Nature of Latvia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Latvia is known for its clean air, fertile soil, lush coniferous and deciduous forests covering almost half of the country's territory, and clean sands on the beaches. A large part of Latvia’s nature is in pristine, virgin condition, which makes the country an ideal eco-tourism destination. Latvia is home to wolves, seals, beavers, different bat species, many amphibians and reptiles, butterflies whose wingspan can reach up to 30 centimeters. Algae, moss, and beautiful orchids are found here too.

Rāzna National Park occupies almost 60 thousand hectares, covering Mākoņkalns, Ludza Municipality, and several more areas. Here are the magnificent lake Razna and a number of other clean blue lakes. It is a great place for relaxing, walking, and exploring nature. Oak grove, marsh trails, mounds - There are many good things to see here. There is also the Andrupenes Farm Museum where you can explore old buildings and try national dishes and a pottery school. Horseback riding enthusiasts and their kids are offered horses and ponies. Dzintari Forest Park in Jurmala is a great place for a family day in nature. Besides beautiful nature, fresh air, wonderful mighty pines, and neat alleys, there are children's playgrounds and inline skating trails, as well as a tower with an observation deck overlooking the entire park and the sea.

Those who need silence in the midst of amazing nature should head to swamps. Lovely Ķemeri National Park is a place for quiet swamp walks along wooden paths. One might wonder what could be good about swamps. However, it is much easier to breathe here, and marshy views of untouched nature leave an indelible impression, proving that even a moss-covered area with rare trees can be beautiful. The entire park can be observed from a tower. Silence hangs over Dunika bogs located in Dunika Nature Reserve, Kurzeme. A footbridge built on a seven-thousand-year swamp stretches for 6 kilometers and is considered one of the longest in Europe. Those who have doubts about its strength can hire a guide. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

“Trusu Pilsetina” Rabbit Town in the southern city of Bauska is a paradise for animal lovers, especially for small children. In addition to rabbits of different breeds, it is home to goats, geese, sheep, and other animals that can be hand-fed. Going to this wonderful place, be sure to buy some carrots and cabbage as a treat for the animals. The Venta Waterfall in the western city of Kuldiga is a low but wide waterfall. It is considered to be the widest in Europe. Around it, there are walking paths for leisurely walking and admiring the shine and cleanliness of the water. In April, Vimba fish spawns here, and you can see how its scales shine when it jumps over the water. During the warmer months, you can swim in the river waters.

In Riga, you can stroll through the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, which is on Kandavas Street. This quiet and beautiful garden is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm to offer visitors a peaceful rest in the middle of the noisy city. Greenhouses are full of magnolias, azaleas, and exotic plants. A separate pavilion keeps tropical butterflies, there is also a palm house. This place is ideally suitable for family or romantic walks. Vērmane Garden is one of the oldest parks in Riga located in its center. It was created in the early 19th century. The park is equally popular among Riga residents and guests of the capital, therefore it cannot be called quiet. However, it is always clean and beautiful, the eye is pleased with neat lawns and lush trees. Apart from the well-groomed nature, the garden offers a tea house and playing chess with the locals.

The National Botanical Garden is located in Salaspils, a town near Riga. Admission for adults is 2.50 euros. In the garden, visitors can find more than 14 thousand plant species. This is a place for recreation and education. The garden is open throughout the year from 9:00 am, from April to September it closes at 8:00 pm, and from October to March at 6:00 pm. 7 times a year, monthly from April to October, this place becomes a venue for major events - plant fairs. Here you can book a tour of the garden, attend fascinating lectures, ride a bike along neat paths, buy seeds and gardening books. In general, it is a nice place for relaxing amidst beautiful plants.