A 33.5-metre-high observation tower and a nature trail lead into the landscape of Lielie Kangari. Ropaži Municipality combines experiences in nature like these with walks through old parks, waterside recreation areas and cultural sites with a long history. You can choose what to explore based on a wide range of interests.
Protected landscapes and nature trails
Lielie Kangari is Latvia’s largest esker ridge and a nature reserve partly located in Ropažu novads. The protected area covers 1,972.4 hectares in Ropažu novads and Suntažu pagasts in Ogres novads; since 2005, it has been part of the Natura 2000 network. The area has a 33.5-metre-high observation tower and a two-kilometre nature trail with information and activity stations. If you want to learn more about nature at the stations, as well as simply take in the scenery, this is a good place to focus on that theme.
Tumšupes meži also shows the diversity of protected landscapes: its habitats include swamp and floodplain forests, undisturbed raised bogs, old or natural boreal forests, lichen-rich pine forests, old mixed deciduous forests, as well as watercourses and natural stretches of river. The Diž-Ozolu nature trail, by contrast, runs through oak groves. Information boards focus on trees and bee hives; there are also picnic and fire sites along the trail.
Themed trails
The Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš Trail is about two kilometres long as a round trip. Its boards cover nature, animals and insects, and also feature quotes from the writer. The Zaķumuiža nature trail, on the other hand, focuses on the surroundings and natural environment of the old manor park: the almost two-kilometre, moderately difficult route passes among century-old trees and a variety of plants, insects and birds. It is suitable for walking with a pushchair and for cycling; in winter, cross-country skiing is possible there. The two trails are similar in length, but differ in theme and in the activities specifically mentioned.
At Lake Ulbroka, an approximately one-kilometre walking and nature trail leads to an observation platform in the lake. The recreation area also has swimming spots, sports grounds, outdoor exercise equipment, a skate park and an obstacle and activity trail. The beach, volleyball and football courts, climbing wall and other activities make this a different kind of outing from the nature trails.
Water and active experiences
The Saurieši gravel pit complex has four bodies of water, separated by roads and paths. The paths are suitable for walking, running and cycling; the regional Dreiliņi–Mazozoli cycle route also passes through the area. Swimming, boating and fishing are possible at the water. LANGHO rents out SUP boards, catamarans and boats at Lake Langstiņi. Motorised vehicles are not allowed there. LANGHO Café serves sweet and savoury Belgian waffles, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks; the café is seasonal, so it is worth checking availability before your trip.
The “333” sports complex adds motorsports and karting to the nature and water activities. Karting is suitable for professional drivers, beginners, groups and children; in winter, there is a track with studded tyres. The complex also includes an off-road park, an inflatable water course with SUP rental, and motocross and hard enduro tracks. If you plan to try any of these activities, it is best to check the specific operating details in advance.
Cultural sites between history and the present
The Ropaži Castle ruins lie on the banks of the Lielā Jugla, next to the P10 road. They are the remains of a castle built by brothers of the Teutonic Order in the 14th century. The Ropaži parsonage offers a glimpse into a different era: the present building was built on the site of an 18th-century wooden parsonage and completed in 1804. In 2007, it was granted the status of a state-protected cultural monument.
Ropaži Church is a neo-Gothic brick church built in 1893. Restoration work has been under way there since 1997; check the current scope of the work before visiting. Līgo Park brings Latvian cultural heritage together with a public cultural programme: it features eleven stone sculptures bearing Latvian ornamental symbols. During the summer season, it hosts dance and choir concerts, open-air theatre performances and festivals. If you are planning to attend a particular event, it is worth checking the current programme.
Contemporary cultural offerings also have their place. The “Ulbrokas Pērle” cultural centre opened in 2020, hosts events across a range of genres and styles, and has two concert halls. The Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš Memorial Room is located in the library of Garkalnes pagasts in Garkalne. The Kangaru station building is now a cultural monument of local significance.
For information about leisure and tourism opportunities in Ropažu novads and the Pierīga region or EXIT RĪGA tourism area, you can contact the Ropažu novads Tourist Information Centres. They can also provide information about organising excursions.
Discover more destinations: Ropažu novads, Zaķumuiža, Ropaži, Limbažu Novads, Alsungas Novads, Līgatnes Novads, Iecavas Novads, Saldus Novads.
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