Three Lakes and the Baltic Sea – A Day Hike from Lilaste
Garezers translates as “Long Lakes” — and once you’re walking alongside them, the name makes perfect sense. This 11 km loop from Lilaste combines the calm of three pine-fringed lakes with the openness of the Baltic Sea coast, and the whole thing is reachable by train from Riga without a car.
It’s one of those routes that gives you two completely different landscapes in a single walk — and that contrast is exactly what makes it worth doing.
Quick Facts
- Location: 57.181521, 24.336061
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation gain: Flat
- Time needed: ~3 hours
- Difficulty (1–5): 1
- Trail type: Loop. Forest paths along the lakes, then open beach along the Baltic Sea back to the start.
- Parking: Free parking available in Lilaste
- Public transport: Reachable by train from Riga — see details below
- Entrance fee: Free
- Best season: Year-round
- Dog friendly: Yes (on a leash)
- Family friendly: Yes — flat throughout, suitable for older children
Parking & How to Get There
This is one of the rare hiking routes in Latvia where leaving the car at home is genuinely the better option.
From Riga, take the train toward Skulte and get off at Lilaste station. The journey takes around 35–40 minutes and trains run regularly throughout the day. Check the current timetable at vivi.lv. The trailhead is a short walk from the station — no additional transport needed.
If you’re driving, free parking is available in Lilaste near the station.
GPS (start): 57.181521, 24.336061
About the Route
Garezers consists of three lakes — the Northern, Middle, and Southern Garezers — all surrounded by pine forest. The route follows the lakeshore for roughly the first half, then turns toward the coast and follows the beach back to Lilaste.
The two halves of this walk feel genuinely different. The lake section is quiet and enclosed — tall pines, still water, the occasional bench. The beach section is open, wide, and exposed — just sand, sea, and sky. Together they make the 11 km feel varied and never repetitive.
Trail Map
The route is a loop starting and ending in Lilaste. I recommend walking the lakes first and finishing on the beach — it’s a satisfying way to end the day, and the sea views on the return stretch are excellent.
Highlights
The Three Lakes: The lake section of the route is the quieter half. The path follows the shoreline through pine forest, with the water visible through the trees for most of the way. The lakes are long and narrow — stretched out parallel to the coast — which gives the walk a particular rhythm: you’re always moving alongside water, but the view keeps changing as the shoreline curves.
The Pine Forest: Between the lakes and along the first section of the route, the forest is classic Latvian coastal pine — straight trunks, sandy ground, the smell of resin in warm weather. It’s the kind of forest that makes you slow down without really noticing.
The Baltic Sea Beach: The second half of the route follows the coast back to Lilaste. The beach here is natural and largely undeveloped — fine sand, dunes behind you, open water ahead. After the enclosed quiet of the lake section, the shift to open sea feels like a proper change of gear. On a clear day the views stretch all the way to the horizon.
The Route Sections
Lilaste to the Lakes: A short walk from the station brings you to the start of the lake trail. The transition from village to forest happens quickly.
Along the Three Lakes (~5.5 km): The first and longer half of the loop follows the shores of Ziemeļu, Vidus, and Dienvidu Garezers through pine forest. Flat, quiet, and easy throughout.
Lakes to the Coast: A short connecting section through forest brings you from the southern end of the lakes to the beach.
Along the Baltic Sea (~5.5 km): The return leg follows the coastline north back toward Lilaste. Open, flat, and straightforward — let the sound of the sea carry you home.
When to Visit
- Summer: The obvious choice — warm sand, long days, and the option to swim. The beach section is particularly good in July and August.
- Autumn: The pine forest takes on deeper colours and the beach is quiet. A very good combination.
- Winter: The frozen lake surfaces and empty beach have their own appeal. Dress warmly — the coast is exposed.
- Spring: The forest comes alive early. Good birdwatching along the lake edges.
- Conditions: The forest sections can be muddy after rain. The beach is always walkable but can be soft sand in places — slightly slower going than a firm path.
What to Bring
- Water and food: No facilities along the route. Pack enough for the full walk — a picnic on the beach is a natural stopping point halfway.
- Footwear: Trail shoes or walking shoes are fine for most seasons. Waterproof shoes are useful in spring and autumn when the forest sections can be wet.
- Layers: The beach section is exposed — a windproof layer is useful even on warm days.
- Train timetable: Check return trains from Lilaste before you set off so you’re not rushing at the end.
Is This Walk Worth It?
Absolutely.
The Garezers loop is one of those routes that doesn’t ask much of you physically but gives back a lot in atmosphere. Three lakes, a pine forest, and the Baltic Sea — all within an hour of Riga by train, and all free of charge.
It’s a genuinely easy day out that doesn’t feel like a compromise. And the fact that you can do the whole thing without a car makes it one of the most accessible proper hikes near Riga.
