For a stay with Kangari as your destination, there are two distinct areas of focus to choose from: the history of Kangaru Station and nature destinations nearby. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether to focus more on railway and architectural history or on views, bogs and outdoor activities.
Railway History with Clear Dates
A historic 600 mm narrow-gauge railway ran from Ikšķile to Ropažu muiža Manor; Kangari was one of its stops. In 1919, the line was also actively used during the Latvian War of Independence. Kangaru Station on the Riga–Ērgļi railway line opened on 26 November 1935. In 1935, Kangari was one of five railway stations in Ropažu pagasts. The narrow-gauge railway and the Riga–Ērgļi line are two different railway lines.
The two-storey brick station building was constructed in November 1937 to a design by architect Voldemārs Ozoliņš. It is a cultural monument of local significance. The station’s opening and the construction of its building took place at separate times, two years apart.
Ridge, Lake and Bog
Near Kangari, the Lielie Kangari esker has a relative height of 27 metres and reaches 78 metres above sea level. These figures describe different measurements: 27 metres is the relative height, while 78 metres is the elevation above sea level. The Lielie Kangari protected area includes Lake Kangaru and the Lielais Kangaru Bog.
The viewing platform of the 33-metre-high Lielie Kangari observation tower offers views of Lake Kangaru and the Lielkangaru Bog. The lake and bog thus provide two specific landscape features to look out over.
Outdoor Activities and Local Stories
At the start of the Lielo-Kangaru Trail, a purpose-built fitness trail invites visitors to exercise and get moving. Information boards with photographs along the trail tell stories and legends about events, places, characters and phenomena in the surrounding area. Outdoor activities and local stories come together along the same trail. Guided hikes with bog shoes can be booked nearby through Purva bridēji.
Routes and Event Programme
In Ropažu novads, the section of Zaļais ceļš is part of the Riga–Pskov GreenWays route. The specific route of the 2026 Retro Running Festival, from Kangaru Station to Bajāri, followed Zaļais ceļš, the former Riga–Ērgļi railway line.
The 2026 Retro Running Festival programme included sightseeing trips and activities at Kangaru Station and in the surrounding area. The running events offered a choice of 10 km, 5 km and a 500-metre children’s race—a clear progression from the longest to the shortest distance. These routes and activities relate to 2026. If you are planning a future edition, check the date, route and programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Vecmuiža.
Go to the broader travel overview: Ropažu Novads.
