Recreation area “Remeši” on the shore of Lake Babīte

The recreation area “Remeši” is located on the shores of the seventh largest lake in Latvia. Lake Babīte was formed approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, when a shallow bay separated from the Litorina Sea. 

This lake is 2,988 hectares wide, the coastline is 33 kilometers long. The average depth is 0.9 meters, while the maximum depth is 1.7 meters.

Lake Babīte and its surroundings are an important bird concentration area. 184 bird species have been identified here, 36 of which nest in the lake area. 

Not only species listed in the world's Red Book live here, but also birds protected in Europe and Latvia: the great crested grebe, the lesser grebe, the lesser grebe, the reed warbler, the horned grebe, the river tern, the little tern, the black tern, the black-backed gull, and the great crested grebe.

Lake Babīte is home to 17 species of fish. The most common species that “Remeši” visitors have caught in the pond are pike, perch, carp, tench, and bream.

This is a eutrophic lake with abundant stands of common reed, lake reed and wolfsbane, as well as submerged and floating aquatic plants. Wet meadows are a valuable habitat that has survived in Zemgale only in isolated places along the Lielupe River.

Lake Babīte connects to the Lielupe River. Until the beginning of the 19th century, there was only one connection at the western end — Gāte. At that time, the waters of the Lielupe River only flowed into the lake during floods. 

In 1816-1817, the Spuņupe was dug, which connected to the Lielupe (opposite Valteri). However, in the 20th century, it was filled in. It is currently crossed by the Jūrmala bypass road A10. In 1988, the Varkaļi Canal to the Lielupe was dug at the northeastern end of Lake Babīte, ensuring a flow along the entire length of the lake.

Polders have been built on the eastern and southern shores of the lake: Babītes, Dzilnupes, Trenču, Gātupes.

Did you know?

The recreation area “Remeši” is located 30 minutes from the center of Riga, on the shores of Lake Babīte.

For lovers of active recreation, “Remeši” offers SUP and boat rental on Lake Babīte, as well as a place for sports games. There is also an observation tower for bird watching and a spacious, stylish terrace overlooking the lake. Those interested can enjoy the sensory trail.

It is also possible to reserve a territory on the shore of Lake Babīte, which is suitable for celebrating various holidays in nature. Every evening, nature delights with beautiful sunsets.

The Cenu moor boardwalk trail is 15 kilometers away from “Remešiem”, while the Ložmetējkalns trail is six kilometers away.