8 days self-guided cycling tour from Klaipėda to Riga (Code SG3)

Cycle from Lithuania into Latvia along the undiscovered Baltic coast and through untouched forests and countryside. Setting off from historic Klaipeda, the first stage of the tour follows the Seaside Cycle Route past sand dunes, wide beaches and former fishing villages before crossing the border into Latvia. Cutting inland through the countryside, visit historic towns, the Europe’s widest waterfall and the most northern open-air vineyard in the world on the way to rejoin the sea at Jūrmala. Cycling along the resort town’s 20 km long sandy beach is a memorable way to finish the tour before taking a train into Riga to experience the vibrant capital city. Riga is a historic Hanseatic port city featuring well-preserved medieval buildings alongside and expansive collection of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture.

This trip takes 8 days to complete and the route from the Lithuanian border to Liepaja goes on busy road with no bike path or sidelanes for bikers. If you look for more relaxed tour with the route avoiding the busy road to Liepaja, you can check our new 10-day self-guided cycling tour from Klaipėda to Riga via Samogitia (tour code SG3x).

ITINERARY

Day 1: Klaipėda

Individual arrival in Klaipėda and transfer to your hotel (not included).
Overnight at central 3* Klaipėda hotel.

Day 2. Klaipėda-Karklė-Palanga, ~33 km /21 mi

Collect rental cycles at your hotel (if pre-ordered). Cycle on asphalt cycle path through the Seaside Regional Park to Palanga resort, famous for its Botanical Park and Amber Museum.
Overnight at central 4* Palanga hotel.

Day 3. Palanga-Nica-Liepaja, ~78 km/49 mi

Cycle on picturesque cycle path along the Baltic Sea Coast to Šventoji where you’ll cross the river over a cable bridge. Then cycle on the main road and cross the border into Latvia. In the afternoon, cycle on the main road or skip it by a car transfer (not included, to be ordered in advance). Arrival in Liepaja, Hotel check-in.
Overnight at central 4* Liepaja Hotel.

Day 4. Liepaja-Vergale-Pavilosta, ~56 km/35 mi

Explore the Old Town of Liepaja and its special district called Karosta, a former military settlement and Soviet Navy submarine  base. Cycle on picturesque road to Pavilosta, which is a small fishing port with several, welcoming pubs on the shore.
Overnight at hotel/guesthouse in Pavilosta .

Day 5. Pavilosta-Jūrkalne-Kuldiga, ~64 km/40 mi

Cycle to Jurkalne along a very picturesque coastline with quiet, unspoiled beaches and impressive, steep 20m high sand cliffs. Arrrive in Kuldiga, a former capital of Kurzeme Duchy, now famous for the Old Town with charming atmosphere; Ventas Rumba, the widest waterfall in Europe, and Riežupe sand caves.
Overnight at central 3* Kuldiga hotel.

Day 6. Kuldiga-Renda-Kandava ~60 km/38 mi

Cycle to Kandava along the Abava River. En route pass through Sabile village famous the most northern open-air vineyard in the world, registered in the Guinness Book of Records. The winemaking tradition in Sabile dates back to the 16th century. Arrive in Kandava, hotel check-in.
Overnight at guesthouse/Hotel in Kandava.

Day 7. Kandava-Tukums-Jūrmala-Riga ~77 km/48 mi + train Jūrmala-Riga ~1 hour or 99 km/62 mi

Start from Kandava on small road (mainly gravel) to Pūre known in Latvia for its chocolate factory and museum. Continue towards Jūrmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States, which is well known for its natural treasures: 32 km long white sand beach (possible to cycle on the beach), curative mud and mineral waters. From Jūrmala take a train to Riga or continue cycling on a separate bike path along the railway to Riga (extra 22 km), the capital of Latvia and medieval Hanseatic town. You may also shorten your cycling by taking a train from Tukums. Arrive in Riga, Hotel check-in and drop off rental bikes (if any) at the hotel.
Overnight at central 4* Riga hotel.

Day 8: Riga

Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.