Hiking routes
The Literature Route “The White Wolf’s Journey Home”
The route “The White Wolf’s Journey Home” is about how even a seemingly humble path can be special.It all depends on how you look at it. The route is dedicated to poet and ornithologist Jānis Baltvilks (the translation of his surname is White Wolf).It is an interactive literary adventure route, which requires knowledge of the Latvian language and a QR code reading application.
Your companion will be an audio guide who will invite you to go from point to point, showing you the places that the White Wolf once watched.At each point you need to see or find a QR code, which when opened, you will be able to read a short story about this place and listen to a poem suitable for both children and adults.The first QR can be found at the “Smārde” station on the platform.
The route will end in the forest planted by the Jānis Baltvilks near homestead “Zīlītes”, where a place for rest and meditation has been set up.Next, you can go to see the Šlokenbeka Manor, then return to Riga from the “Milzkalne” station.Or measure the road to Tukums, stopping at Durbe Manor on the way.
Route length – 4 km
Environmental accessibility – 90%
In places that are not accessible by wheelchair and stroller, it will be possible to go to the next point.
Route duration – about 2.5 hours on foot, about 1 hour by bicycle.
It is not allowed to enter the "Zīlītes" house and other buildings!
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Poet and ornithologist Jānis Baltvilks (1944-2003) was born in “Zīlītēs” in Smārde parish, Tukums region, graduated from Tukums 1st secondary school (now Tukums Ernesta Birznieka-Upīša 1st primary school), worked at the ornithological station in Smārde.In the late 1980s, he began working in the children's magazine "Zīlīte", and in 2000 became its editor-in-chief.
The White Wolf or Johny, as ornithologists called him, was a Good Man with a sunny and joyful soul.He was respected by his colleagues, loved by children, animals and birds.
“Zīlītes” had a special place for Jānis Baltvilks until the end of his life.Even when he lived in Riga, he tried to be at home as often as possible.Jānis traveled to the station “Smārde” by train.Then he walked 4 kilometers to “Zīlītes” (the “Twinkles”), barefoot if possible, observing nature along the way, indulging in reflections and composing poetry.To the surprise of the children: “Uncle Jāņonkul, aren’t your feet cold?”he replied: “There’s no point in taking those feet to heart, let them handle themselves!”.
An award for achievements in children’s literature is named after Jānis Baltvilks, which is presented every year on July 24, the poet’s birthday.
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The authors of the route are the associations ““Baltā vilka takas” and “Tukuma Literātu apvienība”.The project was created with the support of the Tukums municipality.
