Veldze: Discover the Waterfall, Riežupe and Culture
Veldze combines a rolling landscape with rivers, a waterfall, caves and cultural and historical sites. The variety of excursions is particularly interesting when planning your trip: you can combine natural attractions along the Veldze and Riežupe with cycling and hiking routes, as well as insights into the history of the area.
The landscape around the Veldze Depression is a rolling glacial-lacustrine plain. The Veldze River crosses this depression in broad bends; its lower course is highly winding. The Veldze is a left-bank tributary of the Riežupe and flows through the Kabiles and Rumbas parishes in Kuldīga Municipality. Veldze is one of the largest settlements on the banks of the Veldze River. Roads P120 and P121 cross the river, forming prominent landmarks in the landscape.
Quick facts about Veldze
One specific natural attraction is Veldze Waterfall. It is 0.8 to 0.9 metres high and 11 to 16 metres wide, and is one of the two waterfalls that can be visited in Rumbas Parish. The Riežupe Sand Caves add a cultural and historical aspect to the landscape experience: the cave labyrinth is considered the longest in Latvia, is 2 kilometres long in total and was excavated by hand over three generations. Visitors can explore 460 metres of this labyrinth.
Which routes are suitable for planning excursions?
The “Pa Riežupes apkārtni” route offers two clearly distinct options: a short loop of 18 kilometres and a long loop of 23 kilometres. Both routes pass through the “Ventas ieleja” Nature Reserve and “Riežupe” Nature Park. For a cycling stage, the Riežupe cycling route is relevant; its third sightseeing point is Veldze Waterfall.
Which cultural and historical sites are associated with Veldze?
The four-grade primary school in Veldze was founded in 1878 as an Orthodox parish auxiliary school. A Mazpulks youth organisation was established at the school in 1930. Another historical reference is the Veldze auxiliary manor, called “Veldzes pusmuiža” in Latvian and known as “Gut Welsen”. The “Bethel” open-air church holds baptisms, weddings, services and special ceremonies outdoors in summer.
Which other destinations can you compare?
If you would like to place Veldze in a broader travel comparison, you can also explore Kuldīga, Vārme, Padure, Renda, Vilgāle, Ķimale and Īvande.
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Where is Veldze Waterfall located?
The waterfall is located in the Veldze River approximately 400 metres before it flows into the Riežupe and approximately 400 metres downstream from Road P120. Both banks of the waterfall are privately owned; no public access has been established.
What is there at the bridge over the Riežupe?
The foot and bicycle bridge over the Riežupe is 2.5 metres wide and 42 metres long. Next to the bridge is a recreation area managed by the Latvian State Forests, with a shelter, table, benches and fire pit.
When and how can the Riežupe Sand Caves be visited?
The Riežupe Sand Caves can be visited from April to October accompanied by a guide.
What is the significance of the Old School of Veldze?
The Old School of Veldze has local cultural and historical significance.
For the broader travel overview: Kuldīgas Novads.
