Coming from Riga, Bigauņciems is the first fishing village. The village’s history dates back to its development as a holiday resort in the 19th century; the beach and the Siliņupe add another, nature-focused dimension to exploring the area. This gives your plans three distinct focal points: village history, paths by the water and the bathing area on the border with Lapmežciems.
From Fishing Village to Summer Resort
Bigauņciems began to develop as a holiday resort in the 19th century, and many summer houses were built during this period. The fishing village and its later development as a summer resort thus stand side by side as distinct influences. If you are interested in local history, Bigauņciems School offers a specific date to note: it was inaugurated on 14 November 1864. This exact date falls in the same century in which the village began developing as a holiday resort.
Bathing Area and the Siliņupe
The unofficial bathing area “Lapmežciema - Bigauņciema pludmale,” also known as “Kupskalnu pludmale,” is in Lapmežciema parish, on the border between Lapmežciems and Bigauņciems. It can be reached via the Kupskalnu Nature Trail and via Kronīšū, Lomu iela and Kurpnieku iela. The two names help with orientation: one names both neighboring villages, while the other identifies the bathing area as Kupskalnu pludmale.
A paved boardwalk leads to the bathing area and its car park. It provides access to both for people with reduced mobility and families with strollers. The bathing area also has a changing cabin, an information board and a children’s playground. When planning a beach visit, you can take into account both the designated access route and the facilities on site.
The Siliņupe also offers a specific connection with nature: waterbirds are often observed there, including mallards, coots and grey herons. Alongside the beach, it provides a second focal point for anyone interested in nature by the water.
Routes by the Water
On the border between Lapmežciems and Bigauņciems, a wooden boardwalk runs along the Siliņupe to the sea and the old Lapmežciems pier. The route description therefore gives both the watercourse as a point of reference and two clearly named destinations. This makes it distinct in its route orientation from a Forest Trail section whose endpoint is Bigauņciems Beach.
The Forest Trail section from Jāņukrogs to Bigauņciems ends at the beach opposite Old Ķemeri Road. On this section, the Forest Trail overlaps with the “Meža aplis” cycling route in Ķemeri National Park. The details answer two different questions about orientation: the beach marks the section’s endpoint, while the overlap identifies its connection to the cycling route.
Local History in the Audio Guide
A tourism information item dated 27 March 2023 lists the “Bigauņciems – Lapmežciems” route in the Jūrciemi audio guide; the audio guide also covers the historic school in Bigauņciems. Check whether the route is available before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Engure, Smārde, Apšuciems, Radziņciems, Klapkalnciems, Ķesterciems, Milzkalne, Plieņciems.
See the overarching travel guide: Engures Novads.
