Discover Ventspils: Baltic Coast, Nature and Trails

Ventspils Municipality lies in northwestern Latvia, in Kurzeme, on the Baltic coast. Its coastline is about 97 kilometres long, and forests cover 64 percent of the area. Between the sea, river estuaries, lakes and bogs, you will find a wide variety of landscapes—and trails that let you explore this diversity on foot.

Coast, dunes and river views

At the Irbe River estuary, a two-kilometre-long sandbar forms where the river meets the sea. Between Jaunciems and the river estuary, the Baltais kalns dune rises to 23.6 metres. At the Jūrkalne cliff, the height reaches up to 20 metres above sea level in places. There is a viewing platform, benches and stairs. Jūrkalne Nature and Recreation Park also includes a wind park, a fire pond and two nature trails leading to the central beach.

Those who prefer to admire coastal landscapes from a trail above the shore can enjoy views of river bends and steep coastal outcrops at “Rīvas loki”. The hiking trail starts at Ulmale-Labraga Lutheran Church in Jūrkalne Parish. There is also a scenic spot on the Rīva River with a waterfall and a fish pass built in 2020.

Forests, bogs and Lake Usma

Moricsala Nature Reserve includes Moricsala Island, covering 83 hectares; Lielā Alkšņu Island, covering 33 hectares; and Luziķērte Bay in Lake Usma, covering 702 hectares. Moricsala is part of the reserve established in 1912 and is home to more than 100 rare and protected species, as well as a distinctive, rare old-growth forest landscape. The Usmas Elkrags Nature Trail by Lake Usma offers views of the island.

The bogs also show just how varied the region’s natural environments are. The Ance Bogs and Forests area in Ance and Tārgale parishes includes largely undisturbed forest, bog and lake habitats that are important for rare and endangered breeding bird species. The Stiklu purvi bog complex is considered the largest in western Latvia and is important for both breeding and migratory birds. On the boardwalk through Vasenieki Bog, you can discover the flora and fauna of a peat bog.

Nature trails of different lengths

At 700 metres, the Usmas Elkrags Nature Trail is considerably shorter than the approximately six-kilometre “TAK-Ugāle” loop. The trail by Lake Usma is specially adapted for people with reduced mobility, seniors and families with small children. “TAK-Ugāle” is a surfaced loop that passes through Ugāle, a hundred-year-old forest and ravines formed during the Ice Age. The two routes therefore offer different highlights: a lake and a short nature trail on the one hand, and a longer loop through forest and ravines on the other.

For a walk with views of a river landscape, “Rīvas loki” starts at Ulmale-Labraga Church; the route offers views of river bends and steep coastal outcrops. In Zlēki, a designated walking route combines nature with cultural history: Zlēku Karātavu kalns is a state-protected cultural monument with a recreation park, as well as the environmental art installations “Fēnikss” and “Visuma acs”.

Lighthouse, history and local insights

Ovišu Lighthouse is a 33-metre-high cylindrical masonry tower and is considered Latvia’s oldest surviving navigational structure. Nabeļkalns offers insight into another historical subject: this state-protected archaeological monument marks the historic boundary between the territories of the Livonian Order and the Bishopric of Courland.

In Zūri, a local history exhibition presents old tools and work processes; guided tours and master classes are also available there. The avenue at Zūri Manor is Latvia’s longest double-row avenue. In Jūrkalne, the “Vētru muzejs” local history museum tells the stories of people who fell victim to the forces of the Baltic Sea, as well as antiquities found on the beach or recovered from the depths. Families can enjoy a meal together at the Pasiekste windmill.

Discover more destinations: Ugāle, Ventspils, Užava, Miķeļtornis, Usma, Vārve, Pasiekste, Liepene, Dzirnavas, Ziras, Ventava, Leči, Lielirbe, Pope, Jūrkalne, Akmeņdziras, Vendzavas and Zūras.

For the broader travel overview: Latvia.