- Country: Latvia;
- Origins: Latvia, Bauska;
- Estuary: Gulf of Riga;
- Length: 119 km.
Lielupe is the second most important river in Latvia . The reason for gaining such an important status was not the length of the riverbed (there are rivers of greater length). The fact is that Lielupe is very generous and generous. It provides water supply to a lot of nearby towns and villages, gives a rich fishing crop. Thanks to the smooth line of the valley and the deep water, this river is ideal for navigation. And, of course, Lielupe does not deprive tourists of their attention. Fans of outdoor activities happily come to the shores of this river for new impressions and adventures.
From the source to the mouth
All the riverbed of the Lielupe River is located in the territory of Latvia, in the area of the Central-Latvian Lowland. The length of the river is 119 km. The total area of the water basin is 17,600 km². The most famous cities on the Lielupe River are Jelgava , Bauska , Kalnciems and Jurmala .
Lielupe has a rather peculiar mouth, consisting of two branches. One of them flows into the Western Dvina, the second - into the Gulf of Riga . In the upper reaches, due to this split, a peninsula is formed, which is called the Riga Zamorie.
The Lielupe basin is characterized by a fan-like arrangement of rivers that flow along the slightly incised valleys. With the onset of the thaw they spread widely, flooding the coastal villages and fields. Lielupe - a river with many tributaries - more than 250 (Islice, Garoza, Iecava, Virtsava, Sweeten, Plato, Sesava, Sveta and others).
The source of Lielupe is formed by the point of confluence of two rivers - Musa and Memele. The beginning of the way of the new river lies between the high rocky coasts, paved with dolomites. After the confluence of the tributary of Islitza, the bed becomes more full, the water line is practically compared with the banks.
The scientists found out that the Lielupe River was one of the tributaries of the Daugava before the 17th century. After during the next flood in the early spring on Daugava large ice jams were formed, Lielupe "went her own way", washing herself a passage to the Gulf of Riga. After some time, the old and new estuary of Lielupe united, forming a beautiful double valley on the seashore.
Things to do?
Given the fact that one of the cities on the Lielupe River is the famous Latvian resort of Jurmala, there are certain attractions for tourists here.
In Jurmala water-skiing and wakeboard-park you will find a lot of entertainment:
- picnic grounds on the beach with all necessary (gazebos, barbecues, charcoal, dishes, smokehouse);
- water skiing (figure skating on water skiing, slalom and jumping from a springboard);
- riding on inflatable circles, boats and boats;
- wakeboarding;
- saunas on wood;
- volleyball;
- aquapark;
- basketball;
- a tent town.
A wide range of entertainment on the water in another city on the river Lielupe - Jelgava. Here is:
- yacht Club;
- the rental of water bicycles, canoes, kayaks and boats;
- cable track for wakeboard and water ski (the longest circuit running in the Baltic (circular) principle in the Baltic);
- equipped beaches for comfortable rest;
- places for commercial fishing.
Fans of recreation on the water away from civilization can choose a small section of the river bed. That's only a place to stay overnight in tents in the spring should be chosen carefully, the exit of the river from the banks during the flood can spoil the impression of rest.
Interesting Facts
- the best place for fishing in Lielupe - the headwaters of the river (the landmark is the town of Bauska);
- in Venezuela there is a river named after Lielupe, it flows near the highest in the world waterfall Angel, which was discovered by the Latvian traveler Alexander Lima;
- the most popular fish that is found in the Lielupe River is the vimba, but its catch is strictly regulated by the state (it is possible to catch the vimba only with a special license on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, no more than 8 pcs per day and only from the shore or boat - it is forbidden to enter the water during fishing).
How to get there?
Most tourists go to rest on the river Lielupe in Jurmala or Jelgava . And there, and there it is convenient to get from Riga . In both directions there are railways, buses, minibuses and good motorways.
Up to two other major cities on the river Lielupe - Bauska and Kalnciems - you can get from the capital by bus.
If you are going to rest on the river bank in the vicinity of small settlements, the best option is to drive to the destination by car on regional and local roads.