Steep cliffs, nature reserves, picturesque trails, huge dunes, historical sites and other gorgeous places along the coast of the Gulf of Riga await you in this sightseeing list.
“The meeting point of two seas” – the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea – is the most expressive cape in Latvia as well as one of the main Latvian attractions and a favorite walking place for both locals and tourists.
During a storm it is especially attractive as you can admire fierce waves breaking against each other.
Near the cape with a pine forest, you can explore the observation deck with a view over the cape.
Location: Kolkasrags
Location: Ēvažu stāvkrasts
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This especially protected place with a height of about 20m, located about 500m from the sea, was formed about 6,000 years ago. It also features a 900m long walking trail.
Location: Pūrciema Baltā kāpa
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This is a marvelous rocky coastline where you can see “the house on Easter Island” (Lieldienu sala) where the Russian movie “Hero” was filmed.
A little further from the sea, on the opposite side of the road, there is another curious place to discover: the “Kaltene Kalvas” trail with large stones in the woods (called “kalvas” in Latvian).
Location: Kaltenes akmeņainā piekraste, 57.451553, 22.896688
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This 1km long trail is equipped with a viewing platform for observing migratory birds; the best time to watch birds’ flocks is autumn and spring.
Location: Kaltenes putnu takas skatu tornis
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It represents a large collection of trees and bushes selected by the engineer Igor Mednis, grown across the park area of 7.2 hectares. Its walking trail leads along the river to the seaside. On the way, you will see groves with walnuts, conifers and small wooden houses with rhododendrons blooming nicely in May-June.
Notice: parking in the green area is prohibited!
Location: Lāčupītes dendrārijs un dabas taka
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This modern-looking red tower overlooking a pine forest was built in 1960. Under it, on the shore of the bay, there is an old small turret established in 1939. It is now in an abandoned state; the lighthouse is closed to the public and can only be explored from the outside.
Location: Ragaciema bāka
By visiting this small old fishing village open-air museum by the sea, you can learn about fishermen’ routines, examine their inventory and get to know the history of fishing.
Location: Ragaciema sedums
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This scenic trail leading along the Silinupe River to the old pier of Lapmezciems is a great place to have a walk at any time of the year.
Location: Kupskalna dabas taka
The museum embodies a fishing courtyard of the 19th-20th centuries with a collection of anchors, boats and two fishing vessels.
After visiting the museum, you can go for a walk in the Ragakapas Natural Park. There is a large sandy shaft, 800 meters long and 100 meters wide, with equipped observation platforms and a path leading to the sea.
Location: Jūrmalas brīvdabas muzejs
Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
