Ķekava Municipality: Trails, Culture and Nature

Ķekava Municipality can be explored through a wide range of themes: hiking trails, cultural heritage, a narrow-gauge railway and waterside activities each offer something different. When planning your trip, consider both the distances involved and the particular interests each excursion caters to.

Trails, themed routes and art in the forest

The Baldones Stāstu takas comprise six walking and hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 20 kilometres. Along the trails, they are marked with footprints in different colours and signposts. Information boards provide maps and details about the sites, while QR codes link to audio guides. As route details may change, check the latest information before setting out.

The digital route on Baldone’s military heritage focuses on a different theme: it is 10 kilometres long and includes 13 information stations. One of the Baldones mežu stāsti routes features 16 tourist attractions, with audio-guide stories available to listen to along the way. A circular route from Baldones mežu stāsti is up to 20 kilometres long. A total of 29 works of art are displayed in the forest; the art installation is known as Meža galerija.

History, architecture and collections

You can climb Daugmales pilskalns and enjoy views of the Daugava from the top. The hill was once a trading and crafts centre on the riverbank. Historians believe that the port of Zemgale mentioned in historical documents may have stood at the foot of the hill, where the Varžupīte flows into the Daugava.

Katlakalna Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1794 and is a notable example of neoclassical architecture. The church grounds contain dendrological plantings with more than 320 tree and shrub species. As this is a living collection, its composition may change.

The plant life is another distinctive feature: rare trees grow in the park of Baldones Baltā pils, including larches, firs, Siberian stone pines, Manchurian cork trees, silver firs and red oaks. The Ķekava Local History Museum, meanwhile, focuses on pictures and caricatures. The museum displays around 1,800 caricatures and photographs from its collection.

Baložu kūdras muzejdzelzceļš preserves 2.5 kilometres of a former narrow-gauge railway, along with a collection of rare locomotives and railway cars. The railway’s own history is another part of the visit, alongside the buildings, landscapes and collections found elsewhere in the municipality.

Winter, starry skies and waterside activities

The ski slopes at Riekstukalns cater to experienced skiers and snowboarders as well as beginners, and gentler runs are also available. Operations are seasonal. Check conditions for your planned visit before making arrangements.

Baldone Observatory offers a creative workshop as part of its guided tours. Visits to the mini-planetarium “Count the Stars, Not the Time” are also available. Advance arrangements may be required for the visitor programme.

At the Sausā Daugava River in Ķekava, Murdiņi rents out SUP boards, boats and kayaks. Advance booking is required for rentals. Dabas zirgi offers horse rides or walks with horses in Ķekava Municipality, providing an option for animal activities alongside the trails and cultural attractions.

A ride on the Baložu kūdras bānītis takes you by narrow-gauge railway from the peat bog to the factory. The railway operates seasonally, and advance arrangements may be necessary. Check visiting options ahead of time.

Cycling route between Riga and Ķekava

For cyclists, the route between Ķekava and Riga offers an alternative to the A7 motorway. You can also start in Riga. As route conditions may change, check the latest information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Katlakalns, Baloži, Lielvārži, Daugmale, Vimbukrogs, Pulkarne, Rāmava, Ķekava.

For the main travel overview: Latvia.