Ādaži lies on the Gauja and offers several distinct attractions for a stay: the Greenway along the river’s left bank, water activities at Vējupes, local history and a summertime animal experience for children. There is also a look at food production and an audio guide in two languages. If you are considering Ādaži as a place to stay, you can plan your trip around your preferred focus: activity, water, local history or a seasonal experience.

By the river: the Greenway and water activities

The Greenway is a hiking and cycling route along the Gauja’s left bank between Ādaži and Carnikava. It is 13.5 km one way. This one-way distance gives you a clear idea of the route’s length when planning a hike or cycle ride. There is a Greenway car park in Ādaži at 30 Gaujas Street, providing a specific parking address.

Vējupe is one of the Gauja’s oxbow lakes on the river’s left bank. You can try E-Foiling at Vējupes Beach in Ādaži; there is also a cable wakeboarding course in the area around Vējupe. This means the Greenway, as a longer route, and two specific water activities offer different ways to explore the area. If you are interested in the river landscape, you will find both a connection to nature and opportunities for sport here.

Forest, summer and food production

Ādaži has scenic woodland. Together with its location on the Gauja, this gives the area its connection to nature, while the Greenway adds a specific hiking and cycling option. This distinction can help you decide what to include in your trip: the forest and river describe the landscape, while the route and water activities suggest things to do.

In summer, children can feed and get to know the domestic animals at Dzīvo Sapņu dārzs. The mini zoo is in the centre of Ādaži. This seasonal activity is a special feature for trips with children and differs from the more route-focused planning associated with the Greenway.

Food production is another local theme. SOIRA makes cheese from organic milk sourced from nearby dairy farms. The milk’s origin provides a specific connection to the surrounding area. The Nutrition Class at Ādažu čipsi offers a different way to engage with food: participants make chips with a flavour of their own choosing in a workshop. The offering also includes a virtual 360-degree tour of the production process, from sorting the potatoes to the warehouse shelves. The workshop and tour offer different experiences: create your own flavour or follow the production process.

Local history and a reason to visit

The Jaunās dzirnavas (New Mill) already existed in Ādaži in 1209 and controlled the route to Riga. The Ādaži Castle District (Ādažu pilsnovads) was established in the 13th century. These provide two distinct historical reference points: a specific year and a broader century.

The “ĀDAŽI – Manors, Raftsmen and Innovation” audio guide is available in Latvian and English. The Gauja Festival can also be a reason to visit Ādaži. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kadaga.

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