Free Ķemeri National Park Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Ķemeri National Park with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Ķemeri National Park
Ķemeri National Park photo 2
Ķemeri National Park photo 3
All photos

Ķemeri National Park pairs Latvian bogs, mineral springs, bird-rich lakes, coastal villages and quiet forest trails within reach of Riga.

Ķemeri National Park occupies a broad stretch of western Latvia between the resort city of Jūrmala and the rural landscapes around Tukums. Established in 1997, it protects an intricate mosaic of raised bogs, wet forests, lakes, meadows, mineral springs and coastal habitats. The park is close enough to Riga for a day trip, yet its open peatlands and quiet woodland paths create a strong sense of distance from the capital.
Read more about Ķemeri National Park
The Great Ķemeri Bog is the park’s best-known landscape. A wooden boardwalk crosses a vast expanse of peatland dotted with dark pools, low pine, heather and insect-eating sundews. Short and longer walking options allow visitors to see the bog without damaging its fragile surface. At sunrise, in mist or under the low light of autumn, the landscape changes markedly, but its ecological importance is constant: raised bogs store water and carbon while providing habitat for specialised plants and birds.
Water shapes much of the park. Lake Kaņieris, one of Latvia’s significant birdwatching sites, has shallow waters, reedbeds and islands that attract birds during migration and nesting seasons. Sloka Lake and the surrounding forest offer a contrasting environment, with damp woodland, boardwalk sections and opportunities to observe the relationship between inland waters and the coastal plain. The park also contains the Slocene River and several other wetland systems, although water levels and trail conditions vary with the season.
Ķemeri itself developed as a health resort because of local mineral springs and therapeutic mud. Its tree-lined streets and surviving wooden resort buildings recall the town’s late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century heyday, while the Ķemeri Hotel remains the area’s most recognisable architectural landmark. Nearby, the coastal villages of Bigauņciems and Lapmežciems belong to a long-established fishing landscape, where the Gulf of Riga, reed-fringed waters and small-scale maritime traditions add another dimension to the park.
The park is best experienced slowly, with time for birdwatching, photography and walking rather than a tightly packed sightseeing schedule. Some paths are accessible only on foot and can be wet or muddy beyond maintained boardwalks. The combination of bog, forest, lake, spring country and nearby coast makes Ķemeri National Park one of Latvia’s most accessible introductions to the ecological character of the Baltic region.

When is the best time to visit Ķemeri National Park?

Best: June–August · 22–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January140
February135
March440
April1145
May1850
June (best)2260
July (best)2470
August (best)2265
September1855
October1250
November545
December340

Getting to and around Ķemeri National Park

How to get there

Ķemeri National Park lies west of Riga, with rail access to Ķemeri station on the Riga–Tukums railway line. Riga International Airport is outside the park and is the principal international gateway; from there, visitors can continue by train, bus, taxi or hire car. Road access is straightforward via the A10 west of Riga, with local roads leading towards Ķemeri, the Great Ķemeri Bog and the coastal villages. Services to individual trailheads are less frequent than connections to the main towns, so check the current route before setting out.

Transportation

A car is convenient for combining the Great Ķemeri Bog, Ķemeri town, Lake Kaņieris and the coastal settlements in one day, although it is not necessary for every visit. Trains are useful for reaching Ķemeri from Riga or Tukums, while local buses serve some settlements but do not provide a comprehensive network to every nature trail. Walking is the main way to experience the park, and marked boardwalks protect the most sensitive bog surfaces. Cycling can work on suitable roads and paths, but conditions vary and not every walking trail is intended for bicycles.

Top city travel guides in Ķemeri National Park

The cities of Ķemeri National Park, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Ķemeri National Park

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Ķemeri National Park

Ķemeri National Park’s attractions are primarily natural and ecological rather than amusement-based. The Great Ķemeri Bog boardwalk is the signature experience, leading through raised peatland with pools, low pine and specialist bog plants. Around Lake Kaņieris, observation points, reedbeds and shallow water create good conditions for birdwatching, while the lake’s changing light and broad horizons contrast with the dense woodland elsewhere in the park. Sloka Lake and its forest surroundings offer another accessible wetland landscape, with trails that reveal the relationship between water, peat and coastal forest. In Ķemeri town, visitors can explore the former spa setting, mineral-water heritage and surviving resort architecture. The park’s western side also connects naturally with the coastal villages and beaches around Bigauņciems and Lapmežciems, where fishing heritage and Gulf of Riga scenery supplement the inland trails. Walking, nature photography, botanical observation and quiet wildlife watching are the main activities; facilities are deliberately limited in many areas, so the appeal lies in landscape and habitat rather than a dense programme of attractions.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Ķemeri National Park

The most recognisable landmark in Ķemeri National Park is the former Ķemeri Hotel, a large 1936 resort building designed by Eižens Laube. Its substantial neo-eclectic form recalls the town’s inter-war ambition as a Latvian spa centre and stands in striking contrast to the surrounding trees and smaller wooden villas. The Ķemeri railway station is another practical and historical reference point, linking the resort to the railway corridor between Riga and Tukums. The Great Ķemeri Bog boardwalk has become a contemporary landscape landmark: its raised timber route and viewing platform frame one of Latvia’s characteristic peatland panoramas without requiring visitors to cross the fragile surface. Lake Kaņieris and its birdwatching structures are important natural landmarks, while the broad wetland and forest setting around Sloka Lake gives the park a less architectural but equally defining identity. At the western edge, the Gulf of Riga coastline and the fishing villages of Bigauņciems and Lapmežciems mark the transition from inland wetlands to the Baltic coastal landscape.

Show more landmarks

Explore Ķemeri National Park on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Ķemeri National Park

Dining within Ķemeri National Park is limited compared with Jūrmala or Tukums, so visitors should plan refreshments rather than expect a continuous café network along the trails. Ķemeri and the nearby coastal villages provide the most relevant local options, while a wider choice is available in the neighbouring urban centres outside the park. Latvian cooking commonly features rye bread, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, smoked and preserved fish, dairy products, soups and pastries; the Gulf coast adds a maritime context, particularly in villages with fishing traditions. Rural inns, simple cafés and family-run establishments are more characteristic than a concentrated fine-dining scene. Picnic food is practical for the Great Ķemeri Bog and lake trails, provided all waste is removed. Farm shops, small producers and seasonal markets in the wider Jūrmala and Tukums area can be useful places to find Latvian bread, honey, berries and other regional produce, although availability changes with the season.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Ķemeri National Park

Evening entertainment in Ķemeri National Park is quiet and modest. Ķemeri town and the surrounding villages are oriented towards daytime nature visits and spa heritage rather than a dedicated nightclub scene. The most typical evening settings are local cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs or accommodation venues, while a broader selection of bars, live music and late-evening entertainment is found in Jūrmala outside the park or in Tukums beyond its eastern boundary. The coastal settlements may feel more active during the summer holiday period, but seasonal opening patterns vary. Visitors staying in the park area often choose an early dinner and a dawn walk, when bird activity and the bog light are at their best, rather than travelling for nightlife. Latvia’s craft-beer and spirits culture can be encountered in the wider region, but it is better treated as an optional part of the trip than as the defining feature of Ķemeri.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Ķemeri National Park

Evening entertainment in Ķemeri National Park is quiet and modest. Ķemeri town and the surrounding villages are oriented towards daytime nature visits and spa heritage rather than a dedicated nightclub scene. The most typical evening settings are local cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs or accommodation venues, while a broader selection of bars, live music and late-evening entertainment is found in Jūrmala outside the park or in Tukums beyond its eastern boundary. The coastal settlements may feel more active during the summer holiday period, but seasonal opening patterns vary. Visitors staying in the park area often choose an early dinner and a dawn walk, when bird activity and the bog light are at their best, rather than travelling for nightlife. Latvia’s craft-beer and spirits culture can be encountered in the wider region, but it is better treated as an optional part of the trip than as the defining feature of Ķemeri.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Ķemeri National Park

Shopping inside Ķemeri National Park is limited and concentrated on practical supplies rather than dedicated retail districts. Visitors will find a fuller choice of supermarkets, high-street shops and services in Jūrmala outside the park or in Tukums to the east. The most appropriate local purchases are Latvian food products and small-scale crafts: rye bread, honey, berry preserves, smoked fish, herbal products, woollen goods and simple handmade souvenirs may appear at seasonal markets, farm stalls or regional events, although availability is not constant. The coastal villages can offer a more maritime selection of locally produced food, while Ķemeri itself is better understood as a heritage and nature base than as a shopping destination. For antiques, galleries, books and a broader range of gifts, visitors should look to the established shopping areas of neighbouring Jūrmala or Tukums and clearly allow time for the journey beyond the park.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Ķemeri National Park, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Ķemeri National Park essentials

Currency and Payment
Ķemeri National Park uses the euro, Latvia’s national currency, with the code EUR. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in larger Latvian towns and established visitor businesses, but rural facilities, small stalls and occasional parking or honesty-box arrangements may be less predictable. Carry some cash for remote areas and small purchases, and do not assume that every trailhead has a shop, café or cash machine nearby.
Safety
The principal risks are environmental rather than urban: slippery boardwalks, muddy forest tracks, sudden weather changes, ticks, mosquitoes and getting disorientated away from marked routes. Never walk across open bog outside designated paths, even when the ground appears firm. In coastal areas, heed signs and local conditions rather than approaching unstable banks or entering cold water casually. Drivers should expect narrow rural roads, cyclists and wildlife, while visitors should take ordinary precautions with valuables at busy trailheads.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or ambulance assistance in Latvia, call 112, the general European emergency number. The direct police number is 110 and the ambulance number is 113, but 112 is the most useful option for international visitors who need help coordinating an emergency. Give the name of the nearest settlement, trailhead, lake or marked observation point, and use a map reference or phone location if available. Mobile coverage can vary in wooded and wetland areas, so share your route before walking.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on marked paths and boardwalks, close gates, keep dogs under control and take all rubbish with you. Do not pick protected plants, disturb nesting birds, light fires where prohibited or enter restricted areas. In Ķemeri town and the coastal villages, behave as in any Latvian residential community and avoid treating private property as part of the visitor route. At churches, heritage buildings and local museums, follow photography and access rules; tipping in Latvia is discretionary, with modest rounding or around ten per cent appropriate for good table service.
Local Tips
Plan the park as a collection of separate experiences rather than assuming that all trails connect conveniently. Ķemeri station and the historic town work well for a car-free visit, while a vehicle makes the lake and coastal sections easier to combine. Early mornings and quieter weekdays are especially suitable for birdwatching and the Great Ķemeri Bog. Weatherproof clothing is useful throughout the year, and autumn colour, spring migration and the subdued light of winter each give the wetlands a different character.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSveiki[svey-kee]
GoodbyeUz redzēšanos[ooz red-zay-sha-nos]
YesJā[yah]
NoNē[neh]
Please/You're welcomeLūdzu[lood-zoo]
Thank youPaldies[pal-dyes]
Excuse me/SorryAtvainojiet[at-vai-no-yeht]
How are you?Kā tev klājas?[kah tev klah-yas]
Fine. And you?Labi. Un tu?[lah-bee. Oon too?]
Do you speak English?Vai jūs runājat angliski?[vye yoos roo-nah-yat ahn-glees-kee]
I don't understandEs nesaprotu[es neh-sah-proh-too]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEs gribētu redzēt ēdienkarti, lūdzu[es gree-bay-too red-zayt ay-dee-en-kahr-tee, lood-zoo]
I don't eat meatEs neēdu gaļu[es nay-eh-doo gah-loo]
Cheers!Priekā![pree-kah]
I would like to pay, pleaseEs vēlētos samaksāt, lūdzu[es veh-lay-tohs sah-mahk-saht, lood-zoo]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Palīdziet![pah-leed-zee-et]
Go away!Aiziet prom![ai-zee-et prohm]
Call the Police!Zvaniet policiju![zvah-nee-et poh-lee-tsi-yoo]
Call a doctor!Zvaniet ārstu![zvah-nee-et ahr-stoo]
I'm lostEs esmu pazaudējis[es es-moo pah-zow-day-ees]
I'm illEs esmu slims[es es-moo sleems]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Es gribētu nopirkt...[es gree-bay-too noh-peerkt]
I'm just lookingEs tikai paskatos[es tee-kai pah-skah-tohs]
How much is it?Cik tas maksā?[tsik tahs mahk-sah]
That's too expensiveTas ir pārāk dārgi[tahs eer pah-rahk dar-gee]
Can you lower the price?Vai jūs varat samazināt cenu?[vye yoos vah-raht sah-mah-zee-naht tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Cik ir pulkstenis?[tsik eer poolk-steh-nis]
It's one o'clockIr viena pulksteņa[eer vee-nah poolk-steh-nah]
Half past (10)Pusē (10)[poo-seh (10)]
MorningRīts[reetz]
AfternoonPēcpusdiena[payt-poos-dye-nah]
EveningVakars[vah-kars]
YesterdayVakar[vah-kar]
TodayŠodien[sho-dee-en]
TomorrowRīt[reet]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kur ir ...?[koor eer ...?]
What's the address?Kāda ir adrese?[kah-dah eer ah-dreh-seh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Vai jūs varat man parādīt (uz kartes)?[vye yoos vah-raht mahn pah-rah-deet (ooz kahr-tes)]
When's the next (bus)?Kad nāk nākamais (autobuss)?[kahd nahk nah-kah-mice (ow-toh-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Biļete (uz ...)[bee-lyeh-teh (ooz ...)]

History of Ķemeri National Park

Ancient Wetlands and Coastal Settlement

The territory now protected by Ķemeri National Park has long been shaped by the shallow Gulf of Riga, forest, peat-forming wetlands and inland lakes. Archaeological evidence from the wider region shows that people used the coastal and lake environments for fishing, hunting and gathering long before the modern resort town appeared. The wetlands were difficult to cultivate but valuable for water, wildlife and natural resources. Their survival into the present is central to the park’s significance, preserving landscapes that once covered much larger areas of Latvia.

The Emergence of Ķemeri’s Mineral Springs

Ķemeri’s modern history grew from its sulphur-rich mineral waters and therapeutic mud. Local springs were known before the resort was formally developed, but the area gained wider recognition during the nineteenth century as medical interest in spa treatment expanded across the Russian Empire. Roads, accommodation and bathing facilities gradually connected the settlement with Riga and the coast. The springs did not transform the surrounding wetlands into ordinary urban land; instead, the resort developed as a small settlement within a forested and water-rich environment.

Ķemeri as a Resort Town in the Late Nineteenth Century

Railway connections and improved transport helped Ķemeri become an established health resort by the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Visitors arrived for mineral-water treatments, therapeutic mud and the atmosphere of a wooded spa settlement. Resort buildings, villas and landscaped streets were constructed around the treatment facilities. Much of this built heritage was altered by war and later political change, but the town’s layout and surviving wooden architecture still reflect the period when Ķemeri served as one of Latvia’s notable spa destinations.

War and Political Upheaval in the Twentieth Century

The Ķemeri area experienced the disruption that affected much of Latvia during the First and Second World Wars and the subsequent political transformations. The resort economy was interrupted, buildings suffered damage and patterns of ownership and administration changed. During the Soviet period, Ķemeri continued to function as a sanatorium and health-treatment centre, while the surrounding wetlands remained comparatively undeveloped. This combination helped preserve extensive natural areas even as the town’s resort character was adapted to a different state system.

The Ķemeri Hotel and Resort Architecture

The large Ķemeri Hotel, designed by Eižens Laube and opened in 1936, represents the inter-war ambition to modernise Latvia’s spa culture. Its monumental neo-eclectic form became the visual symbol of the resort, standing apart from the smaller wooden villas and forest setting. The building later fell into disrepair, illustrating the difficult transition faced by many Latvian heritage properties after the Soviet period. Its history remains closely linked to the changing fortunes of Ķemeri as a centre of health tourism.

Creation of Ķemeri National Park in 1997

Ķemeri National Park was established in 1997 to protect an unusually varied complex of wetlands, forests, lakes, meadows and coastal habitats. Conservation here is not limited to a single bog: the park safeguards ecological connections between raised peatlands, mineral-rich waters, bird habitats and the Gulf of Riga. Since its creation, boardwalks, trails and observation points have made selected areas more accessible while directing visitors away from sensitive ground. The park now represents one of Latvia’s important protected natural landscapes.

Ķemeri National Park in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Ķemeri National Park

The closest regions to Ķemeri National Park, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Latvia
More of the region

Explore more of Latvia

Explore Latvia: A Baltic treasure with rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. Discover Riga's charm and Latvia's natural beauty.

Explore Latvia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Ķemeri National Park

Discover the wonders of Ķemeri National Park with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Ķemeri National Park effortlessly with Evendo. Access detailed information, local tips, maps, and easy booking features for hotels, tours, and experiences.

  • History and travel essentials for Ķemeri National Park
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • Curated local tips
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Ķemeri National Park, a stunning natural reserve in Latvia, where nature lovers and adventure seekers unite. Evendo is your perfect companion for exploring this beautiful destination. With our app, you can discover famous attractions like the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk, the lush Green Dune, and the historic Ķemeri Water Tower. Want to indulge in local cuisine? Evendo guides you to the best restaurants, such as the picturesque Ligzda and the cozy Melnais Cepurītis.

Our app provides a rich set of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Planning your trip has never been easier. You can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. No more endless searches for what to see, do, or how to get there. Evendo has it all in one place.

Evendo is designed to give you an immersive travel experience. Learn about the history of Ķemeri National Park, essential travel tips, and navigate effortlessly with our easy-to-use interface. The 'Near me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, and our curated local tips help you explore like a local. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Beyond Ķemeri National Park, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. Once you download the app, you have the world in your pocket, ready to explore whenever you are.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.