Kemeri National Park
Kemeri National Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
239 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
51
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9
Poor
4
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3
Sherry R
Phoenix, AZ89 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
The information kiosk in the parking lot near the trailhead is manned by a person who does not speak any English and has no English information.
More importantly, if you take the train to the Kemeri station, you will find that the station is unmanned. And, there is no information. You are faced with the choice of walking 4 km to the bog trail or 2.2 in the opposite direction to an information center. I was told by the Riga TI that I could rent a bicycle next to the train station. Not true. No bicycles are available unless prearranged.
I walked to the bog trail where you have a choice of two loop trails. I took the shorter one which is 1.5 km. From the train station to the bog trail around and back to the train station was almost 6 miles exactly.
The trails are on a boardwalk. Many of the boards are rotten so you have to continually look at your feet rather than the scenery. One sign in English said that a two-story house could sink into the box with no visible signs afterwards.
TAKE INSECT REPELLENT.
More importantly, if you take the train to the Kemeri station, you will find that the station is unmanned. And, there is no information. You are faced with the choice of walking 4 km to the bog trail or 2.2 in the opposite direction to an information center. I was told by the Riga TI that I could rent a bicycle next to the train station. Not true. No bicycles are available unless prearranged.
I walked to the bog trail where you have a choice of two loop trails. I took the shorter one which is 1.5 km. From the train station to the bog trail around and back to the train station was almost 6 miles exactly.
The trails are on a boardwalk. Many of the boards are rotten so you have to continually look at your feet rather than the scenery. One sign in English said that a two-story house could sink into the box with no visible signs afterwards.
TAKE INSECT REPELLENT.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drchase
Nampa, ID40 contributions
Aug 2019
Our group was there with an English-speaking scientist/guide. I had not thought before about the structure of nor importance of bogs. The walkways were well-constructed and extensive. If I did not have a guide, I'd have liked to have a lot more signage to help me understand what we were seeing.
It was very interesting to see so many carnivorous Sundew plants. I had in my mind something like the size of venus flytraps but these are tiny (~1cm) and very abundant. We saw very little animal life.
This is a good side trip if you are a nature lover. There is nothing exciting but lots interesting.
It was very interesting to see so many carnivorous Sundew plants. I had in my mind something like the size of venus flytraps but these are tiny (~1cm) and very abundant. We saw very little animal life.
This is a good side trip if you are a nature lover. There is nothing exciting but lots interesting.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teele
Tallinn, Estonia864 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
It is a beautiful bog. You can choose if you would take the 1,5 or 3,5 km trail. Place is easy to find by online maps and if you do not want to pay for parking you can park your car by the road or next to cemetery before the parking lot.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirgizke
Győr, Hungary239 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Daytrip from Riga to Kemeri Bog
We took a morning train (09:30) from Riga to Kemeri. The journey takes a bit less as an hour. After arriving at Kemeri station, we had to cross the railway (to the opposite side of the station building), and than follow the paved road to a radio tower on the right side on the road. Turn right near the tower, there is a path into the forest. There were lot of mosquitos in the forest, we could’nt stop to take a foto or so. The path leads to a main road, be carefull if you cross it. On the other side there is a cemetery, you have to walk on a paved road near it. This road ends where the hiking trail begins.
There is a car park, toilets and a small information office, which was closed during our visit. There isn’t an entrance fee.
After entering the national park, you have to walk a couple of hundred meters, and than you can choose from two options of trails, a shorter (1,5 km) and a longer (3,5 km) option. The forrest is very nice, in summer there were lot of blueberries in the forrest. We could collect lot of berries, and we have made a fine berry-cake at home in the evening.
We took the longer option of the walk, the boardwalk leads near the watchtower. The view is beautiful from the tower to the bog landskape and to the small lakes. Usage of a drone is forbidden in the park, but a stupid couple used it, and disturbed the silence, the birds and the other tourists.
The walk ends where it begins: in the parking lot. The trail back to Kemeri is the same.
It’s a long walk but worth to do it.
We took a train at 15:30 back to Riga.
We took a morning train (09:30) from Riga to Kemeri. The journey takes a bit less as an hour. After arriving at Kemeri station, we had to cross the railway (to the opposite side of the station building), and than follow the paved road to a radio tower on the right side on the road. Turn right near the tower, there is a path into the forest. There were lot of mosquitos in the forest, we could’nt stop to take a foto or so. The path leads to a main road, be carefull if you cross it. On the other side there is a cemetery, you have to walk on a paved road near it. This road ends where the hiking trail begins.
There is a car park, toilets and a small information office, which was closed during our visit. There isn’t an entrance fee.
After entering the national park, you have to walk a couple of hundred meters, and than you can choose from two options of trails, a shorter (1,5 km) and a longer (3,5 km) option. The forrest is very nice, in summer there were lot of blueberries in the forrest. We could collect lot of berries, and we have made a fine berry-cake at home in the evening.
We took the longer option of the walk, the boardwalk leads near the watchtower. The view is beautiful from the tower to the bog landskape and to the small lakes. Usage of a drone is forbidden in the park, but a stupid couple used it, and disturbed the silence, the birds and the other tourists.
The walk ends where it begins: in the parking lot. The trail back to Kemeri is the same.
It’s a long walk but worth to do it.
We took a train at 15:30 back to Riga.
Written December 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer67766591821
5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Nice 3,4 km walk in the swamp area. A little bit tricky to find, we followed first Google Map’s instructions to the Kemeri National Park and that took us to a totally wrong place. Important to navigate to Kamari Swamps.
Take water with you, they don’t sell anything at the parking area. The parking costed 2 euro.
Take water with you, they don’t sell anything at the parking area. The parking costed 2 euro.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skybluem
Nicosia, Cyprus350 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We wanted to have a side excursion while in Riga so we searched what are the possibilities. Riga being quite small and compact you can escape for a day as you can cover everything within two days days. We found Kemeri National Park looking very appealing from the photos. We found out there is a train every hour and takes about an hour to arrive at Kemeri Station. We took the one after lunch time. Arriving at Kemeri the station building was closed and remained as such until we returned in the afternoon. I found it strange because in case you don't have a return ticket where can you buy it... Thank God there is also a toilet outside. The place looks a bit deserted too. We walked at the back of the station and followed the sign directing to the bog trail. Be prepared you have to walk at least 2 km to arrive at the starting point of the Kemeri Park trail. Until there you have to also cross a main road. You pass by a cemetery which kind of 'saved' us a bit as the time we were there was after some rainy days and the gravel road was muddy. We needed to walk through the cemetery paths, along the road, in order to avoid walking on the mud and having cars passing next to us splashing the mud on us. To really walk on the road could;t be avoided simply because the cemetery ends at one point so the only way is to walk on the road. We noticed many people doing it so it was a relieve we were not alone. For a moment we were hesitant to walk on it because we didn't know how bad the road was until arriving and we could become dirty. In the end all was ok, cars were careful seeing us so we didn't have mud spitting on us. Arriving at the park you have a big parking space and then walking at the entrance we could grab a coffee from a coffee station, read some info about the bog on the information panel and moved on. Immediately at some point you get on a wooden deck and start walking on it. In the beginning of the park you have a part with slim branched pine trees (kind of forest). There we came across two picnic benches and tables where we could have a break. I mention this because afterwards you cannot really sit anywhere if you want to have a break for a snack (especially if you choose to do the longest path) except 2-3 benches along the way but they are so scarce and usually occupied by other people since they are just very few. From there the park spreads in front of you with very low flora, some short pine trees, and small lakes along the way. We could see that some ponds were still partly covered with ice due to the heavy winter days before.It's a really nice Nordic landscape and we took many photos. There is an observation point where you can climb a few stars and enjoy a panoramic view of the area which is actually a water land! Some ponds are really deep and you can tell from the color of the water that is black.We didn't see any flowers because it was April and nature just started awakening. We read that there are berries in the bog too. While leaving during golden hour, we saw many people coming probably for the sunset which seems to be even more beautiful for photos. Kemeri Park is also recommended for a sunrise walk. It was all worth it, the muddy road and the walk from Kemeri station to the entrance of the park because the place itself is a unique landscape. It's peaceful, beautiful and so fragile at the same time. What you need to do is to just let yourself relax in this unforgettable, long path, with respect to our natural environment. Truly a highlight of our trip in Riga. Make it yours too by dedicating a day for it (in case you arrive there by train), except if you take an early morning train so you can spend the afternoon back in Riga.
Written May 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
45-nomad
Ottawa, Canada232 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
If you go there on your own, its about an hour train ride from Riga and make sure you time your return to one of the infrequent trains going back to Riga. Its a long walk from the station to the entrance of the park. That walk takes you through a small forest (keep an eye out for large snails clinging to plants which are pretty cool and for the mosquitos!) ending with crossing the highway or opt for the boring walk along a road to the highway crossing. Then there is a road through a very large cemetery. The cemetery is quite interesting, and some say creepy. there were a few people tending the graves of their loved ones. Then closer to the boardwalk is a pine forest. This walk was definetely worth it as the great kemeri boardwalk gave a whole other nature perspective. We walked the full trail, but you can opt for the shorter trail which cuts through the middle. The day we went, there were very few people, which made it all the more pleasant being able to enjoy the natural wonder and listen to the sound of the wind, the birds and the ripple of the water on the bog. The cotton flower was in full bloom carpeting the bog. If you look closer to the ground along the boardwalk, there are many plants with colourful but tiny flowers. The boardwalk is in good condition, so a stroller or even a narrow wheelchair could pass if walking is not possible. There are many sign posts explaining the various aspects of the bog and a viewing tower where you can see for miles and miles ( or kms). There are outhouses ( toilets) at the entrance of the park and close to the entrance of the boardwalk. There are no canteens or food/ beverage vendors at the time we went, there is nothing at the train station either. Stock up before you leave riga or walk into town from the train station to the grocery store. The day we went, the sun was off and on, but highly recommend sunscreen and a hat if the sun is in full force as there is no shade once out on the boardwalk except under the view tower halway throught. It was a wonderful "hike" and something different from a city visit. We took our time so it can be done in a couple of hours to a little more if walking from the train station.
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zelma Eglite
Riga, Latvia7 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
You can easily get there by car, bike, bus or train. It's almost 400 km2 big teritory, but my favorite place is Lake Kaņieris.
You can park nearby the lake.
It will be an hour long walk if you wanna explore everything. First you gonna need to see the view from a bird watching tower. It's incredible. Really. If you're lucky you could trace some special waterfowl species. Real bird-lovers can bring a binocular for better experience. Or just keep your eyes open!
After that nearby you gonna see path in the cane. It's a lagoon type lake, so mostly it's overgrown. You can take great pictures walking through the cane road. In autumn some of paths may be under water, so be careful, maybe take waterproof boots with you.
Have fun, relax your mind and take a deep breath!
You can park nearby the lake.
It will be an hour long walk if you wanna explore everything. First you gonna need to see the view from a bird watching tower. It's incredible. Really. If you're lucky you could trace some special waterfowl species. Real bird-lovers can bring a binocular for better experience. Or just keep your eyes open!
After that nearby you gonna see path in the cane. It's a lagoon type lake, so mostly it's overgrown. You can take great pictures walking through the cane road. In autumn some of paths may be under water, so be careful, maybe take waterproof boots with you.
Have fun, relax your mind and take a deep breath!
Written October 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A.L.A.
Riga, Latvia255 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
Feels like you are transformed to 1930. Still feels the charm of that time... Beautiful an peaceful place. seems like 21th century hasn't got there yet. If you are planning to go there plan at least 4 hours for a walk and enjoying the sites.
Written April 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xiaoxian
Singapore, Singapore108 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
I decided to take a side trip to take the boardwalk trail after seeing some recommendations on the explore Latvia app.
Getting there would have been a challenge if not for the fact that people have left clear instructions on blogs, google maps and tripadvisor, as I am someone who is really bad with directions despite always traveling solo.
The train ride from Riga central station to Kemeri station took about an hour, and the ticket costs about 2.30 euros one way. Do note that the trains are not that frequent. The first train back to Riga starts at 1140am, and the next one is 2pm. So do take note. I missed the 1140am train but found out that there were buses for 0.70euros which take you to Jūrmala (Majori station).
After you alight,
-walk across the train tracks,
-get onto the road in front of you,
-take the small side road on the right of the road into a small forest, and this path ends at the highway
-cross the highway, and continue onto the path (there’s signage)
-you will pass 2 major cemeteries, one on your left, and another on your right
-when you see the cemetery on your right, you are about 300m away from the visitor centre
The trail was beautiful, and I basically had the entire trail to myself. I only came across 2 travelers the entire time I was there. Take the longer route as it allows you to go up the observatory tower, which is beautiful! Do note that there are no shelters of any sorts so you will be exposed to the elements (sun, rain, etc)
I spent about 2 hours on the trail with many stops along the way taking photos. I started heading towards the station before noon, and made it back to take the bus to majori. There were hordes of people coming in as I was leaving.
I then spent the rest of the day exploring Jūrmala. Really enjoyed the trail and would recommend those in Riga to take a day trip to this spot!
Getting there would have been a challenge if not for the fact that people have left clear instructions on blogs, google maps and tripadvisor, as I am someone who is really bad with directions despite always traveling solo.
The train ride from Riga central station to Kemeri station took about an hour, and the ticket costs about 2.30 euros one way. Do note that the trains are not that frequent. The first train back to Riga starts at 1140am, and the next one is 2pm. So do take note. I missed the 1140am train but found out that there were buses for 0.70euros which take you to Jūrmala (Majori station).
After you alight,
-walk across the train tracks,
-get onto the road in front of you,
-take the small side road on the right of the road into a small forest, and this path ends at the highway
-cross the highway, and continue onto the path (there’s signage)
-you will pass 2 major cemeteries, one on your left, and another on your right
-when you see the cemetery on your right, you are about 300m away from the visitor centre
The trail was beautiful, and I basically had the entire trail to myself. I only came across 2 travelers the entire time I was there. Take the longer route as it allows you to go up the observatory tower, which is beautiful! Do note that there are no shelters of any sorts so you will be exposed to the elements (sun, rain, etc)
I spent about 2 hours on the trail with many stops along the way taking photos. I started heading towards the station before noon, and made it back to take the bus to majori. There were hordes of people coming in as I was leaving.
I then spent the rest of the day exploring Jūrmala. Really enjoyed the trail and would recommend those in Riga to take a day trip to this spot!
Written September 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steffska
Vienna, Austria
Is the park free or do you have to pay for entrance? and can I visit it at any hour I'd like to?
Written July 20, 2021
How far is the lookout tower from the entrance and are there any steps on the trail involved ( obviously I am aware of the steps in the tower itself). Thank you.
Written August 4, 2019
Lookout tower is about 1,5 km from the entrance of Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk. There are no steps on the trail. Only steps are in tower (like 2 floors high). Whole trial is 3 km long.
Written August 5, 2019
Is any part of the park (walking trails/boardwalk) wheelchair accessible? Thanks for any info.!
Written May 4, 2019
I hardly doubt, but but much further away, but it’s rather narrow and some areas are not safe, I would not advice if it’s required a wheelchair access
Written June 3, 2019
Yes. No problem to get your dog for walk
Written August 12, 2018
We are due to visit Kemeri and do the big walk today, is it possible to do in trainers or are walking boots recommend?
Written April 27, 2018
If it is not raining trainers are ok. We went during wet time (snow melting), so paths were slippery - boots would be better choice during rains or early spring, when snow melts.
Written April 29, 2018
Hello. Where I can find a parking for big bus in or neat kemeri? I cant find any information..
Written September 16, 2017
Yes, for big buses there is a special parking lot near the famous bog.
As for the central part of Ķemeri, as far as I know, there is a parking lot near the Ķemeri Railway station (look for 'Ķemeru stacija' on the map). Buses park also near the so-called "Meža Māja", which is an environmental education centre located near the Ķemeri National Park (look for it in the maps) - several walking trails start nearby. There is also a tourist information point, WC etc.
P.S. Sorry for the late reply.
Written September 28, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Vienna Region, Austria
how do i get from the kemeri train station to the moor??
Written March 30, 2017
translate my review 'mission impossible' behalve als je dit leest, and you know exactly how to go.
Written August 11, 2017
Do you Know if it is possible to take a thermal bath in the park?
Thank you for your answers
Written July 13, 2015
Unfortunately, in Kemeri it is not possible to take a bath. But there is a source of hydrogen sulfide water. The resort has Jaunkemeri where there is mud applications.
Written August 3, 2015
Hi, Is there a regular train service to Kemeri station from Riga in September?
Written June 16, 2015
Yes, from Riga to Kemeri there is a train (Riga-Tukums1 and Riga-Tukums2). Tickets can be purchased at the box office, it is possible from the conductor on the train. When you buy a return ticket, the cost is lower.
Written August 3, 2015
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