You step onto the forest path, and through the trees, glimpses of wide meadows and shimmering water come into view. As you venture closer, wild horses and cows roam freely, their silhouettes blending into the wild scene. Here at Engure Lake Meadows, they don’t seem to be threatened by human presence. Right the opposite – if they sense you have a carrot with you, you’ll probably won’t be able to escape them.
Location: Engure leak meadows
Cost: Free
How to get there: By car.
Engure Lake: Where Meadows Meet Water
Passing through a rustic wooden gate, the landscape opens up before you. Endless green meadows stretch toward the horizon, creating a sense of freedom that makes you pause and take it all in.
As you head toward a small bird watching tower, the meadow transitions into shallow pools of water, where tufts of grass stand submerged. You notice muddy patches—favorite spots for cows to roll around—and beyond, the meadows seamlessly blend into Engure Lake making it hard to tell where one ends and the other starts. Above the water, birds fill the air with their calls, adding a lively soundtrack to the serene scene.
Miks says that the last time he was here the landscape was vastly different. Everything was submerged in water back then and the only way to get around was to use the wooden pathways. Today what is left over from those wooden pathways lies on dry ground. I don’t know if it is a seasonal thing or if Engure lake meadows are always like this.
A small disappointment awaits at the birdwatching tower—the walkway leading to it is broken and cordoned off, leaving climbing impossible. But the beauty of the surroundings more than makes up for it.
Wild Horses and Cows of Engure Lake Meadows
The meadows are alive with wildlife, and it’s clear the animals here coexist peacefully with each other and the human visitors.
The cows seem shy, keeping their distance as they graze. Some wallow lazily in the mud, while others wander closer, still cautious of human presence. One bull stands proudly on a small rise, chewing grass with slow deliberation—he seems to be the boss of the herd, calmly surveying his domain.
A lone black cow lingers far from the group, looking slightly out of place, almost as if excluded. Life in the animal kingdom is surely worthy of a soap opera.
Also, did you know that these cows are here to help maintain the meadows naturally? Their grazing ensures the landscape thrives in its intended state. Quite a fascinating discovery!
Say Hi to Horses
The horses, however, are the opposite of the shy cows. Their curiosity and confidence bring them right up to visitors. Whether they’re hoping for a treat or simply basking in admiration, they stand gracefully on the paths, unbothered as people walk around them, cameras in hand. You notice some travelers have come prepared, pulling out bags of carrots and apples that the horses eagerly munch on. I do not know if it is actually allowed to feed these animals or not. So please do your research before offering them a treat.
The herd you encounter includes five horses, their coats ranging from soft gray-brown to rich dark chestnut. They seem slightly smaller than the horses people ride, but their wild beauty is captivating. From their sturdy build to their gentle, watchful eyes, it’s clear they are perfectly at home in this untamed landscape.
As we stroll back to our car, after saying our goodbyes to the inhabitants of Engure lake meadows, we realize we’ve missed one feature of this nature park—the Orchid trail. Oh well, I guess it’s a reason to come back.
Thoughts?
Engure Lake Meadows is a haven of peace, a perfect stop for those seeking a quiet connection with nature. It is also one of the few places in Latvia where you can encounter wild horses up close. Families with children, couples on romantic walks, and groups of friends all wander the paths, marveling at the wild horses and cows that call this place home.
So I believe it would appeal to people of many different paths. Unless you are afraid of horses or cows. If that is the case, this probably won’t be the place for you.
Other things to see and do in Latvia