A coastline around 97 kilometres long and forests covering 64 percent of the area define Ventspils Municipality. It lies in Kurzeme, in northwestern Latvia, on the Baltic Sea. Coastal landscapes, bogs and forests, walking trails and historic sites offer different themes to consider when planning a trip.
Coast and landscape
At the Irbe River’s mouth, a two-kilometre-long sandbar forms. Between Jaunciems and the river mouth, the Baltais kalns dune rises to 23.6 metres. At the Jūrkalne sea cliffs, the land reaches up to 20 metres above sea level in places; there is an observation platform, benches and stairs. The coast thus offers both striking landforms and designated viewpoints.
The Rīvas loki walking trail begins at the Ulmale-Labraga Lutheran Church in Jūrkalne Parish. From there, it offers views of river bends and steep coastal exposures. Jūrkalne Nature and Recreation Park includes a wind farm, a fire pond and two nature trails leading to the central beach. The trails and viewpoints offer different ways to experience the coastal landscape.
Trails through forest and bog
The 700-metre Usmas Elkrags nature trail lies on Lake Usma. It is specially adapted for people with reduced mobility, seniors and families with small children. The trail offers a view of Moricsala, part of the Moricsala Nature Reserve, established in 1912. TAK-Ugāle offers a different kind of walk: this paved circular trail is about six kilometres long and passes through Ugāle, a hundred-year-old forest and ravines formed during the Ice Age.
In Vasenieki Bog, a boardwalk lets visitors discover the flora and fauna of a peat bog. This bog trail adds a distinct landscape type to the forest and coastal routes. Those interested in nature observation will also find several areas in the municipality whose importance is explicitly linked to rare or endangered bird species.
Protected areas and bird habitats
The Moricsala Nature Reserve includes Moricsala, covering 83 hectares; Lielā Alkšņu Island, covering 33 hectares; and Luziķērte Bay in Lake Usma, covering 702 hectares. Moricsala is home to more than 100 rare and protected species and a distinctive, rare primeval forest landscape. The area figures distinguish the components of the reserve and give a clear sense of their scale.
The Ance Bogs and Forests Natura 2000 protected area lies in Ance and Tārgale Parishes. Its largely undisturbed forest, bog and lake habitats are important for rare and endangered breeding bird species. The Stiklu bog complex is the largest bog complex in western Latvia and is especially important for breeding and migratory birds. These areas offer a different focus from the striking coastal landforms: here, habitats and birdlife take centre stage.
History and cultural sites
Oviši Lighthouse is considered Latvia’s oldest surviving navigational structure. The cylindrical brick tower is 33 metres high. Nabeļkalns is a state-protected archaeological monument marking the historic boundary between the territories of the Livonian Order and the Bishopric of Courland. The two sites offer different kinds of historical orientation: the lighthouse through its function as a navigational structure, and Nabeļkalns through its former boundary line.
In Zūri, a local history exhibition presents old tools and work practices; guided tours and master classes are also available. The Zūri Manor Avenue, Latvia’s longest double-row avenue, is a separate attraction. Zlēku Karātavu kalns is a state-protected cultural monument with a recreation park, the environmental art installations Fēnikss and Visuma acs, and a landscaped walking trail. At the Vētru muzejs local history museum in Jūrkalne, visitors can learn about victims of the Baltic Sea’s natural forces and antiquities found on the beach or recovered from the depths.
Local produce and shared meals
Pasiekste Windmill is a place where families can enjoy a meal together. A farm offers slow-raised, fresh poultry meat as a 100 percent Latvian regional product. A small family business keeps the tradition of home-smoked products alive, making them according to recipes passed down through generations.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Ventspils, Jūrkalne, Lielirbe, Pope, Užava, Miķeļtornis, Usma, Dzirnavas, Ziras, Ventava, Leči, Liepene, Ugāle, Vārve, Pasiekste, Zūras, Akmeņdziras, Vendzavas.
For the main travel overview: Latvia.
