Daugmale: History, Nature and Excursions

• The Daugmale hillfort was inhabited from the 2nd millennium BC until the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th century.
• Lake Lejas is a forest lake without an outflow in Daugmales pagasts, Ķekava Municipality; the circular route around the lake takes about 40 minutes.
• Intercity buses operate in Daugmales pagasts on the Riga–Daugmale–Riga route.
• A boat, raft or other watercraft is required for Nāves sala.

The ancient monument complex of Daugmale consists of a hillfort, two settlements, two burial grounds and a harbour site. Daugmale is considered one of the most important trade and craft centres in the Baltic region from the 10th to the 12th century. This classification makes the site particularly interesting for travellers who want to learn about historical landscapes not only through individual buildings, but also through the development of a larger settlement and trading area.

The history of the First World War is also present at several of the places mentioned. The monument to the defenders of Nāves sala was unveiled in 1924 and was the first monument in Latvia commemorating the battles of the First World War and the Latvian War of Independence. Fighting took place on Nāves sala from April to September 1916. The “Bēgļu ceļš” memorial site was established in 1991 and includes a monument created by sculptor Vilnis Titāns.

Jāņu kalns, also known as Senču svētkalniņš, is located in the vicinity of Daugmale. The recreation site is situated on the banks of the Daugava; the hill features a memorial to the First World War battles in the area around Daugmale. The Daugmales hillfort also has an information board, benches and steps.

Lake Lejas is a forest lake without an outflow, and its approximately 40-minute circular route offers a manageable way to include the landscape in your day’s itinerary. There are also several equipped picnic sites on the shore of Lake Lejas in the wider travel area. Please bear in mind that the approximate duration of the circular route says nothing about your personal pace or additional stops.

Those who prefer seasonal garden culture can consider Daugmales peonijas as a seasonal destination during the flowering period. The nursery is geared towards seasonal visits and sells cut flowers directly from the collection field on site. This excursion therefore differs significantly from the historical destinations and is particularly suitable for an itinerary that takes nature and regional garden culture into account.

The family business Malderi grows sea buckthorn and produces sea buckthorn products. With advance registration, Malderi offers tastings and explanations of how the products are made. With advance registration, ZS “Dorītes” offers guided tours, product tastings and the purchase of products. ZS “Dorītes” also has various clay vessels containing bog roots.

For an excursion with a historical focus, Nāves sala can be included in the itinerary. The island is accessible only by boat, raft or another watercraft. There is an audio guide, “Līnas Čankas stāsts”, on Nāves sala. In the immediate vicinity of the destination, the boat route begins and ends at the “Ķīķerītis” recreation site. The boat trip is therefore a separate planning decision and should not be treated like an ordinary walk.

Intercity buses operate in Daugmales pagasts on the Riga–Daugmale–Riga route. On route variants, there are stops in Ķekava and Baldone. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can therefore first determine your planned priorities: Lake Lejas stands for a short circular route, the historical sites for culture and history, the nurseries for seasonal visits, and Nāves sala for an excursion by watercraft. At Malderi and ZS “Dorītes”, advance registration should be included in the planning.

You can also supplement your travel planning with the pages on Ķekava, Rāmava, Lielvārži, Katlakalns, Vimbukrogs, Baloži and Pulkarne.

How long does the circular route around Lake Lejas take?

The circular route around Lake Lejas takes about 40 minutes.

How do you reach Nāves sala?

Nāves sala is accessible only by boat, raft or another watercraft.

Is registration required for offers from Malderi or ZS “Dorītes”?

Yes. Both Malderi and ZS “Dorītes” offer their aforementioned tastings and services with advance registration.

Which bus connection is available in Daugmales pagasts?

Intercity buses operate in Daugmales pagasts on the Riga–Daugmale–Riga route. On route variants, there are stops in Ķekava and Baldone.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ķekava Municipality.