Things to Do in Kemeri National Park, Latvija

Kemeri National Park, established in 1997, is one of Latvia's most pristine natural treasures, encompassing 381 square kilometers of diverse ecosystems in the Courland region. The park is renowned for its therapeutic sulfur springs, ancient bog landscapes, and the historic Kemeri Resort town that once attracted European nobility seeking healing waters. This unique destination combines natural wonder with cultural heritage, featuring the famous Great Kemeri Bog with its distinctive wooden boardwalk trail that winds through untouched wetlands. The park serves as a crucial habitat for over 900 plant species and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can explore mineral-rich springs that have been used for healing purposes since the 19th century, walk through pristine forests, and experience the otherworldly landscape of raised bogs that have remained unchanged for millennia. The park's crown jewel is the 3.4-kilometer Great Kemeri Bog boardwalk, which offers an accessible way to experience one of Europe's most intact bog ecosystems while learning about its unique flora and fauna.

Top Things to Do in Kemeri National Park

Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk Trail

Walk the famous 3.4-kilometer wooden boardwalk that winds through pristine bog landscape, offering spectacular views of this ancient ecosystem. The trail features observation towers and educational stops explaining the unique plant life, including carnivorous plants and rare orchids. This accessible trail provides an otherworldly experience as you traverse landscapes that have remained unchanged for thousands of years.

Booking Tip: Free access year-round, though spring through fall offers the best weather. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Wear waterproof shoes as the boardwalk can be slippery when wet.

Sulfur Springs Exploration

Discover the therapeutic sulfur springs that made Kemeri famous as a spa destination in the 19th century. These natural mineral springs create unique microenvironments and have been credited with healing properties for centuries. The springs are easily accessible via marked trails and offer insight into the geological forces that shaped this region.

Booking Tip: Free to visit independently. Best experienced during warmer months (May-September) when the mineral scents are most pronounced. Bring a camera as the springs create interesting geological formations and colors.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

Experience world-class birdwatching in one of Europe's most important wetland habitats, home to over 200 bird species including cranes, black storks, and various raptors. The park's diverse ecosystems support an incredible variety of wildlife, making it a premier destination for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Spring and fall migrations offer particularly spectacular viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Free activity, but consider renting binoculars in nearby towns (€10-15/day). Best times are early morning and late afternoon during migration seasons (April-May, August-September). Download bird identification apps beforehand.

Historic Kemeri Resort Town Tour

Explore the charming resort town that once hosted European royalty and nobility seeking the healing waters of the sulfur springs. The town features beautiful early 20th-century architecture, historic hotels, and spa buildings that tell the story of Latvia's golden age of wellness tourism. Walking through the town provides insight into the region's cultural heritage and its connection to natural healing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free. Consider staying overnight in one of the historic hotels (€40-80/night) to fully experience the town's atmosphere. Visit the local museum (€3-5 entry) for historical context.

Forest Trail Hiking

Trek through ancient pine and birch forests on well-maintained trails that showcase the park's diverse woodland ecosystems. These trails offer a more secluded experience compared to the popular bog boardwalk, leading through different habitats where you can spot deer, foxes, and various forest birds. The forest trails provide excellent opportunities for mushroom and berry picking in season.

Booking Tip: Free access to all trails. Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty. Best hiking conditions from May through October. Inform someone of your planned route and carry basic safety supplies.

Getting There

Kemeri National Park is located approximately 50 kilometers west of Riga and is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods. By car, take the A10 highway toward Jurmala and follow signs to Kemeri, with ample free parking available at the main trailheads. Public transportation is available via train from Riga Central Station to Kemeri station (about 1 hour, €2-4), followed by a short walk or local bus to the park entrances. Several tour companies in Riga offer day trips to the park, which can be convenient for first-time visitors wanting guided experiences.

Getting Around

The park is best explored on foot via its extensive network of well-maintained trails and boardwalks, with the main attractions accessible to visitors of varying fitness levels. Bicycles are permitted on designated paths and can be rented in nearby Jurmala or brought from Riga. The park's compact size makes it possible to see major highlights in a single day, though the terrain varies from flat boardwalks to more challenging forest trails. Free parking is available at multiple entry points, and detailed trail maps are provided at information centers throughout the park.

Where to Stay

Kemeri Resort Town

Jurmala Beach Resort Area

Riga City Center

Sloka Village

Tukums Town

Ragaciems Coastal Village

Food & Dining

Dining options within the park are limited to small cafes and seasonal kiosks, so many visitors pack picnic lunches to enjoy at designated areas along the trails. The nearby resort town of Kemeri offers several traditional Latvian restaurants serving hearty local cuisine, including fresh fish from the nearby Baltic Sea and forest specialties like mushroom dishes and game meats. For more diverse dining options, the resort city of Jurmala, just 20 minutes away, provides everything from upscale seafood restaurants to casual beachside cafes, while day-trippers from Riga often bring provisions or plan to dine back in the capital city's excellent restaurant scene.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Kemeri National Park is from late April through early October, when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities and wildlife is most active. Spring (April-May) offers spectacular bird migrations and blooming bog plants, while summer (June-August) provides the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, though it's also the busiest season. Fall (September-October) features beautiful autumn colors, active wildlife preparing for winter, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography and peaceful nature experiences. Winter visits are possible but require appropriate gear, as trails can be icy and some facilities may have limited hours.

Insider Tips

Visit the bog boardwalk early in the morning when mist often creates ethereal atmospheric conditions perfect for photography

Bring insect repellent during summer months as the wetland environment can have mosquitoes and other bugs, especially in the evening hours

Check the park's website or visitor center for seasonal wildlife activity reports, as timing your visit with bird migrations or specific flowering periods can greatly enhance your experience

Things to Do in Kemeri National Park