Where the two seas meet – Cape Kolka and nature tourism – North Kurzeme

The journey will begin in the historic fishing village of Engure with a visit to the unique concept store “Maize & Māksla”, where three businesses come together under one roof – a bakery, a shop featuring local crafts, and a small brewery. Here we will enjoy freshly baked pastries accompanied by good coffee or herbal tea.

Next, we will travel to the coastal village of Roja to visit the small tourism company “Spura”, which rents SUP boards and organises exciting paddleboard adventures at sea and on rivers. The welcoming hosts describe their mission as bringing joy and colour into their guests’ everyday lives and celebrations.

Cape Kolka is the most pronounced headland along Latvia’s coastline. Located within Slītere National Park, it is the meeting point of two “seas” – the open Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga – where crossing waves can be observed, especially when looking towards the lighthouse, built on an artificial island offshore. During bird migration seasons, tens of thousands of birds pass over Cape Kolka, making it an important site for birdwatchers. Together with a guide, we will take an engaging walk along the beach to the very tip of Cape Kolka.

Lunch will be enjoyed at the Cape Kolka summer café “Divjūriņas”.

In the afternoon, we will continue to the enterprise “Daba Laba”.

On the way, we will stop at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene, a former Soviet military town now home to the Engineering Research Centre of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The site still operates the fully steerable 32-metre parabolic antenna RT-32, the largest in Northern Europe and the eighth largest in the world, used for scientific research.

The enterprise “Daba Laba” is located in the least densely populated parish in Latvia, surrounded by vast forests with a high density of wildlife, clean rivers and beautiful forest lakes. The hosts are proud to share this unique natural environment with visitors.

Almost every fifth Latvian has visited Reinis Pižiks in Ance. No, he is neither a doctor nor an astrologer – he is simply Reinis, a personality known across Latvia. Reinis will guide guests through an unforgettable day filled with local charm, stunning nature and plenty of laughter.

You will hear the host’s vivid and humorous stories about the enterprise, its activities and life in Ance. Together with Reinis, participants will enjoy an unforgettable safari ride and the opportunity to try archery. Nowhere else will you find such a blend of humour, fun, knowledge and respect for the laws of nature.

The day concludes with an adventurous dinner at the “Mežā” (In the Forest) restaurant, where the hosts prepare delicious meals from local products over an open fire. Here, you will truly feel the presence of nature and the warmth of the hosts’ hospitality. During dinner, a musical performance awaits guests at the restaurant.

We highly recommend experiencing the remarkable atmosphere of this place first-hand – it is an adventure that stays with you for a long time. The Mežā restaurant, established in 2018, has become a cherished destination for both gourmets and nature lovers alike.