The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and adventure is calling. Today, we’re heading out on a cycling journey through the picturesque Salaspils area. This route primarily follows the dam, where cars are absent, making it perfect for someone like me who hasn’t cycled in years but still remembers how! But the spots on our agenda are just as accessible by car, so the choice of transport for your own adventure depends entirely on your preference.
As someone who lived in Salaspils for a while and moved to Riga several years ago, I was surprised to see how much the city has changed. Many landmarks in Salaspils have been freshened up, and the city itself has become incredibly bike-friendly, with most destinations accessible via cycling paths.
So let’s find out what to see in Salaspils together!
Location: Salaspils, Latvia
Cost: Dole manor museum has an entrance cost
Length: ~30 km including the driving through the city
How to get there: Public transport or train.
Starting the Cycling Adventure in Salaspils
We arrive in Salaspils with bikes loaded in the car, and parked by a friend’s house, but there should be public car parking available near Salaspils station. Or alternatively if your comfortable loading your bike in the train, you could also get to Salaspils by the railway.
Urban Area of Salaspils
To reach our first destination, we begin with a leisurely ride through the charming streets of Salaspils.
To reach our first destination, we begin with a leisurely ride through the charming streets of Salaspils.
The city welcomes us with its family-friendly, suburban vibe. Playgrounds echo with the laughter of children, and a quaint public garden tucked into the courtyard of a highschool catches our eye. As we pedal along, hidden gems of urban art make us pause—like a mural of coat of arms, interconnected by a circle of friendship. This colorful piece symbolizes the bond between Salaspils and its partner cities, infusing the urban landscape with creativity and warmth.
Salaspils tourist attractions
Salaspils Beach and the Ruins of St. Juris Church
Next, we ride to Salaspils Beach, a serene spot along the Daugava River. Benches, a playground, and lush grass create a peaceful setting that begs for a summer picnic.
Nearby, the ruins of St. Juris Church catches your attention. Only two small fragments of the walls remain, marked by a cross. Standing here, I recall childhood excursions to this spot, where we learned about its history as a 14th-century architectural monument that has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
Along the Dam to Riga HPP
Our wheels hum as we pedal along the dam, heading towards the Daugava Museum. The path is peaceful, with people strolling leisurely and chatting. The strong headwind makes the ride a bit challenging, but the open sky and the river beside us make it all worthwhile.
Approaching the hydroelectric power plant, the path narrows, and we have to step off our bikes to navigate the steep descent safely. Crossing the dam requires a steady hand—it’s a tight stretch with traffic on one side and the river on the other. But once we’re across, we need to pause to admire the view as you can see the roofs of Riga from over here. Look, that’s the TV tower right there!
Dole Manor Park and Daugava Museum – Just Next Door to Salaspils
You have to purchase a ticket, check prices and working hours
Location
Finally, we arrive at Dole Manor Park, a lush green oasis brimming with history and scenic beauty.
Inside the Daugava Museum
Our first stop is Dole Manor, home to the Daugava Museum, which we’re eager to explore before its doors close for the day. The exhibits draw you in with stories of ancient archaeological discoveries and snapshots of life on Dole Island before the hydroelectric plant altered the landscape forever.
The image projection on the wall stops us in our tracks—photographs of majestic cliffs, waterfalls and many other places that now lie submerged beneath the water. It’s a bittersweet moment, seeing what has been lost in the name of progress. I knew the sad story about Staburags, but I was unaware of how much more was lost forever.
A Monument to the Lost Homes
Deeper in the park, we stumble upon a poignant sight: the monument to the flooded homes. Stone silhouettes of houses stand as quiet tributes, carved with care. Run your fingers over the cool stone, and you may almost feel the weight of the memories submerged.
Exploring the Historic Fishermen’s Cottages
Wandering further, we discover the fishermen’s cottages—charming wooden structures with moss-covered thatched roofs that blend seamlessly into the surrounding trees. They feel as if they’ve always been here, guarding their secrets against the passing years.
Inside the first cottage, you discover a living space. The small beds catch your attention. Did people really fit in these tiny frames? A friendly guide explains the mystery: people used to sleep almost sitting up, curled slightly with high headrests. It’s an odd yet fascinating detail.
The second cottage houses an impressive collection of old fishing tools and gear. I can not tell what half of these are used for.
After our serene journey through the green expanses of Dole Manor Park, it’s time to retrace our route. The hum of our bicycle tires against the path and the rustle of the wind accompany us as we pedal back.
But this time, as the familiar cross of St. Juris Church ruins comes into view, we don’t head back into the city just yet. Instead, we shift gears and cycle onward, for one last stop in Salaspils.
The Ako Monument
Onward we ride to the Ako Monument, an iconic Salaspils landmark. As a child, I wasn’t impressed—just a wooden “A” and a story about a chieftain who lost his head. But seeing it now I am struck. It has either been transformed or I am just seeing so much more as I am older.
The monument is surrounded by mounds and variously sized rocks. It gives off Stonehenge vibes. And if you look closely you’ll spot the delicate wood carvings on the letter A itself. I think those may be telling the story of Ako, but that is up for you to de-code. And look, there are even some carvings on the rocks too! I almost missed those.
That is it for our cycling adventure through Salaspils today. So take a quick glimpse at the view of river Daugava once more and let’s paddle back to grab lunch in a local cafe.
What Else is there to See in Salaspils?
If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, explore Salaspils Botanical Garden. Stroll among outdoor plant displays and tropical treasures in the greenhouse.
Stay safe while cycling through Salaspils
- Be prepared for strong winds along the dam.
- Take special care when crossing the narrow section near the hydroelectric plant.
- Expect varied terrain, from smooth asphalt to gravel paths.
Thoughts?
This route might just rekindle my love for cycling. It’s not overly long, with plenty of intentional stops that break up the ride and add meaning to the journey. The Daugava River feels like a constant companion, weaving through the experience and connecting each destination. Yet, at every stop, the river reveals a new perspective—sometimes serene, sometimes powerful—keeping the scenery fresh and the ride engaging.
Other attractions Near Salaspils
Lielie Kangari Bog trail (33km away)
Other things to see and do in Latvia