Gravel Weekend

Tukums is a small city with only 17 000 inhabitants. It’s located 60km west of the capital city, Riga. It’s only 15km from the coast of the Baltic Sea. It’s one of the “must visit” places, and you can easily do it by bike from Tukums. Around Tukums there is a landscape where history, architecture, and quiet nature come together in a way that feels both rich and effortless. The region offers a sequence of manors, forests, lakes and unique cultural corners that together form a gentle, story-like journey. There is Jaunmoku Manor, rising above its park with red bricks and neo-gothic lines. Its halls, exhibitions and calm surroundings create an atmosphere of elegance and countryside peace. Not far away stands Durbe Manor, bright and classical, surrounded by an old park where large trees cast long shadows on the walking paths. Further along the road sits Šlokenbeka Manor, one of the rare fortified manors in Latvia. Its stone walls, arches and inner courtyard tell the story of centuries of trade routes and regional life. The complex now offers a quiet space where history is easy to feel simply by walking through the gate. Beyond the manors, the land opens into nature areas that define the Tukums region. There is Ķemeri National Park, where the famous bog-boardwalk stretches across a landscape of moss, pools and twisted pines. The stillness of the bog contrasts beautifully with the surrounding forest trails and freshwater springs. Nearby lies Kaņieris Lake, a favourite stop for bird-watchers and walkers. The nature trail and observation tower provide wide views over reed fields and open water, with the sound of birds carrying across the lake. In the countryside stands the ancient Kaives Oak, the thickest oak tree in the Baltics, towering above the fields as a natural monument that has seen more seasons than any building around it. The course will go very close to it. For something unexpected, the region also offers Cinevilla, an open-air film set built as a historical town. Wooden bridges, cobblestone streets and period-style buildings create a playful environment where scenes of old Riga and Kurzeme come to life.

 

You can get to the Tukums by car. It’s a 60km drive from Riga. But we suggest taking a train. It’s bit more than an hour from Riga. If you come by plane to Riga, you can rent a car at the airport or take a bus to the centre of Riga and then switch to the train. Riga Airport to Tukums is less than an hour drive. 

If you want to stay in Tukums, you can ask us for a help or check booking or airbnb. Also, a good option could be a hotel in Jurmala and then by train to Tukums.