Salacgrīva Fortress

Salacgrīva Fortress is a ruin on the right bank of the Salaca river with surviving remnants of three defensive towers from its original construction. The stonework shows the building techniques used in medieval military defense.

The fortress was founded in 1226 by the Bishopric of Riga to control the port and protect merchant ships. After centuries of attacks, it was finally destroyed between 1702 and 1704.

The site shows how river fortifications shaped medieval control of the region. Visitors can explore the location directly by the water and understand how defensive structures once protected trade routes.

The site is located near the river mouth and is reachable through marked paths that are easy to find from the riverside area. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be uneven and damp, especially after rain.

During the Northern Wars the fortress was repeatedly attacked by Russian, Tartar, Polish, and Swedish forces over many decades. These multiple assaults show how strategically valuable the location was for controlling the Baltic coast.

Location: Salacgrīva

Inception: 1226

Address: Baznīcas iela

GPS coordinates: 57.75440,24.36367

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:25