Река

This is a territory that is unique at the Latvian and the Baltic level, one which stretches from Valmiera to the Gulbene District. Here we find the irregular Gauja River valley with a dense system of ancient rivers. The meadows on the banks of these rivers are important in terms of biological diversity. There are stands of oak and broad-leaf trees. Many rare and protected birds live and next here – the corn-crake, the woodpecker, etc. The territory is excellent for bird watching, nature studies, ecological tourism and various kinds of active tourism.

Небольшая речушка, отличающаяся глубокой, но широкой долиной, которую пересекает дорога Вецумниеки – Илуксте. Название Вилкупе связано с амбициозным планом Курземского герцога Екаба о соединении бассейна рек Даугавы и Лиелупе. Работы, связанные с соединительным каналом, начались, но проект так и не был полностью воплощен в жизнь. В этом плане Вилкупе отводилась роль одной из составных частей канала. В этой связи стоит подумать о масштабе идей и творческих инновациях человека средневековья. Фрагмент канала отмечен и подлежит осмотру на расстоянии неполных 4 км от населенного пункта под названием Вилкупе.

The nature park in the Ogre River valley is found along the middle section of the river. It has been established so as to protect the unregulated river valley and its surrounding territory, as well as biological diversity and habitats. For instance, this is an area in which rare park-type meadows can be found in Latvia. The Ogre is one of Latvia’s most popular rivers for water tourism in the spring, particularly downriver from the town of Ērgļi, where the technically complicated Braži rapids are found.

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.

The River Pēterupe (46 km long) in its lower reaches flows by the sea, and it is one of the longest parts of the river along the picturesque coastline. In the past the River Pēterupe had several names: Pērļupe, Tarupe, Tara (in Livonian: the River of God or the Holy River). The historic area of Saulkrasti – Pēterupe Village was located on the right bank of the River Pēterupe. 

One of the most beautiful areas along the Venta River and its tributary, the Šķērvelis River. The river valleys and gullies along them are quite deep, and dolomite and sandstone cliffs can be spotted here and there. There are also rapids on the river. The largest cliffs in Kurzeme – the Ātraiskalns and Gobdziņi cliffs – can be seen on the banks of the Venta. The Lēni Catholic Church is near the restricted area. There are no tourist elements in the restricted territory at this time. The Venta is a popular destination for water tourists, however, from Nīgrande to Kuldīga.

The Slocene River flows through Lake Valgums and Lake Mazezers before flowing into the western part of Lake Kaņieris.  It is part of a branched and swampy delta in which there are seasonal restrictions aimed at protecting birds.  The wetlands which are alongside the river are difficult to access in many places.  Before the Starpiņupīte was dug between Lake Kaņieris and the Bay of Rīga (the water level is regulated with sluices), the water from the river flowed along what is now the Vecslocene River all the way to Sloka, where it ended at the Lielupe River.  The Vecslocene can be used by canoe boats only when the water level is high and then from the Old Ķemeri road to the place where the river enters the Lielupe.  Between Milzkalne and Lake Valgums, the river is not navigable because of many fallen trees.  During the springtime, the estuary of the Starpiņupīte is a good place for bird watching.