Ādaži Municipality – Holiday Apartments, the Gauja and Coastal Trails

Ādaži Municipality is at its most distinctive where trails, water and coastal landscapes meet. Between Carnikava, the Gauja and Piejūra Nature Park, there are both short circular trails and longer linear routes; historic sites and local traditions complement this landscape.

Nature and Trails

The Zaļais ceļš is a scenic 13.5 km route for walking and cycling. It runs from the Gauja bridge near Kadaga to Carnikava Beach. The yellow route in Ūdensrožu parks is shorter: the circular trail is 2.4 km long and has a low level of difficulty. The Zvaniņu ceļš is an approximately 1 km circular hiking trail along the left bank of the Gauja between Carnikava and Ādaži.

There is also an approximately 2 km path for pedestrians and cyclists along the Gauja–Baltezers Canal. It runs between Zušu iela and Podnieku iela. When water levels are high, the Gauja–Baltezers Canal can be navigated by canoe or SUP board. There is a SUP board and kayak rental facility at the beginning of the Carnikava promenade. The Garciems wooden trail is a 650 m boardwalk from Aizvēju iela to the sea, passing through Piejūra Nature Park and the coastal dunes. At the end is the virtual 3D augmented reality object „Nēgi nāk“, a work by the artist G. Gabrān depicting the journey of lampreys.

The Garezeru Nature Trail is arranged as an approximately 7 km linear route and runs along the northern, central and southern Garezers lakes. The approximately 4 km Rožu kāpa circular route starts at Kalngale railway station and passes through the coastal landscapes of Piejūra Nature Park to the sea. Carnikava also has an approximately 10 km hiking route where visitors can explore the area's cultural and historical features and natural attractions. The Carnikava promenade leads from Carnikava to the beach on the Gulf of Riga.

Lilastes Pludmale, a beach, is located in the vicinity of Ādaži Municipality. Krievu Sala, an island, is located nearby. The islands of Pērssala and Vadoņa Sala are also located in the vicinity of Ādaži Municipality. For another leisure activity, Zibeņi Disc Golf Park has 18 baskets; trees and the terrain serve as obstacles.

Culture and History

The Carnikava Local History Center presents an exhibition on the history and fishing traditions of the region. The center offers free guided tours on weekdays and weekends. It is located in a building designed as a replica of the „Cēlāji“ fishermen's and ferryman's house built near the mouth of the Gauja in 1851. The Carnikava Local History Center also offers fishing boat trips on the Gauja.

The audio guide „ĀDAŽI – Manors, Raftsmen and Innovation“ leads visitors to former manor estates, Soviet-era buildings and modern landmarks in Ādaži Municipality. Its route is approximately 12 km long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a circular route that starts and ends at Līgo Square in the center of Ādaži.

Several missile hangars and military-style buildings remain at the former Soviet military site of Mežgarciems. The site includes a maze-like arrangement of concrete slabs with relief motifs from the Soviet era, known as the „Deception Labyrinth“. The mural „Carnikavas stāsti“ depicts the history and symbols of Carnikava and is considered a tourist attraction for visitors.

Water and Regional Traditions

The Gauja–Baltezers Canal formed a 3.1 km artificial section of the historic Gauja–Daugava waterway and connected the Gauja with Lake Mazais Baltezers. At the Boat House Chapel in Carnikava, Stacijas iela 21, pilgrims on the Latvian section of the International Camino de Santiago can find a stopping point and accommodation.

Inga Pole produces entirely handmade ceramics from black and white clay using the coiling technique. The Nēģu svētki festival in Carnikava symbolizes the opening of the lamprey fishing season.

Further Destinations

Further destinations: Skrunda Municipality, Skaista Parish, Vecpiebalga Municipality, Tukums Municipality, Ozolnieki Municipality, Mērsrags Municipality

To the overarching travel overview: Latvia.