Quiet white-sand coast with a wooden pier, the Sea Park and the Dune Trail.
Saulkrasti is a quiet seaside town on the Gulf of Riga, about 45 km north of Riga, known for its white-sand coast, wooden pier, the Sea Park and the Dune Trail. The Vivi train from Riga Central Station takes about 45 to 50 minutes and runs hourly, with more services in summer; fares are set by Vivi and can be confirmed on vivi.lv. Buses are also frequent, with details on 1188.lv. The town is long and narrow, stretching along the coast, so the train station is a convenient starting point for the walk to the beach.
The beach is the main draw, a wide strip of fine pale sand backed by pine-covered dunes, quieter than the beaches at Jurmala. The wooden pier extends into the sea and is a popular spot for sunset walks. The Sea Park, a landscaped coastal park near the centre, has sculptures, benches and shaded paths. The Dune Trail is a footpath through the dune forest behind the beach, passing viewing points and information boards about the coastal habitat. Cafes and small restaurants along Ainazu iela and near the beach serve fish and light meals.
A simple one-day arc takes a morning train and starts with a walk through the Sea Park to the beach. Midday suits swimming and sunbathing in summer, followed by lunch at a beachside cafe. The afternoon is for the Dune Trail, which can be walked in an hour or two, and the pier at the end of the day for the light. The return train leaves from Saulkrasti station, so a final stroll back through the pines completes the visit. Visitors who prefer a longer outing can cycle along the coast on local paths.
The best period is June to August, when the sea is warmest and cafes are open, though May and September are quieter for walking. Sunsets over the sea are a particular feature in summer. Winter visits are possible for stormy beach walks, but many services close. A typical day costs about 10 to 20 EUR including transport and a meal.
| Distance | About 45 km north of Riga |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 45-50 minutes by train |
| Getting there | Train, Vivi, from Riga Central Station to Saulkrasti, hourly, fare set by Vivi; confirm on vivi.lv |
| Cost | About 10-20 EUR (~$11.50-23) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Ainazu iela, Saulkrasti LV-2161, Latvia |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train (Vivi)
- Cost
- Fare set by Vivi; confirm on vivi.lv
- Frequency
- Hourly; more in summer
- Mode
- Bus
- Cost
- Fare set by operator; check 1188.lv
- Frequency
- Frequent
Location
Ainazu iela, Saulkrasti LV-2161, Latvia
57.2620, 24.4170 View on map
Highlights
- Relax on the white-sand beach backed by pine-covered dunes
- Walk out along the wooden pier at sunset
- Stroll the Sea Park with its sculptures and shaded paths
- Follow the Dune Trail through the coastal dune forest
Tips for visiting
- Take the hourly Vivi train from Riga Central Station and check vivi.lv for the summer timetable.
- Bring a swimsuit and towel in summer; the sea is shallow and warms by July.
- Check the last return train in advance, especially on weekday evenings.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the Dune Trail, as sand paths can be uneven.
- Stay for sunset at the pier, but bring a layer since sea breezes cool the evening.
When to visit
June to August has the warmest sea and sunsets from the pier, while May and September are quieter. Midday is busiest on summer weekends.
Accessibility
The Sea Park paths and pier are mostly level, but beach and Dune Trail surfaces are sandy and uneven. Wheelchair access is limited off the paved sections.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Saulkrasti from Riga?
The Vivi train takes about 45 to 50 minutes and runs hourly, with more services in summer. Fares can be confirmed on vivi.lv.
What is there to do in Saulkrasti?
Visitors can use the white-sand beach, walk the wooden pier, stroll the Sea Park and follow the Dune Trail.
Is Saulkrasti quieter than Jurmala?
Generally yes. The coast is calmer and less commercial, with a smaller-scale resort feel.
When is the best time to go?
June to August is best for swimming, while May and September suit quiet walks.