Abava Valley Nature Park, Nature park and Natura 2000 protected area in Kurzeme, Latvia
The Abava Valley Nature Park stretches along the Abava River through terrain marked by steep banks, deep ravines, and sandy shores. The protected area contains forests, open meadows, and multiple hiking trails that guide visitors through changing landscapes.
The valley received protected status in 1957 and gained official nature park designation in 1999. This legal recognition led to systematic efforts for ecosystem protection and visitor management across the region.
The Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum sits within the park, displaying sculptures and installations among trees and meadows. This collection grew from local artistic projects that connected with the surrounding landscape over decades.
The park is accessible year-round, with trails of varying difficulty suited to different fitness levels. Wear sturdy footwear and weather-resistant clothing, as the terrain is steep and ground can become slippery after rain.
The area harbors more than 50 plant species found in western Latvia that appear nowhere else in the region. The geology reveals clear marks from ice age glaciers that shaped the valley thousands of years ago.
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