Frequently asked questions
Getting here
How do I get to North Kurzeme from Riga by car?
The most scenic and direct route is via the P131 highway. It runs right along the coastline from Jūrmala up to Cape Kolka, passing through Mērsrags and Roja. The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your final destination.
How do I get here from Ventspils or Liepāja?
From Ventspils: Take the coastal highway P124 heading northeast directly towards Kolka and the Livonian villages.
From Liepāja: Drive north via highway P111 to Ventspils, and then continue along the P124 coast road.
By bus: There are daily bus connections from Ventspils to Kolka, but service from Liepāja requires a transfer.
Can I get here without a car?
Buses: Regular regional buses connect larger towns like Mērsrags and Roja with Riga and Ventspils.
Cycling: The EuroVelo 13 route runs along the entire coast, offering excellent paths for cyclists.
Planning: Check the official 1188.lv Bus Traffic timetable since buses to smaller villages run less frequently.
When to come?
What is the best season to visit North Kurzeme?
Summer (June–August): Best for swimming, beach relaxation, outdoor dining, and local festivals.
Spring & Autumn: Perfect for peaceful hikes, mushroom picking, and witnessing spectacular bird migrations.
Winter: Ideal for travelers seeking complete solitude, wild frozen seascapes, and cozy stays.
When can I experience the famous bird migration?
The peak times are April (Spring) and September–October (Autumn). Cape Kolka is one of the most famous birdwatching spots in Northern Europe, where tens of thousands of migratory birds cross the sea daily.
Are restaurants and museums open during the off-season?
Major sights and information centers stay open, but many seasonal beach cafes, smokehouses, and smaller guest houses close or operate only on weekends from October to April. It is highly recommended to call or book ahead during the colder months.
Stays
What types of accommodation are available in the region?
Can I wild camp or pitch a tent directly on the beach?
Inside Slītere National Park (Melnsils to Sīkrags): Wild camping and open campfires on the beach or in the dunes are strictly prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Outside the Park: It is heavily restricted in dune areas. You must always use official, designated campsites or camping grounds.
Is it necessary to book accommodation well in advance?
Yes, especially for weekend stays in July and August. Because the Livonian coast is highly protected and has limited development, accommodation spots fill up very quickly during the peak summer season.
Food & Drink
Where can I buy authentic local smoked fish?
Look for roadside signs that say “Kūpinātas zivis” (Smoked fish) in villages like Mērsrags, Roja, Pitrags, and Klāni. You can also buy freshly caught and smoked fish directly from local fishermen at the weekend markets in Roja and Mērsrags.
What traditional Livonian dishes should I try?
You must try Sklandrausis – a traditional sweet pie made from rye dough, filled with layers of potato and carrot mash, and topped with caraway seeds. It has a protected geographical status in Europe and is deeply rooted in local heritage.
Are there good dining options in the smaller villages?
Things to do
What are the absolute must-see highlights on this route?
Mērsrags Lighthouse: Offers fantastic panoramic views of the gulf.
Roja Beach & Marine Museum: Great infrastructure for families and culture seekers.
Cape Kolka (Kolkasrags): The dramatic meeting point of two seas (the Gulf of Riga and the open Baltic Sea).
The Livonian Fishing Villages: Historic, quiet villages like Košrags and Sīkrags that preserve an ancient way of life.
Where can I go hiking in the area?
The region is connected by the Jūrtaka (Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail), which allows you to hike along the sand for miles. For forest and bog landscapes, explore the boardwalk trails inside Slītere National Park, such as the Šlītere Nature Trail or the Pēterezers Lake Trail.
What family-friendly activities do you recommend?
Families love the sandy beaches and playgrounds in Roja, exploring the wooden boardwalks through the dunes, visiting the White Dune in Purciems, and renting stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or kayaks along the Roja River.
Nature & Safety
What safety rules apply inside Slītere National Park?
You must stick to designated walking trails, boardwalks, and public roads to protect endangered plant species. Do not damage the dunes, do not leave any trash behind, and remember that picking flowers or disturbing wildlife is strictly prohibited.
Are there ticks or dangerous animals in the forests?
Like all of Latvia, the forests have ticks that can carry Lyme disease or Encephalitis. Wear insect repellent, cover your ankles when walking through tall grass, and check yourself afterward. There are no large dangerous predators that attack humans, but you might occasionally spot deer, wild boars, or foxes from a distance.
Is it safe to swim in the sea everywhere?
Swimming is generally safe, but you must be careful at Cape Kolka, where strong, unpredictable underwater currents and colliding waves make swimming extremely dangerous and prohibited right at the tip of the cape. Stick to designated swimming areas in Roja, Mērsrags, or Melnsils.
Practical
Where can I find physical maps and tourist information?
You can get free brochures, physical maps, and local advice at the Mērsrags Tourist Information Center, the Roja Tourist Information Center, and the Kolka Visitor Center.
Are shops and services pet-friendly?
Most outdoor areas and nature trails are pet-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash to protect local birds and wildlife. Some official public beaches (like the main blue-flag zones) restrict pets during summer, so always check the local signs at the beach entrance.
Can I pay with credit cards everywhere, or do I need cash?
Cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, gas stations, and hotels in Mērsrags and Roja. However, you will definitely need cash if you want to buy smoked fish from local roadside fishermen, purchase crafts at local markets, or pay at smaller countryside campsites.