Ādaži Municipality: Trails, Water and History

In Ādaži Municipality, waterside trails, coastal landscapes and local history come together in different ways. When planning your hotel stay, it may help to first consider whether you would like to focus on walks, bike rides or cultural discoveries. The routes vary considerably in length and layout; the history of fishing and former military use are also among the local themes.

Trails between the Gauja and the coast

The scenic Zaļais ceļš is 13.5 km long and runs from the Gauja Bridge near Kadaga to Carnikava Beach. The route is intended for walking and cycling; check local conditions before setting out. For a shorter loop, consider the yellow route in Ūdensrožu Park: it is 2.4 km long and has a low difficulty level. Zvaniņu ceļš is an approximately 1 km circular route along the left bank of the Gauja between Carnikava and Ādaži.

An approximately 10 km walking route in Carnikava passes local cultural and natural points of interest. At about 4 km, the Rožu kāpa circular route is shorter; it starts at Kalngale railway station and passes through the coastal landscapes of Piejūra Nature Park to the sea. Another coastal stretch is Garciems’ 650 m wooden walking trail: the boardwalk runs from Aizvēju iela through Piejūra Nature Park and the coastal dunes to the sea. At its end is the virtual 3D augmented reality object “Nēģi nāk” by G. Gabrān, depicting the lampreys’ journey.

Those looking for a longer linear route will find one on the Garezeru Nature Trail. It is about 7 km long and runs alongside the northern, middle and southern Garezers lakes. The different routes vary in length, circular or linear layout, and scenery.

Promenade, canal and trips on the water

Carnikava Promenade runs from Carnikava to the beach on the Gulf of Riga. There is a SUP board and kayak rental service at the start of the promenade. As services may vary by season or operator, it is advisable to check availability before visiting. The pedestrian and cycling path along the Gauja–Baltezers Canal is about 2 km long and runs between Zušu iela and Podnieku iela.

The canal itself was a 3.1 km long, man-made section of the historic Gauja–Daugava Waterway, connecting the Gauja with Lake Mazais Baltezers. The path and the historic waterway therefore have different stated lengths. At high water levels, the canal can be navigated by canoe or SUP board; whether this is possible depends on the water level and local conditions. The Carnikava Local History Center also offers fishing boat trips on the Gauja, which may require prior arrangement.

Fishing history and former uses

The Carnikava Local History Center has an exhibition on the region’s history and fishing traditions. It offers free guided tours on weekdays and weekends; as programme information may change, it is advisable to confirm in advance. The Center building is designed as a replica of the “Cēlāji” fishermen’s and ferryman’s house, built in 1851 near the mouth of the Gauja.

The “ĀDAŽI – Manors, Raftsmen and Innovation” audio guide leads visitors to former manor houses, Soviet-era buildings and modern landmarks in Ādaži Municipality. Its approximately 12 km route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and forms a loop: the start and finish are at Līgo Square in the centre of Ādaži. Several missile hangars and military-style buildings remain at the former Soviet military site of Mežgarciems. The site also includes the “Deception Labyrinth,” a labyrinth-like arrangement of concrete slabs with Soviet-era relief motifs.

Local landmarks, crafts and traditions

The “Carnikavas stāsti” mural depicts the history and symbols of Carnikava and is considered a tourist attraction for visitors. Inga Pole makes entirely hand-crafted ceramics from black and white clay using the coiling technique. Zibeņi Disc Golf Park has 18 baskets, with trees and terrain serving as obstacles.

The Nēģu svētki festival in Carnikava marks the opening of the lamprey fishing season. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the event dates in advance. For pilgrims on the Latvian section of the International Camino de Santiago, the Boat House Chapel at 21 Stacijas iela in Carnikava serves as a stopover and accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Ādaži, Kadaga, Jaunpils, Lielvārde Municipality, Rūjiena Municipality, Amata Municipality, Aizpute Municipality, Krustpils Municipality.

For the broader travel overview: Latvia.