Daugavgrīva: hiking through forest and beach while still in the city

Map
Total distance: 11 km

Daugavgriva beach

Here we are, at the sandy beach of Daugavgrīva. We suggest you take your shoes off here as it’s really just good for health to walk barefoot on sand. Also it’s important for the ritual of connecting with nature. Three years ago there was a 19^th century ship found in the dunes of this beach, so large that no museum could host it. Who knows, perhaps you’ll find something antique here too!

Breakwater of Daugavgriva

This breakwater offers more than just some stones piled up in a large stack. There are some old bunkers to be found here, unique shore constructions and of course the lighthouse. Constructed in the end of the 19^th century, this 860 meter long creation was damaged badly during WW2 so you might notice some standout cement blocks that were used for renovation works in the 1980s.

Abandoned pool 

One of the coolest abandoned buildings in Riga must be this pool. What used to be a popular spot for recreation and relaxation is now still quite well known and for similar reasons. Perhaps a bit more exploration and adrenaline hunting included these days. Nevertheless, some insta worthy photos here is a guarantee.

Address: Flotes iela 5B

Fortress of Daugavgriva

Built during the 17^th century this fortress is a true work of art, created to defend a very important trading and producing center – Riga. Later on it was made into the main Latvian army shoreline point of defense. The site has been used for army training through centuries, having a significant role throughout all of the wars in the territory of Latvia and neighboring countries. Explore the tunnels and ruins, see how historical events have changed this flower shaped fortress.

Address: Birzes iela 2

Abandoned villa

Easily considered the most royal abandoned building in all of Daugavgrīva, perhaps even the whole territory of Riga and Latvia combined. This mansion offers 60 rooms scattered over the total area of nearly 2000 square meters. It was finished in 1949 and since then has gone through some rough times, clearly. Decorated inside out by what seems to be anonymous street artists, this magnificent creation is available for only 300 thousand euros. So if you’re into real estate – might be a good catch. Right next to the beach too!

Address: Birzes iela 9

Dīvainais mākslas centrs
(Weird art center)

Art has no limitations, no borders or norms. Art is there for the sole reason of adjusting and breaking whatever our society has constructed as a norm over time. Weird art center is the definition of that. Installations that raise an eyebrow or two, popping up on such a random basis, we couldn’t possibly predict what is shown there by the time of your visitation.

100% burgers

You must be starving after this walk and we have just the right place to help you with that. 100% burgers have found a way to match good quality ingredients at a decent price. Just don’t overestimate yourself cause that 10 euro Megaburger will surely seem very intriguing after such a long walk. They offer most of the popular drinks you would expect in such a place and coffee at a price way below the market average.

Address: Parādes iela 4

Paradīze

In case junk food is not your style, we have the perfect alternative. Get ready to travel in time, back to the early 2000s. Just in time when one of the most iconic places in Daugavgriva – Paradīze was opened. It’s a simple place offering food like it would be prepared in a regular household in Latvia. Everything from locally popular soups to pork chops and chicken shashlik. We can almost guarantee that every sailor that has ever graduated from the nearby Latvian Maritime Academy has been here. And they approve!

Address: Flotes iela 8