Imagine a secret, romanticized jungle nestled in the woods, just a stone’s throw from the Baltic Sea. Welcome to Lāčupīte Arboretum—a hidden fairytale garden where nature whispers tranquility and romance at every turn.
While many visitors are drawn here by the Instagram-famous wooden cabin, the arboretum offers so much more. Picture a vividly green forest teeming with charm, winding trails perfect for peaceful strolls, and a secluded coastline inviting you to unwind and recharge. Today, we’re fortunate to visit during rhododendron season, when their vibrant blooms transform the walk into an enchanting dream.
Location: Lāčupītes arboretum
Cost: Free
How to get there: By car
This stop is part of Riga – Kolka daytrip itinerary. Check out other stops on this route
Exploring Lāčupīte Arboretum: Forest Trails That Lead to the Sea
The adventure begins as we search for Lāčupīte Arboretum. The Latvian State Forest sign greets us, but the correct path isn’t immediately obvious. Let’s try heading straight!
No, it looks like we have taken the wrong path as we end up by the calm coast of the Baltic sea. It is so tranquil and beautiful! The sandy shore invites you to pause, sit back, and let the rhythmic waves wash away your thoughts. It would be perfect for a picnic too. We might come back. But it’s not what we were looking for.
Ok. Let’s head back and turn right instead.
The forest welcomes you with its tall pines stretching to the sky and a soft carpet of moss and blueberry bushes underfoot. The air feels alive with the scent of the sea and the hum of quiet solitude. On one trail, you stumble across remnants of a small bridge—its ropes and anchors all that remain—adding a touch of mystery to your walk.
Again, the place is beautiful. But it is not what we were after. So I guess the right trail is the one leading left from the Latvijas Meži Sign!
Lāčupīte Arboretum’s Romantic Wonderland of Blooming Plants
Back on track, you spot the first signs of blooming shrubs—your cue that the heart of Lāčupīte Arboretum is near. Here, the forest transforms into a magical jungle of rhododendrons and other exotic plants. Their colorful blooms add an almost dreamlike quality to the surroundings, making every step feel like a walk through a hidden paradise.
Even if you’re not a plant expert, the beauty of this place speaks for itself. Small plaques discreetly label the flora, letting you connect names to the enchanting specimens around you.
Photo spot: The Fairytale Cabins of Lāčupīte Arboretum
You turn a corner of a path and catch sight of it—the iconic wooden cabin we were looking for. Nestled among the trees, its mossy triangular roof and cheerful curtains make it feel like something straight out of a storybook. Nearby, a second cabin peeks through yellow flowers, its simpler design no less charming.
These cabins seem almost magical, like they belong to gnomes or forest spirits. But they are owned by people, so signs politely remind you not to enter someone else’s property, and you can’t help but wonder what the owners think of all the visitors photographing their enchanting homes. Still, the cabins beg to be captured at least from the distance, their charm impossible to resist.
As you wander further, you notice the visitors around you—couples strolling hand in hand, families exploring, and even elderly pairs enjoying a quiet moment together. The arboretum’s magic seems to touch everyone, making it a perfect destination for a romantic outing or a peaceful retreat. And as you leave, you can’t help but feel lighter, as if the arboretum has quietly gifted you its peace and beauty.
Thoughts?
Whether you’re here for the blooming rhododendrons, the secluded forest trails, or the calming seaside, Lāčupīte Arboretum offers an escape from the ordinary. It’s a place where time slows down, and every step feels like a gentle reminder of nature’s beauty.
Other attractions near Lāčupīte Arboretum
Lake Kaņieris (15km)
Other things to see and do in Latvia