Nature Walking Trails in Kurzeme

Lake Pēterezers Nature Trail

(images 1–8)

I will start with the most recently walked. The trail is located not far from Mazirbe. And don't let the name mislead you about the lake, as 90% of the trail is an ordinary ground path through pine forest, going up and down fairly steep dunes (kangars - an ancient dune). A serious cardio workout. Definitely do not do as we did - walk this trail when the thermometer has climbed above +30°C and, for good measure, also forget the drinking water bottle in the car.

The remaining 10% of the 3.4 km trail is divided as follows: wooden boardwalks, steps on steep slopes, and a boardwalk along two fairly overgrown forest lakes - Little Pēterezers and Large Pēterezers. Had we chosen more suitable weather conditions or a different season, the trail could well have been quite enjoyable.

Barefoot Trail and Art Trail at Valguma Pasaule

(images 9–20)

The Barefoot Trail is a paid trail (8 EUR for adults) where one can enjoy both a proper walk 2.9 km along the bank of the Slocene River and a thorough foot massage. The trail is covered section by section with pebbles, stones, moss, pine cones, seaside sand, Ķemeri medicinal mud, reeds, wood chips, rough pine bark, clay, refreshing river water, gravel, peat, and the like. As you might guess, the trail is to be walked barefoot. The sensations then range from soft, pleasant, and caressing to sharply stinging, prickling, and even hard to endure.

The trail's facilities are complemented by large-format photo walls, viewing platforms, a labyrinth, information boards about chakras and energetically active zones in the foot, and encouraging sayings. At the end of the walk one can order a flower bath (6 EUR) in which to soothe the heated feet.

Directly opposite, right there in the forest, is a second no less picturesque trail, which can be walked in shoes, enjoying large-format photographs by two photo artists, Andris Apsis and Andris Eglītis, displayed freely outdoors between the trees - New Zealand and Latvian nature scenes, portraits, animal photos. There is also a name day labyrinth to walk, wind chime sounds to enjoy, and improvised moss armchairs to lounge in.

Cīrava Forest Park

(images 21–33)

Truly a great discovery of this year. At Cīrava Forest Park there is enough to do for most of a day. There are as many as six themed trails, each appropriately marked with signage, various outdoor attractions, and points of interest.

The Legend Trail (410 m) and The Straight Alley (900 m) with thematic wooden sculptures (Duality, Ancestors' Sword, Pre-Battle Prayer, and others), in which one feels like taking a look or posing for a selfie. The Beaver Trail (1.7 km) with active recreation features. The favourite were the steps stretched between trees, which one has to cross while trying to maintain balance and overcome the fear of heights.

The Sound Trail (1.5 km) with sound-making features - a gong (a resounding clang), strings (a forest harp), megaphones, and the like. The Grasshopper Trail (450 m) with jumping active recreation features, and the Fisherman's Trail with no features at all, but a beautiful view of the winding Durbe stream. Particularly enjoyable was the chance to swing for two above the river bank, when the ground disappears from underfoot and the blue of the river and sky opens up.

Highly recommend spending time here - alone, as a couple, as a family with children, or in a group. And it is great in any weather, even if a fine rain is drizzling - we tested it.

Viesata River Bends Trail

(images 34–45)

A substantial walking trail 8.2 km long along the bank of the Viesata River. A certain drawback is that it is walked along almost the same route going out and the same distance back. Along the trail there are 22 stopping points - spots with particularly beautiful highlighted natural views, with informative content about them. For example: pig wallows, a beaver lodge, the great rock outcrop, the five-branched linden, etc.

Due to lack of time (it was already getting quite dark) we walked half the trail with a firm resolution (well, you already know how those usually go) to return next spring.

Ozola Biotope, Kabile

(images 46–52)

A walk in a forest where various wooden sculptures and attractions are placed. A particularly large number of features are connected with the band Līvi and their creative work. The place was set up by enthusiast Aivars from Kabile. Entry by donation. Is it worth it? Judge for yourselves - images in the gallery.

Cape Kolka Pine Forest Trail

(images 53–59)

The trail leads through pine forest to the cape. By the way, there one can park the car for free, as opposed to the paid car park right at Cape Kolka itself. From the observation tower a great view of the sea opens up. Length approximately 1 km - good for a calm stroll.

Pūrciems White Dune Trail

(images 60–68)

A specially built wooden trail with steps along the banks of the Pilsupīte stream with a view of the 20 m high White Dune sand outcrop, complemented by picturesquely leaning or even broken tree trunks hanging over the bluff. The trail length is under 1 km, but one can linger here quite a long time at the viewing platforms and rest spots with benches and a fantastic natural view. We have walked it at least twice in our lives, but could return again and again in different seasons. In spring, when grass has not yet taken over the forest, one can delight in many and varied early flowers - white and blue hepaticas, yellow buttercups, and others whose names I don't know.