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Kandava Historical Stone Bridge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Kandava Historical Stone Bridge is the oldest stone arch bridge in Latvia, crossing the Abava River in the heart of the town of Kandava. It was constructed in 1873 by order of the Courland Governorate to establish a permanent connection for regional trade. The bridge has a total length of 66 meters and features four massive arches built from hewn fieldstones. Its construction was a technical masterpiece of the time and has withstood the strong spring floods of the Abava River for over a century and a half. Today, the bridge is a protected technical monument and a central element of Kandava's townscape, known as the 'Gateway to the Abava Valley.' It serves not only as a transport route but also as a popular subject for artists and photographers who appreciate the romantic fusion of architecture and nature. The bridge marks the starting point for numerous hiking trails through the Abava River Valley Nature Park.

Location: Latvia
Top sights: Kandavas bruņinieku pilskalns · Pulvertornis · Kandavas novada muzejs
Nearby: Vāne (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-4	0	5	11	15	18	18	13	7	3	-1
Rain mm	50	40	39	40	45	66	71	71	52	66	63	54

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The historic stone bridge is a public structure and can be viewed for free at any time. It is walkable and features a beautiful view of the river.

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Typical hours

As it is a freely accessible structure, there are no opening hours. The bridge is passable 24/7, but not lit at night.

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Photography

Photography is allowed at any time on and from the bridge. Particularly nice subjects are obtained from the riverbank with the bridge in the background.

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Time needed

The stay on the bridge is short - about 10 to 15 minutes suffice for photos and the view. Those who walk along the riverbank can allow half an hour.

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Combine with

The bridge is located in Kandava and combines excellently with a walk through the old town. The nearby Kandava castle ruins are also worth seeing.

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Getting there

The bridge is reachable on foot from Kandava town center in a few minutes. Parking is available at the market square or along the main street.

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Insider tip

Visit the bridge early in the morning when fog hangs over the river - you'll get mystical photos. Bring sturdy footwear if you also want to explore the riverbed.

Geography

Coordinates

57.03440, 22.77560

Facts

The bridge was completed in 1873.
It is the oldest functioning stone bridge in Latvia.
The total length of the structure is 66 meters.
It consists of four distinct stone arches.
The bridge spans the Abava River, a tributary of the Venta.
It was financed by order of the Courland knighthood.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kandava<1 km · NExplore →

Abava Valley Nature Park4 km · NExplore →

Vāne6 km · SExplore →

Vāne Manor6 km · SWExplore →

Zante Hill9 km · SEExplore →

Zante9 km · SWExplore →

Vāne Ridge11 km · SExplore →

Zante Ridge11 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kandava Historical Stone Bridge (10)

Kandavas bruņinieku pilskalns

Hillfort of the Knights near Kandava, once a knightly order seat, now a wooded hill.

Pulvertornis 🏰 castle

17th-century gunpowder tower, part of the former town fortifications.

Kandavas novada muzejs 🏛 museum

Local history museum in a historic building, displaying archaeological and ethnographic finds.

Kandavas pilskalns

Hillfort on the Abava River, site of a former wooden castle.

🌐 latvijas-pilskalni.lv

Sēravotu dziedinātavas drupas

Ruins of a 19th-century sulfur spring bathhouse.

Kandavas kroņa muižas drupas

Remains of the 18th-century royal estate buildings.

Kandavas kroņa muiža

Former royal manor house, partially preserved with a park.

dabas liegums ,,Cuzu purvs"

Bog area with rare plants and birds, a protected nature reserve.

Valtermuiža

19th-century manor house surrounded by a small park.

Kandavas Mācītājmuiža

Former parsonage, now a residential and event building.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the bridge in Kandava?

It is the oldest stone bridge in Latvia, built in 1873 across the Abava river.

Are cars allowed to cross the bridge?

Yes, the bridge is still open for normal car traffic and connects the parts of Kandava town.

Does the bridge offer good photo opportunities?

Absolutely, especially from the banks of the Abava, the bridge with its massive stone arches can be photographed picturesquely.

Are there hiking trails nearby?

Kandava is located in the Abava ancient valley, which has many beautiful hiking paths through nature, starting right at the bridge.

What else can be seen in Kandava town?

Worth seeing are the Powder Tower, the remains of the order castle, and the appealing old town with its steep streets.

Kandava Historical Stone Bridge: where is it located?

Kandava Historical Stone Bridge is located in Latvia.

Kandava Historical Stone Bridge: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kandavas bruņinieku pilskalns, Pulvertornis, Kandavas novada muzejs.

Kandava Historical Stone Bridge: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kandava Historical Stone Bridge: why is it worth visiting?

The Kandava Historical Stone Bridge is the oldest stone arch bridge in Latvia, crossing the Abava River in the heart of the town of Kandava.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Kandava Historical Stone Bridge

Best time to visit & climate