When the weather turns cooler, many Latvians feel an irresistible pull to explore a bog trail. There’s something about the crisp autumn air mingling with the earthy, marshy landscapes that perfectly captures the essence of the season. But what do you do when you’ve already wandered through the popular bog trails near Riga? That’s the question I faced—until a quick search led me to the Great Kangari Nature Trail (Lielo Kangaru taka), just an hour’s drive from the city. This hidden gem promises both a peaceful bog trail and an impressive observation tower—a perfect combination for an autumn adventure.
Location: Lielie Kangari, Latvia
Cost: Free
How to get there: By car
Similar experiences: Medams bog trail
The Kangari Observation Tower and Its Stunning Views
The 33-meter-high observation tower stands proudly at the trailhead, immediately catching your eye and inviting you to explore. Its design is bold and striking—crafted from black metal with vibrant orange accents that catch the sunlight. Unlike the rustic wooden towers you may have climbed before, this one feels modern and artistic. For a truly cool photo, try looking straight down through the railings—the structure creates a mesmerizing tunnel effect, perfect for a unique shot.
Climbing the winding staircase, each step brings you higher above the trees. At the top, the view opens up in every direction—a vast expanse of treetops stretching to the horizon. In the distance, a half-overgrown lake peeks through the foliage. We’ll head there soon, but for now, you take a moment to soak in the view.
Above, thick, fluffy clouds drift lazily, their shadows rolling over the forest below. It’s a small detail, but something about watching those shifting shadows catches me off guard. I never really stopped to think about how clouds cast shadows. So this is your reminder to stop, take in a deep breath and notice the simple wonders all around you.
What Sets Great Kangari Nature Trail Apart?
The 2-kilometer loop begins with a shaded forest path, where tall trees form a natural canopy overhead. Along the way, you’ll notice informational stands suggesting exercises to try as you walk. Yet, no one seems to pay much attention to them—including me. My excuse? A coat isn’t exactly the best workout attire.
The Changing Landscape on Great Kangari Trail
Before long, the forest transitions into the open expanse of the bog, and the wooden boardwalk takes over, guiding you deeper into this untouched landscape. Towering trees give way to the low shrubs and hardy vegetation characteristic of a bog. The shift in scenery is captivating, and this time of year, the trail is dotted with clusters of mushrooms—a delightful surprise for the observant walker.
While the observation tower bustled with activity, the trail itself felt calm and quiet. Even the prime spot – the bench by the overgrown lake we saw from the top of the tower is unoccupied. It looks perfect for sitting down for a cup of tea. I hope you packed some with you?
Comparing the Great Kangari Nature Trail to Cenas Bog or Ķemeri Bog, the most striking difference is how much drier this bog feels. Both Cenas and Ķemeri are lush, with numerous lakes—you can even go paddleboarding there. By contrast, Kangari Bog resembles a large sponge with only one big lake.
I must admit, there’s one thing I didn’t quite understand. The signs along the trail indicate that in one direction, there’s a lake, and in the other, Burlakkalniņš. We found the lake, but I still don’t know exactly what Burlakkalniņš is. I must have missed it, even though we walked the entire trail. It’s probably because we weren’t sure what to look out for. According to the wisdom of the internet, Burlakkalniņš was once a hideout for highway robbers. Perhaps you’ll be more observant and spot it. If you do, please let me know where I should look to finally find Burlakkalniņš myself.
Thoughts?
The Great Kangari Nature Trail sees fewer visitors compared to the bog trails closer to Riga, making our walk slower and quieter, which, in my opinion, more than makes up for the longer drive. The colors and atmosphere are perfect for the autumn vibe. But the biggest highlight, without a doubt, is the tall, stunning observation tower offering incredible views
More Attractions Nearby Lielie Kangari
Salaspils (33km)
Incukalns devils cave (30km)
Other things to see and do in Latvia