Kvēpene Nature Trails

Length: approx. 11 km
Difficulty: moderate

The 11 km Kvēpene Loop Trail begins at the car park by the historic Raiskums Chapel, built around 1880, and leads through serene forest paths. Along the route, hikers reach the Kvēpene Cave and a sacred spring emerging from an impressive sandstone cliff. Don’t forget a torch to explore the cave’s labyrinthine passages!

The trail then climbs Kvēpene Hillfort, continuing to the majestic Kvēpene Oak, a 500-year-old tree once depicted on the former five-lat banknote. As the oak stands on private land, visitors are asked to respect the boundaries and enjoy their picnic at the designated riverside rest area nearby.

At the former forest warden’s house, local guide Anete offers meditative horse walks – a unique experience (booking via phone: +371 26404291). Note: an Alaskan Malamute may be wandering the area.

A short walk leads to Rūsiņš Hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There’s a bench for a break and a picnic spot with facilities down by the Gauja River.

The return route loops back through peaceful forest paths to the starting point near Raiskums cemetery.

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