Where can one have a peaceful walk with no crowds and hustle? Specially for you, we have compiled a list of trails outside Riga where you will not come across many tourists.
This trail between Jaunpils and Tukums in Petertale runs along the fast Viesata River. Along the trail you can find signs, information stands and even play games. Observation platforms are equipped with benches. At the end of the trail, there is a large boulder called Spunnu (Spuņņu dižakmens); you can get on its top by the stairs.
One does not have to go 5 km to get to the boulder as there is car access from the other end of the trail.
In spring, waterproof footwear is advised.
Parking at the trail start: Viesatas upesloku takas
Parking at the trail end: 56.817345, 22.947082
Trail length: 11 km (about 5.5 km one way)
These picturesque places along the Gauja River reveal sandstone outcrops up to 10 m high and feature a new round observation deck.
In the warm season, the “Park of Senses” operates here with a Barefoot Trail and a Tree Trail.
Parking: by Sajūtu parks, Valmiera
Observation deck location: 57.534792, 25.443153
Path to observation deck and back: 1.7 km
The trail runs along a narrow strip of land separating two lakes. The depth of one of the lakes – Dziļezers – reaches 32 m. The lake shores are protected biotopes. In spring, the trail is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic places for having a walk. One can also feed rare species of bats there.
It is located on the way to Limbazi. In rainy times it often gets flooded.
Trail start: Dziļezera-Riebezera taka
Trail length: 3.7 km
Price: 3€
This diverse trail near the town of Kandava embraces a sulfur spring, wooden paths along the swamp, a picnic area by the river. It is forbidden to tear and touch the flowers along the trail, as they may turn out to be rare and protected species.
Trail start: Čužu purva dabas taka
Trail length: 3 km
The trail is located just a couple of kilometers from Jaunpils Castle. Here you can see the reconstructed ancient Latvian settlement and the hillfort as well as walk along the larch avenue and the wooden bridge over the Bikstupite River with the first spring flowers blooming on its banks. There is also a place for a picnic and a swing.
Trail start: Kartavkalna dabas taka
Walk timing: 30 min – 1 hour
Vilce Nature Park is one of the most beautiful areas of Zemgale. The trail leads along the cliff to the ravine with a swift Vilse River flowing at its bottom and a crystal clean source flowing into it, revealing sandstone outcrops.
Trail start: Skolas iela 2, Vilce
Trail length: 1.4 km
The 400 m long Spidala trail runs along both banks of the Askere River. It connects the Riga-Daugavpils highway with the Aizkraukle mound allowing for a picturesque view.
The 800 m long Laimes lāča trail runs around the entire Kalnamuiza lake. There are two artificial islands on the lake illuminated in the evening; one can reach them by bridges. There is also a gazebo with barbecue facilities on the shore.
The 800 m long Sūnu trail is related to Andrei Upitis’ works and has many wooden figures established along; the trail is also suitable for cycling.
This is a wild trail in a dense forest along the river and swamps with acacias. Waterproof shoes are required for a walk, as there are no equipped tracks. Fans of authentic places are going to like it.
Trail start: Vedzes upes dabas taka
Trail length: 2.6 km
All these places are located within a 100 km distance from Riga.
Material prepared by Yuliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
