Discover Saulkrasti: Coast, Dunes and Culture

Saulkrasti combines coastal landscapes, dune trails and a surprisingly diverse range of cultural attractions. Those planning a trip with seaside walks, distinctive natural features and insights into the history of this resort town will find a variety of ways to shape their days here. When choosing a holiday apartment in Saulkrasti, it is worth deciding on your personal focus: should the trip centre mainly on coastal hikes, bicycles and history, or individual days at the beach?

Dunes, Sea and Special Nature Experiences

The Piejūra protected area is part of Saulkrasti’s natural landscape. It protects forested dunes, grey dunes, coastal meadows and lakes, is designated as a nature park and Natura 2000 site, and includes parts of Saulkrasti Municipality. A distinctive viewpoint is the 18-metre-high White Dune, with views over the Gulf of Riga. A funnel-shaped listening device stands there, allowing visitors to perceive the nuances of the sound of the sea and the rustling of the pine trees.

For a walk, the 3.6-kilometre Saulrieta taka is an excellent option. The forest path runs along the seashore and leads through a dune forest with 20 notable pine trees. Some of these trees are up to 200 years old. This makes it possible to experience a day on the coast not only through views of the water, but also through the structure of the forest and individual natural features.

A Coastal Hike with History Along the Way

On the Saulkrasti–Lauči section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route, the first few kilometres to Zvejniekciems can be covered along the beach or on a path running through the dune forest. This coastal hiking section also includes an old wooden hut with fishing nets and tools. Zvejniekciems originated in the 19th century as a village inhabited by fishermen; part of Skulte’s Zvejniekciems was incorporated into the urban area of Saulkrasti in 1967. For your accommodation decision, this distinction between a nature-focused hike and a cultural and historical discovery can provide useful guidance.

Bicycles, Parks and Historic Sites

The Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum houses the only collection of antique bicycles in Latvia. Exhibits include an early high-wheel bicycle, a bicycle with early pneumatic tyres and a wooden bicycle. Saulkrasti also has a multifunctional cycling track featuring the educational BTA Velozinis adventure course and various wooden elements.

The history of the former resort town is also visible in its streetscape. Neibāde Park is laid out in the English style. With the founding of the Neibāde resort in 1823, concern for the recreation of guests began there. In 1877, Baron August von Pistolkors had a monument erected in the park to the founders of the Neibāde resort. The Saulkrasti-Pēterupe Lutheran Church also contains the altar painting “Christ on the Cross (Golgotha),” painted by Jozefs Millers in 1856.

Water, Activity and the Right Accommodation

The Seaside Park has playground equipment, outdoor exercise facilities, gym equipment and volleyball courts. At Centre Beach, SUP boards can be rented and jet ski rides taken on sunny, warm summer days without wind. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. Those who want to combine different ideas for each day should take their planned priorities and preferred daily structure into account when searching for a holiday apartment, without limiting themselves to just one type of excursion.

Saulkrasti is therefore a suitable destination for a range of interests: nature lovers can choose paths through dune forests and coastal landscapes, culture enthusiasts can discover bicycles, the park and the church, while active days on the water or cycling track can round out the trip. Accommodation in Saulkrasti can accordingly be chosen based on which of these aspects you want to define your journey.

For the broader travel overview: Saulkrastu Municipality.