A Day Spent at Ķemeri National Park
This year I’ve made a considerable effort to try new things. You know go places I wouldn’t usually go to like the Boglands in Lativa @enjoylativa ??
If you have been keeping up with my stories, you would have seen that last month I put on my @hunterboots and space shoes (check out my Instagram to see more) and went walking through a Bog in Latvia. Something I never expected to do but was glad to have the experience.
What is the Ķemeri National Park?
The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk is a popular tourist destination in Riga. It’s a park that has moss, small pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes, and the smell of wild rosemary. The bogland soil has inadequate nutrients, acid and in many places sodden. It means that most of the trees are not able to endure the harsh conditions.
There are, however, a few surviving species, like pine and birch. When I was walking through the bog, there were berries which I was told where edible. I can’t say I had any if I’m honest with you. I did enjoy the experience. It was something new, which I think is always great.
On arrival, I was asked to slip into some space shoes (picture below) to ensure I didn’t sink into the swamp! I was immensely thankful that I carried my wellies and thermal socks with me.
The National Park was my very first activity in Riga. I had initially changed my mind on actually going. I was so scared that I would sink into the swamp and would never be found again! Haha! I later decided that it was good to try something new! Hey, when was the last time you tried something new?
We walked through the swamp for approximately an hour. It was freezing and very wet! Despite the cold, I enjoyed the walk because it wasn’t something I usually do, and it made me think about experiencing more new activities in the world.
Lunch Time at Hercogs
The day finished at a lovely restaurant called Hercogs. We all enjoyed a three-course meal which was extremely lovely. The food was very much needed after walking through a swamp haha! The restaurant is located on a reformed gypsum factory which has been converted into two exclusive apartment complexes.
Getting there:
By coach: drive along Ventspils motorway (A10) as far as the sign “Ķemeru tīreļa Purva laipa” (Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk) – towards Ventspils about 200 m from the turning point to Ķemeri.
By public transport: follow the signs from Ķemeri rail station, first, cross the railway line and walk 1 km to Ventspils motorway as far as the cell-tower; we advise you to take the pathway running towards the right-hand side with the sign “uz Tīreļa laipu” (to the Tīreļi boardwalk).
Hiking along the boardwalk is free, and the boardwalk is open throughout the year.
The car parking fee is 2 EUR.
If you have ever considered going to Riga, I would definitely suggest visiting Kemeri National Park.
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed my photos. I will be writing more about what I did Riga next week. Be sure to subscribe to the blog and follow me on Twitter and Instagram for more footage of my travels.
