Latvia’s largest esker, a 33.5-metre-high observation tower and trails through old manor parks: in Ropaži Municipality, nature experiences and traces of history lie close together. Lielie Kangari reveal the landscape on a grand scale, while shorter trails and places such as the ruins of Ropaži Castle bring individual stories to life.
Eskers, forests and trails
Lielie Kangari form Latvia’s largest esker, an elongated ridge. It reaches an absolute elevation of 78 metres and extends for about 26 kilometres. The nature reserve of the same name lies within both Ropaži Parish and Suntaži Parish in Ogre Municipality. The protected area features a 2-kilometre nature trail with information and health stations, as well as a 33.5-metre-high observation tower, offering an introduction to the natural environment. The tower’s height and the ridge’s elevation refer to two different scales: the structure and the landform.
The Zaķumuiža nature trail offers a different view. It passes through an old manor park with centuries-old trees, plants, insects and birds. The trail is almost 2 kilometres long and of moderate difficulty; there are handrails on steeper sections. Two bridges cross the manor’s pond system. The trail can be used in any season on foot, with a stroller or by bicycle, and in winter on skis. The same park can therefore be explored in different ways depending on the season and your chosen mode of transport.
The landscape of Tumšupes meži is also shaped by a variety of habitats: these include bog and swamp forests, undisturbed raised bogs, old or natural boreal forests, lichen-rich pine forests and old mixed deciduous forests. Fast-flowing and natural stretches of river are also part of the area. These habitats provide a home for protected birds such as the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).
Waterways and active recreation
The Saurieši quarry area comprises four bodies of water, separated from one another by roads and paths. The paths are suitable for walking, running, cycling and active recreation. There are bathing areas nearby, and swimming, boating and fishing are also listed as activities. Since water conditions vary seasonally, take them into account when planning your visit. Regional cycling route No. 12, Dreiliņi–Mazozoli, also known as Lejasdaugava–Ogres upes ieleja, passes through the area. Check the current route before setting off.
At Lake Ulbroka, a walking and play trail about 1 kilometre long leads to an observation platform in the lake. Along the trail are bathing areas, sports grounds, outdoor exercise equipment, a skatepark, and obstacle and activity courses. The route combines a walk with several stops for exercise and play.
The Lielā Jugla offers another change in scenery near Ropaži: a 1.5-metre-high weir creates an artificial waterfall. A canal about 1.5 kilometres long, built to operate a watermill, begins beside it. Upstream from Bajāri, the river has rapids, with a gradient of 3.5 metres per kilometre. Near Zaķumuiža, it flows calmly again. The river’s character also depends on the water level.
Castle ruins, a railway station and Latvian ornaments
The ruins of Ropaži Castle lie on the banks of the Lielā Jugla, along regional road P10 in Ropaži Parish. They are a reminder of a castle built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in the 14th century and burned down by Muscovite troops in 1559. Ropaži is also home to a Neo-Gothic brick church, built in 1893 on the site of an earlier wooden church.
The history of the railway can also be seen at a precisely dated location. Kangari railway station opened on the Riga–Ērgļi line on 26 November 1935. Its two-storey brick station building was completed in November 1937 and is now a cultural monument of local significance. The building and the opening date represent two distinct chapters in the history of the station and railway line.
The Līgo Park brings together landscape and Latvian ornamentation. It features eleven stone sculptures adorned with ornamental symbols, created by sculptor Uldis Sterģis. Oak and birch groves provide the setting; the life-size sculptures invite visitors to relax and explore the ornaments. During the summer season, the park hosts dance and choral music concerts, open-air theatre performances and festivals. Checking the current programme can help you plan a visit.
Crafts and practical information
The “Krīvu klēts” Museum welcomes tourist groups and offers traditional Latvian farm activities. The complex includes an old barn, a crafts workshop and a forge. Group visits depend on the season and require reservations, so check the visiting arrangements in advance. Visitors are welcomed from May to October. With advance order, the museum serves “Cira kāta” soup, coffee, tea, cake and non-alcoholic refreshments; confirm these seasonal offerings in advance as well.
At the Sauleskalna Handicraft House, visitors can take part in workshops such as baking bread or sklandrauši, pottery, felting and candle-making, or making birdhouses and torches. Visitors can also learn about Latvian traditions. Workshops require reservations and may change, so arrange your participation in advance. At Alpu zirgi, families can meet farm animals and explore a 1-kilometre forest trail on horseback or on foot. Confirm current visiting arrangements in advance as well.
The tourism information point at Centra iela 3, Ropaži, Ropaži Municipality, LV-2135, provides information about recreational and tourism opportunities in Ropaži Municipality and the Pierīga region; it also helps organise excursions. Check current services and opening hours before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Vecmuiža, Kangari, Tērvete Municipality, Jūrmala, Jaunpils, Aloja Municipality, Salacgrīva Municipality, Olaine Municipality.
For the main travel overview: Latvia.
