Bigauņciems: Beach, Trails and Fishing Village

Bigauņciems combines the atmosphere of a historic fishing village with trails by the water, a beach and experiences in nature. Coming from Riga, it is the first fishing village you reach. For your travel planning, this means you can combine a stay by the sea with walks, cycle paths, landscape observation and insights into the history of the village.

Fishing Village with History

In the 19th century, Bigauņciems began developing into a holiday resort. Many summer houses were built there during this period. The history of the local school is also part of the character of the village: it was inaugurated on 14 November 1864. Anyone interested in the past of Bigauņciems can also explore these topics through the Jūrciemi audio guide. The audio guide covers the “Bigauņciems – Lapmežciems” route and discusses the historic school in Bigauņciems.

This creates a varied impression of the village: its history is not limited to a single building or date, but can be combined with a route between Bigauņciems and Lapmežciems. This is a suitable idea for travellers who do not want to spend their entire stay on the beach, but also wish to understand the development of the village.

Water, Birds and Trails

Waterbirds are often observed along the Siliņupe. These include mallards, coots and grey herons. Those travelling with children or who enjoy exploring a landscape attentively will find specific subjects to observe here rather than merely a general natural setting. A wooden boardwalk on the border between Lapmežciems and Bigauņciems leads along the Siliņupe to the sea and the old Lapmežciems pier.

The Forest Trail also provides clear orientation for active days. The section from Jāņukrogs to Bigauņciems ends at Bigauņciems Beach opposite the Old Ķemeri Road. On this section, the Forest Trail overlaps with the “Meža aplis” cycling route in Ķemeri National Park. This allows different interests to be taken into account when planning your day: you can focus on a hiking route or include the connection to a designated cycling route.

Beach and Practical Information

The unofficial bathing area “Lapmežciema - Bigauņciema pludmale”, also known as “Kupskalnu pludmale”, is located in Lapmežciema Parish on the border between Lapmežciems and Bigauņciems. It can be reached via the Kupskalnu Nature Trail and via Kronīšū, Lomu iela and Kurpnieku iela. A paved boardwalk leads to the bathing area and its car park. According to the available description, it provides access for people with reduced mobility as well as families with children in prams.

The bathing area also has a changing room, an information board and a children’s playground. These details can help you choose the right focus for your holiday: a holiday apartment in Bigauņciems can be a practical base if you want to combine days at the beach with nature observation, history and routes in the surrounding area. If, on the other hand, you mainly want to compare different locations, you can also include Apšuciems, Radziņciems, Smārde, Klapkalnciems, Milzkalne, Ķesterciems, Bērzciems and Ragaciems in your search.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When choosing accommodation, the key consideration is which experiences you want to combine. Travellers looking for the beach, waterways and a family-oriented day out can make the bathing area and boardwalk the focus of their plans. For active travellers, the Forest Trail sections and their overlap with “Meža aplis” provide important orientation. Those who prefer culture and local history will find another point of interest in the historic school and the Jūrciemi audio guide. Bigauņciems is therefore suitable as a starting point for a trip where nature, the sea, activity and history all have their place.

For the overarching travel overview: Engures Municipality.