At Engures ezers, you’ll encounter a rich variety of nature: 186 bird species breed in the nature park, and the area around the lake is home to 844 vascular plant species. Birdwatching and plant life offer different perspectives on the landscape.

Lakes, Birdlife and Trails

Nature is also at the heart of Kaņiera ezers. The lake lies within the municipalities of Lapmežciems and Smārde; most of it is in the nature protection zone of Ķemeri National Park, while a small part lies in the nature reserve zone. Its ecosystem includes 68 breeding bird species. From the Kaņiera birdwatching tower, you can watch birds and enjoy the lake scenery. The well-equipped Kaņiera-pilskalns trail offers views of the lake and the historic hillfort. You can focus your visit either on birdwatching or on the trail and its links to the landscape and history.

For a longer excursion, “Apkārt Engurei” is a circular route of about 14 km. Parts of the route can also be covered by bicycle; it connects to the cycling trails around Lake Valguma created by “Valguma pasaule.” The long-distance Jūrtaka hiking trail (E9) also runs along the coast, making it possible to extend your hike into the following day.

Another cycling trip follows the “Tukuma apkārtnes pilis” route. It is about 29 km long, with around 11 km running along gravel and field roads. The route begins and ends at Tukums I railway station and is marked with bicycle route signs numbered 574. If you’re travelling from Riga, you can take the train to Tukums and start the cycling trip at Tukums I railway station. Check the current timetable for the train journey; as road surfaces can change, it’s also advisable to check the route conditions before setting off.

Stories in Castles and Exhibitions

The historic interiors of Durbes pils offer a glimpse into German Baltic culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The “Rainis and Tukums” exhibition is housed in the room where the first Rainis Museum operated from 1929 to 1937. “Savējo stāsti, ne svešo” in the castle tower offers a different perspective on history: the exhibition explores events in 20th-century Tukums through people’s life stories.

Jaunmoku pils was built in 1901 as a hunting lodge. The Jaunmoku pils Forest Museum features interactive forest exhibitions, offering a distinctive focus alongside the castles’ historical exhibitions. At the “Audēju darbnīca” weaving workshop, you can take part in weaving and learn simple techniques. These activities invite you to discover history and crafts not only through exhibitions, but also through hands-on experiences.

Tastings and Regional Experiences

Abavas Winery offers guided tours and tastings on site. The wine tasting includes six different drinks. At the family-run Jaunpils brewery, located in the centre of Jaunpils in a barn built in 1860, guided tours and tastings for groups can be arranged by prior appointment. Jaunpils Castle’s tavern serves medieval feasts based on old recipes; these must be ordered at least two days in advance.

Herbs and chocolate also feature among the hands-on and tasting experiences: the herbal tea experience at Jaunmoku includes tasting ten different herbal teas, as well as unusual jams and syrups, and requires advance arrangements. The Pure Chocolate Museum in Pūre offers chocolate-making workshops. The options range from tastings and guided tours to experiences where you can get involved yourself.

Discover more destinations: Tume, Tukums, Lapmežciems, Zentene, Slampe, Lancenieki, Rideļi, Lamiņi, Pētertāle.

For the main travel overview: Latvia.