Skrunda: Culture and Trails along the Venta

The memorial stone commemorating the Battle of Skrunda recalls the victory of the troops led by Colonel Oskars Kalpaks over the Bolsheviks. Skrunda Manor tells the story not only of its Classicist construction period: it later also served as a prison, poorhouse, pharmacy, school and boarding school. Skrunda thus brings together different historical layers without requiring you to limit yourself to a single theme. The railway is also part of the townscape. The railway bridge over the Venta opened in 1928; a footpath crosses the river along the railway tracks. This historic transport connection complements visits to the church, railway station and manor house with a route characterised by its own distinctive architecture.

The walking trail along the Venta has benches, picnic and fire sites, several viewpoints and a sensory trail. It therefore comprises not only a route along the river, but also several differently designed areas for spending time. Since 2020, there has also been a free-access sauna for residents and visitors. The sauna is thus a separate feature of the trail and not a general statement about the facilities at other places or accommodations in Skrunda. For planning your day, you can combine the cultural and natural themes: You can view historic buildings and memorial sites, then use the riverside trail with its viewpoints or extend the walk with a longer hike. During bird migration, various waterbirds stay at Skrunda’s fishponds. Visitors who would like to include seasonal nature observation will therefore find a clearly defined additional focus there. If you would like to compare other places after your stay, you can then open the pages for Rudbārži, Jaunmuiža, Pumpuri and Lēnas.

For a longer stay, the “Skrundas loks” loop trail is an option in its own right. The “Skrundas loks” loop trail is an easy, scenic hiking route approximately 16 kilometres long. It therefore differs significantly from the walking trail along the Venta: The riverside trail offers several rest and activity stations, while the loop trail is designed as a longer, continuous hike.

How long is the “Skrundas loks” loop trail?

The loop trail is approximately 16 kilometres long and is an easy, scenic hiking route. This figure is an approximation and should not be understood as an exactly measured length.

What can be seen at the Deportation Memorial Museum in the railway carriage?

The museum houses a permanent exhibition with photographs, letters, personal accounts, documents and objects made by the deportees themselves. It is considered Latvia’s first railway-carriage museum with a permanent exhibition.

What does the “Waking of the City” mean?

Skrunda’s annual town festival includes the tradition of the “Waking of the City”. Participants move loudly and cheerfully through the town’s streets.

What nature observation is possible at the fishponds?

Various waterbirds stay there during bird migration. The fishponds are therefore of particular interest to visitors who would like to supplement their stay with seasonal observation.

To the overview of the wider travel area: Skrundas Novads.