Vārzas on the Vidzeme Coast: Swimming Area and Lauču Boulders

Vārzas combines coastal scenery, a public swimming area and unusual granite boulders to create a destination with a distinctive character. The swimming area is located on the Vidzeme Coast of the Gulf of Riga, north of the mouth of the Vidurga. Those who want to spend time by the water on holiday, walk along the seashore and discover unusual natural landmarks will find several specific starting points here for planning their trip.

Swimming Area on the Vidzeme Coast

The public Vārzas swimming area is approximately 0.8 km long. In the redesigned beach area, the environmental installation „Logs“ frames the view of the landscape. Signposts on the beach indicate directions and distances to points of interest. This means that a stay need not be limited to swimming: you can first choose the coastal section as a peaceful base and then include additional destinations in your plans, reaching them on foot or by bicycle.

In the section from the swimming area to the Lauču boulders, there are walkways, changing cabins, bicycle stands and multifunctional platforms. There is also a children's play area on the beach. These different areas make it possible to divide the day according to the interests of those travelling together: while some spend time by the water, others can explore the coastal path or natural features.

Coastal Path and Lauču Boulders

From the Vārzas swimming area, a prepared walking path approximately 1.5 km long leads along the seashore to the „Lauču akmens“ recreation site. The route is therefore an option in its own right for planning the day: you can make the walk the destination or combine it with time at the swimming area.

The Lielais Lauču dižakmens, an ellipsoidal reddish granite boulder, is located in the vicinity of Vārzas. It is 4.3 m long, 3.1 m wide and 3.1 m high, and has been designated a natural monument since 2001. The Mazais Lauču akmens, a brownish, irregularly shaped granite block with steep sides, is also located nearby. In addition, there are two large Lauču sea stones that were pushed ashore by ice in 1853. These different shapes and the historical year make the boulders distinctive subjects for a nature-focused excursion.

Information for Your Stay

During the swimming season, there is a tourist information service and equipment rental at the swimming area. A rescue station with a medical point has also been established at the facility. However, a rescue service was not guaranteed there in 2023. When planning your stay, you can check seasonal services and the current situation on site separately rather than assuming they will be available for every travel period.

The Vārzas swimming area is accessible from the A1 Riga–Tallinn road. To get there, turn towards Vārzas and continue via Tūjas iela. This access information is particularly useful for travellers choosing their holiday apartment or holiday house based on a well-plannable starting point for coastal days and excursions. The right location depends on this type of travel plan, not on a blanket assessment of the place.

More Destinations for Trip Planning

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Vārzas, you can explore these destinations separately: Lādezers, Ainaži, Bīriņi, Šķirstiņi, Lāde, Nabe, Vidriži and Kaijciems. For Vārzas itself, searching for accommodation is particularly suitable when the trip is intended to focus on the swimming area, coastal path and Lauču boulders.

For the higher-level travel overview: Limbažu Municipality.