A building in Carnikava is designed as a replica of the “Cēlāji” fishermen’s and ferrymen’s house, which was built near the mouth of the Gauja in 1851. It houses the Carnikava Local History Center, with an exhibition on the region’s history and fishing traditions. The Center offers free guided tours on weekdays and weekends. If you plan to take a tour, arrange it in advance.

Trails of Different Lengths

Zaļais ceļš runs from the Gauja Bridge near Kadaga to Carnikava Beach. This scenic route is 13.5 kilometres long and designated for walking and cycling. The yellow route in Ūdensrožu parks offers a shorter loop: it is 2.4 kilometres long and easy. Markings and trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Zvaniņu ceļš is a circular route of about one kilometre on the left bank of the Gauja between Carnikava and Ādaži. Carnikava also has a hiking route of about ten kilometres, where you can explore the area’s cultural and historical features and natural attractions. Check local conditions and accessibility for this route. The variety of route lengths and types lets you choose a hike to suit your preferred route, without assuming a particular walking time.

There are both short and longer trails along the coast. The 650-metre wooden walking trail from Garciems runs from Aizvēju iela through Piejūra Nature Park and the coastal dunes to the sea. At the end is “Nēģi nāk,” a virtual 3D augmented-reality object: the work by artist G. Gabrāns depicts the lampreys’ journey. The approximately four-kilometre Rožu kāpa loop starts at Kalngale railway station and passes through the coastal landscapes of the nature park to the sea. Check local rail and park conditions before setting out. Garezeru Nature Trail, by contrast, is an approximately seven-kilometre linear route along the northern, middle and southern sections of Garezers.

Waterways and Regional History

The Gauja–Baltezers Canal was an artificial 3.1-kilometre section of the historic Gauja–Daugava waterway, connecting the Gauja with Lake Mazais Baltezers. A path of about two kilometres for pedestrians and cyclists also runs along the canal, between Zušu iela and Podnieku iela. Check the surface and parking options locally. When water levels are high, the canal can be navigated by canoe or SUP board; water levels and local conditions are key.

There is a SUP board and kayak rental at the start of the Carnikava promenade. Rental availability may depend on the season or operator, so check in advance. The Carnikava Local History Center also offers fishing-boat trips on the Gauja; these may need to be arranged in advance.

Another chapter in the area’s history is Mežgarciems, a former Soviet military site. Several missile hangars and military-style buildings remain there. The site also includes the “Deception Labyrinth”: a labyrinth-like arrangement of concrete slabs bearing relief motifs from the Soviet era. In Ādaži Municipality, the audio guide “ĀDAŽI – Manors, Raftsmen and Innovation” takes visitors to former manor estates, Soviet-era buildings and modern landmarks. Its circular route starts and ends at Līgo Square in central Ādaži, is about twelve kilometres long and takes approximately one and a half to two hours.

Places, Crafts and Special Activities

The “Carnikavas stāsti” mural depicts the history and symbols of Carnikava and is a tourist attraction. Inga Pole makes entirely handmade pottery from black and white clay using the coiling technique. There are also activities with a different focus: Zibeņi Disc Golf Park has 18 baskets, with trees and terrain serving as obstacles. Equipment is not available for hire there.

The Nēģu svētki festival in Carnikava marks the opening of the lamprey fishing season. If you want to include the festival in your trip, check the latest event dates in advance. For pilgrims travelling the Latvian section of the International Camino de Santiago, the Boat House Chapel at 21 Stacijas iela in Carnikava serves as a way station and accommodation. If you wish to stay there, check current availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ādaži, Kadaga, Tukuma Novads, Kocēnu Novads, Ventspils, Auces Novads, Ķekavas Novads, Siguldas Novads.

Go to the main travel overview: Latvia.