Latvia Adventures

Things to do in Salas Pagasts: A Waterside Retreat

Salas Pagasts

If you want to discover the best things to do in Salas Parish, this guide will help you. Salas Parish has many attractions that showcase nature and culture. From water sports on Babītes Lake to historic sites and cultural centers, there is something for everyone. Below are five ideas for how to enjoy your free time in Salas Pagasts.

Babīte Cultural Education Center Branch “Vietvalži”

  • Learn about the history of Sala and Babīte parishes

  • Explore a permanent interactive exhibition about Eduards Pāvuls

  • Visit the digital “Magic Mirror” exhibition

  • See the outdoor art “Guardians of Legends” and the “Onion” sculpture

  • Use event spaces and view temporary exhibitions

  • Join guided tours of the center and surrounding parishes

The Cultural Education Center “Vietvalži” is the heart of local culture and history, where you can explore the past of Sala and Babīte parishes and dive into the life of Eduards Pāvuls through a permanent interactive exhibition. Located in a quiet spot in the former parish board building, the center features the modern digital exhibition “Magic Mirror,” which is updated every year. Outside, you’ll find the “Guardians of Legends” exhibition with striking sculptures and the unique environmental art piece “Onion,” a symbol of the parish. Inside, two floors house a 100-seat hall with a stage, a permanent and rotating exhibition space, and rooms for various cultural events. “Vietvalži” also offers guided tours around the exhibitions and to other parishes in Pierīga, making it a vibrant hub for heritage and community life.

Varkali Port – Water Adventures in Salas Pagasts

  • Enjoy sailing lessons and rent water sports equipment

  • Go fishing or cruise on a retro wooden boat

  • Relax in the sauna and stay overnight

  • Host events at a scenic riverside location

  • Dock your boat for summer or store it in winter

Varkali Port is a lively meeting point for vacationers, anglers, water sports enthusiasts, and sailors. It was built on the historic site of the old Varkali ferry, which once connected locals to the resort town of Jūrmala. Today, visitors can enjoy sailing lessons, rent water sports equipment, go fishing, ride in retro wooden boats, or host events by the water. The port also offers saunas, overnight stays, summer docking for boats, and indoor boat storage during winter. With its wide range of services, Varkali Port blends tradition with modern recreation in a stunning riverside setting.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Island

  • Founded in 1658, current church built in 1870 by J.D. Felsko

  • Houses the painting “Christ on the Cross” by J.J. Dēring

  • The painting was stolen and later restored

  • Owns one of Latvia’s oldest Holy Communion chalices

Founded in 1658, the parish of St. John’s has deep historical roots. The current church, built in 1870 by the renowned architect J.D. Felsko, follows the signature layout seen in many of his other designs. Inside, the church holds the restored altarpiece “Christ on the Cross” painted by J.J. Dēring in 1872, which was stolen in 1979 but later recovered. Among its treasures is also one of the oldest and most beautifully crafted Holy Communion chalices in Latvia, making the church both a spiritual and cultural landmark in the parish.

Water Sports and Recreation Center “Stūris”

  • Try water skiing, windsurfing, sky skiing, and SUP boarding

  • Rent fishing boats or enjoy inflatable tubing

  • Organize events and enjoy trampoline, beach soccer, and volleyball

  • Activities for all ages—from kids to seniors

Situated between Riga and Jūrmala on the scenic Lielupe River, “Stūris” is one of the top water sports centers in Latvia. It offers a full range of activities including water skiing, windsurfing, sky skiing, SUP boarding, inflatable tubing, and fishing boat rentals. There are also options for event organization, trampoline jumping, beach soccer, and volleyball. Whether you’re an experienced athlete, a curious beginner, or just tagging along for the fun, “Stūris” offers something for everyone—from kids to seniors.

Babīte Lake: A Haven for Nature Lovers

  • 7th largest lake in Latvia with diverse fish species

  • Top 10 birdwatching destination in Latvia

  • 184 bird species recorded, 36 of which nest here

  • Key migration stop for meadow plovers, wagtails, curlews, and more

Lake Babīte is Latvia’s 7th largest lake and a paradise for anglers and birdwatchers alike. The lake supports a rich variety of fish species and is one of the top ten birdwatching destinations in the country. It serves as a crucial nesting, moulting, and resting site for migratory waterfowl, with 184 bird species recorded, including 36 that nest here. Notable protected species such as the meadow plover, field plover, wagtail, curlew, and marsh plover make Babīte Lake an essential stop for nature enthusiasts.

Salas Pagasts is full of hidden treasures waiting to be explored by nature and culture lovers. Salas Pagasts offers exciting water adventures, peaceful landscapes, and unique cultural experiences close to Riga and Jūrmala. Whether you’re seeking sports or relaxation, Salas Pagasts has something to offer every type of traveler. Try water sports, explore exhibitions, or enjoy a quiet lakeside walk with friends or family. Salas Pagasts is perfect for weekend getaways or short day trips full of memorable experiences. Come and discover why Salas Pagasts is a destination worth visiting again and again.