Jūrmala: Beach, Nature and Culture

Jūrmala combines coastal landscapes, experiences in nature and an unusually diverse cultural history. The 24-kilometre beach, with 12 official bathing areas, defines the town and offers a variety of ways to enjoy relaxing days by the sea. Those looking for more activity will find designated areas for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Kauguri, Asari, Pumpuri and Lielupe.

Dunes, Forests and Seaside Trails

A holiday apartment in Jūrmala can be a good base if you want to combine days at the beach with exploring nature. The 150-hectare Ragakāpa Nature Park protects dunes, ancient pine forest and the biodiversity of the coast. An approximately 2-kilometre nature trail runs through the area, consisting mainly of wooden walkways and equipped with information boards, benches and steps.

Another option for walking, Nordic walking or running is the approximately 2-kilometre “Labsajūtas dabas taka”. It runs between Baznīcas iela and Amatas iela through coastal dunes. The observation tower in Dzintari Forest Park offers a different view of the landscape: it is 33.5 metres high and has 12 viewing platforms. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between a nature trail, a dune route and a viewpoint without limiting yourself to just one type of coastal experience.

Discover Jūrmala’s History and Culture

Jūrmala has 385 architectural monuments of national, regional or local significance, as well as 700 historically and culturally valuable buildings worthy of preservation. The permanent exhibitions at the Jūrmala Museum focus on the town, life by the sea, resort life and the history of bathing. They also cover the history of the Riga Jūrmala and Ķemeri resorts from the 18th to the 21st century. Old postcards of Jūrmala and Latvia’s largest swimwear collection complement this perspective.

The Jūrmalas Brīvdabas muzejs also brings local history to life. It presents a coastal fisherman’s farmstead from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with characteristic buildings. Visitors can watch traditional fish smoking, take part in the preparation and then sample hot-smoked fish. There is also an opportunity to make ropes and mend nets in a workshop. For concerts and festivals, Dzintaru Concert Hall offers classical music, jazz, popular music, competitions and other international cultural events.

Excursions for Different Types of Days

The Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre at Meža māja features an interactive exhibition about the park’s natural assets and its main ecosystems. In addition, Jūrmala has planned one-day cycling routes with scenic and cultural stops; most are designed as circular routes. For a day featuring water activities, Līvu Akvaparks has more than 20 different slides and 10 swimming pools.

The Right Location for Your Accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Jūrmala, it is worth deciding on your preferred travel rhythm first: should the beach be the main focus, would you like to include nature trails, or are museums and architecture your priority? A railway line runs through the entire length of Jūrmala and connects 14 stops from Priedaine to Ķemeri. The centre of Majori is home to Jūrmala’s tourist information centre. From Riga Central Station, Jūrmala can be reached in 20 to 50 minutes, depending on the stop selected. This rail connection can help you navigate between the different areas while choosing your accommodation based on your preferred excursions.

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