Kandava - Imulas

Seasonality: spring, summer, autumn

Complexity: This is a non-classified leasure trip route, suitable for all people and all type of boats. General safety rules should be met, however, use of buoyancy aids is mandatory.

Easy, one day recreational route by river Abava. We recommend to take it in spring (april – may) to get out most of nature blossom. In summer shoals are common in this stage of river Abava. The “longest stage” of the route is near town Kandava. River is rambling here, thus you move away from Kandava quite slowly. Also downstream the flow of river is drift, so if you go by inflatable boat you will have to paddle pretty hard to move on.

Places to see in this route are Velnala (Devil's Cage) and Velnakmens (Devil's stone). Optionally you can also explore town Kandava before taking this route.

Nature reserve “Chuzhu swamp”

Significant place to see in this route is Chuzhu swamp. Being a part of the ancient valley of Abava, about 1 km form Kandava (4 km downstream by river) on the left side of river lies a swamp. Swamp is entitled to bush (Pentaphylloides fruticosa - goldfinger). It is infrequent postglacial plant which blooms from june to july. In Čužu swamp you can find also sulphur spring “Velna acs” (Devil's eye) and freshwater lime-pit. This is the only place in Latvia, where goldfingers grow wild and the plant belongs to protected species. Have a care!

Transportation and reach of the route: This is one of the most civilized routes in Kurzeme – not too far from Riga (about 100 km), there is a bus line to and from Riga. If you go by car, you can leave it in ending point of route - Imulas guest house parking place. Length of the route by land – 9.5 km.