24th of August 2024

In the morning we stayed in Balvi and took a walk through the park. Afterwards, Lotta wanted to take part in the bouncy castle race in Lake Balvu (Balvu Ezers), but she was too young. Therefore we decided to have only a bath in the Balvu lake (Balvu Ezers) by using the public water slide. In the afternoon we visited Stāmerienas Castle (Stāmerienas pils), where we attended a wedding. Next we went to Gulbene where we visited the Railway Museum. We were very impressed with this museum and had a lot of fun with the interactive options.

Then we drove to Smiltene where we found an amazin overnight spot directly at the Niedrāja lake (Niedrāja Ezers).

Distance 110 km

Balvi -> Stāmerienas pils (28 km) -> Gulbene -> (14 km) -> Niedrāja ezers (68 km)

25th of August 2024

During our breakfast, Lotta had a lot of fun with the locals and their pets. Afterwards we had a wonderful walk around the Niedrāja lake (Niedrāja Ezers). Back on the road, we drove to the Gauja National Park (Gaujas Nacionālais Parks) and passed the towns of Smiltene, Mārsnēnu, Liepa and Priekuli. In the Gauja national park we had our first stop at the Blacksmith’s cave (Kalēja ala) and here we had a lot of fun to discover the caves. Our next stop was at Ērgļu Rock (Ērgļu klintis) and a fantastic place for swimming in the Gauja River (Gauja ezers). Again, Lotta met many people from different countries and different ages and had a lot of fun with them.

In the evening we drove to Cēsis where we overnighted in front of the Cēsis Castle Park (Pils parks) respectively the Cēsu Castle (Cēsu pils).

Distance 81 km

Niedrāja ezers -> Smiltene (8 km) -> Mārsnēnu -> (22 km) -> Liepa (11 km) -> Priekuli (12 km) -> Kalēja ala (13 km) -> Ērgļu klintis (9 km) -> Cēsis (6 km)

26th of August 2024

In the morning we visited the Castle Park of Cēsis (Pils parks Cēsis) and the Castle of Cēsu (Cēsu pils). We were particularly impressed by the castle. For the first part of the tour through the castle we were given a candle hand lantern because the rooms were dark. In the second part we were shown a great documentary film, exciting for all age groups.

In the afternoon we visited the Sigulda New Castle (Siguldas Jaunā pils). We enjoyed our walk around the castle and through the park. Afterward we drove to Riga where we wanted to pick up Janick, our oldest child, from the airport. Unfortunately, his flight was cancelled and postponed to the next day. Therefore, Janick stayed in a hotel in Düsseldorf, Germany, and we chose a place to stay overnight on the beach of Carnikavas (Carnikavas pludmale). Janick enjoyed the dinner in the hotel and we enjoyed the sunset at the beach.

Distance 120 km

Cēsis -> Siguldas (37 km) -> Riga -> (55 km) -> Carnikavas pludmale (28 km)

27th of August 2024

Today we took our time, slept long and had a big breakfast. Next we went to the beach where we swam in the Gulf of Riga and then built sandcastles. In the afternoon we drove to Riga and selected as overnight stay the Riga City Camping. Our second time at this campsite.

In the evening we rented a car for the ride to the Riga Airport. And here picked up our oldest Son Janick, with a one day delay. Lotta had to wait a long time, but now she could hold her brother in her arms.

Distance 51 km

Carnikavas pludmale -> Trīsciems (17 km) -> Riga City Camping -> (16 km) -> Riga City Camping (9 km) -> Riga City Camping (9 km)

28th of August 2024

From now on, there were three of us for the rest of our road trip: Lotta, Janick and me. We started with a sightseeing tour of Riga. Compared to our first trip to Riga, we started in a different part of Riga, Riga Castle (Rīgas pils). As a result, we discovered different parts of the historic center than we did on our first trip to Riga. In addition, the construction work on Dome Square was completed and we were able to enjoy the newly restored square in the heart of Riga.

At lunchtime we were lucky to find a great restaurant for every taste, with fair prices and local specialties. Afterwards, we enjoyed a long walk through the historic old town and also discovered beautiful playgrounds in the center of Riga.

In the evening we went again to Carnikavas Beach (Carnikavas pludmale), where we spent the night. The day ends with a wonderful sunset over the Gulf of Riga.

Distance 34 km

Riga City Camping -> Rīgas pils (3 km) -> Carnikavas pludmale (31 km)

29th of August 2024

The morning started with a great breakfast, French croissants and British scrambled eggs with bacon. Afterwards we took a bath in the Gulf of Riga and enjoy the sun at the Carnikavas Beach. In the afternoon we visited the open-air Museum of Latvia in Berģi (Latvijas Etnogrāfiskais brīvdabas muzejs). This open-air museum is breathtaking and offers highlights for all ages.

In the evening we drove to Jūrmala, where we spent the night at Lielupe Beach (Lielupes pludmale). Here we needed to wait until 8 p.m. to find a place for our truck, because this beach is very popular by the locals. Nevertheless we were able to enjoy a wonderful sunset.

Distance 67 km

Carnikavas pludmale -> Latvijas Etnogrāfiskais brīvdabas muze (30 km) -> Lielupes pludmale (37 km)

30th of August 2024

Early in the morning we took the opportunity to swim in the Gulf of Riga. But we needed to left our overnight spot as soon as possible. Because our parking spot filled up quickly and before the exit will be blocked by cars we left our spot and were back on the road. We drove to the west and and passed the towns of Lielupe and Majori. We had our first step at the National Park Ķemeri (Ķemeru purva taka, Ķemeru Purva laipa). We enjoyed the wonderful walk through the moorland of this national park.

In the afternoon we drove to west where we had our next stop in Kandava. Here we had our lunch in front of our truck and afterwards we visited the castle of Kandava (Kandavas Bruņinieku pilskalns). Next we followed the road to west where we had our next stop at the leisure park called "Zviedru Cepure". Here we enjoyed the summer-toboggan run and the Wonderful scenery. In the evening we found a wonderful overnight spot at the Abavas waterfall (Abavas Rumba).

Distance 114 km

Lielupes pludmale -> Buļļuciems (1 m) -> Lielupe (7 km) -> Majori (5 km) -> Ķemeru purva taka (24 km) -> Kandava (53 km) -> Kurzemnieki (5 km) -> Zviedru Cepure (10 km) -> Sabile (4 km) -> Abavas Rumba (5 km)

31st of August 2024

After breakfast we drove to Talsi, where we spent the entire lunch time. Here we cooked our lunch in the truck and have afterwards a Wonderful walk around Talsi lake (Talsu Ezers). With ice cream and coffee we enjoyed the breathtaking landscape of the green hills surrounding the lake.

In the afternoon we found a Beautiful overnight spot in Usma directly in front of the Usma lake (Usma Ezers). This place offers a great playground, a basketball court, a beach and a breathtaking view of the lake. Lotta met many new friends and Janick were able to view the german soccer league. Before bed time we had a Basketball and a soccer match.   

Distance 61 km

Abavas Rumba -> Talsi (27 m) -> Usma (34 km)

01st of September 2024

In the morning we started our day with a bath in the Usma lake (Usma Ezers). Next Lotta met new Friends (two Kids with they parents) and enjoyed the rest of the morning with sub-boarding, water-games and a lot of other funds with her new friends. Therefore we extend our time at this place and took here our lunch. After the lunch Ella's new Friends drove back to Riga and we arounded the Usma lake to west and passed the town of Zlēkas.

Our next stop was Kuldīga where we had a wonderful walk through the centre. In compare to our first visit of Kuldīga we had no walk through the Venta waterfall (Ventas Rumba) because of the cold weather.

In the afternoon we continued west and passed the towns of Ēdole and Alsunga. In Jūrkalne we were back at the coast of the Baltic Sea and in Pāvilosta we overnighted at a campground directly at the harbour.

Distance 117 km

Usma -> Zlēkas (28 m) -> Kuldīga (24 km) -> Ēdole (22 km) -> Alsunga (9 km) -> Jūrkalne (13 km) -> Pāvilosta (19 km) -> ZEJA Rietumu krasts (2 km)

02nd of September 2024

In the morning we enjoyed the great weather at Pāvilosta beach. Here Lotta and I took a bath in the Baltic Sea. Janick took the opportunity to enjoy the sun on the beach.

We then drove south along the coast and visited the Liepaja Seaside Park (Liepājas jūrmalas parks). Here we bought Pizzas and enjoyed the wonderful scenery of this park. By the way Lotta had a lot of fun of the amazing playground in the Liepaja seaside park.

In the evening we passed the border to Lithuania. In Šventoji we found a wonderful overnight spot close the the beach. Before bed time we enjoyed the great sunset at the beach and Lotta met new friends and had a lot of fun with a small dog.

Distance 119 km

Pāvilosta -> Liepāja (50 m) -> Mažoji Armėnija (58 km) -> Šventoji (9 km) -> Žemaičių Alka (2 km)