Pūsēnu Kāpa: Latvia's Majestic Coastal Dune
Discover Latvia's highest coastal dune at Pūsēnu Kāpa, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil nature escape in Bernāti Nature Park.
Pūsēnu Kāpa, or Pūsēnu Hill, is a remarkable natural landmark situated within the Bernāti Nature Park in the South Kurzeme Municipality of Latvia. This coastal dune stands as the highest in Latvia, reaching an elevation of 37 meters. The name 'hill' is a local tradition, as high places are scarce in the region. The dune's formation dates back a couple of centuries to a large fire that destroyed the ground cover, which allowed the sand to shift and accumulate. Over time, Pūsēnu Kāpa buried around 80 houses as it moved inland. Today, its movement has been largely halted by the pine forest that now covers much of it. Visitors can explore Pūsēnu Kāpa via a 1.3 km nature trail that leads to the summit. The trail includes steps in steeper sections. From the top, panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding forest canopy await. The park is open year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. Summer is ideal for picnics, autumn displays vibrant colors, and winter provides a serene, snow-covered landscape. While Pūsēnu Kāpa was used for sand extraction during the Soviet era, the summit remained untouched. Although a quarry was established, these activities ceased more than 20 years ago, and the area is slowly recovering. Recent improvements include a new viewing platform and wooden stairs to help prevent erosion.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sandy terrain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities in the park.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a pleasant experience.
A brief summary to Pūsēnu kāpa
- Nīca parish, South Kurzeme Municipality, 3473, LV
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Pūsēnu Kāpa via public transport, take a bus from Liepāja to Nīca. Buses run several times daily; the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Once in Nīca, walk about 3 km towards the coast, following signs to Pape Nature Reserve and Pūsēnu Kāpa. Be prepared for a rural walk, and check the bus schedule for your return. A single bus fare from Liepāja to Nīca typically costs around €1-€3.
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Car
If driving from Liepāja, head south on the A11 towards Nīca parish. After approximately 10 km, turn left towards the coast and continue for about 5 km to the parking area near Pūsēnu Kāpa. Parking is free. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the dune. Note that during peak season, parking may be limited.
Attractions Nearby to Pūsēnu kāpa
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Природный парк Бернати Bernatu seaside nature park
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Bernātu skatu tornis
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"Zaļais stars" - The most western point of Latvia
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Bernāti Nature Park Trail
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Bernātu Bāka
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Tālais stāvlaukums JC
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Mini Zoo Atomi pie Liepājas
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Dūkupju ūdenskritums
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Liepājas nūdistu pludmale
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Bird watch tower
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Pape nature park
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Pape National Park
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Lake Pape
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Liepājas pilsētas dienvidu robeža
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Liepaja city's southern border
Landmarks nearby to Pūsēnu kāpa
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Pūsēnu kāpa
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Pape ROGAS
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Pūķarags
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Papes tūrisma informācijas punkts. Ekspozīcija
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Mirdzas Ķempes pieminekļa laukums
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Monument For The Fishermen And Sailors Lost At Sea
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Vītolnieki
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Liepāja Lighthouse
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Mikjāņi
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PAPE
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Monument and cross for Latvian and Lithuanian partisants
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Memorial site for victims of 1941, Latvia
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Jaun Tilibi - Outdoor Camping
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Liepaja city's eastern border
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Karosta Prison