Cultural environment of the Daugava Valley has been created by centuries long interaction between nature and people. Numerous nature, historical and cultural monuments from different periods of time have been preserved along the banks of the Daugava. They are considered to be a significant part of Cultural Heritage, ilustrate evolution of society and nature. Preservation of this territory meets interests of Latvians goverment as well as international interest. The variety of Daugava Valley Cultural heritage has been influenced by cultural traditions of Western Europe and Scandinavian.The Daugava river is one of the largest tributaries of the Baltic Sea, stretching 1200 kilometres through Latvia, Belorussia and Russia. In history it has served as a major trade route from Scandinavia to Southern Europe and beyond, and the history of settlement along its banks streches back to 9000 BC. Project description "Viking ceļš" (The route of Vikings) is a unique project, carried out by Latvian Culture Foundation in cooperation with the most important Latvian and foreign businessmen, institutions of local governing and non-governmental organizations. The goal of the project is to research ancient sailing paths from Scandinavia to the Black Sea, understand cultural heritage and promote economical development. To achieve this goal Swedish historians has reconstructed fragments of ancient Viking's boat, found in many places and built authentic wooden ship called "Aifur". The "Aifur" ship has already participated in number of expeditions abroad, but this summer will take part in new expedition from Surazh city in Byelorussia, down-stream the Daugava river till the City of Riga and through the Saaremaa and Aland islands back to the Sweden. During the Daugava expedition from Surazh, Byelorussia down-stream till Riga the "Aifur" will sail for about more than 700 kilometers. The goal of this part of expedition is to obtain practical experience and knowledge about long-way river trips and inspect cultural memorials of the region. This is as kind of archeological experiment, as goodwill action, which allows to accentuate Baltic region cultural heritage commonality. This year expedition is arranged under Latvian Cultural Foundation Daugava program's, Latvia's and European Council's project "Cultural and historical environment of Daugava's Valley". The Embassies of Sweden and Byelorussia, mass media of Latvia, "Laikmets" foundation, institutions of local governing, businessmen support expedition. Latvia is represented by Head of the Archeological Center Jānis Urtāns. During the project presentation in the Internet, scientific and press conferences, TV shows, exhibitions, concerts and wide cultural activities will be carried out. Daugava expedition is dedicated to the 800 Anniversary of Riga. The results of the expedition will be presented on official opening ceremony of European cultural heritage Days in Riga, September 2001. Photographer will accompany expedition and wide range of information will be prepared for mass media. Organizers of the Expedition Association of Viking's ship "Aifur" and Sodertorn high school (Sweden) Cultural Foundation of Latvia "Laikmets" Foundation Embassy of Republic of Byelorussia in Latvia Embassy of Sweden in Latvia About "Aifur" in Internet www.geocities.com/aifurship/ The route of expedition 
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