar lauku teritoriju domes 2006. gada publiskais pārskats" [Saulkrasti city and rural territory Council's 2006 public report] (in Latvian). Saulkrastu Pilsētas ar Lauku Teritoriju Dome. 2006.
  2. "Saulkrastu pilsētas ar lauku teritoriju pašvaldības teritorijas Attīstības programma" [Saulkrasti city and rural territory Council's development program] (PDF) (in Latvian). Saulkrastu Pilsētas ar Lauku Teritoriju Dome. 2007.
  3. "Saulkrastu novada pašvaldības 2008. gada publiskais pārskats" [Saulkrasti district municipality's 2008 public report] (PDF) (in Latvian). Saulkrastu novada pašvaldība. 2008.
  4. "Senie laiki Saulkrastu teritorijā" [Saulkrasti territory old times] (in Latvian). Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  5. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (April 2010). "Saulkrastu rajons — pirms 60 gadiem" [Saulkrasti region — 60 years ago]. Saulkrastu Avīze (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 14.
  6. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (April 2010). "Saulkrastes rajons" [Saulkraste region] (PDF). Saulkrastu Domes ziņas (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 6.
  7. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (July 2009). "Pēterupes ziedu laiki" [Best of times in Pēterupe]. Saulkrastu Avīze (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 10.
  8. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (February 2010). "Divi jubilāri Saulkrastu vēsturē" [Two birthdays in Saulkrasti history] (PDF). Saulkrastu Domes ziņas (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 7.
  9. Transehe-Roseneck, Astaf von (1935). Genealogisches Handbuch der livländischen Ritterschaft (in German). Görlitz. p. 1021.
  10. "Vēsture - Skultes ostai - 70" [History - Skulte Port - 70] (in Latvian). October 7, 2009. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  11. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (October 2009). "Pirms 70 gadiem atklāja jauno Skultes ostu" [Skulte Port opened 70 years ago]. Saulkrastu Avīze (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 10.
  12. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (May 2010). "Saulkrastu rajons — pirms 60 gadiem" [Saulkrasti region — 60 years ago]. Saulkrastu Avīze (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 17.
  13. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (May 2010). "Saulkrastu rajons" [Saulkrasti region] (PDF). Saulkrastu Domes ziņas (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 10.
  14. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (June 2010). "Saulkrastu rajons 1955. un 1956. gadā" [Saulkrasti region in 1955 and 1956] (PDF). Saulkrastu Domes ziņas (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 6.
  15. Gurtiņa, Dagnija (June 2010). "Saulkrastu rajons — pirms 60 gadiem" [Saulkrasti region — 60 years ago]. Saulkrastu Avīze (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 16.
  16. Memmēna, Gita (October 2011). "Aizvadītā sezona un tūrisma plūsmas statistika" [The past season and tourist traffic statistics] (PDF). Saulkrastu Domes ziņas (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 2.
  17. Pētersone, Ilze (June 2010). "Ostā projekti par vairāk nekā 5 miljoniem latu" [Projects in port for over 5 million lats]. Saulkrastu Avīze (in Latvian). Saulkrasti. p. 17.

Notes
  1. Pormanis 1963, p. 40.
  2. Pormanis 1963, p. 43.
  3. Pormanis 1963, p. 11, 41.
  4. Pormanis 1963, p. 40–41.
  5. Pormanis 1963, p. 41.
  6. Pormanis 1963, p. 13.
  7. Pormanis 1963, p. 14.
  8. Pormanis 1963, pp. 14–15.
  9. Pormanis 1963, p. 15.
  10. Pormanis 1963, p. 45.
  11. Pormanis 1963, p. 17.
  12. Pormanis 1963, p. 46.

Bibliography
  • Pormanis, I. (1963). Pa Vidzemes jūrmalu [Along Vidzeme seashore] (in Latvian). Rīga: Latvijas Valsts izdevniecība (English: Latvia State Press).

See also
  • List of cities in Latvia
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