Seda

Seda is a town in the Valka district of Latvia, with 1,700 inhabitants. It lies 20 km from Valka and the Estonian border.

Understand

Abandoned recreation centre in Seda

Seda is one of the youngest towns and an industrial centre built in 1953 for the workers of the nearby Seda peat marshes. The inhabitants were brought here from all over the Soviet Union. Built in the best traditions of the Stalinist style of the post-World War II period: with the same yellow cover and decorated with luxurious columns of a palace; only a monument of Lenin in front is missing. In Russia this style is common, but for the Baltic states the sight is unusual. Traces of decline are hidden by external cosmetic repairs.

Get in

There are three trains and several buses a day from Riga, going to Valga, Estonia. They all stop in Seda, see 1188.lv.

Get around

Seda is so small, anything beyond walking is largely overdrawn.

See

Orthodox church in Seda

• Seda is a monument of Stalinist architecture. It's a perfect place for people seeking Soviet nostalgia. The design and structure of the town centre is a wonderful example of the monumental architecture of 1950s Stalinist times, which has not been ruined by any new building yet.
• 1 Narrow-gauge peat enterprise. In 2008, the status was unknown. The depot is northeast of the centre. There you can see old wagons and other equipment. If active, take a trip on a narrow-gauge train going to the peat marshes. 
• 2 Peat bogs. This is the hidden gem of Seda, and a dream for nature lovers. This former peat extraction occupies an area of ​​more than 10 km². There have been sluggish attempts to turn this huge swamp into an object of nature tourism; a pedestrian route has been laid, observation towers have been built, one of which is 2 km from Seda, at the coordinates indicated with this listing. The trail to the tower is a densely peat-strewn road and one is not equipped with signs. In a dry state it is passable for cars. Further on, you will most likely have to walk. In general, this area is almost completely untouched by the man, but Estonian bogs are perfect for tourists; at least when having GPS or a map. 

Do

• Walk around those three streets – it will not take more than an hour.
• Seda nature trail (Sedas daba taka (ekotaka)). free. (updated Oct 2016)

Buy

In the central square there is a small shop with unknown opening hours.

Sleep

Check out the observation towers in the Peat bogs, if you have sleeping bag and mattress. They might have a roof and thus be sufficient for an overnight stay.

Otherwise, check out the options available in the nearby town Strenči.

Go next

• Strenči – 5 km southwest. Features a mental hospital in a nice surrounding.
• Valka – A unique town on the Estonian border, which runs through the town centre, creating Valga on the other side. It is close to regaining the status of an important cultural centre.
• Smiltene – Features a manor, some castle ruins, and a watch tower over the surrounding area. Not very interesting, but quite cosy and slightly larger than Valka, and not far from the Pskov highway.