Saulkrasti Municipality: Coast, dunes and nature trails
Accommodation in Saulkrasti Municipality
Saulkrastu novads lies on the coast of the Gulf of Riga in western Vidzeme. It stretches 17 kilometres along the coast and 20 kilometres east to the Loja River. The international Via Baltica highway crosses the area. So there is more to explore than the coastal strip: coastal landscapes, rivers and protected nature shape different sides of Saulkrasti Municipality.
Coast, dunes and nature
Piejūra Nature Park is a specially protected natural area that includes Saulkrastu novads. It protects wooded dunes, grey dunes, coastal meadows and lakes with plant communities ranging from nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich. In total, 24 habitat types of EU importance cover 84 percent of the park. The coast also offers variety: the rocky stretch at Zvejniekciems lies between Skulte Port and Saulkrasti Beach and is well suited to walks and quiet nature watching. There is singing sand near Lilaste.
White Dune is an 18-metre-high sand outcrop with views of the sea, the mouth of the InÄupe River and a wide beach. It formed when wind-blown beach sand was deposited over clayey sediments of the Baltic Ice Lake. The Nature Design Park is also located at White Dune. Its features include Entrance Gates, FrÄ«da the Hedgehog and Fredis the Rabbit, as well as a beetle trail and a listening device.
Trails for different kinds of outings
The Sunset Trail runs from White Dune to the centre of Saulkrasti. Along the way, you pass a sandy beach, foredunes, the Pēterupe River and tall pines, with views of the river valley and the sea. A 3.6-kilometre forest trail follows the coast from White Dune to Sun Bridge. For a loop around a lake, the Ķirezers Nature Trail circles Ķirezers on a 1.2-kilometre route marked in blue on the trees. As part of a wider hiking network, Jūrtaka forms part of the European long-distance path E9; the Latvian section is 580 kilometres long.
You can also experience other landscapes on foot. Near MurjÄņi, a walking trail follows the Loja River, where there are several sandstone cliffs and caves. At the mouth of the AÄ£e River, where it meets the sea near Skulte Port, there is a promenade for walks and a yacht harbour. JÅ«ras Park has play equipment, outdoor exercise equipment, a street workout area and a beach volleyball court; it is also suitable for running by the sea. In winter, a cross-country ski trail is set up near White Dune. Before your trip, check whether the trail is being maintained during that winter season.
Museums and history
The Sauna Museum in Sējas pagasts introduces visitors to traditional Latvian saunas and sauna traditions. It is open year-round; book museum visits and guided tours in advance with the hosts. The Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum houses Latvia’s only collection of historic bicycles. Its exhibits include an early high-wheeler, a bicycle with early pneumatic tyres and a wooden bicycle.
Churches and manor houses also offer a reason to explore the area’s architectural history. The present-day Pēterupe Lutheran Church is the fourth place of worship on this site and was built in 1856; the first building was erected in 1641. Sēja Manor House dates from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries and was remodelled with Neo-Gothic decorations between 1883 and 1885. Sējas pagasts is also home to Sēja Grand Oak, a Latvian natural monument and a notable tourist attraction.
MurjÄņi ancient burial ground comprises around 60 burial mounds of varying sizes. It is evidence that Gauja Livonians lived in the SÄ“ja area from the 11th to the 13th century. Together with museums, churches and natural sites, it makes for an outing that combines coastal trails with cultural and historical themes.
Events and trip planning
Well-known cultural and leisure events in Saulkrastu novads include Saulkrasti celebrations, the Zvejniekciems Harbour Festival, Saulkrasti Jazz, the SatikÅ¡anÄs Saulkrastos Chamber Music Festival, a folklore festival and Ancient Fire Night. Dates vary from year to year, so check the schedule for your travel dates. Centrs bathing area in the centre of Saulkrasti also holds Blue Flag status. Check that this applies for your planned season.
The Municipality’s varied attractions offer practical ideas for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Saulkrastu Lauku Teritorija, Rūjienas Novads, Tērvetes Novads, Skaistas pagasts, Stopiņu Novads, Ķekavas Novads, Valkas Novads, Ventspils.
For the broader travel overview: Latvia.
