Holiday apartment in Ropažu Novads – nature, water and culture

Ropažu Novads combines impressive nature trails, aquatic landscapes and Latvian cultural sites. Between the Lielie Kangari ridge, the Lielā Jugla, historic buildings and a variety of attractions, the region presents a diverse array of experiences. An important point of contact is located in Ropaži: the tourism and information point is at Centra iela 3, Ropaži, Ropažu novads, LV-2135. The tourist information centres provide information about leisure and tourism opportunities in Ropažu novads and the Pierīga region and assist with organising excursions.

Nature and trails

Lielie Kangari is Latvia’s largest osker, or esker ridge, and is also a nature reserve of the same name. The ridge reaches an absolute height of 78 m and extends for approximately 26 km. The nature reserve is located in Ropažu novads and in Suntažu pagasts in Ogres novads. Notable facilities include a 33.5 m-high observation tower and a 2 km-long nature trail with information and health stations.

The Zaķumuiža nature trail also leads through an old manor park with centuries-old trees, plants, insects and birds. It can be used in every season on foot, with a pushchair, by bicycle or on skis in winter. The trail is almost 2 km long and has a moderate level of difficulty; handrails are provided on steeper sections, and the route crosses two bridges over the manor’s pond system.

The Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš Discovery Trail is approximately 2 km long as a round trip. Information boards focus on nature, animals and insects, complemented by quotations from the writer. The Tumšupes meži area contains EU-protected habitats: peatland and swamp forests, untouched raised bogs, old or natural boreal forests, lichen-rich pine forests, old mixed deciduous forests, and fast-flowing and natural river sections. The area also provides a habitat for protected birds, including the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).

Water and activities

The Saurieši quarry area comprises four bodies of water separated by roads and paths. The paths are suitable for walking, active recreation, running and cycling. Regional cycle route No. 12, Dreiliņi–Mazozoli or Lejasdaugava–Ogres upes ieleja, runs through the Saurieši quarry area. The quarry and its surroundings, with four bodies of water and bathing areas, are also suitable for swimming, walking, running, cycling, boating and fishing.

At Lake Ulbroka, an approximately 1 km-long walking and play trail leads to an observation platform in the lake, bathing areas, sports fields, outdoor exercise equipment, a skate park, and obstacle and activity courses. Another side of the region’s waterways can be seen near Ropaži: there, the Lielā Jugla has a 1.5 m-high dam that creates an artificial waterfall. Alongside it begins an approximately 1.5 km-long canal built to operate a watermill.

Upstream from Bajāri, the Lielā Jugla has rapids. There, the river’s gradient reaches 3.5 m per kilometre before the river flows calmly again near Zaķumuiža. Further sporting activities are available at Sports Complex 333, with karting, a driving safety training ground, an off-road park, a motocross and enduro park, and a water bubble park. At Alpu zirgi, families can meet domestic animals and explore a 1 km-long forest trail on horseback or on foot.

History and culture

The ruins of Ropaži Castle are the remains of a castle built in the 14th century by the brothers of the Teutonic Order and burned down by Muscovite troops in 1559. They are located on the banks of the Lielā Jugla, on regional road P10 in Ropažu pagasts. Ropaži is also home to a neo-Gothic brick church built in 1893 on the site of an earlier wooden church.

Kangaru railway station opened on 26 November 1935 on the Riga–Ērgļi railway line. Its two-storey brick station building was completed in November 1937 and is now a cultural monument of local significance. Lante Manor was built in the second half of the 19th century as a log house with a stone tower and corner buildings. A park was laid out beside it, and later a stone bridge was built over the Lielā Jugla.

Līgo Park features 11 stone sculptures with Latvian ornamental symbols, created by sculptor Uldis Sterģis. The landscape, with oak and birch groves, and the life-sized sculptures invite visitors to relax and engage with Latvian ornaments. During the summer season, the park hosts dance and choral music concerts, open-air theatre performances and festivals.

Traditions and local cuisine

The “Krīvu klēts” Museum welcomes tourist groups and offers traditional Latvian farm activities. The site includes an old barn, a craft workshop and a forge. By prior arrangement, visitors can enjoy “Cira kāta” soup, coffee, tea, cake and non-alcoholic refreshments. Visitors are welcomed seasonally from May to October.

The Sauleskalna Crafts House offers hands-on workshops. These include baking bread or sklandrauši, making clay vessels, learning Latvian traditions, felting, candle-making, and crafting birdhouses or torches. Thus, alongside landscapes and activities, traditional crafts and culinary traditions are also central features.

The regional pages for Vecmuiža and Kangari are also available. Further destinations: Skaistas pagasts, Ogres Novads, Baltinavas Novads, Ozolnieku Novads, Balvu Novads, Vaiņodes Novads.

To the main travel overview: Latvia.