Walking and cycling possibilities in KNP:
1. Boardwalk in Kemeri raised bog – the most popular nature trail in KNP. Wooden path of approximately 3 km length is winding through the kingdom of mosses, small pines and low tiny birches. Silence. Sparkling reflection of the sun in the mirrors of bog lakes. Birds of mires. Red cranberries. This is the experience waiting for you if you choose to follow this path. If you wish, you can come here by bicycle but please, don’t ride it along the boardwalk.
2. Boardwalk in Black alder swamp – one of the shortest trails in KNP situated right behind the Forest House and providing the possibility to learn more about this interesting type of wetlands in a very concentrated and cognitive way. To observe the amazing ways how different trees have adapted to life in the swampy banks of river Vēršupīte, to relish in a cooling shade of trees on a scorching summer day and listen to the voices of birds. Almost all species of woodpeckers living in Latvia have chosen the swamp as their home, the symbol of KNP – White backed woodpecker – being one of them.
3. Kanieris Castle mound’s trail (Closed at the moment for technical reasons!)– one of the most fabulous nature trails in KNP surrounded by the breath of the ancient times. The age of Kanieris Castle mound and its possible inhabitants is still a reason for scientists’ discussions. Some think it is an ancient settlement, others consider it to have been be used by pirates craving for treasures of the passing ships. Many centuries ago sea was situated in the place that is now covered by lake Kanieris and its vast fields of reed and floating islands.
4. Walking trail near lake Slokas – a beautiful trail leading through different types of forest near a lake famous for its abundance of birds. The trail provides opportunity to choose among several routes and you can also test your physical abilities by trying out different elements of sport: swinging, walking on a narrow log, climbing etc. The trail starts and ends in the parking lot at lake Slokas with a place for picnic and a birdwatching tower. The length of the main route of the trail is 3,1 km, but the total length of walk can be increased up to 12 km. Near the picnic place you will find a sulphur spring that flows into lake.
5. Kemeri – a place with a wide range of historical and architectonical objects dating back from the palmy days of the once so famous international resort.
6. 3 bicycle routes in the surroundings of lake Valgums – though most of the territory of KNP is easy to reach by bicycle, three special bicycle routes have been worked out and marked in the picturesque surroundings of lake Valgums. The shortest of them is 16 km along different paths in forest, the longest – 22 km along a hilly road.
7. Auroxen and Konik horses – 400 years ago wild horses and cows were still common inhabitants of meadows. Today they are extinct just like mammoths. Created as a result of accurate selective breeding, ancestors of wild horses and cows are now grazing at two sites of KNP – in Dunduru meadows as well as in the vast floodplains of river Lielupe. Summer is a very special time for watching these animals as the young ones have just arrived and can be observed adapting to the life in wilderness.
Click on the map for further information (in latvian).
Last revision 27-06-2008
© KNP
Developed in KNP, webmaster Kārlis Lapiņš