| No | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
This restricted area protects the eutrophic Lake Istra and the biotopes that are alongside it – various kinds of forests and meadows. This is a particularly lovely part of the Latgale region. Interestingly, the so-called system of “rope farms” can still be seen in the nature park.
|
|
 |
These two lakes, along with Lake Mazezers, Lake Auziņš, Lake Skuja and Lake Bruņķītis, are found in a sub-glacial depression with shores and hillsides that are home to various kinds of forest, including stands of broadband trees such as ash. These are protected habitats. Alongside the Priedītes homestead there is a well-appointed nature trail for visitors who wish to study Lake Dziļezers and its surroundings. A boating facility is on the north-eastern shore of the Lake.
|
|
 |
The nature reserve “Plieņciema kāpa” is founded in 1987 and covers 60.6 hectares of land. Since 2005 it is a Natura2000 site. The nature reserve protects a 150-200m wide and 3.5km long part of a distinct, continuous dune rampart. The dunes shelter Plieņciems village protecting from sea winds. The key natural values here are rare and protected biotopes of national and European significance: “Wooded dunes of the coast 2180” in the area of 61.8 ha, “Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation, 2130 (grey dunes)” in the area of 8.27 ha, “Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) 2120 in the area of 3.20 ha”, “Black alder swamp forests 9080”, ) in the area of 2,68 ha, as well as rare and protected species of Latvian and European significance including eastern pasqueflower (pulsatilla patens), Rolling Hen-and-chicks(Jovibarba sobolifera), Nothorhina muricata, Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), Woodlark (Lullula arborea). In the nature reserve, there is a “Vabu square” – a deflation in the dune where for centuries local fishermen have been drying nets. In the 18th and 19th centuries ships were built here. Nine ships have been built here in 1882 - 1925. The four-masted gaff-rigged schooner with hoisting engine “Eurasia” was completed in 1925, the largest ship built by the Kurzeme fishermen. It was one of the works of Martin Morgenstern (1866-1945), a famous shipbuilding master. Thanks to dunes, Plieņciems village was a popular holiday resort and has been mentioned in written sources already in 1738. Clergymen and landlords with their families used to stay here. In 1808, a merchant from Riga bought the local pub and replaced it with a massive two-storey building with a large ball-room and dining hall. On July 15, 1810, a sea bathing facility was opened for health treatment. For arrival of the empress Elisabeth Alexeievna, the wife of emperor Alexander I of Russia, who was a grandson of Catherine the Great, the road from Tukums town was repaired, the two highest hills were levelled, a road passage was dug across the Plieņciems dune, and a lime-tree alley was planted to facilitate access to the beach and bathing spot. Later, in 1920ies, the resort circles consisted mainly of the Kurzeme region landlords. There was a dance-floor in the park of Plieņciems village, and a special orchestra played music for resort guests three times a day. |
|
 |
After a big storm in 2005, the nature trail of the Randu meadows was restored. It is about 4 km long, and there is a bird-watching tower which offers a fine view of unique shoreline meadows with small lagoons and areas of reeds. It is a fine place to watch migrating birds. This is part of the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (ZBR).
|
|
 |
The only island in Lake Ciecere has a more or less virgin forest of oak, linden and elm. Some of the oaks are huge. This is an important habitat for woodpecker-type birds. The island has not been improved. |
|
 |
The recently renovated old brick bridge and the viewing area that is on the left bank of the Venta beyond the castle guard’s hut offers a lovely view of the widest and most impressive waterfall in Latvia – the Venta falls. It is worth visiting during the spring floods, when fish are migrating.
|
|
 |
This is an uncommon landscape for the Kurzeme region with a protected biotope – open inland dunes with meadows of silver grass and forests of deciduous trees, including the common hornbeam. Tourists can visit the Muiža (Lejas) sacred stream on the right bank of the Sventāja valley, above which they will find Latvia’s most noble bird-cherry trees. A nice reed pergola has been installed above the stream. Wide are of Sventāja River valley can be overseen from the road before the stream. |
|
 |
The trail informs visitors about one of the loveliest natural habitats in
|
|
 |
Nature restricted area has been established in old and overgrowing gravel pit and where rare species in Latvia - Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) can be found. Natterjack toad needs open sand – gravel area therefore the population of it is decreasing once gravel pit is overgrowing by bushes. The population of this amphibian is depending on the activity of people in the area. There is very little chance to find Natterjack toad just by entering the restricted area, therefore please respect this area as especially sensitive.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
This is another so-called hill left behind by the Ice Age – five kilometres long with a height of between 15 and 30 metres and with high hillocks and steep hillsides. Te most distinct part of the hill can be found between Lake Pinti and Lake Šeški. The pine forests on the hillocks are a habitat with many rare and protected species. A trail has been established to tour Grebļa Hill, as well as Āža Hill and Kausu Hill, but it is recommended that visitors travel the trail in the company of a guide. The biological diversity of the area is made clear if one knows, for instance, that more than 500 kinds of butterflies have been found in the restricted territory.
|
|
 |
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. |
|
 |
Cena's heath swamp's trail was made to introduce vistors to one of the most beautiful things in nature - a moss swamp. The pathway goes not only around beautiful swamp lakes but also meets the degraded part of the swamp. At the beggining and the end is a watch tower. |
|
 |
The wooden pathway which crosses the high swamp leads to the Teirumnīku swamp lake, which is right in the middle of the swamp. On the shores, there is a well-appointed place for leisure and relaxation. One can return to the starting point via a forest path. The trail is 800m long, and visitors will spend about an hour there. It is a part of the Tīrumnieki nature reserve.
|
|
 |
This is a short stretch of the Daugava River valley between Lielvārde and Dzelme, with islands and shallows in the river, as well as with reeds and wet meadows alongside it. During migration season, many goose-type and plover-type birds rest and feed here. The location is also an important nesting area for several other kinds of birds.
|
|
 |
This is one of the most impressive and extensive natural structures of its kind in Latvia in terms of appearance and landscape. The ice age left behind this wall-like terrain, which is up to 27 metres high and at the top of which the Rīga-Ērgļi road has been built. The Great Kangari hills offer a view of the Great Kangars lake and the Great Kangari swamps and ponds. The Ķoderi castle hill, also known as the “Big Man’s Bed” is found here. The restricted area was established to protect the structure and its related biotopes and plants.
|
|
 |
The territory has been established for protection of the bog and its habitat species. It is not appropriate for visits. North-east part of the bog can be slightly seen from the road Neveja – Lapmezciems on winter season. Further on Cirste direction is located on of most impressive oak trees in Latvia – Rigzemju ozols.
|
|
 |
The Ziemupe nature restricted territory is on the shore of the Baltic Sea, and it protects a wide variety of coastline biotopes. The distinguished grey dunes are found here, as are various kinds of forest biotopes, some of them quite rare in Latvia. There are many protected plants and animals in the area, too. The Akmensrags lighthouse and several tourist accommodations, like camping Laikas who "Sējējs" award, are in the territory. On the sea shore not far from center of Ziemupe there is well-appointed parking area with information stands. |
|
 |
Similar as Alsungas mezi (Alsunga forests) – is not intended and appropriate for visits. A narrow path of the restricted area can be seen from the gravel road – Saka-Apriki. Nature restricted area established mainly for protection of Erica tetralix (often called "cross-leaved heath") and it is one of the most important growing places.
|
|
|
|
This is Latvia’s largest lake island and is found in the middle of Lake Usma. The island is restricted to protect old stands of pine, as well as various plants and birds. |
|
