The sea and coastal zone, which stretches 494 kilometres along the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga, is an important part of the Latvian landscape. Sand dunes of up to 32 metres, sandy beaches, rivers and their estuaries, forests, marshes and lakes form a continuous ecosystem that has developed as a result of interaction of the land and sea.
| During the 50-year Soviet occupation most of the coast was a restricted area because it was considered a frontier zone. Commercial and recreational activity within this area was restricted. Today, this zone is still home to picturesque fishing villages that appear to have stepped out of a page in history. These villages were originally settled by the Livs, an ancient Finno-Ugric tribe that lived along the Baltic coast. |
The coastal zone, the Gulf of Riga |
Coastal fishing traditions are essential part of Latvian culture. A fishing expedition with local fisherman, including preparation of the catch, can be an unforgettable experience. The fragrance of smoked fish is the unmistakable calling card of a coastal fishing village.
The small harbors, which were neglected during the Soviet era, are once again coming to life and await yachtsmen. Sailing from harbor to harbor it is possible to traverse nearly half of Latvia.
Unique natural areas have survived in coastal lowlands, one of these being Pape Lake and its surrounding environment. It is a typical 1,200 ha coastal lake. Rare species of birds, such as the bearded tit, common and little bittern, the corncrake, the hen harrier, the little and spotted crake nest in the lake and its surroundings. The lake and the nearby Nida marsh are important stopovers for bean and white-fronted goose and curlews during migration. The lakeshore boasts one of the few bird-watching towers in Latvia. Millions of land dwelling birds and thousands of migratory bats travel through the strip of dry land between Lake Pape and the Baltic Sea every year.
Text: Valdis Pilats, The Gauja National Park
Photographers: A.Eglitis, J.Pigoznis, V.Pilats, J.Zalans
© The Latvian Institute, 1999-2000
This fact sheet can be freely printed from homepage of the Latvian Institute, distributed and cited, on condition that the Latvian Institute is acknowledged as the source. The Latvian Institute is a non-profit organisation (a State Corporation with limited liability) established to promote knowledge about Latvia abroad. It produces publications, in several languages, on many aspects of Latvia.
