The “Bernāti” Nature Park focuses on protected coastal habitats and nature trails. Seven nature trails, a viewing platform with two differently designed walkways, and the natural monument Pūsēnu kalns, located in the surrounding area, offer specific ways to explore Bernāti’s natural environment. As another geographical point of interest, the landmark “Zaļais stars” marks the westernmost point of the Republic of Latvia. If you are looking for accommodation in Bernāti, this combination can help you decide whether the area suits a stay focused on nature and landscapes.

Coastal Habitats in Bernāti Nature Park

The “Bernāti” Nature Park was established to protect coastal habitats and rare plant and animal species. A total of nine habitat types protected in Latvia and the European Union have been identified there. The types described include grey dunes covered with herbaceous plants, embryonic dunes, boreal forests, wooded coastal dunes and foredunes.

These examples include both different types of dunes and forest habitats. The nature park cannot therefore be reduced to a single landscape type: both the coast and the forest are part of its natural character. This offers a specific focus when choosing a place to stay if you are interested in protected habitats and the nature of a coastal region.

Nature Trails, Features and Viewing Platform

Visitors can explore seven nature trails in the nature park. The Bernāti nature trails feature a total of 151 objects, including sculptures, pavilions, a viewing tower and landscape frames. The number of trails and the number of objects describe different aspects: the seven nature trails provide a framework for exploring, while the objects are individual features along the trails.

The objects mentioned range from sculptures and pavilions to a viewing tower and landscape frames. So, on the nature trails, you will encounter not only habitats but also designed and built features. Since such facilities may be maintained or changed, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

Two walkways lead to the viewing platform. One is narrower and has steps; the other is wider and step-free. This difference gives you a specific point of reference when comparing the routes.

Pūsēnu kalns and “Zaļais stars”

Pūsēnu kalns, a protected natural monument in the “Bernāti” Nature Park, is located in the surrounding area of Bernāti. It is in Jūrmalciems, in Nīcas pagasts, and is 37 m high above sea level. Pūsēnu kalns is also Latvia’s highest coastal dune on the Baltic Sea coast.

The hill is therefore a distinct natural point of interest alongside the park’s habitats: here, the focus is on a single dune with a clearly stated height and geographical location. “Zaļais stars” refers to a different scale and marks the westernmost point of the Republic of Latvia. Those looking at Bernāti in terms of natural features and geographical points of interest will find two different perspectives here.

Getting to the Bernāti Nature Trails

The Bernāti nature trails are accessible by private transport, on foot and by public transport. For bus travel, the “Liepāja–Nīca–Liepāja” and “Liepāja–Otaņķi–Nīca” routes go to the “Bernāti” stop. If you plan to take the bus, check the timetable before travelling so you can factor the connection into your journey plans.

Discover more destinations: Nīca, Pērkone, Aucugals.

Go to the broader travel overview: Nīcas Municipality.