Tired of the urban hustle and bustle? Craving a dose of nature’s tranquillity? Look no further than the stunning coastal region of Lilaste, where the mighty Gauja River meets the Baltic Sea. This unique area offers both coastal views and a hike through forest in various difficulty levels. And the best part is: you can adjust the duration and difficulty level from a relaxing walk by the sea to a full day hike. The world is your oyster!
Location: Starting point; Mouth of Gauja River
Cost: Free
Length: ~15km
How to get there: Driving
3 Different Ways to Spend a Day in Lilaste. Latvia:
- Start your hike in Lilaste and follow the seashore, choosing the mouth of the Gauja River as your destination (easy);
- Combine the walk on the seaside with a hike in a beautiful pine forest. You can set the Garezeri lakes as your goal (medium).
- Skip the hiking part and simply go and enjoy the beauty of nature by sitting on a pine tree uprooted by the roots near the mouth of the Gauja River and drinking some tea you’ve brought along (super easy);
A Walk Along the Seashore in Lilaste, Latvia
As you embark on your journey from Lilaste, the pristine sandy shores stretch out before you, inviting you to a serene stroll. The place is perfectly fitted for both a romantic walk with deep conversations or a long walk in solitude to sort out your thoughts.
But the further you venture, the more the landscape transforms. The coastline becomes rugged and dramatic, with washed-out shores and uprooted pine trees. It looks like an angry giant has stumbled through here and punched and thrown everything around. But the highlight is definitely the confluence of the Gauja River and the Baltic Sea, where freshwater meets saltwater.
Into the Lilaste Woods: Nature Park Piejūra
For those seeking a more adventurous experience or those who just want to switch up the scenery, the nearby Piejūra Nature Park offers a labyrinth of winding trails through lush forests. If you wish to explore further you can set finding Garezeri – a row of 3 dark forest lakes as your goal.
The area near the mouth of the River Gauja is more clear, with less bushes or other challenges to conquer.The walk here is quite relaxing, as the soft carpet of moss beneath your feet muffles every step, creating a peaceful ambiance.
But as you delve deeper into the woods, you encounter terrain with some hills and ditches creating a natural obstacle track. But that’s what you’re here for right? A bit of an adventure. Just look at the roe deer jogging through the forest: the relief is no obstacle to them!
In summary, I think this place is for those who are looking to enjoy some fresh air and movement rather than hunting for sights, as there are no giant rocks or castle ruins . But it is easily accessible, beautiful and offers a variety of natural scenery. It’s also positive that the level of activity and the length of the route can be adjusted to your abilities and desires. We walked a total of about 15 km (from Lilaste to the mouth of the Gauja River, then through the forest to the Garezeri lakes and back to Lilaste), but as I mentioned several times, the route can be as long as you choose it to be.
Other things to see and do in Latvia