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Slītere National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Slītere National Park is located at the northwestern tip of Latvia on the Courland Peninsula, encompassing Cape Kolka, where the open Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. Established in 1921 as a nature reserve, it is one of the oldest national parks in the Baltic region, recognized for its unique geological history. The park's most striking feature is the Blue Hills (Zilie kalni), a massive ancient shoreline cliff formed by the Baltic Ice Lake over 10,000 years ago. The landscape is a diverse mosaic of pristine boreal forests, bogs, and coastal dunes, providing a sanctuary for rare plant species and animals like lynx, wolves, and moose. Slītere is globally significant for bird migration, as millions of birds pass over Cape Kolka each spring and autumn. Additionally, the park preserves the cultural heritage of the Livonians, one of the world's smallest Finno-Ugric ethnic groups, who have inhabited this coastline for centuries. The Slītere Lighthouse, perched on the edge of the ancient cliff, serves as a popular viewpoint for visitors exploring this wild and historically rich territory.

Location: Latvia
Nearby: Kolka (12 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	-2	-3	0	5	10	15	18	18	14	8	4	0
Rain mm	52	40	38	37	40	59	67	70	54	66	67	57

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The park is easily reachable by car from the coastal region's main roads, with dedicated entrances and official visitor centres serving as starting points.

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Best season

The best experience is typically during the summer months when the diverse coastal ecosystem is fully active and the weather is warm enough for hiking.

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Terrain & paths

Trails pass through varied landscapes including ancient coniferous forests and sandy dunes, with many pathways featuring wooden boardwalks for easier access.

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What to bring

Good walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers are essential, while binoculars are highly recommended for observing the area's rich bird populations.

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Parking

Designated parking areas are typically available near the park entrances and the main trailheads, ensuring convenient access to the protected habitats.

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Safety

Visitors are generally required to stay on marked trails to protect the fragile dune ecosystems and avoid getting lost in the dense old-growth forests.

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Time needed

Exploring the park's varied landscapes and nature trails typically takes a half to a full day, depending on how deeply you wish to discover the area.

Geography

Coordinates

57.63330, 22.58330

Facts

The park was founded in 1921, making it one of the oldest in the Baltics.
Cape Kolka is famous for the 'clash of two seas' current phenomenon.
The Blue Hills represent the ancient shoreline of the Baltic Ice Lake.
It is a prime location for bird watching, with over 125 nesting species.
The park includes 12 traditional Livonian fishing villages along the coast.
Slītere Lighthouse is the only one in Latvia not directly on the coastline.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kolka12 km · NExplore →

Adam16 km · SWExplore →

Nizwa Industrial City19 km · SEExplore →

Roja20 km · SEExplore →

Birkat Al Mouz Plantations20 km · EExplore →

Wadi Muaydin23 km · EExplore →

Nizwa Fort24 km · SEExplore →

Valdemārpils28 km · SExplore →

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 Slītere National Park (1)

dabas liegums „Ģipkas lankas”🌿 nature

A nature reserve within Slītere National Park, known for its pristine nature.

🌐 daba.gov.lv

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous natural landmark in Slītere National Park?

Cape Kolka, where the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga meet.

Can you visit the Slītere lighthouse?

Yes, the lighthouse now serves as an observation tower with views over the forests to the sea.

Are there hiking trails in the park?

Yes, there are several nature trails, such as the Slītere nature trail through ancient forests.

Is camping allowed in the national park?

Only in designated areas to protect the sensitive environment.

What is the Blue Hills ridge (Zilie kalni)?

It is a distinctive geological ridge that once formed the shore of the prehistoric ice lake.

Slītere National Park: where is it located?

Slītere National Park is located in Latvia.

Slītere National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Slītere National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Slītere National Park is located at the northwestern tip of Latvia on the Courland Peninsula, encompassing Cape Kolka, where the open Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →