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Ķemeri National Park: A Realm of Bogs, Forests, and Healing Waters

Discover Latvia's natural beauty in Ķemeri National Park: Explore bogs, forests, and healing springs. A haven for wildlife and tranquility.

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Ķemeri National Park, west of Jūrmala, Latvia, is a sprawling protected area encompassing diverse ecosystems, including the Great Ķemeri Bog, forests, and lakes. Established in 1997, it's known for its rich biodiversity, mineral springs, and therapeutic mud, offering visitors a chance to explore unique landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

A brief summary to Ķemeri National Park

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear, especially if exploring the bog areas. The trails can be wet and slippery, so sturdy, waterproof shoes are recommended.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially during the warmer months. Mosquitoes and other insects can be abundant in the park's wetlands.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly. The weather in Latvia can be unpredictable, so it's always best to be prepared.
  • Visit the park's information center, the Forest House, to learn more about the park's history, ecology, and trails.
  • Take advantage of the park's many birdwatching opportunities. Lake Kanieris and the Great Kemeri Bog are internationally important areas for birds.
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Getting There

  • Train

    From Riga, take the train towards Tukums. The train ride takes approximately one hour, with tickets costing around €1.80 - €4. Get off at Ķemeri station. From the station, walk approximately 3 km to the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk. Follow the signs, cross the railway line, and walk along the Ventspils motorway. Look for the pathway on the right-hand side with the sign “uz Tīreļa laipu”. Alternatively, from Jūrmala, take the train to Ķemeri. The train journey is approximately 22 minutes and costs $1 - $3. From Ķemeri station, follow the directions above to reach the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk.

  • Bus

    From Riga, take the bus from Rīgas SAO station to Jaunķemeri. The bus journey takes approximately 54 minutes. From Jūrmala, take the bus from Dubultu stacija to Jaunķemeri. The bus journey takes approximately 20 minutes. From Jaunķemeri, it's a short walk to the park entrance. Bus tickets cost around €2.

  • Car

    From Riga, drive along the A10 road towards Ventspils. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Look for the sign “Ķemeru tīreļa Purva laipa” (Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk). Turn towards Ķemeri and follow the signs to the parking lot at the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk. Parking costs around €2.

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Discover more about Ķemeri National Park

Ķemeri National Park, established in 1997, is the third largest national park in Latvia, covering over 381 square kilometers. It aims to preserve the area's natural, cultural, and historical values, including its mineral waters and medicinal mud. The park's diverse landscape features vast forests, mires, and lakes, creating a haven for rare and protected plant and animal species. The park's most iconic feature is the Great Ķemeri Bog, one of the largest mossy bogs in Latvia. Visitors can explore this unique environment via specially constructed boardwalks, such as the popular Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk, which offers stunning views from its observation tower. Other trails include the Black Alder Swamp Forest Boardwalk, the Sloka Lake Trail, and the Green Dune Trail, each providing a different perspective on the park's natural beauty. Ķemeri's history is intertwined with its natural resources. The area's sulfur springs and therapeutic mud have been used for centuries, leading to the development of the Ķemeri resort in the 18th century. People from all over Europe came to experience the healing properties of the springs and mud baths. Today, Ķemeri is gradually regaining its former fame, with hopes for the reconstruction of the Ķemeri sanatorium. The park is also an important habitat for a variety of wildlife. It provides favorable feeding and nesting grounds for birds like the black stork, crane, and lesser spotted eagle. The park's lakes, such as Lake Kaņieris and Lake Sloka, are internationally significant resting places for migratory birds. Lucky visitors might also spot mammals like beavers, elks, wild boars, and wolves. Ķemeri National Park offers a range of activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park's trails on foot or by bike, participate in educational classes, and enjoy thematic activities for the whole family. The park's diverse landscape and rich history make it a destination for those seeking to connect with nature and experience the unique beauty of Latvia.

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