Ko apskatīt Talsos - Talsu promenāde

What to See on a Day trip to Talsi and Sabile?

Planning a day trip to Talsi and Sabile? In just one day, you’ll tick off nearly every box on a “classic Latvia day trip” bucket list. Want to climb an observation tower for a bird’s-eye view over the treetops? Talsi’s got you covered. How about a tiny but charming waterfall? Yup, it’s here too. A peaceful stroll on a picturesque promenade? Of course! And let’s not forget the famous photo spot with gigantic buttons on the wall – an Instagram moment waiting to happen.

Ready to hit the road and uncover what to see in Talsi and Sabile? Let’s go!



Cost: Mix of free and paid attractions


How to get there: By car.


Warning: Parts of the drive that are near Sabile are off-road (dirt paths, sand, rocks), so please evaluate if your car is fit for this route beforehand. If it isn’t you could just visit Talsi. 

What to See in Talsi?

Talsi’s main attractions are nestled in the heart of the city, among its iconic hills. Each hill is marked with a sign, so if you’re up for a fun challenge, why not play a game of “catch them all,” but with hills instead of Pokémon? For the highest viewpoint, let’s head just outside the city to Kamparkalns, where you can enjoy an elevated view and a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.

Climb Kamparkalna Observation Tower

Location

The 28-meter-tall wooden observation tower offers fearless travelers a stunning view, stretching across a sea of treetops. To help you navigate, informative signs at the top point you towards various landmarks in the distance, making it easy to appreciate the surrounding landscape.

Skatu tornis Talsos
Skats no skatu torņa Talsos

What to See On Talsi Promenade? Lake Views and Latvian Sun

Location

On one side of the lake, a charming wooden boardwalk invites you to take a leisurely stroll, offering a scenic view of the fountain and the picturesque houses of Talsi on the opposite shore. Speaking of pictures, the promenade also showcases a variety of artworks by different artists, each with a unique style, all portraying the beauty of Talsi.

Talsu promenāde - ko redzēt Talsos

On the opposite side of the lake, you’ll find an intriguing environmental art installation known as the “Sun of Latvia.” Be sure to take a moment to closely examine the golden sphere — if you look carefully, you might just spot the outline of Latvia hidden within its design.

Latvijas saule talsos

Giant Buttons: a Slice of Talsi’s Quirky Charm

And of course, no Latvia road trip would be complete without stopping for a photo op! Not only does the town boast nine iconic hills, but it’s also home to nine vibrant, oversized buttons. These colorful buttons can be found on the wall of the Talsi Tourism and Active Leisure Center, right next to the lake – a perfect spot for a fun and quirky photo..

Ko redzēt talsos - pogu siena

Don’t Forget Talsi Church – Majestic in Its Simplicity

Location

I would say – take a moment to admire the beautiful carvings above the door, but in truth, the entire white church with its sharp spire is stunning. At first glance, it may seem rather simple, but a closer look reveals many intricate details that add to its charm.

Talsu baznīcas tornis

What to See Around Sabile?

This time, we’re focusing on the sights around Sabile rather than the town itself – an open-air art park and a charming little waterfall. But if you haven’t explored Sabile yet, You can always check out the town as well. One spot you might want to visit is the quirky Sabile doll garden.  It used to freak me out as a child, but now I find it quite intriguing.

Ko apskatīt sabiles tuvumā - akmeņi Pedvāles parkā

Virsaiši Waterfall – Latvias Geosite of 2010

Location

This waterfall is relatively small—one might even call it tiny—with water gently cascading over stone-like steps (which I believe are rock layers?), creating delicate streams. Thanks to a dry summer, the flow isn’t as strong as the photos on Google might suggest, but the landscape remains charming, with water carving its way over the textured rocks.

Virsaišu ūdenskritums

Just a heads-up: be cautious when approaching, as the stairs can become slippery in wet conditions, and a few steps may feel a bit wobbly. Despite this, it’s a peaceful, picturesque spot that won’t take up too much of your time!

A Chance to Train Your Imagination: Pedvāle Art park

Ticket prices and working hours

Location

I’ll be honest – this place might not be everyone’s cup of tea. My grandma for instance would just see a stick that is stuck in a stone. But for me, abstract art has a special charm. It invites you to engage your imagination, to ponder what the artist had in mind, and to share different interpretations with those around you. Is that pile of rocks a glass mountain, or something else entirely? And do you see a city in that metal sculpture? Essentially, this vast meadow is home to a variety of environmental art pieces, most of them crafted from stone and metal, each one offering a unique experience to those who take the time to look closely.

Pedvāles mākslas parks Sabilē - ekspozīcija ar akmeņiem un bļodām

This Talsi-area itinerary is best suited for travelers who enjoy man-made attractions with a touch of nature, rather than those seeking untamed wilderness hikes. Talsi exudes a peaceful, quiet charm that feels like a gentle escape from the hustle and bustle.

In theory, you can cover everything in one day if you’re an early riser starting from Riga. But if you prefer a slower, more relaxing pace, consider splitting the journey. Dedicate one day to exploring Talsi, another to Sabile, and spend the night unwinding at a cozy campsite in between. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds!

What Else to See in Kurzeme togather Talsi and Sabile

Road trip to Kurzeme: Riga-Kolka

Ventspils

Kuldīga

Seaside cliffs in Latvia

Other things to see and do in Latvia

Thanks for visiting my little corner of the internet!

There are a lot of fun things to come, so come back for more travel stories later!

Armanda