How long have you been working with souvenirs?

I reckon this must be my 28th season, so – since 1997 at least. But my mum (Biruta Bērziņa) has been doing it for over 40 years.

I’ve noticed that in summer, you’re often sitting on a bench knitting. 

Yes, I make quite a lot of souvenirs – I knit almost every day when there are no visitors. Socks, gloves and baby sets – hats, gloves, romper suits and jackets. People come and look, they stop to chat – they like it when they see that it’s all made here, handicrafts made with love! The guides tell them too. It really works!

When it comes to buying your creations, which countries’ tourists buy the most?

Some years ago, they were tourists from France and Germany, but last year Spaniards bough the most. 

What in your opinion should a good range of souvenirs contain? I can see that you have a lot of beautiful items…

Firstly, there must be a Turaida walking stick – a sturdy one, which is not only decorative, but which can also be used in practice. There are also little walking stick, various magnets adorned with the best known sights in Sigulda and Turaida; and original postcards.

Do people ask for items with a connection to Turaida?

Yes and no, – it varies. A lot of people buy linen scarves, which are of extremely high quality – handcrafted and woven on a loom. Others buy postcards or a magnet. One local family has recently started making beautiful souvenirs from wood, decorated with Turaida’s Roze, and the castle.

What makes a good souvenir? 

It should definitely be made in Latvia. Buyers look for this, whether it’s a product made by local craftsmen. For many years, I’ve collaborated with the Cerību spārni organisation. In selling these souvenirs, I’m also fulfilling a certain social function, because this provides support to people with disabilities. The candles and other items they make are so beautiful!

What about souvenir fashion?

Amber necklaces used to be popular in Turaida. Walking sticks were on sale both 40 years and now. Craftsmen used to bring us walking sticks, which would arrange on a stand, and they looked like a beautiful walking stick rug! I look for artisans and artists, who make something special, which is not on sale in every souvenir shop. 

If you were to visit some close friends abroad, what souvenirs would you take with you? Would they be souvenirs from Turaida?

I’d take the Turaida spoon and thimble, and the magnet too. They don’t take up much space – nowadays, this is important, because people often travel with very little baggage.

Do you collaborate with any local artisans?

They’re mainly walking stick makers – in Turaida, these are crafts skills that are passed on from one generation to another. 

What souvenirs would you advise schoolchildren to make?

I don’t know, maybe something ceramic – small pendants bearing the symbols of Turaida’s Roze? 

Thank you!

Chatting to Ineta Mārtiņsone was Educational Work and Communication Department Cooperation Project Manager Sandra Ķirule