This hiking trail winding to the sea through the Piejura Natural Park is 650 m long. To the right of the trail, you will find the Eimur canal, and to the left, there are large dunes reaching 16 m in height. The trail was established to facilitate access to the sea and preserve the natural biotope; it is also well-equipped for strollers.
You can visit it at any time of the year free of charge.
Location: Garciema taka
The 2-km long promenade in Carnikava is the longest one of a coastal kind in Latvia. It goes to the seashore through the Piejura Natural Park, being equipped with a boardwalk and embracing a wooden observation deck.
Location: Carnikavas promenāde
This natural park with beautiful steep cliffs, hammocks and swings right on the seashore is a favorite spot for families with children or for couples at sunset. One can also explore old forts hiding in the woods.
Important: The road to the parking at the end of Laivu Street is very bad!
Hammocks location: 57.151377,24.252104
Discover beautiful steep seaside and picturesque views of the mouth of the Gauja River as well as several lakes lost in the woods on the way to the sea.
An unpaved road leads to the parking lot by the coast.
Parking location: 57.164094,24.280376
Wide beach with a parking lot is located within just a 2-minute walk from the sea. If you wander along the coast for about 15 minutes to the right, you can reach the place where the Lilaste river flows into the sea.
If you turn right and walk straight for about 30 minutes, you may reach the shamanic place “Magic Forest” hiding in the dunes.
In summer, parking fees may apply.
Location: Lilaste, pludmale
18-meter high White Dune is one of the main attractions in Saulkrasti and a favorite spot among tourists. It is equipped with boardwalks, observation decks and recreation areas. The dune offers stunning sunset views at the point where the Incupe River flows into the Baltic Bay.
White Dune is composed of beach sand and clay deposits, formed by strong gusts of wind blowing from the sea. The dune is fortified, but landslides occur here every few years.
You can get from White Dune to the center of Saulkrasti by following the 4-kilometer Sun Sunset Trail. On the way, you may admire the sea views, a wide sandy beach, the Peterupe River and century-old pine trees.
You can visit it free of charge at any time of the year. Parking near the White Dune is paid all year round.
Location: Baltā kāpa Saulkrastos
• “Koklites”
• “Beach Coffee Cafe”
• “Kapteinis Kaija”
In summer, parking fees may apply.
Kurmrags is the most outstanding cape in Vidzeme. The lighthouse was built in 1924, but in 1967 it was destroyed by a hurricane. In 2005, during a storm, it was washed into the sea due to its establishment on a steep cliff. At the moment, it stands a couple of meters from the shore. Anyone can climb it, although this will require certain physical efforts. Admission is free of charge.
Location: Ķurmraga bāka
This impressive group of sandy cliffs on the Vidzeme coast is remarkable for a steep shore up to 6 m created by sea waves.
Red sandstone formations stretch for several kilometers embracing small caves, niches and grottoes. They all were formed 300-400 million years ago, in the Devonian period.
You can visit them at any time of the year free of charge.
A gravel road leads to the parking lot.
Location: Veczemju klintis
The Northern Pier was built in 1912 to protect the port from northerly winds. This is the only thing that indicates the former presence of the port here.
Nowadays, the pier is used as a promenade. Please note: in wet weather, it is quite dangerous and slippery on the stones.
In the sea, you can still see the remaining piles from the pier, and on the shore, you’ll find the rest of the lighthouse.
Near the breakwater, there are meadows inhabited by various bird species.
Location: Ainažu mols
Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
