Amata: Nature Trails and River Landscape

• The Cecīļi Nature Trail is a marked 2 km hiking trail.
• The Amata Nature Trail runs in its entirety from Melturi via Kārļamuiža (Kārļi) and Zvārtes Rock to the Veclauči Bridge.
• In spring, the Amata River is Latvia’s fastest river and features numerous rapids.
• The surrounding area also includes the Āraiši Archaeological Park, the “Meža kaujas” picnic area and the ZS “Kalna Smīdes 1” farm.

In the area surrounding Amata, extensive forests, agricultural land and meadows cover large areas. There are also varied gorges and hills. Numerous walking paths lead to impressive riverbanks with old sandstone outcrops, offering a different perspective on the landscape than the longer nature trails.

One of the prominent geological destinations is Ainavu Ravine. This protected geological monument is 45 m high and more than 500 m long. Zvārtes Rock is a reddish Devonian sandstone outcrop on the bank of the Amata River; stairs lead to its summit. The information centre at Zvārtes Rock is open during the active tourism season.

For a manageable hike, the Cecīļi Nature Trail is a good choice. It follows the banks of the Kumada, Dančupīte and Amata rivers and includes the Dančupīte Gorge, a small waterfall and Cecīļi Rock. Its 2 km length makes it a clearly defined option, without implying a specific walking time.

The full Amata Nature Trail is designed differently. Its route runs from Melturi via Kārļamuiža (Kārļi) and Zvārtes Rock to the Veclauči Bridge. Because of its steep slopes and deep gorges, this nature trail is challenging. Take these differences into account when choosing your accommodation and planning individual excursions, without treating the two routes as variants of the same trail.

In spring, the Amata River offers numerous rapids and whitewater for experienced kayakers. In early spring, usually at the beginning of April, the river can be used as a boating route. This seasonal timing is crucial for travel planning: anyone interested in water activities should consider this period separately, while walks and landscape sightseeing focus on something else.

The Āraiši Archaeological Park includes a reconstruction of a lake settlement from the 9th to 10th century. The main site of the Battles of Cēsis at the Amata Bridge is located at the “Meža kaujas” picnic area. There, visitor programmes include walks to important sites of the Battles of Cēsis and team battles. Visitors can also view the events of 5 June 1919 through a virtual reality headset.

The ZS “Kalna Smīdes 1” farm also has its own distinctive focus. Visitors can learn about the life of bees, the daily work of a beekeeper and the production of bee products. Various types of honey and honey blends are also available for tasting. Those who want to combine nature with regional culture and a culinary theme will find several different reasons to travel here.

When searching for a hotel in Amata, you can first determine the focus of your excursions: short nature walks, the more challenging Amata Nature Trail, river activities or historical and culinary experiences.

As another overnight accommodation option, the “Amatas upe” campsite offers tent pitches, a sauna, accommodation, campfire sites, a barbecue and covered accommodation. The “Amata” water-tourist camp is also mentioned as a possible stop along the geological Amata route. Other destinations to compare include Skujene, Ieriķi, Drabeši, Bille, Kārļi, Sérmúksi, Melturi and Nītaure.

How long is the Cecīļi Nature Trail?

The marked Cecīļi Nature Trail is 2 km long. It follows the Kumada, Dančupīte and Amata rivers and includes the Dančupīte Gorge, a small waterfall and Cecīļi Rock.

How challenging is the Amata Nature Trail?

The Amata Nature Trail is challenging because of its steep slopes and deep gorges. The full route runs from Melturi via Kārļamuiža (Kārļi) and Zvārtes Rock to the Veclauči Bridge.

When can the Amata River be used as a boating route?

In early spring, usually at the beginning of April, the Amata River can be used as a boating route. In spring, it also offers whitewater for experienced kayakers.

Which historical sites are there in the surrounding area?

The Āraiši Archaeological Park presents a reconstruction of a lake settlement from the 9th to 10th century. At “Meža kaujas”, visitors can learn about sites associated with the Battles of Cēsis and view the events of 5 June 1919 through a virtual reality headset.

What overnight accommodation is available besides hotels?

The “Amatas upe” campsite offers tent pitches, a sauna, accommodation, campfire sites, a barbecue and covered accommodation.

To the higher-level travel overview: Amatas Novads.