Ķegums – Power Station, Beach and Paths through the Suburban Forests

• The Ķeguma HES hydroelectric power station in Ķegums was built from 1936 to 1940.
• After being blown up by German troops in October 1944 during their retreat, the power station was rebuilt and expanded by 1947.
• Registration at least five working days in advance is required to visit the Enerģētikas muzejs at Ķeguma prospekts 7/9 in Ķegums.
• Ķegums Beach has, among other things, a jetty, boat and swimming-equipment rental, public volleyball courts and outdoor fitness equipment.

The Ķeguma HES hydroelectric power station is a central point of reference for exploring the development of the town. The collection “The Construction Process of the Ķegums Power Station (1936-1940)” was included in Latvia’s national register of the UNESCO “Memory of the World” Programme in 2009. It comprises photographic negatives and glass plates by Latvian photographer and documentary filmmaker Eduards Kraucs (1898–1977).

The Ķeguma dabas taka nature trail also addresses this subject: information boards explain the construction, expansion and modernisation of the Ķeguma HES hydroelectric power station. The outdoor exhibition of the Elektrum Energy Museum also includes a historic turbine from the Ķegums power station. At an interactive model of the Ķeguma HES, visitors can explore the power station and playfully simulate its commissioning for electricity generation.

If you would like to include the Enerģētikas muzejs in your plans, you should register at least five working days before your desired visit. The information boards along the Ķeguma dabas taka also provide useful guidance for a cultural and historical tour. Next to the Ķeguma skatu terase viewing terrace, one board describes the historic construction of the bridge arches of the Ķeguma HES hydroelectric power station.

This makes it possible to learn about the power station’s history from several perspectives: the collection focuses on photographic documentation, the museum on educational interpretation and interactive exploration, while the nature trail and viewing terrace address architectural aspects in the outdoor setting.

Ķegums Beach has a pavilion and a jetty. Boat and other swimming-equipment rental is also available there. The “WindBorn” leisure facility on the beach rents out SUP boards and catamarans. Those who want to focus on water activities can take these options into account when planning their day without limiting their stay exclusively to a single experience.

There are also opportunities for active leisure on land: the beach has public volleyball courts and outdoor fitness equipment. In addition to the water-based options, this provides further specific activities. Which of them are suitable for your trip depends on your personal interests and the time available.

The walking paths in the suburban forests of Ķegums can be used for walking, Nordic walking, running, orienteering and cycling. These different uses allow for flexible planning: you can complement a stay with a cultural focus through exercise or consider the paths a separate item on your itinerary. Accordingly, accommodation in Ķegums can be selected according to the themes that are decisive for your trip, such as the history of the power station, beach activities or forest paths.

For comparison with other places, you can also visit Birzgale and Rembate. The pages provide further orientation without implying a shared route or a specific distance.

A cross procession takes place every year in June at Ķeguma Krusta kalns on the Saturday before Jāņi. If you are interested in religious traditions, you can take this recurring event into account when planning your schedule. The information specifies the date of the procession; it does not imply any additional events or a wider programme.

When does the cross procession at Ķeguma Krusta kalns take place?

It takes place every year in June on the Saturday before Jāņi.

How far in advance must a visit to the Enerģētikas muzejs be registered?

Registration must be completed at least five working days in advance. The museum is located at Ķeguma prospekts 7/9 in Ķegums.

What topics does the collection about the Ķegums Power Station cover?

The collection “The Construction Process of the Ķegums Power Station (1936-1940)” comprises photographic negatives and glass plates by Eduards Kraucs. It was included in Latvia’s national register of the UNESCO “Memory of the World” Programme in 2009.

What facilities are available at Ķegums Beach?

The beach has a pavilion, a jetty, boat and other swimming-equipment rental, public volleyball courts and outdoor fitness equipment. “WindBorn” rents out SUP boards and catamarans.

What can the paths in the suburban forests be used for?

The walking paths can be used for walking, Nordic walking, running, orienteering and cycling.

For the broader travel overview: Ķeguma Novads.