Health Route: In Search of Venta Views and Historical Charm

HEALTH ROUTE

An easy health route where the picturesque landscapes of the Venta River blend with the historic charm of Kuldīga’s streets. The route begins on the left bank of the Venta River at Krasta Street. In the starting section, the trail follows the Pārventa walking path, allowing you to stretch your legs while admiring the panorama of Kuldīga’s old town.

Further along, the route offers multiple viewpoints of Ventas Rumba waterfall, including views from the old brick bridge and several observation points. The path then follows a riverside trail along the Venta, providing a refreshing escape from the city bustle and a peaceful natural atmosphere. The calm river flow, lush greenery along the banks, and pleasant trail encourage a brisk walk, stretching the body and energizing the mind. On the way back, the route winds through Kuldīga’s streets, passing the historic location of the “Vulkāns” factory and showcasing the city’s architectural charm. The final section of the route passes beneath the old brick bridge, returning you to nature’s quiet and calm.

Length: 7 km
Difficulty level: Low
Route type: Circular
Surface: rural trails, gravel paths, wooden boardwalks, asphalt, cobblestones

As this is a health route, participants are encouraged to perform ten exercises along the way (see the image gallery). Exercise locations can be freely chosen according to personal preference.

NATURE RESERVE “VENTA VALLEY”

The health route passes through the Venta Valley Nature Reserve, established in 1957 and included since 2004 in the European network of protected areas Natura 2000. The reserve was created to preserve habitat diversity, protect rare plant and animal species, and safeguard landscapes, as well as natural and cultural monuments. The route allows visitors to appreciate both the natural values and the cultural-historical heritage of the area. If you are observant, the full richness of the reserve may reveal itself.

The reserve is named after its main hydrological feature—the Venta River. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the river served as an important waterway to Kuldīga and was used for timber floating until the mid-1960s. The river plays a vital role in maintaining numerous habitats and species, providing specific environmental conditions. The Venta is famous for its “flying” fish, which leap over Ventas Rumba in search of better spawning grounds upstream. In spring, vimba fish “fly,” and in autumn, salmon. Other species in the river include trout, river and brook lampreys, pike, bream, roach, tench, carp, and more.

Although fifteen European-protected habitats are identified in the reserve, particularly significant are slope and ravine forests, dry grasslands on calcareous soils, and sandstone outcrops. Rare plants found here include wild garlic, chives, wall ferns, and others. Among animals are swallowtail butterflies, reddish-brown longhorn beetles, rose chafers, ospreys, marsh harriers, kingfishers, and more. The best bird-watching spots are where the Venta is overgrown with reeds and banks are densely vegetated with shrubs.

Ventas Rumba, one of Latvia’s most popular tourist attractions, is also the most important geological feature of the reserve. Its width varies with the river’s water level, but it is the widest waterfall in Europe. Water gradually erodes the rocks forming the waterfall, causing Ventas Rumba to slowly move upstream.

Several cultural and historical monuments are located in the reserve. The most famous is the old brick bridge across the Venta, built in 1847. Its width accommodated two horse-drawn carriages passing simultaneously. Once one of the most modern bridges of its type in Europe, it is now a symbol of Kuldīga. Remnants of a canal on the right bank near Mārtiņsala testify to historical efforts to create a navigation route above Ventas Rumba. Even older history is reflected in Veckuldīga Hillfort, the largest known hillfort in the Kuldīga region.

To preserve the richness of the Venta Valley Nature Reserve for future generations, visitors must treat it with respect and care.

Remember: Waste does not disappear in nature—take back what you brought! If you see litter left by others, please take care of it as well.

The health route was created under the project “Development of complex infrastructure and habitat management measures in the nature reserve ‘Venta Valley’” (No. 5.4.3.2/22/A/011), implemented with co-financing from the European Union Cohesion Fund.