Amata Path (from Kārļi Fish Hatchery)

Truly primeval sensations can be experienced by walking along an untouched nature trail. The Amata Geological Path is exactly this kind of adventure – a walk in an authentic environment. The path winds through the fascinating and primeval ancient valley of the Amata. The path is marked, but most of it is not developed, and in places obstacles have to be overcome – fallen trees and small tributaries of the river.

You will be able to see outcrops of sandstone and dolomite that reveal pages of the earth’s history 350–400 million years old, when grains of sand carried by rivers flowing from north to south settled in the sea, compacted and cemented together. You will get to know and be able to observe almost all the trees and shrubs characteristic of Latvia, a diverse flora, animal tracks, beaver dams and anthills, and you will listen to nature concerts given by various birds.

The path offers something unique in every season. The sandstone outcrops are best seen in late autumn, winter and early spring, when they are not hidden by the green foliage of the trees.

In winter you can take the one-off opportunity to see beautiful ice waterfalls – they form in places where small springs flow into the river. You can also study the tracks left by animals in the snow – they form interesting patterns and show in which direction their owner has gone.

In early spring you will be overtaken by boaters who appreciate extreme sensations and make use of the rapid waters of the River Amata. In spring this is also an excellent place for fascinating bird watching. In summer, of course, the whole landscape blossoms vividly and uniquely in bright green tones, and there is a great diversity of plants to study and admire!

In autumn the path is distinctly picturesque – in bright red and golden tones – and it is possible to watch the interesting spawning of fish.

The Amata Geological Path never stops bubbling with life throughout the year and leads on an unforgettable journey through the mysterious world of nature, whose surprises awaken sensations not yet experienced!

The path consists of three sections, each differing in difficulty and landscapes. There are many rock outcrops along the path, but they differ from one another in their sand ornaments, legends and surroundings.

The easiest section is from Veclauči Bridge to Zvārte Rock (3 km). The river banks here are adorned by reddish Devonian sandstone outcrops, and a whole gallery of rocks can be seen on this section: the wild Vanagi Rock, the fascinating Lustūzis, the expressive Miglas Rock and others. This section ends in a small meadow with a developed rest area, and close by it is possible to see the unique Zvārte Rock.

The longest section, with three steep climbs, is from Kārļi Bridge to Zvārte Rock (12 km). The route begins with a walk to a splendid view from Ainavu Bluff at a height of more than 40 metres. Further along this route you will see several rocks: Ķaubji, Stūķi, Dzilna, and at the very end of the path, Zvārte Rock, surrounded by tales and legends.

The most difficult section is from Melturi to Kārļi Fish Hatchery (3 km), which will be suitable if you are an experienced hiker. This route also has several rocks: Melturi, Īļaki, Vizuļi, Dolomite Bluff, Dambis Rock, the bank of Staburags and the owner of a beautiful name – Varavīksne Rock.

If you are keen on geocaching, there are many treasures to find along the path – there are very many caches along the whole length of the path (find out more on the Geocaching website)!

Walking this path through untouched nature, a unique experience will turn into valuable and authentic travel sensations, information and memories.