Boating in spring season: Gauja National Park Rivers

With each new turn and rowed centimeter feel the primeval nature that enchants and inscribesi in memories and  heart!

River Amata

Rivers meander and change their banks, forests and meadows cling closely to river banks. Kayaking in the river Amata let you get to know and see the most untouched nature your own eyes: majestic coniferous and deciduous forest which is home to wildlife animals, geological rock outcrops and dolomite cliffs that lay on the shore like pearls in a string in various river sections.

In ancient Livonian, the river’s name Amata means “swift”. The river fully lives up to its name, as in spring it is the fastest river in Latvia with the most rapids. And for ancient Livs it would sound `aa - mad `- mother river.

Boating in River Amata

In the spring time snow and ice melt and rise water level, also longer rainfalls rise the lively water level writing kayaking in river Amata in every adventurous boater wish list. We welcome you to fulfill your wish!

At the shores of Amata River combines two opposites: silence of calm, quite forest and the loud flow of the river and the water crashing against the banks, and in the middle of it there is your loudly beating hear. When boating down the river, all your attention will be paid to winding river and obstacles therein: fallen trees, exposed rocks, rapids, and still you will catch the views of the giants feet, even at their great size, they will rush past quickly.

River Amata in route from Melturi till Veclauču bridge is 15 kilometers of adventures and breath-taking views that is even a challenge for experienced boaters. River Amata at Melturi bridge has a series of rapids.  When the boaters reach Kārļu Hydroelectric Power Station dam in 2 kilometers from Melturi bridge, the boat must be pulled out of the water and carried around the dam. At Lustūzis Rock river flows and hits it at full force, flushing out deep niches in the Lustūzis Rock.

Foto: Kārlis Buškēvičs

River Amata is 80 kilometers long in total. And other sections of the river are calmer for boating. Through calm flow and later rapid sections the river flows into River Gauja.

Boats rental in Gauja National park is offered by Ozolkalns,  Žagarkalns, Rāmkalni,  Makara tūrisma birojs,  Apaļkalns,  Mārkulīči.

To discover River Amata primeval nature, walk the Amata geological nature trail slowly, observing river bends, rapids and sandstone outcrops and dolomite cliffs and the seasonally changing flora.

River Gauja

Boat in winding, majestic, adventurous River Gauja which wound through Valmiera, Cēsis and Sigulda cities, the entire Gauja National Park. The river has it’s own unique character, attracting each nature lover and boater. Gauja is closely surrounded by the impressive Gauja valley with steep banks and hills covered by beautiful forests. The river and the landscapes are breath-taking as the width vary from 60 to 120 meters.

The flow of the river is rapid in the spring season, the flora will start to green as the days will start to get warmer. Boating in River Gauja will reveal impressive and outstanding sandstone cliffs and outcrops, that are best seen just before deciduous trees expel the green leaves.

Boating in river Gauja will reveal to own eyes impressive, stately and giant cliffs. Close to Valmiera city, on the right bank of the river Gauja, you can see a white sandstone cliff Sietiņiezis Rock. The rock is like a luxurious, beautiful and bright sandstone castle designed by nature itself.

7 kilometers from the historical town of Cēsis, boaters have the opportunity to see the Eagle Cliffs. The cliffs look impressive and high when rowing in a boat, and at the same time, plan the time for stopover on the light brown sands, climbing the stairs that lead to the very top of the cliff, to see the view - as seen from the flight of an eagle.

Eagle Cliffs

Ķūķu Cliff

Boating through Sigulda City to your eyes will reveal ancient valley and noble Turaida Museum Reserve Castle on a mound among the treetops, conjuring an aura of legend. The castle is built from 13th-16th century and open for visits. Also Krimulda Manor lays in the ancient valley of river Gauja, revelaing to boaters eyes.

Turaida Museum Reserve

River Brasla

Traveling along the River Brasla, the fast flow of the wild river and the unexpected obstacles take your full attention. The murmur of the river together with the songs of birds, especially during spring floods, is like a symphony. he Brasla River is popular among boaters, because it can surprise you around every bend with its rocks, apid flow and surprises from the underwater world.

The primeval valley of Brasla (the right tributary of river Gauja) starts at Straupe and ends where the river flows into Gauja. The stream becomes faster once the river’s many small tributaries join Brasla. Further down the river, near Straupe, its valley turns slightly russet from sandstone. The stream gradient is more evident nearer the Gauja River.

Boat the rivers in Valmiera county

Characteristic, rapid rivers are flowing in Valmiera county. For a classic boating experience discover river Salaca. The river has both a calm flow of the river with scenic rocks on the banks, and in some places faster sections. A truly springtime adventure can be enjoyed in the left bank of the Gauja - Abuls! An engaging boating experience with a few small obstacles along the way is can be expected on the river Briede as well! It will have a smooth and constant stream flow and scenic views to enjoy.

River Seda is special because it is wide and scenic at the beginning of the route, but before the entrance to lake Burtnieks  - small and surrounded by surrounding marshes. River Rūja originates from Lake Ruhijerva in Estonia and flows into the legendary lake Burtnieks. River Strīķupe flows from lake Vaidava and is gorgeous and scenic, perfect for early spring boating.

As the river flows are rapid in the spring seasons, please be aware of own brave and experience. Please, wear helmet, safety vest while boating in the spring season and also in other seasons. We suggest for beginners with their first experience in boating to go on river adventures starting from May, and in the Summer months, and early Autumn.

River Amata

Enjoy peacful recreation and regain energy in Gauja National Park accomodations: elegant hotels, cozy guest houses, manors and castles! After adventurous boating visit cozy cafes and great restaurants, enjoying the masterpieces of the chefs and local traditional food.

Taking care of its visitors, Enter Gauja has created a special and easy-to-use mobile app - Enter Gauja, which simplifies your stay in nature and allows you to comfortably navigate the territory of the Gauja National Park. Download it here !