A walk along the wooden path above one of Latvia’s largest bogs offers silence, panoramic views, and the healing power of nature. Kemeri Bog Trail will surprise you more than you’d expect.
Kemeri National Park: A Wetland Wonder Near Jurmala
Latvia may lack mountains, but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. Its flat landscape is full of forests, lakes, meadows, and bogs—some of the most iconic natural features in this part of Europe. Our journey took us to Kemeri National Park, the third largest in the country, just a few kilometers from the popular spa town of Jurmala.
Jurmala – Where Summer Relaxation Begins
Jurmala (literally meaning “seaside”) is the largest resort town in Latvia. It stretches along a 30-kilometer sandy beach on the Gulf of Riga, about 25 km from the capital. The town is composed of several districts—we stayed in Bulduri.
By Train to the Bog – And Morning is Key
From Jurmala, we took a train to the small village of Kemeri—trains run roughly every two hours from Riga, and our journey from Bulduri took about 35 minutes. We left around 8 a.m.—and that was a wise decision. Early morning meant empty trails and a rare, calm silence we still had time to enjoy.
Upon getting off the train, an info board with a QR code directed us through a roughly four-kilometer forest path to the start of the legendary Kemeri Bog Trail.
Forest, Mosquitoes, and… a Hasty Escape
Yes, the forest was beautiful. But to be honest—hordes of mosquitoes quickly killed the romantic vibe. They followed us from the first step, and only the thought of soon reaching the boardwalk kept us going. The trail begins near a small parking area with an information center and toilets.
When we arrived, the info center was still closed, so we headed straight for the start of the boardwalk. And as if on cue—once we stepped onto the wooden trail over the bog, the mosquitoes magically disappeared.
The Boardwalk and a Lookout Tower as a Reward
After about 500 meters, we reached a fork. You can choose between two routes—a shorter one (1.5 km) and a longer one (3.5 km). Naturally, we picked the longer one. The route leads over the wooden trail through a raised bog—elevated above the surrounding terrain, with healing sulfuric mineral water flowing beneath it.
The trail’s highlight is a wooden observation tower that offers panoramic views of the entire bog, its ponds, and untouched nature. It’s a view that stays with you. On the way back, benches line the path, offering a peaceful break.
How to Get Back When You’re Wiped Out?
The trail forms a loop, returning you to the parking area. The idea of trekking 3.5 km through mosquito-infested forest again was… unpleasant. Bolt? No signal. Hitchhiking? No traffic. Fortunately, the info center had just opened—and there was a note on the window: “Transfer” with a number.
We called. A local guy from Kemeri arrived within 10 minutes in a Toyota and drove all five of us back to the village for €20. Had he asked for €50, we would’ve paid. We nicknamed the walk back through the forest “The Trail of Suffering”—once was enough.
So, What Exactly Is Kemeri Bog?
- Kemeri Bog is a raised bog, typical of Latvia’s coastal areas.
- It is part of Kemeri National Park, established in 1997, protecting vast wetlands, mineral springs, and forest habitats.
- The bogs formed over 8,000 years ago and are significant carbon sinks.
- Its mineral springs have been used since the 19th century for therapeutic treatments in Jurmala’s spa houses.
Practical Tips for Kemeri Bog Trail
- Don’t forget mosquito repellent—seriously, you’ll need it.
- Bring suitable footwear—the access trail goes through forest. But hiketrail is easy.
- Morning is best—fewer people, cooler air, more peace.
Kemeri Bog Trail
Despite the mosquitoes, we left with the feeling that we’d experienced something rare. Peat lakes, a wooden boardwalk above a surreal landscape, and a silence that heals. Kemeri isn’t a mass attraction, but it’s a truly special place. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional sightseeing, this is a destination worth exploring.
