Hiking Route: “The Chocolate Šķērvele Expedition”

An exciting and adventure-packed route of sixteen kilometers, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque and wild Šķērvele banks, explore natural and cultural heritage, taste treats from a local family business, and experience the tranquility of the Kurzeme countryside. The route begins at the bridge over the Šķērvele River, located near its confluence with the Venta River. It follows the right bank of the Šķērvele all the way to the snowy-white Zoslēni outcrops, where the stream must be crossed either over a fallen log or by wading through the water.

Along the expedition, you’ll see the Šķērvele’s graceful bends, steep riverbanks, unusually colored waters, and the wild surrounding forests. This is not a casual walk but a true adventure trail, requiring climbing up and down slopes, pushing through thickets, and finding the best path—but the landscapes Šķērvele offers make every effort worthwhile. Near the Zoslēni outcrops, visitors can explore Namdaru Hillfort, and a little further ahead lies Vormsāte Manor. After admiring the manor’s architectural forms, the route returns to the right bank of the Šķērvele for a peaceful walk along country roads.

With prior arrangement, visitors can also stop at the family business “DZIIVA Chocolate,” where the air is filled with the magic of cocoa and the bittersweet allure of chocolate. It’s a true haven of calm, perfect for recovering from the expedition, learning about the world of chocolate, benefiting from the goodness of cocoa beans, and finding inspiration. The route then continues through the Kurzeme countryside, returning to the starting point.

Given the hilly terrain and the trail’s wild nature, this route is suited for true adventure seekers who are not intimidated by bushes brushing against their legs, crossing streams over logs, getting muddy, or facing unexpected challenges along the way.

Length: ~16 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Surface: Wild thickets, animal-worn paths, and dirt roads
Best seasons: Spring and autumn, when bushes are not fully leafed; in summer, when the trail is overgrown, wading through water may be necessary.

MARŠRUTA KARTE

Route: Bridge over the Šķērvele near its confluence with the Venta – Zoslēni Outcrops – Namdaru Hillfort – Vormsāte Manor – “DZIIVA Chocolate” – Līkais Road – Bridge over the Šķērvele near its confluence with the Venta.

Maps and satellite views of the Šķērvele can look very different, so the route has been marked based on our exploration expedition.

On the map, it may seem that the Šķērvele must be crossed countless times, but the satellite view shows that this is not the case. It is recommended to find the best path along the Šķērvele during the outward journey depending on the season, riverbank wetness, and thickness of the bushes. Near the Zoslēni Outcrops, cross to the left bank of the Šķērvele and continue along it all the way to Vormsāte Manor.

Caution: The railings on the bridge over the Šķērvele are in a dangerous condition and should not be touched!
Important: To visit the family business “DZIIVA Chocolate,” prior arrangement of the visit is required (www.dziiva.com/kontakti)!

VAIRĀK PAR MARŠRUTU