Latvians love bog trails. They are a classic choice for dates, family hikes, and walks with friends. Just as I thought I had explored all the bog trails near Riga, a new one emerged. Yay! Now, we have the opportunity to explore the somewhat wild “selfie” trail in Medems Bog. So, armed with hiking shoes and insect repellent, let’s get closer to nature and discover what makes this bog trail unique.
Location: Medama purvs
Cost: Free
Walking: ~6km
How to get there: By a car
!!! Stay safe! Going off the path in a bog is very dangerous.
First Part of Medems Bog Trail. Here’s a Challenge for You – Find the Trail
How does one get lost between three pine trees? Quite simply, by not following the signs.
We parked the car at the start of the trail. Although the Medems Trail is well-maintained, there’s no designated parking area, so we had to leave the car by the roadside (in an area without prohibition signs, of course). But for adventure seekers, this is not an obstacle, right?
When I mentioned we were going to a bog trail, you probably didn’t expect a walk through the forest. At least I didn’t. But it turns out that at the beginning of Medems Bog trail, you have to walk on a dirt road through a beautiful, quiet forest for a while.
We walked. And walked. And walked. By some point, it started to feel suspicious. Then the road ahead ended to what looked like a potato field. Clearly, we made a wrong turn. So we headed back. Then we saw some people ahead. They will surely tell us where to go. Until suddenly, the people disappeared.
What? It turns out that somewhere halfway, the road branches off, and instead of continuing straight as we did, you have to take the road that leads to the left. As a kind family we met along the way explained, there are painted signs on the trees indicating the correct path. Keep this in mind so you don’t miss it.
It’s a Selfie Kingdom
In my mind, the trail truly begins where the first bridge appears, revealing the unique charm of the Medema Bog Trail.
This bog trail is different from others because it features mirrors. They are strategically placed on the Medema bog bridges, benches, and information boards. A selfie addict’s dream! Finally, you no longer need to ask a passerby to take a photo of you and your friends.
But in all seriousness, these mirrors beautifully reflect the surrounding sights and enhance the landscape. Greetings from my reflection!
Second Part of Medems Bog Trail – (Almost) Untouched Nature
Further along, the Medems Bog landscape changes – it becomes wilder. The paths become narrower and bumpier. The road gets muddier. The trees grow closer, and in your peripheral vision, you can observe water puddles along the sides of the trail. Some are murky like bog water, others clearer, like in a lake.
Although such conditions require an adventurer’s spirit, I find this part of the trail, which feels less touched by human hands, intriguing. It’s something entirely different from city streets. How do you like this scenery?
Third Part of Medema Bog Trail – The Well-Maintained Bog Boardwalk from the Marketing Pictures
A bog trail must also have a bog boardwalk, right? It does! The next section of the trail is a wooden boardwalk that splits the field in half.
Although it may not sound so appealing, the scenery has its own charm.
Here you will also find educational boards about the Medems Bog in Latvian. And if you are very lucky, you might spot a lizard or other creatures.
Final Part of Medems Bog Trail is a Treat for Your Eyes
And so we reach the end of the trail at a particularly picturesque spot by a bog lake. Frogs croak. Birds chirp. In May, the surrounding expanse is full of white flowers. Can anyone tell me what these beautiful blooming plants are?
For those who pride themselves on completing this trail, there is an opportunity to take a photo by two especially large mirrors with the inscription “Medems Bog.” Let’s spread the good word that Latvia has yet another beautiful bog trail.
Since the trail is not a loop, after a break at the bog lake, we head back along the same path to the starting point.
Before we part, a little warning: Choose your footwear carefully, because my sneakers looked like this after the walk.
Thoughts?
Overall, I feel like this nature trails selling point are the mirrors. They not only allows you to take some fun selfies, but also enhance the landscape. I believe that this trail is best suited for those, who wants to be closer to the nature and are not afraid of physical activities and dirtying their boots.
PS – remember about the safety – it is dangerous to go off the path in a bog!
What you need to know about Medams Bog trail?
How long is the walk?
We walked ~6km (including us getting lost).
Are there any picnic spots in Medams Bog trail?
No, unfortunately there are no picnic spots or even toilets.
How accessible is the trail?
As the trail is mostly off road it is not accessible for those with limited mobility or with strollers.
What should I bring with me?
Mosquito repellent, water and a spare pare of shoes to change into after the walk