Lake Liepāja and the surrounding meadows are part of the "Lake Liepāja" nature reserve, and it is a Natura 2000 protected area of European significance for its importance as a nesting and migration stop for waterfowl. The lake hosts 27 nesting, 10 wintering, and 50 protected bird species that feed here during migration. Lake Liepāja is listed as an Important Bird Area in Europe (IBA).

Horse Island features a walking trail with wooden boardwalks, two viewing platforms over the lake, and a birdwatching tower. The trail is enhanced with plantings, outdoor gym equipment, and designated rest areas. The birdwatching tower is located on an embankment that was originally constructed using steelmaking waste, known as slag.

Horse Island is also home to the Nature House, an environmental and nature education centre where visitors can learn about environmental science - biology, ecology, zoology, and other nature-related fields. Two skating tracks have been created for recreational activities.

Birds observed here

In total, more than 100 bird species have been observed on Lake Liepāja. The most common include mute and whooper swans, various species of duck, herons, cormorants and birds of prey such as ospreys, goshawks and sparrowhawks.

In Lake Liepāja, you can also observe specially protected species such as white-tailed eagle, black tern, Montagu's harrier, ruff, little crake and others.

• Parking lot 56.516741, 21.031974
• Birdwatching tower on the Horse Island embankment 56.512006, 21.045310

Nature guides

• Arturs Bilerts Ph. +371 25910287
• Ritvars Rekmanis Ph. +371 28256131