Slītere National Park (Latvian: Slīteres nacionālais parks) is a national park in Dundaga Municipality, Kurzeme Region, on the west coast of Latvia. Although formally established in 2000, it is based on former Slītere Nature Reserve, one of the oldest nature reserves in Baltic States. It is the smallest national park in Latvia.
The park is set in the Courland Peninsula, at the point of cape Kolka that marks the end of the Irbe Strait, the southern way out of the bay of Riga.
It covers an area of 265 km2 (102 sq mi) (including 101 km2 (39 sq mi) in the Baltic Sea), making it the smallest national park in Latvia.
The "Zilie Kalni" or "Blue Hills" are one of the most recognizable geological features of the park. Thousands of years ago, the Zilie Kalni formed the ancient shore of the Baltic ice lake. Further back in time, 40 M years ago, the climate was sub-tropical; fossilized amber from that period is still found by the sea-shore after heavy storms have stirred the sediments on the sea bed.
The small Irbe river runs south-west/north-east, following the coastal line of the Irbe Strait towards the Baltic sea, and reaches the sea within the Slītere national park. Its brown moor waters constantly move the sandbanks in its estuary. In late Autumn, brown trouts swim upriver to reach their spawning grounds.
Getting there
The best way to reach the national park is to drive a car from Riga. There are plenty of international flights to Riga and from here on you can drive. It only takes around 2 hours to reach the national park by car from Riga.
When to visit
The best seasons are during spring, summer and fall. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park and there will be plenty of visitors. The park is less crowded during spring and fall. Winter is cold and the park is not frequently visited.
Map of Slītere National Park
Image gallery of Slītere National Park
Sights in Slītere National Park
Some national parks contain more than just natural wonders. This list shows you some of the sights that are located in the national park. This includes museums, cathedrals, bridges, dams and much more.
Wildlife in Slītere National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Bears in Slītere National Park
Few bears in the park
This national park has bears and you need to take the necessary precautions. It is however unlikely that you will come across a bear.
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