A 220-metre paved circuit featuring hills of varying heights, bends and ramps defines the Olaines cycling track. It is integrated into an existing pine park and is considered the first paved cycling track in the Pierīga region. Thirteen protected bird species have been recorded in the Melnā ezera bog; during the autumn migration, bean geese and greater white-fronted geese stop there to rest. Olaines Municipality thus offers both purpose-built places for physical activity and glimpses of natural habitats.
Cycling routes and activities
The Olaines municipality tourist guide offers three cycling routes with a total length of more than 40 kilometres. Together with the short cycling track, they offer a comparison of different route lengths: the circuit is 220 metres long, while the three cycling routes together cover more than 40 kilometres. If you plan to use one of these routes, check its availability locally.
The skatepark and cycling track form a complex. Visitors can use bicycles—mostly BMX bikes—as well as scooters, inline skates and skateboards. Check the local status of the facilities before your visit. For guidance on further explorations, the Olaines municipality tourist map serves as a visitor guide to historical, nature-related, artistic and sporting attractions.
Forest, water and nature
Olaines Mežaparks includes a naturally grown pine forest and well-equipped surroundings in the centre of Olaine. Facilities there include outdoor fitness equipment and a “Meža kaķa” course for children. From May to September, cultural events and open-air film screenings are held at the open-air stage. Check the dates of individual events before your visit.
At Līdumu karjers, recreational areas feature wooden pontoons, a walking path, picnic spots with grills and a playground. There are also volleyball, football and basketball facilities, as well as a wake park. The nature trail around the quarry is approximately 2.8 kilometres long and suitable for strollers. The surface may vary depending on the season; check trail conditions before setting out. You can reach Līdumu karjers by car, bicycle, inline skates or skateboard, or on foot via the path between Olaine and the quarry.
Bean geese and greater white-fronted geese stop to rest in the Melnā ezera bog during the autumn migration. The 13 protected bird species recorded there also give the area a special connection to nature beyond this seasonal sighting.
Museum, architecture and history
The Olaine History and Art Museum has five exhibitions, a modern exhibition hall and a publicly accessible visible storage area. The “Laboratorija” exhibition presents the history of four major factories: “Biolar”, “Olainfarm”, the glue factory and the plastics recycling factory. An interactive game with 3D elements complements the exhibition. The museum also offers educational activities, museum education programmes and excursions in the Olaines municipality area.
The “Blokmāju stāsti” cultural route comprises nine stations with augmented reality elements, which you can scan using a smartphone and an app. As app compatibility can change, check it in advance. In Olaine, a 45-metre-high water tower features the graffiti artwork “Heirēka!”. The Vidzemes-Kurzemes-Zemgales boundary markers are a state-protected cultural monument; they once marked the border between the Governorates of Courland and Vidzeme. In Pēternieki, the Roman Catholic Church of St Peter was completed in 1940.
Local experiences
The Maijrozes riding stable in Pēternieki offers stable tours, rides for children, riding lessons and family celebrations. Afterwards, you can organise picnics or roast sausages over a campfire. By car, take the Riga–Jelgava road, turn off towards Code, then continue for about two kilometres.
In Uzvaras Līdums, “Ķiploku pasaule” welcomes groups by prior arrangement and holds tastings. “Ooo! Sajūtu darbnīca” combines a shop with candle-making workshops. These activities complement the nature and culture themes with experiences for visitors interested in crafts or food.
Discover more destinations: Olaine, Medemciems, Liepāja, Kārsava Municipality, Ādaži Municipality, Ērgļi Municipality, Saldus Municipality, Ķegums Municipality.
For the overview of the wider region: Latvia.
