Embūte Nature Trail

Distance: 3 km

Embūte valley nature trail introduces with the Embūte valley, which was once an old settlement and sacral area. It is one of the most beautiful and mysterious sites in Kurzeme, surrounded by hills, several tens of meters high – Pavārkalns, Vēreskalns, Radiņkalns, Embūte castle mound and Krievu hill. The valley stretches out for over 4 km. Since 1977 the nature park has been established here to protect the natural values – outstanding virgin ravines and slope forests.

The valley is considered to be an old sacred place tied with legends and tales. Two stylized Curonian swords serve as the symbol of the entrance into the valley gates. The swords and shields are supposed to be left on each side of the road by the Curonian leader Indulis and his friend Pūdiķis to protect the road that goes towards the Embūte and Joda valleys. The swords create a mythical mood and still highlight the presence of the great Cours at Embūte valley.

There are stairs, viewing platforms and a watching tower recently built on the way. The suggested starting point is at the Embūte Tourism Information Centre, where you can also leave the car at the parking lot.

Hiking the trail, it is suggested to visit the ruins of the former Embūte Manor and German Knights Castle, ruins of Embūte Church, Curonian swords, the watching tower, Joda dam and valley, Joda foot stone, castle mound spring, the Curonian or Indulis’ castle mound and mill pond locks. Due to a number of long and steep climbs the trail is not accessible to people with movement disorder and parents with baby-strollers. The trail might also be difficult to seniors.
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