Three Quiet Gems of Latvia: Is It Worth Going?
If you want to see Latvia beyond the souvenir shop windows, these three places are a great reason to stray from the obvious route. Here you will find a river wonder, the open Baltic coast, and a walk along a wooden path through the marshes.
Kuldīga and Ventas Rumba
In Kuldīga, the Venta River spills over a wide natural threshold — Ventas Rumba, which is considered the widest waterfall in Europe. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn: fish leap out of the water trying to overcome the threshold during migration. This is not a place for loud attractions, but rather an opportunity to stand by the water and observe nature. If you enjoy leisurely walks, Kuldīga is definitely worth a stop.
Cape Kolka
At Kolkasrag, the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga meet — just the thought of this adds a special mood to the walk. The cape is also known for bird migration, so there is plenty to see even if you are not an ornithologist. It is more of a space for fresh air and wide sea views than for a packed itinerary. Go if you want to be by the sea without the city hustle.
Great Kemeri Marsh
The wooden path allows you to walk through the marsh and see its ponds, mosses, and low pines. There is a shorter and a longer loop: the short route leads to picturesque ponds, while the longer one goes to an observation tower. Allocate about one and a half hours for the longer loop and about an hour for the shorter one. This is a great choice if you want to swap sea views for a quiet walk through an unusual landscape.
All three places have different characters: Kuldīga is for the river and old town vibe, Kolka is for the sea, and Kemeri is for nature walks. Which one would you choose for your next trip?