Selected objects

No	Name	Description
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	Kalkupes ieleja	The Kaļķupe River valley was established as the Pilsupe River (formed by Kaļķupe River and Mazupe River) crossed the Blue hills of Šlītere to the South of Vīdale and Kaļķi. The distinct river valley has a branched network of gullies in which Devonian sandstone has been uncovered and can be seen in some locations. Puiškalns Hill (located at confluence of Kaļķupe River and Mazupe River), which was used as a castle hill and as a sacred location long in the past, is one of the most distinctive parts of the area. It is a popular tourist destination in the Talsi District. Hillside forests, various kinds of meadows and a wide range of plants are also of value in the local environment.
	The Randu Meadows Nature Reserve	This area is full of coastline meadows, lagoons, muddy little lakes and sandy shallows, all full of reeds. This area of the eastern shore of the Bay of Rīga is found between Ainaži and Kuiviži. The Randa meadows are an enormously important location for water birds and rare plants – some 500 in all. A new bird-watching tower and a nature trail have been established for those who wish to study the meadows.
	Ventas ieleja	Above and below the town of Kuldīga, the Venta River is distinguished by a variety of biotopes – hillside forests, sandstone and dolomite cliffs, meadows, protected plants and animals, and diverse landscapes. There are popular tourism objects in this part of Kurzeme – the Venta dam, the stone bridge of Kuldīga, the Veckuldīga castle hill, etc. An ecological tourism trail runs along the banks of the Venta, and a bicycling trail has been installed on its left bank.
	Cuzu purvs	This is a swamp into which sulphurous waters flow, and it is on the left bank of the Abava River valley. This is the only place in Latvia where the protected shrubby cinquefoil is found in the wild. This bush covers approximately one-fifth of the restricted territory. It also includes forests, various kinds of meadows and sulphurous streams, including the one which is known as the Devil’s Eye.
	Vecdaugava	This is a large set of coastal meadows, ancient rivers and areas of reeds. It is found at a location where the Daugava River used to flow – between Vecmīlgrāvis and Vecāķi. There are inland dune meadows here, complete with the very rare silver grass. Vecdaugava is an important location for nesting birds and several uncommon plant species. On the southern end of the Vecdaugava peninsula, at a place called Skanstnieki, one can find remnants of medieval Swedish fortifications. The Vecdaugava Regional Research and Fishing Museum is here, as well.
	The Uzava lighthouse	Construction on the lighthouse was initially completed in 1879. The structure suffered damage during both world wars and was restored several times. The structure is 19 metres high and stands 46.5 metres above the wavy sea. Here you will find one of the loveliest views of the shores of the Baltic Sea.
	The Ovisi Nature Reserve	This is about 30 km long territory between the Baltic Sea and the Kolka-Ventspils road. It begins at the mouth of the Irbe River and ends at Ovišrags. The territory was mostly established so as to protect dry coniferous forests, grey dunes, damp areas among the dunes, other landscape features and plants and animals in the area. Distinctive landform - kangari and vigas - and grey dunes are Europe-wide significant habitat. Tourists love the sandy and quiet beaches of the area, as well as the Miķeļbāka and Ovīši lighthouses (it is possible to visit Oviši lighthouse and museum in it) and the Lutheran Church at Miķeltornis. There are also certain leftover elements of the Soviet military system, former narrow gauge railway (railway embankment, former train stations marked by memorial stones etc.) which unfortunately are not used as tourism resources.
	Klanu purvs	There is picnic area and information stand at the end of the forest path leading from Muiznieki to Klanu Bog. Klanu Lake was formed in the place of Littorina marine lagoon. Nature restricted area was established to protect biotopes in the area of Klanu, Dziru and Stavu Lakes. There is wide information about the area available on the information stand.
	A viewing platform at the Peleka Dune	This is the only viewing platform of its kind. It is north of Pāvilosta, between the sea and Latvia’s largest gray dune. The second level of the platform offers a good view of the habitats which surround the dune, as well as the seashore and the largest seashore rock on the shores of the Baltic Sea – the Pāvilosta sea rock. You can also see the northern part of Pāvilosta. When it is windy outside, you’ll see kiteboard riders showing their tricks.
	The Meadows of Lake Burtnieks Nature Reserve	Periodically flooded flood-land meadows on the eastern and southern shores of Lake Burtnieks are an important nesting location for the rarely seen corncrake. A nature and information trail has been established at Vīsrags with directions, information stands and a viewing tower.
	A viewing tower at the Cena bog	This is part of a hiking trail along the Cena bog. It is on the western side of the bog, at the centre of the 5-kilometre circular trail. You can see the vast swamp, as well as a military road that was installed during World War I and is marked by an “alley” of large pine trees. Alongside the tower is a fragment of the road that was installed more recently.
	Alsungas mezi	Territory is not attractive for a visitor without environmental knowledge and is very hard to find and reach through swampy forests on the North from Riva village. Area is not intended and appropriate for visits.
	Vitrupes ieleja	A distinct area of the lower reaches of the Vitrupe River, with small sandstone cliffs and many rare species of plants and molluscs. Visitors can visit the Ķirbiži Forest Museum and its information and botany trail. It weaves along both banks of the river and allows people to look at the most typical examples of flora in the region. The noble Vāloži oak tree is a key element there.
	Platenes purvs	There is no need to enter the bog to see it, there are good views from the highway Ventspils – Riga (77 km, bus stop “Pagrieziens uz Elkskeni”). The main value of restricted area is chalky fen bog with brown bog-rush (greatest habitat finding in Latvia). Be careful when stopping on the highway – mind the traffic! A couple of kilometers towards Riga, on the right side of the highway, there is sign to Grizu Velna kresls ( Grizu Devil Chair) which is an attractive boulder (protected).
	Sasalu mezs	The most important aspect of the Sasaļi forest is the eutrophic Lake Sasalis, as well as the unusual Lake Melnezers. Also of importance are various types of forestland in the area. Lake Sasalis is a popular place for leisure and swimming.
	Purgailu purvs	Augstā un purva vidusdaļā - pārejas tipa purvs, putniem nozīmīga vieta. Apmekļējumiem nav piemērota infrastruktūras trūkuma un sugu aizsardzības nolūkā.
	Verenes gobu un viksnu audze	The restricted area was established to protect this part of the Ogre River valley, which has ancient river beds and meadows with relevant biotopes and populations. Among these are the wych elm and the European white elm, which are not often found in Latvia.
	Kirbas purvs	Nature restricted area is established to protect various wetland habitats – Big Kirba Bog and protected plant species within it. Only the West part of the Bog is a protected nature area. The rest of the bog is used mainly for intensive extraction of peat and large cranberry cultivation. Nature restricted area of the bog has no tourism infrastructure therefore is not useable for tourist visits.
	Laugas purvs	This is a diverse territory in terms of biotopes and landscapes, and the restricted area was established to protect nesting and migrating birds in the area. One part of the swamp has a cranberry farm – one of the first artificially established farms of its type in Latvia.
	Medze	This territory protects the shore of the onetime Baltic lake of ice, which most significant part stretches for 10 kilometres on the eastern side of the Grobiņa-Ventspils highway from Kapsēde till Vērgale bus stop. From the top of this ancient shoreline there is a lovely view of the Piejūra lowlands, but no specific viewing areas or information stands have been installed. There are protected species and habitats in the territory.