The Rīga – Ērgļi Railway Greenway

Country: Latvia

The Riga–Ērgļi Greenway is a 98 km cycling and walking route created on the former Riga–Ērgļi railway line. Stretching from the outskirts of Riga to Ērgļi, it is one of the longest railway-to-greenway conversions in Latvia and forms part of the wider Green Railways network.

The route follows the gentle alignment of the former railway, making it ideal for cyclists, walkers, and families. With its gravel surface, clear signposting, and largely traffic-free environment, it offers a safe and enjoyable journey through forests, farmland, wetlands, and rural landscapes.

A distinctive feature of the greenway is its rich railway heritage. Former stations, bridges, and railway infrastructure have been preserved and repurposed for tourism and community use. Highlights include the restored stations at Kangari, Suntaži, Ķeipene, and Ērgļi, many of which host cultural events, accommodation, visitor facilities, and interpretation panels telling the story of the historic railway.

The route is fully marked and includes information boards about the railway’s history and the surrounding landscape. It also connects important cultural and heritage attractions, including routes linking the historic centre of Riga and the Struve Geodetic Arc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Combining railway heritage, nature, and sustainable tourism, the Riga–Ērgļi Greenway offers an authentic way to explore Latvia’s countryside while experiencing one of the country’s most successful railway heritage conversions.

More information:

greenrailways.myportfolio.com/riga-ergli-zalais-cels

www.greenwaysheritage.org

With the help of Greenways Heritage GIS Tour and Story Map, discover 15 itineraries that combine greenways and UNESCO cultural heritage. You can view the route on any device, with images, videos and even 360º virtual reality of aspects of these attractive routes.