Baltic Coastal Hiking trail - Nature delight
Section 71. Šilutė – Ventė.
Through Nemunas Delta Regional Park
Along Klaipėdos Street and Aukštumalės Street, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leaves the town of Šilutė in the direction of Kintai (Road No. 4217), briefly following the top of the polder dike (offering a good view of the Nemunas Delta lowland which floods in springtime), it then snakes along a rural road and returns back on to Aukštmalės Street (Road No. 4217). After less than 6 km, at the intersection in the Village of Rūgailiai the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route loops leftward towards Minija, and after 1.5 km it bears right, returning back on to the Šilutė–Kintai road. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route crosses the Minija River and the Kintai Carp Lakes over a high and long bridge. From here, you will have one of the most spectacular views of the Lithuanian coastline with an expansive panorama of lowlands and waters. Before reaching the Village of Povilai, the trail turns left, leading through agricultural land for about 5 km where birds can be observed during migration season. Then the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route turns on to a beachside road (Marių Street, Road No. 2201) which leads to the Ventė Cape 5 km away. This scenic section of the route offers expansive views of the Curonian Spit across the Curonian Lagoon (the width of the gulf here is 8–9 km). Hikers can also enjoy the former fishing villages with their colourful, decorated buildings. This section of the trail is part of the Nemunas Delta Regional Park.
Section 69. Rusnė Island.
Rusnė Island — excellent location for wildlife observation
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route starts in the village of Rusnė on Rusnė Island. The trail leads through Neringos Street and K. Jukštaičio Street out into Rusnė Village beachside walkway extending along the Pakalnė River — one of the biggest distributaries of the Nemunas Delta. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route further leads through the small port of Rusnė snaking through the polder dikes of Rusnė over to the village of Pakalnė, providing wonderful views along the way of the colourful architecture of the island and the willow trees overhanging the Pakalnė waters. After the Village of Pakalnė, up until Uostadvaris Lighthouse, the route mostly follows the Rusnė polder dikes, which enclose and interweave the low island (there is a spot on the island that is below sea level) to protect it from flooding. From the lighthouse to the village of Rusnė, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route goes along the side of a paved road (except in the village of Uostadvaris, where the trail follows the polder dike on the bank of the Atmata River). In the village of Rusnė, the trail follows Kuršmarių Street and Taikos Street back to its starting point. Rusnė Island is located inside the Nemunas Delta Regional Park. The polder dikes are excellent for observing wildlife in the low flatlands — roe deer, elk and birds during spring and autumn migration can be seen here.
Section 66. Juodkrantė – Klaipėda.
Klaipėda — Lithuania’s gate to the sea
Having left the Juodkrantė beachside walkway, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route crosses the Curonian Spit in a southeast–northwest direction leading along single-track forest trails that wind through the steep, pine-covered dunes until it eventually comes back out onto the coast of the Baltic Sea. For the next 9 km, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route follows the coastline along sandy beaches. The steep foredune on the eastern side protects the inland from the moving sand. After Alksnynė village (not seen from the beach), the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route turns eastward, crossing a hillock covered in Pinus mugo pines and a World War II German army base, eventually approaching the coast of the Curonian Lagoon. Then the trail winds across the ridges of pine-covered dunes, providing regular views of Klaipėda Port. The route between the New and Old Ferry Port first follows a single-track path, and later a beachside walkway. Having crossed the Curonian Lagoon from the Old Ferry Port, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route arrives in the center of Klaipėda where it follows Danės Street to the Birža Bridge. The section until Smiltynė leads through the Curonian Spit National Park.
Section 65. Pervalka – Juodkrantė.
Along the most majestic sand dunes in Northern Europe
Having departed Pervalka, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route follows a pedestrian path to cross the Curonian Spit in an east–western direction, arriving at the coast of the Baltic Sea. The next section of 13 km leads along a beautiful, sandy beach protected by high and steep sand dunes on the east. It is called the protective dune ridge and it has been man-made in order to protect the inland from the movement of sand. Entering Juodkrantė, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route turns eastward and crosses the Curonian Spit once again over wooded and steep dunes, to reach the Curonian Lagoon coast. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route briefly coincides with the Hill of Witches trail. It then follows the Juodkrantė beachside walkway to the port. This section leads through the Curonian Spit National Park.
Kuršu kāpu posms, kurā var iepazīt gan klajas, smilšainas kāpas un to veidojumus Nagļu rezervāta dabas takā, gan jau apmežotas kāpas un to vaļņus Raganu kalnā. Jūraskraukļu un zivju gārņu kolonija - piemērota putnu vērošanas vieta. Jūras krastā var atrast dzintaru. Posms ietilpst Kuršu kāpu Nacionālajā parkā.
Section 46. Haeska - Puise.
Observing Birds and Nature in Matsalu National Park
One of the most beautiful sections of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Matsalu National Park, which leads through the agricultural lands and coastal meadows located near Matsalu Bay, where thousands of migrating cranes and geese gather in autumn. There are excellent birdwatching sites with towers near Haeska village (coastal meadows, shallow coves, small islets, cattle pastures) and at Cape Puise (coastal meadows with pastures, shoals). The most panoramic views of the sea and strings of islands can be seen in the surroundings of Põgari-Sassi and Puise nina.
Section 44. Meelva - Penijõe.
Following the Trail of the Livonian Chronicle of Henry
For this day, the start and end point for the current section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route are located in Matsalu National Park, but the major part of it lies outside the park’s territory. Travellers will have their attention captured by the small villages and country roads with beautiful individual farmsteads and rural landscapes with cows and sheep grazing in the grass, as well as Lihula, the first see of the Bishopric of Saare-Lääne (Ösel–Wiek), which is indirectly mentioned in the Livonian Chronicle of Henry in relation to the events of 1211 when Abbot Theoderich of the Daugavgrīva (near Riga) monastery was ordained as the first Bishop of Estonia.
Section 43. Kuke - Meelva.
Along the Islands of the Baltic Ice Lake
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route goes along small country roads where individual farmsteads and cultivated fields appear in sight. When approaching Matsalu Bay, you will see wetlands: overgrown lakes that have once separated from the sea as bays and coastal meadows ruined by grazing cattle. Near Mõisaküla (the beginning of Matsalu National Park) and Salevere villages, distinct hillocks appear that used to be islands in the Baltic Ice Lake more than 10 000 years ago.
Section 42. Virtsu - Kuke.
Through Orchid and Juniper Fields
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route snakes through Virtsu village after which it goes along a motorway for 3 km and then it takes a 90 degree turn towards the northwest, meandering through a wind farm and a former Soviet military airfield, in the surroundings of which orchids bloom beautifully during the summertime. Next, you will see the Suur Väin Strait and beautiful juniper fields. Before reaching the Jõeoja Brook, for ~ 1 km the road goes along the upper part of the ancient seacoast.
Section 41. Pivarootsi - Virtsu.
The Gate to the Estonian Islands
In this section, an ~ 3,7 km stretch of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route goes along the former Virtsu-Rapla narrow-gauge railway. The most fascinating place in this section is the Puhtulaiu Peninsula: it is an island that has nowadays merged with the continent. It is covered by a broad-leaved forest with interesting plant and mushroom species, giant trees and memorial sites in honour of important people. Ferries go from the Port of Virtsu to Muhu Island which is connected to Saaremaa Island via a dam.
Šī Jūrtakas posma interesantākā vieta ir Puhtulaiu pussala (dabas liegums) – sala, kas mūsdienās savienojusies ar kontinentu. To klāj platlapju mežs ar interesantām augu un sēņu sugām, dižkokiem un nozīmīgu cilvēku piemiņas vietām, dabas taku, putnu vērošanas torni u.c. Interesants ir arī bijušais šarusliežu dzelzceļa dambis, kas šķērso seklu līci - piemērotu puntu vērošanas vietu.
Section 40. Varbla - Pivarootsi.
Coastal Manors
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route goes along coastal roads, yet the sea is only visible in two places as its shore is dappled with shallow coves, small islets, damp coastal meadows, reeds, lagoons, bogs and lakes that have separated from the sea. In the surroundings of Varbla-Allika, you will see farmland scenery, while the Allika-Tamba section mostly goes through beautiful forests. After bypassing the Paatsalu and Illuste Manors, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route continues on a road crossing wetlands in Nehatu Nature reserve and near Muriste village it meanders along a road, on the side of which there is an impressive rock fence. Before reaching Pivarootsi Manor, vast pastures and a view of the bay appear in sight.
Section 39. Matsi - Varbla.
Beaches and Forests
Matsi beach is one of the rare sandy beaches in the subsequent section of the trail leading to Haapsalu. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route takes you on a small stroll through Kulli village and for the next 5 km leads you along small trails surrounded by wide forests and dunes. In autumn, their surroundings are rich in berries and mushrooms. After bypassing Uue-Varbla Manor, the trail reaches Varbla village.
Section 36. Liu - Munalaid.
Bays, islands and birds
The itinerary is suitable for birdwatching. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route takes roads and trails because coastal meadows, reeds, shallow and overgrown coves cover the seashore. After passing Liu Port, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route changes its direction several times as the coastline is rugged and difficult to access, so the itinerary must be adapted. The best sightseeing and birdwatching areas are located near Kavaru village, in the surroundings of the Port of Peerni and near Munalaid Harbour where you can see panoramic views of Pärnu Bay and Kihnu Strait with their islands (Sorgu saar, Manilaid, Kihnu) and coastal meadows with cattle grazing there.
Maršruts piemērots putnu vērošanai. No Jūrtakas redzamas piejūras pļavas, niedrāji, sekli un aizauguši līči. Labākās skatu un putnu vērošanas vietas ir pie Kavaru ciema, Peerni ostas apkaimē un pie Munalaid ostas, kur redzami plašie Pērnavas līča un Kihnu jūras šauruma skati ar salām, kā arī piejūras pļavām, kurās ganās mājlopi.
Section 33. Häädemeeste - Uulu.
Through Forests and Bogs
This section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route is suitable to hardy hikers who like to travel across uninhabited places. The itinerary leads you through Luitemaa Nature reserve with beautiful conifer forests and inland dunes covered with white carpets of reindeer lichen. In the summer and autumn, you will find suitable places for observing birds and animals, as well as picking mushrooms and berries. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route winds along the west edge of Maarjapeakse Bog and after running through a mosaic of forests and clearings it leads you to Lepaküla and Uulu villages.
Section 32. Kabli - Häädemeeste.
Birds, Dunes and Forests
This itinerary is particularly recommended for birdwatchers. To cover the section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route connecting Kabli and the South of Häädemeeste, you will have to take the old Pärnu–Riga road because reedy meadows and lagoons stretch across the seashore. Before reaching Häädemeeste, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route branches off from the road and meanders through Jaagupi Nature reserve (going around the east side of the village) running up the backs of high dunes and scooting down to the deep troughs between the dunes covered with a sparse pine forest. Here you will find good places for picking berries and mushrooms.
Section 31. Ikla - Kabli.
Along the Paths of the Historic Resort
Ikla is the start of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Estonia. In the section connecting Ikla and Treimani, the route leads you along the old Pärnu–Riga road as meadows and reeds stretch across the seashore. After passing Treimani, the trail turns towards the sea and the next 2,8 km are covered across a narrow, sandy or rocky and occasionally thickly overgrown beach. After bypassing the Orajõe Brook, next to the parking lot the trail returns to the beach followed by a hike of ~ 4 km to Hotel Lepanina. There you will have to return to the old Pärnu–Riga road leading you to Kabli. Several good birdwatching sites are located on the itinerary. The coastal area up to Pärnu is a popular relaxation and swimming area.
Section 30. Svētciems - Ainaži.
The Lamprey Kingdom
The beach between Svētciems village and Salacgrīva is thickly overgrown, so the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route continues on a forest trail meandering among the dunes. To get from Salacgrīva to Kuiviži, you can take the sandy beach or forest trails. From Kuiviži to the Vēverupe River, you have to bypass the Randu Meadows via a forest road located on the east side of the A1 road. After passing the Vēverupe River, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route returns to a thickly overgrown beach and then leaves it next to the estuary of the Blusupīte River to reach Ainaži Pier by going along Kāpu and Valdemāra iela. You have covered ~ 580 km in Latvia and reached the state border.
G.k. ar bagātīgu veģetāciju aizaudzis krasta posms, tādēļ Jūrtaka ved pa maziem meža ceļiem, tikai vietām izlocīdamās jūras krastā. Starp Kuiviežiem un Ainažiem atrodas t.sk. Randu pļavas (dabas liegums), kas ir dabas daudzveidības (augi, putni) ziņā viens no bagātākajiem Latvijas piekrastē. Piemērota vieta putnu vērošanai, izveidota dabas taka un putnu vērošanas tornis. Starp Svētciemu un Salacgrīvu - laba vieta ogošanai un sēņošanai. Uz Svētupes uzbūvēts nēģu tacis. Jūrtakas posms ietilpst Ziemeļvidzemes biosfēras rezervātā.
Section 29. Tūja - Svētciems.
The Rocky Beach of Vidzeme
One of the most beautiful sections of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route, which begins by crossing the Zaķupīte River. Up to the Ķurmrags Lighthouse, there are mostly sandy beaches with small sections of stones. Further on, the Rocky Seashore of Vidzeme starts: capes alternate with small coves, while 4 m high sandstone outcrops emerge on the coast. Sandy beaches continue to prevail after passing Cape Meleki, while before the mouth of the Svētupe River the beach is thickly overgrown and reedy, so it must be bypassed via a forest trail.
Akmeņainās Vidzemes jūrmalas posms, kas ietver ļoti daudzveidīgu jūras krastu ar maziem zemesragiem, līcīšiem, akmeņainu pludmali un devona perioda atsegumiem - jūras erozijas darbības rezultātu. Ietilpst dabas liegumā "Vidzemes akmeņainā jūrmala". Piemērota vieta dabas vērošanai, sēņošanai, ogošanai, fotografēšanai un filmēšanai, īpaši - vētru laikā. Pie Svētupes ietekas - sākās ar bagātīgu veģetāciju aizaudzis krasts. Piemērota putnu vērošanas vieta. Jūrtakas posms ietilpst Ziemeļvidzemes biosfēras rezervātā.
Section 28. Lauči - Tūja.
The Bygone Times Of Sailing Ships
This section of the seacoast of Vidzeme is of outstanding scenic beauty with a lot of rocky capes and boulders in the sea alternating with small, sandy coves where the small streams and rivulets, which dry out in summer, flow into. Occasionally, the beach is completely covered with the gray backs of stones. In some places, small patches of reeds appear, while near Tūja you will see the first sandstone outcrops.
Section 26. Carnikava - Saulkrasti.
The Sunset Trail With Romantic Sunset Vistas
Initially, the itinerary leads you through the Gauja River levees in Gauja village reaching the estuary of the Gauja River, which is a good place for bird watching. The hike continues along a sandy beach up to the estuary of the Inčupe River, before which you have to turn inland to get to a bridge and to cover the next couple of kilometers across the wooded dune tops of the Sunset Trail with a view of the beach. After crossing the Pēterupe River (cable bridge), the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route continues along the beach and reaches the Sea Park in Saulkrasti.
Section 19. Mērsrags - Engure.
In the Engure Nature Park
A forest trail surrounded by pine trees leads you from the center of the village to the beach. Next, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route meanders between a rocky seacoast richly overgrown with reeds and other grasses on one side and wooded seaside dunes on the other side. In some places, the beach is paved with small round stones, in other places you can see grey dunes with a rich variety of plants. Near Bērzciems village, there are large coastal meadows with shoals appearing far away in the sea that are suited for birdwatching. Overgrown seacoast continues up to Abragciems village, while from Abragciems to Engure there is a beach.
Section 18. Kaltene - Mērsrags.
The Multifarious Coast
A truly multifaceted section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in terms of nature, cultural history and scenery. Near Kaltene village, the seashore is speckled with small coves with rocky beaches followed by a thickly overgrown coast where a narrow trail winds its way through reeds and lush vegetation. Further on, the seacoast covered in stones is only a couple of meters wide, in some places it has layers of clay, fields of reeds, in other places, it is carpeted with the algae washed ashore. Sandy beaches with shoals in the sea reappear between Valgalciems village and Mērsrags village. After passing Mērsrags village, the itinerary continues on a road, but when you reach the Lutheran church it turns towards the sea and goes through the coastal meadows as far as the center of Mērsrags village.
Latvijas piekrastei samērā neraksturīgs posms. Kaltenes apkaimē dominē akmeņainas un ar veģetāciju bagātīgi aizaugušas krastmalas. Virzienā uz Mērsragu pamazām parādās smilšainas pludmales, bet ap Mērsragu - smilšaini - akmeņainas. Posms piemērots augu un putnu vērošanai, dažādu piekrastes biotopu iepazīšanai.
Section 17. Ģipka - Kaltene.
The Rocky Beach of Kurzeme
A sandy beach that is not too wide and has beautiful dunes and coastal pine forests stretches from Ģipka to Roja, but before reaching Roja it is overgrown with reeds. Conversely, the section between Roja and the Kaltene Church is one of the most extraordinary parts of the seashore of Latvia, where the coast is notched by small capes and coves with a very narrow beach. All over the coast, there are piles of boulders of different sizes with the green foliage of black alders hanging over them. In some places, the large gnarled root systems of the trees washed ashore rise before your eyes. In some places, an unpaved road goes right along the coast and a lot of former fishermen homesteads are aligned next to it.
Dabas daudzveidības ziņā - Jūrtakas posms ar atšķirīgiem dabas apstākļiem. Starp Ģipku un Roju ir g.k. smilšainas pludmales ar kāpu biotopiem, bet aiz Rojas sākas akmeņiem klāti krasta posmi, kas izroboti ar daudziem zemesragiem, pār kuriem līkst melnalkšņu audzes. Piemērota vieta augu, kukaiņu, putnu izziņai un vērošanai.
Section 16. Kolka - Ģipka.
Along The “Closed Coast”
At Cape Kolka, when turning towards the Gulf, you can clearly see the difference between the “Great Sea” and the “Little Sea”. The first 10 km of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route lead through the coastal area of the Slītere National Park: first, past pine trees that are washed into the sea, past the building of a former fishing kolkhoz, a ship berth and Ēvaži Bluff which is surrounded by an unusually narrow sandy beach with overhanging black alders. The next section of the trail leading to Ģipka also has a narrow sandy beach with pools created by the rich springfens and the mouths of small streams that are shallow in summer. During Soviet times, the seacoast of the Slītere National Park was a closed territory for two reasons: it was a frontier zone and a nature reserve.
Section 15. Saunags village – Kolka.
The Heart Of Europe: Cape Kolka
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route winds through small country and forest roads from Saunags village to Vaide village where it returns to the seacoast again. Wide sandy beaches stretch up to Cape Kolka turning into low sparse foredunes; wooded seaside dunes continue behind them. For around 2 km, there are washed away dunes followed by the Dumbrkalni Hills. Cape Kolka, the point where the Great Sea meets the Little Sea, is one of the most popular bird-watching sites on the Baltic seacoast.
Section 13. Miķeļtornis village – Sīkrags village.
Destination – Slītere National Park
Starting from Miķeļtornis up to the turn towards the cable bridge over the Irbe River, a wide beach with low, sparse foredunes lays before your eyes. For ~ 4,5 km, the itinerary goes around the estuary of the Irbe River where a seasonal closure is in force in order to protect nesting birds and where it is forbidden to enter from 01.04. to 1.08. By taking a detour, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route passes through a beautiful pine forest with high dunes the slopes of which are rich with mushrooms and berries. After passing the estuary of the Irbe River and as far as Sīkrags village, you will find a stretch of wide sandy beach and ~ 1 km before reaching Sīkrags you will see the Ķikans brook crossing the beach and marking the border of the Slītere National Park. Also in the territory of Ķikana estuary from 1.04. until 1.08. ~ 600 m long beach and dune section is closed to visitors. During this period, people can cross it along the very shore of the sea without undue delay and keep the dog on a short leash.
Section 12. Oviši village - Miķeļtornis village.
Between Oviši Lighthouse and Miķeļbāka Lighthouse
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads through the Oviši Nature reserve where the typical coastal scenery is formed by wide sandy beaches and dunes. Here, the materials naturally found on the beach, the pebbles and sand, create big natural mosaics. In Lūžņa village, military objects from different periods are of interest to visitors, yet near the estuary of the Lūžupe River the seasonal closure must be observed in order to protect the nesting birds: it is prohibited to go there from 01.04. to 15.07. You must go around this place by following the indications marked in the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route. The destination of the itinerary, the Miķeļbāka Lighthouse, can be seen from afar.
Section 11. Staldzene - Oviši.
Destination – Cape Oviši
When climbing down to the beach of Staldzene, you can already see a bluff that is a couple of meters high and occasionally barren and that gradually becomes higher and higher (the peak point is Kokkalns, at 29 m). 3-4 km to the SE of Staldzene, a narrow section of beach with a bluff has formed, bathed by the waves during strong winds. After passing Liepene, the washed away coastline is slowly becoming lower and beyond Jaunupe, all the way to Cape Oviši, wide beaches have formed with the widest area situated at the tip of Cape Oviši.
Section 8. Sārnate - Užava.
The Most Beautiful Scenery Of The Latvian Seacoast
Near Sārnate, you can still see the bluffs of the Baltic Sea, which slowly become lower towards the North and is replaced by a washed away dam of foredunes. Between Vendzavas village and the Užava Lighthouse, you can see coastal sceneries that are quite unusual for Latvia and that remind one of sandy and rocky deserts with sparse vegetation: it used to be a firing ground for the Soviet army. In this place and in the territories of former firing grounds located beyond the Užava Lighthouse, there are now grey foredunes. Getting closer to the estuary of the Užava River, the beach becomes wider and the dunes – lower. The most beautiful scenery of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route can be seen from the top of the romantic Užava Lighthouse.
Vientuļš piekrastes posms ar izciliem pelēko kāpu un cietiem piekrastes biotopiem dabas lieguma "Užava" teritorijā un citur. No Užavas bākas paveras viens no skaistākajiem Dižjūras skatiem. Vēl joprojām jūras krastā vietām ir stāvkrasti. Piemērota vieta augu, kukaiņu un citu dabas elementu fotografēšanai.
Section 7. Jūrkalne - Sārnate.
The Place Where People Crossed The Baltic Sea In Boats
The astounding bluffs of the Baltic Sea continue in this section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route. Near Ošvalki village, it descends turning into a steeper foredune covered in thick osier wreaths, while opposite to Sārnate village distinct bluffs reappear. Here in this comparatively short walking section you can see several impressive sceneries.
Section 6. Pāvilosta - Jūrkalne.
The Most Outstanding Bluffs Around The Baltic Sea
To the northeast of Pāvilosta, there are excellent views of the grey dunes, while only a couple of kilometers further you can see the beginning of one of the most beautiful sections the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route with outstanding bluffs continuing for more than 20 km. The most interesting bluff scenery is located near Strante and Ulmale villages and the estuary of the Rīva River. In many places, orchids bloom on the lower part of coastal landslides in summer. In Jūrkalne and in its surroundings, you can see “two sunsets”: the first one from the beach and the second one from the top of the bluff a couple of moments later.
Section 5. Ziemupe - Pāvilosta.
The Singing Sand and Amber
This beach is rarely visited by people and you can gather pieces of amber and little stones with fossils and hear the singing sand beneath your feet. Near Ziemupe, beautiful bluffs appear, but further on near Akmensrags and Pāvilosta there are beautiful, occasionally washed off foredunes overgrown with sand ryegrass and marram grass. In some places, you can see grey dunes. The Akmeņrags Lighthouse will serve as a good place to rest. Pāvilosta, with its provincial charm and the scent of the harbor and smoked fish will bring you back from wilderness to civilization.
Skaistie Ziemupes stāvkrasti, tukšā pludmale ar Akmeņraga bāku ir viens no vientulīgākajiem Latvijas piekrastē. Iepazīstami kāpu biotopi ar tiem raksturīgajiem augiem, kukaiņiem. Akmeņrags - piemērota putnu vērošanas vieta. Daļa no teritorijas ietilpst Ziemupes dabas lieguma teritorijā. Liedagā var atrast izskalotu dzintaru un fosilijas.
Section 2. Pape - Bernāti.
The Westernmost point in Latvia
Throughout this section, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route stretches alongside a beach. In the surroundings of Pape, the coastal side of the beach is surrounded by beautiful foredunes, while further away from the village it transforms into a washed away shore of nearly 10 km with broken pine trees lying across it. Gently sloping dunes reappear near Jūrmalciems. After passing Jūrmalciems, the wide silted beaches continue, but when coming closer to Cape Bernāti, an astounding bluff rises before your eyes which is overgrown with a pine forest and occasionally washed away.
Jūrtaka arī šajā posmā iet pa dabas parka "Pape" un dabas parka "Bernāti" piekrasti, kur paralēli jūras krastam stiepjas un paceļas iespaidīgas, mežiem klātas kāpas, t.sk. - vienas no augstākajām Latvijas piekrastē. Savukārt, jūras krastā vairāk kā 10 km garumā redzami noskaloti stāvkrasti - jūras erozijas darbības rezultāts. Iepazīstami arī citi nozīmīgi kāpu biotopi, liela dabas - augu, kukaiņu un putnu daudzveidība. Bernāti - tālākais Latvijas rietumu punkts.
Section 1. Nida - Pape.
The Pebbliest Beach In Latvia
The Latvian-Lithuanian border post is the starting point of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Latvia. It goes through the Pape Nature Park crossing a wide beach bathed by the Great Sea along beautiful foredunes overgrown with sand ryegrass and marram grass. This stretch is characterized by a pebbly beach, small peat outcrops and untouched wilderness. By taking a stroll near the Pape Canal you can see a typical landscape of the Piejūra lowlands with Lake Pape hidden in the reeds. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route winds through Pape village and returns to the beach at the Pape Lighthouse.