Mārupe: Bogs, Birdwatching and Cycling Routes

Lake Babīte is a shallow, siltation-prone coastal lagoon lake with an area of 2,988 ha and an average depth of 1–2 m. It is one of Latvia’s ten outstanding birdwatching areas; a total of 184 bird species have been recorded there, 36 of which breed at the lake. The embankment at Lake Babīte is suitable for walking, while the lake is used for fishing.

Nature

The Medema Bog also demonstrates the diversity of the landscape around Mārupe. The bog covers 3,400 ha and, in relatively undisturbed areas, features characteristics of raised and transitional bogs, wooded habitats and diverse large-mammal fauna. More than 100 bird species have been recorded in the vicinity of the Medema Bog; the Mārupīte also springs there. The hiking trail through the Medema Bog has a small observation platform, white and yellow orientation markings, and is 7 km long in total from the starting point and back.

The audio guide “Medema purvs – soli pa solim” is available free of charge via the izi.Travel app. It covers approximately 2.3 km in one direction, or 4.6 km there and back, and leads from the first bridge over the ditch to the raised bog.

Beberbeķi Nature Park covers 275 ha and protects biologically valuable pine stands and dune relief. Beberbeķi Nature Park is used for recreation and walking at various times of year; when there is snow, the park’s dune relief is suitable for skiing. Thirteen protected bird species have been recorded in Melnā ezera purvs; the area is an important breeding and resting site for birds during migration.

Jaunmārupe Nature Park has been a locally protected area at the Pavasari Reservoir since 2000. It has a naturally formed network of paths. A lit promenade with benches runs between Jaunmārupe Nature Park and the Pavasari Reservoir.

Cycling

Marked cycle route No. 114 is 32.64 km long; 15.8 km of it has a sand surface and 17.24 km has an asphalt surface. Cycle route No. 3, “Mārupe–Beberbeķu dabas parks”, runs alongside Riga Airport’s runway and allows visitors to observe air traffic from close range.

2, “Mārupe–Jaunmārupe”, is intended for recreation and visiting places of interest in Mārupe and Jaunmārupe. The “Mārupe–Beberbeķu dabas parks” cycle route leads to Beberbeķi Nature Park with its unique pine forest, dunes and Lake Beberbeķi. The “Mārupes lielais und mazais loks” cycle route is suitable for easy evening or weekend rides alone, with friends or with family.

The “Jaunmārupe–Cenas tīrelis” cycle route leads to Cenas tīrelis, a specially protected nature reserve with a 5 km-long boardwalk and a 6 m-high observation tower. The “Jaunmārupe–Božu ūdenskrātuve” cycle route passes through the landscape of Jaunmārupe, with horse pastures, the expansive grounds of the golf club and paths through pine forests, to the Boži Reservoir.

The “Mārupe–RIX Rīgas lidosta” cycle route passes the former Bieriņmuiža (Lindenruh), the hunting lodge of the Bērēni von Rautenfeld family.

Paths and Water

The 23rd section of the “Jūrtaka” hiking trail, named “Bulduri–Rīgas centrs”, runs for 1 km through Mežāres in Babītes pagasts. Horse riding is one of the activities that characterizes Mārupes pagasts and the town of Mārupe. In Salas pagasts, there are opportunities for active recreation on the waters of Lake Babīte and the Lielupe.

Culture

The “Babīte” Rhododendron Breeding and Experimental Nursery of the University of Latvia attracts visitors in spring and early summer. The Rīgas aviācijas tehnikas muzejs, the Aviation Technical Museum, is the only museum of its kind in Latvia and has one of the largest aviation collections in Europe. It has 47 exhibits and allows visitors to view the cockpit of a Mi-6 helicopter.

There are two aircraft observation points in the Skulte area. One of them is located at the end of the extended runway along the glide path; from there, aircraft can be seen from below as they take off or land.

Orientation

The Mārupe Tourism and Handicraft Centre is located at Bebru iela 10, Mārupe, Mārupes novads, LV-2167.

More local pages: Jaunmārupe, Stopiņu Novads, Ludzas Novads, Mālpils Novads, Tukuma Novads, Kuldīgas Novads, Tērvetes Novads, Aknīstes Novads.

To the overarching travel overview: Latvia.