Explore Latvia · National parks
Latvia’s four national parks compared
Latvia has four national parks with different travel roles. Gauja combines landscapes and historic towns, Ķemeri is the easiest wetland choice near Riga, Slītere anchors the north-west coast and Rāzna opens a longer Latgale route.
This guide is independently written and checked against the official sources listed below.
Check before travel
Timetables, opening hours, access rules and event programmes can change. Confirm date-specific details with the official operator or venue.
Gauja National Park
Gauja is the strongest first national-park choice for travellers who also want castles and historic towns. Sigulda and Cēsis provide practical bases, but the park is large enough that a full itinerary needs selective clusters.
Best for
River-valley walks, sandstone, castles and a two-night regional stay.
Useful bases
Sigulda for a shorter visit; Cēsis for a town-and-landscape break.
Open guideĶemeri National Park
Ķemeri protects wetlands, forests and coastal lakes west of Riga. The best-known boardwalks are only part of the park, so confirm the exact trail, access point and current conditions before departure.
Best for
Bog landscape and a nature day linked with Jūrmala.
Plan carefully
Trail access and public transport do not always align, especially early or late in the day.
Slītere National Park
Slītere brings together forest, dunes, villages and the north-west coast. It deserves a regional stay because distances and limited services make it a poor rushed day trip from Riga.
Best for
Coastal landscapes, bird migration and a slower Kurzeme route.
Useful approach
Combine it with Ventspils or another Kurzeme base and check seasonal access.
Rāzna National Park
Rāzna centres on lake landscapes and Latgale’s cultural environment. It works best within an eastern Latvia itinerary rather than as a single out-and-back day from the capital.
Best for
Lakes, viewpoints and a broader Latgale journey.
Useful bases
Rēzekne or regional accommodation with transport planned in advance.
Open guideHow to choose and prepare
Choose one park that fits the wider route, then check the Nature Conservation Agency page for current restrictions, closures and visitor information. Carry water, suitable footwear and an offline copy of the relevant route.
Without a car
Gauja and parts of Ķemeri are generally easier starting points, but verify the final trail connection.
With a car
Slītere and Rāzna become more practical, while protected-area rules still apply.
Check the primary information
Official sources and review information
This guide was last reviewed on 25 July 2026. These official tourism, transport, heritage and cultural sources support the practical guidance on this page.
Nature protection
Nature Conservation Agency: protected areas
Official categories and current inventory of protected natural areas in Latvia.
National parks
Nature Conservation Agency: Gauja National Park
Official park overview, landscape context and visitor information.
Nature Conservation Agency: Ķemeri National Park
Official information about wetlands, trails and protected habitats.
Nature Conservation Agency: Slītere National Park
Official information about coastal landscapes, habitats and visitor routes.
Nature Conservation Agency: Rāzna National Park
Official information about Latgale lakes, landscapes and protected habitats.
Continue exploring