Ragakapa Nature Park, Jurmala - Latvia

We traveled to Jūrmala in October. We visited places like the Ragakapa nature park, Yacht club, Bulluciem and the Jurmala open-air museum. Of course, the place that left the biggest impression on me was the Ragakapa nature park. This park is famous for its forested areas, nature trails and rich biodiversity. It had suddenly become autumn here. It was 5 degrees at night, but the temperature felt like 1 degree, it was really incredibly cold. Also, everything was damp and windy.

While driving, we passed by a building that was once a cultural center of an old fishing collective from 1959. Back then it housed a library, children's clubs and various events. Now it is a place with luxury apartments. My friend and I went to the farthest eastern part of Jurmala, which is Bulduri. This area is located on the right side of the Lielupe station, outside the main part of Jurmala,on the other side of the river. It is located on the Kabule road coming from the old Boldereya direction, across from Varna Kroks.

This area used to be a fishing village. In the early 20th century summer houses began to be built here. At that time it became one of the popular holiday spots for the Riga theater community. From 1949 to 1992 a large fish factory called Uzvara operated here. There is also the Jurmala Open-Air Museum here. It is a very beautiful and natural place. It has a small parking lot and a non-functional toilet. However, the amazing scent of the pine forests makes it all worthwhile.

Then we went to Ragakapa. In 1962 it was designated as a nature park. The sea pines, which have grown here for centuries, thrive on the moving sands. It has sand dunes that rise up to 17 meters. The forest has a beautiful ecological walking trail, information boards and viewing platforms.

I came here to walk around, but my friend was determined to pick mushrooms. We found a Canada Boletus mushroom here, which is an invasive species in Europe. It came here along with the Canadian pines brought to the Curonian Spit. Later we accidentally came across other mushrooms. A real mushroom, a forest champion. But if you're not careful, you might mistake it for a poisonous species. While my friend was picking mushrooms, I was accompanying him and occasionally I would pick a few myself.

At the same time, we were worried about whether we would reach the sea, but in the end we did. On our way to the shore, we found many mushrooms. The truth is: when you pick mushrooms, you need to look at the ground and similarly, when you write a travel blog, you need to observe your surroundings and capture the moment. Just like mushroom picking. 😄

Some people pick mushrooms and some take photos. But I would never go mushroom picking alone. I’d definitely end up picking the wrong ones and returning with regret. By the way while picking mushrooms, we could hear the sound of the sea waves. We had gotten really close.

This place is the closest part of Jurmala to Vakarbulli. To get here, you cross the river and go all the way to the end, passing the 36th line. There is a special parking lot. After this parking lot the open-air park begins, with beautiful walking trails.

Before going to the sea, I turned back to take a photo of the dancing pines. I promised my friend I’d find a few mushrooms on the way. I was so excited. I was looking everywhere like a real mushroom picker. During this I saw our dancing pines. These dancing pines are much bigger than the ones in Lithuania. I saw the pines but was still searching for mushrooms. I found many mushrooms, but some were inedible.

Finally I reached the sea. The sea was really beautiful. I love going into the water. The sea scent here is what I enjoy most. Right here is the mouth of the Daugava river. Yes, for me the sea is definitely something like home. Many people hate the sea, but I adore it. For me, living without the sea or any water source is difficult.

There is a small beach for children here, very cute and lovely. Then we got back to looking for mushrooms. But it was really cold. Even though the weather was cold, it was wonderful to enjoy nature. During this walk, we found some great mushrooms. Apparently I kept my promise that day. I found plenty of mushrooms and I was so happy. Overall most of what we picked was amazing.

We left Jurmala with beautiful memories. Every corner we visited was uniquely beautiful.