Embūte Nature Park
Embūte – 1, Embūtes pagasts, Dienvidkurzemes novads
+371 26626307
The Embūte Nature Trail introduces the Embūte Gorge, which was an ancient inhabited and sacred place. It is one of the most beautiful and mysterious locations in Kurzeme, situated between several dozen meters high hills - Pavārkalns, Vēreskalns, Embūte Hillfort, and the highest large hill of Kurzeme - Krievu (Krīvu) Hill.
The trail is equipped with stairs, observation platforms, and a viewing tower. It is recommended to start your visit to the Embūte Nature Park from the Embūte Tourist Information Centre, where parking is also available. Visitors particularly enjoy walking along the trail in the autumn, as it is considered the "Little Switzerland" of Kurzeme.
In 1999, the Embūte Nature Park was established, covering 481 hectares. The park is part of the Natura 2000 network. Its main value lies in the pristine ravines and slopes, with forests rich in mineral-rich springs.
Krievu (Krīvu) Hill The highest large hill in Kurzeme – 190 meters above sea level. According to ancient legends, this was a sacred place for one of the Baltic mythological beings - Perkons (Thunder). The sacred fire on Krievu (Krīvu) Hill was said to have been maintained by ritual guardians - Krīvi (holy men) or vaidelotes (holy women). The summit of the hill is marked by a large boulder. Before World War II, the Krīvaiši (Krīvi) family homes were located here.
The hill is now overgrown with trees. A landmark is the large fire safety observation tower.
Entrance Gates to Embūte Gorge In the 1980s, the local cultural heritage preservation and restoration work started, during which two impressive Curonian swords were erected, symbolizing the entrance to the Embūte Gorge. The swords and shields left by Indulis and his friend Pudiķis protect the road leading to the Embūte Gorge and Joda Valley.
Curonian Hillfort and Joda Dam At the western foot of Indulis' (Curonian) hillfort lies the Joda Valley - a place where outdoor stages were built several times. Large events took place here, such as Jāņi (Midsummer) celebrations with the participation of the President of Latvia Kārlis Ulmanis, theater performances, and concerts.
In many descriptions, the Joda Dam in Embūte is referred to as an embankment for water retention. From some descriptions, it seems it was a defense structure for the hillfort. However, the dam has several interesting bioenergetic properties that might have been used in weather manipulation or ritual processions.
The Joda Dam was created in ancient times during the war between Lithuanians and Latvians. The legend says that Jods wanted to help the Latvians. He carried soil from the Cross Hill to fill the Lankas stream. Jods built a dam, blocked the river, and it drained away. The Lithuanians had to retreat. This dam still stands near the Latvian fortress.
The Joda Dam features tent spaces, a fire pit, a dry toilet, tables and benches, and a shelter. There is also an electricity connection available.