New for This Season: Fishermen’s Heritage & Ragakāpa Nature
Discover the fishing traditions of old Jūrmala and explore the hidden natural treasures of Ragakāpa.
When people think of Jūrmala, they often imagine sandy beaches, elegant wooden villas and long walks by the sea. But there is another side to this coastal town — a world of fishermen’s traditions, maritime history and fascinating natural landscapes.
This season, I invite you to discover it on a new guided tour combining Jūrmala Open-Air Museum with a walk through Ragakāpa Nature Park.
⚓ Step into the World of Coastal Fishermen
Our journey begins at Jūrmala Open-Air Museum, where the everyday life of coastal fishing communities comes to life.
How did fishermen earn their living? What tools did they use? How were their boats built, and how was the catch handled before modern equipment became available?
As we explore the museum’s historic buildings, fishing gear and wooden boats, we will discover the skills, traditions and hard work that shaped life along the coast of the Gulf of Riga. These objects tell stories not only about fishing, but also about families, work and the close relationship between people and the sea.
🌲 Discover the Natural Secrets of Ragakāpa
From the museum, we continue to Ragakāpa Nature Park, where the story changes from human history to the fascinating world of coastal nature.
Here, wind and sand have shaped the landscape over time. We will walk among the dunes and pine trees, discovering how plants survive in sandy soil and exposed, windy conditions.
Look closely, and the forest reveals much more than you might expect. Mosses and lichens cover tree trunks and fallen wood. Old trees and decaying branches provide shelter and food for many living organisms. Even what appears to be a dead tree can play an essential role in a healthy forest ecosystem.
Along the way, we will explore the small details that are easy to overlook when simply walking through the woods — and discover how every part of this landscape contributes to its natural richness.
🌊 Two Stories, One Coastal Landscape
What connects the fishermen’s lives with the forest of Ragakāpa? Both tell us about living alongside nature, adapting to the coastal environment and making use of the resources available.
This tour offers a different perspective on Jūrmala — beyond the beaches and resort architecture. It brings together local heritage, traditional fishing culture and the remarkable natural environment of the Baltic coast.
Whether you are interested in history, traditional crafts, coastal landscapes or simply enjoy discovering places at a slower pace, I hope this journey will give you a new appreciation of Jūrmala.
Join me for a journey through the heritage of coastal fishermen and the natural secrets of Ragakāpa!
Practical Information
🕒 Duration: 1.5 hours
🗣️ Languages: Latvian, English and French
📬 Booking: Please book at least 5 days in advance.
📍 Meeting point: At the entrance to Jūrmala Open-Air Museum.
💶 Price: On request
👟 What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
❗ Please note: Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts.