Saulkrasti: Baltic Coast Between Dunes, Forest and Culture

Saulkrasti Between the Coast and the Dune Forest

Saulkrasti combines distinctive coastal landscapes with paths through forest and dunes. White Dune is 18 metres high and serves as a viewpoint overlooking the Gulf of Riga. The dune also features a funnel-shaped listening device that allows visitors to perceive the nuances of the sound of the sea and the rustling of the pine trees.

The regional natural setting includes the Piejūra protected area. It protects, in particular, forested dunes, grey dunes, coastal meadows and lakes, is designated as a nature park and Natura 2000 site, and includes parts of Saulkrasti Municipality. Along the coast near Lilaste, some areas are known as “singing sands”. In Zvejniekciems, one section of the coast is described as rocky. These different landscape features make Saulkrasti a destination where the sea, dunes and coastal forest meet in various forms.

Coastal Trails and Special Nature Experiences

The Saulrieta taka is a 3.6-kilometre forest trail along the seashore. It passes through a dune forest with 20 distinctive pine trees; some of these trees are up to 200 years old. Those exploring the coastline over longer stretches will find two options on the Saulkrasti–Lauči section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route for the first few kilometres to Zvejniekciems: the route can be followed along the beach or on a path running through the dune forest.

This coastal hiking section also includes an old wooden hut with fishing nets and tools. It recalls the maritime history of the area. The Centre bathing area in Saulkrasti has been awarded the Blue Flag. On sunny, warm summer days without wind, SUP boards can be rented there and jet-ski rides can be enjoyed.

Cycling, Parks and Baltic Sea History

Saulkrasti also offers several points of interest for cycling enthusiasts. The multifunctional cycling route includes the educational BTA Velozinis adventure course with various wooden elements. The Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum houses the only collection of antique bicycles in Latvia. The exhibits include an early high-wheeler, a bicycle with early pneumatic tyres and a wooden bicycle. This makes it possible to explore bicycle history both through an outdoor route and through specific historical exhibits.

The Seaside Park has play equipment, facilities for outdoor exercise, gym equipment and volleyball courts. Neibāde Park provides a different accent, as it is designed in the English style. When the Neibāde resort was established in 1823, concern for the recreation of its guests began there. In 1877, Baron August von Pistolkors had a monument erected in the park to the founders of the Neibāde bathing resort.

Historical Traces in Saulkrasti

The Saulkrasti Pēterupe Lutheran Church also preserves a specific testimony to its history: the altarpiece “Christ on the Cross (Golgotha)” was painted by Jozefs Millers in 1856. This historical perspective is complemented by the development of Zvejniekciems. The village emerged in the 19th century as a settlement inhabited by fishermen. Part of Skulte’s Zvejniekciems was incorporated into the urban area of Saulkrasti in 1967. Thus, in and around Saulkrasti, coastal hikes, natural landmarks, maritime working history and regional cultural history exist side by side.

To the broader travel overview: Saulkrastu Municipality.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Northern Latvia: Salacgriva – Saulkrasti – Gauja National Park.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Zvejniekciems.