Slītere National Park
Kurzeme Region
Slītere National Park, located in the Courland region on Latvia's west coast, is the country's smallest national park, established in 2000 based on one of the Baltic States' oldest nature reserves. The park spans 265 km², including a significant marine area of 101 km² in the Baltic Sea. Its landscape features the notable "Blue Hills" (Zilie Kalni), ancient shorelines of the Baltic Ice Lake, and unique dune systems known as kangari with inter-dune bogs called vigas. The park's forests are a mix of broadleaf species, especially on the Blue Hills, and coniferous trees, hosting hundreds of plant and bryophyte species, with 29 species unique to Latvia. Slītere is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, with up to 60,000 birds per hour observed during migration seasons, including species like the bar-tailed godwit and great grey owl. Large mammals such as grey wolves, Eurasian lynx, and elk inhabit the park, while along its coast, Baltic grey seals breed under sea ice during winter, marking their southernmost nursery site globally. The park also preserves parts of the Livonian Coast, including traditional Livonian villages like Vaide, Saunags, and Pitrags, enriching its cultural landscape.
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Tip: The best time to visit Slītere National Park is during spring and autumn migrations to witness spectacular birdwatching opportunities. Visitors should prepare for variable weather and consider guided tours to explore sensitive natural habitats responsibly. Purchasing tickets or permits in advance is advisable if available, and discounts may apply for groups or seniors. As the park includes marine and forested areas, appropriate footwear and outdoor gear are recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The Blue Hills (Zilie Kalni) are remnants of the ancient Baltic Ice Lake shore formed thousands of years ago.
- •Fossilized amber from a subtropical climate 40 million years ago can still be found on the park's seashore after storms.
- •Up to 60,000 birds per hour have been observed migrating over Slītere during peak seasons.
- •Baltic grey seals breed in the park's coastal areas under sea ice, representing their southernmost nursery site in the world.
- •Slītere hosts 29 plant species not found anywhere else in Latvia.
History
Slītere National Park was officially established in 2000, evolving from the former Slītere Nature Reserve, one of the oldest nature reserves in the Baltic States.
The park's geological features, such as the Blue Hills, date back thousands of years to the ancient Baltic Ice Lake shoreline.
Fossilized amber found along the coast points to a subtropical climate around 40 million years ago.
Over centuries, the area has maintained its ecological significance, preserving unique forest types and diverse fauna, including rare species of plants and animals.
Place Guide
Blue Hills (Zilie Kalni)thousands of years ago
These hills are ancient geological formations that mark the former shoreline of the Baltic Ice Lake, providing unique landscapes and habitats for diverse flora and fauna.
Dune Complex (Kangari) and Inter-dune Bogs (Vigas)
A unique landscape of dunes and bog depressions that supports rare plant species and diverse ecosystems within the park.
Migratory Bird Observation Points
Locations along the coast and within the park ideal for observing large numbers of migratory birds, including species like the bar-tailed godwit and great grey owl.
Livonian Coast Villages
Traditional Livonian settlements such as Vaide, Saunags, and Pitrags that preserve the cultural heritage of the Livonian people within the park boundaries.
Contact
Phone: 63 286 000
