Most visitors see Riga as an old town and a set of church spires. This walk shows the other side of it: about ten kilometres of coastline, pine forest and open Baltic shore, ending at the Daugavgriva Lighthouse where the river meets the sea.

The route

Roughly ten kilometres with sea and forest views for most of it. On the way to the lighthouse we pass old bunkers left behind from Soviet times, sitting in the dunes where they were abandoned. It is a strange, quiet stretch of coast, and it is within reach of the city.

Practical details

• Distance: around 10 km
• Format: one-day guided walk
• Where: the Riga coastline, finishing at Daugavgriva Lighthouse
• Price: from EUR 45 per person
• Guided by: Edgar Pless
• Terrain: coastal paths, forest tracks and sand

How to book

This hike is arranged directly. Write to [email protected] with your dates and group size, and I will confirm times and where to meet.

Questions people ask

Can I do this without leaving Riga?

Yes. This is the closest of the three walks to the city, which makes it the easiest to fit into a short trip.

What are the bunkers?

Coastal fortifications from the Soviet period, left where they stood. They are part of what makes this coastline feel different from a normal beach walk.

Is ten kilometres a lot?

It is a comfortable day for most people. The ground is flat throughout, though walking on sand is more tiring than it looks.

Weighing this up against the other two walks? Compare all three side by side.