E9 section 22: Dubulti - Lielupe - Bulduri

The E9 Section 22: Dubulti – Lielupe – Bulduri is a 15-km point-to-point trail in Latvia, gaining approximately 20 m of elevation along the Baltic coastline. Rated easy, this single-day stage of the International Walking Network (E9) traces the widest sandy beach of the Gulf of Riga through Jūrmala's celebrated resort neighborhoods, crossing the Lielupe River by traditional wooden raft before reaching the pine-scented dunes of Ragakāpa Nature Park.

About the E9 Section 22: Dubulti – Lielupe – Bulduri

Running through the heart of Jūrmala — Latvia's most famous coastal resort city — E9 Section 22 connects Dubulti in the west to Bulduri in the east, threading together 15 km of sun-bleached beach, fragrant coastal pine forest, and the meandering mouth of the Lielupe River. This is one of the most scenic and accessible stages of the entire Baltic Coastal Hiking Route, designed to be completed comfortably in a single long day.

The E9 is one of twelve European Long Distance Paths designated by the European Ramblers' Association, stretching from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to Tallinn, Estonia — a total distance of over 10,000 km. In Latvia, the route follows the Gulf of Riga shoreline through a chain of seaside towns and protected natural areas, covering roughly 500 km between the Lithuanian and Estonian borders. Section 22 represents the climax of the Jūrmala stretch, where urban resort charm meets untouched coastal wilderness within just a few kilometres.

The Lielupe River, which flows parallel to the coastline for much of its lower course before emptying into the Gulf of Riga, defines the eastern boundary of the Jūrmala peninsula. Crossing it aboard the small hand-operated raft SolVita remains one of the most memorable moments on this trail — a practical solution unchanged in character for generations. Beyond the river, the path enters Ragakāpa Nature Park, where ancient dune ridges rise above the surrounding floodplain forest and the density of visitors drops sharply.

Unlike many E9 stages in Latvia that demand self-sufficiency, Section 22 passes through a well-serviced resort area with trains running every 20 minutes to Rīga, multiple cafés along the route, and plentiful accommodation in all price brackets. This makes it an outstanding choice for first-time long-distance hikers, families, or travellers combining the Baltic Coastal trail with a beach holiday. The broad sandy beach between Dubulti and the Lielupe mouth — the widest along the entire Jūrmala shoreline, reaching 80–100 metres at low water — can be walked barefoot on calm summer mornings.

Route Overview & Stages

The 15 km route begins at Dubulti railway station and follows the beach and dune-forest trails northeast through the resort neighborhoods of Jūrmala before crossing the Lielupe River and ending at Bulduri. The path is marked throughout with E9 waymarkers and the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route's blue-and-white shell symbol.

The terrain is predominantly flat, with the only notable elevation changes occurring on and around the stabilised coastal dune ridges near Ragakāpa. The beach surface alternates between firm compact sand close to the waterline and looser dry sand on the upper beach — trail runners or light hiking shoes with good grip outperform heavy boots on this kind of ground.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Dubulti Railway Station — The ornate early-20th-century wooden station building is a national heritage landmark and a fitting gateway to the walk. Direct trains to Rīga Central run approximately every 20 minutes, making it one of the easiest trailheads to reach in all of Latvia.
• Dubulti Beach Boardwalk — A 400-metre wooden walkway crosses the coastal dune belt from the station to the shoreline, offering the first unobstructed view across the Gulf of Riga. Sunset light from this spot reaches the water in a long golden sweep, particularly in late summer.
• Dzintari Concert Hall (Dzintaru Koncertzāle) — Built in 1936 and since renovated, this celebrated open-air venue hosts the Jūrmala Music Festival and international pop concerts each summer. The stage faces the sea and the audience sits beneath the pine canopy — a setting unlike any concert hall in northern Europe.
• The Widest Beach — Between Dubulti and the Lielupe River mouth, the sandy beach reaches 80–100 metres at low water. This is the most photographed and most visited stretch of the entire Jūrmala coastline, lined with seasonal beach cafés and volleyball nets in summer but nearly deserted on weekday mornings in May or September.
• Lielupe River Mouth — Where the river meets the Gulf of Riga, the water shifts from the grey-green of the sea to the amber-brown of the river channel. Grey herons and cormorants fish the confluence year-round; harbour seals occasionally appear in early morning during spring migration.
• SolVita Raft Crossing — The only river crossing on this section, operated seasonally by wooden raft (+371 29549910). The 120-metre crossing takes under five minutes and offers a unique water-level perspective on the dune landscape that no bridge can replicate. The €2 cash fare has remained unchanged for several seasons.
• Ragakāpa Nature Park — A 1,063-hectare protected area containing some of the best-preserved coastal dune systems in Latvia. The highest dune ridge reaches 17 m above sea level. The park is administered by Jūrmala City Council and is free to enter throughout the year. Trail signage within the park is excellent.
• Bulduri Park Dendrological Collection — Near the trail's end point, this landscaped park contains over 1,200 species of trees and shrubs, first laid out in the late 19th century. Towering specimen oaks, a Japanese section, and a rose garden make it a worthwhile 30-minute detour before catching the train back to Rīga.

Best Time to Hike the E9 Section 22: Dubulti – Lielupe – Bulduri

The Baltic coast of Latvia has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are mild and warm, winters are cold and grey, and the shoulder seasons deliver the most rewarding conditions for hiking. As of 2026, seasonal trail and raft conditions for the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route are updated in real time on the Baltic Trails website before each season opens.

May — the single best month. Temperatures reach 14–18 °C, the beach is crowd-free on weekdays, the coastal dune forests are in fresh leaf, and the SolVita raft typically opens in early May. Coastal bird migration peaks in the second and third weeks of the month, making the Lielupe river mouth and beach dunes exceptional for birdwatching. Accommodation prices are 30–40% lower than in July.

June–August: Summer is warm (19–24 °C average) but Jūrmala fills with domestic Baltic tourists and visitors from Scandinavia and Germany. Weekday hiking is considerably quieter than weekends. The wide beach accommodates trail walkers comfortably even in peak season, and café stops in Dzintari and Majori are at their best. UV index frequently reaches 5–6 — sun protection is not optional. Book accommodation weeks in advance for July weekends.

September: An excellent alternative to May. Temperatures sit at 13–17 °C, crowds thin sharply after the first week, and the coastal pine forest begins its transition to autumn gold. The SolVita raft operates until late September. Mushroom foragers fan out through the dune forests from mid-month, adding a characterful local dimension to the walk.

October–April: The SolVita raft closes for the season, making the complete Section 22 route impassable without a significant inland detour to the Lielupe road bridge. The beach remains walkable year-round, but exposed conditions and wind-driven rain from November onward demand full waterproofs and layering. Snowfall is light but possible January through March, and the beach has a dramatic, empty quality that rewards adventurous winter hikers.

Avoid the Jāņi midsummer public holiday (23–24 June) when Jūrmala reaches maximum capacity — accommodation prices spike and trails are crowded.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Jūrmala has the highest accommodation density of any section on the Latvian stretch of the E9. Budget options include the Jūrmala Hostel in Majori from €18 per night in a dorm bed. Mid-range guesthouses in Dubulti start from €45 per room. Boutique hotels near Dzintari and Majori run €60–120 per night in summer. Wild camping is not permitted within Ragakāpa Nature Park, but a seasonal campsite approximately 500 m east of the Bulduri trail end point accepts tent pitches from around €10. For bookings and a full accommodation list, contact the Jūrmala Tourism Information Centre at Lienes iela 5, Majori (+371 67147900, visitjurmala.lv). For multi-day Baltic Coastal walkers planning consecutive sections, Baltic Country Holidays provides trail coordination and accommodation booking services across all three Baltic states.

Getting There & Back

Section 22 is exceptionally well served by public transport. Dubulti station sits on the Rīga–Tukums regional rail line operated by Pasažieru vilciens. Trains run from Rīga Central Station to Dubulti approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day; journey time is 30–35 minutes. The single fare in 2026 is approximately €1.80. Bulduri station, near the route's eastern end, is on the same line — any Rīga-bound service returns you to the city in around 15 minutes.

From Rīga International Airport (RIX), take bus X2 to Rīga Central Station (approximately 25 minutes), then the regional train to Dubulti. Total door-to-trailhead time is around 65 minutes. By car from Rīga city centre, the A10 highway reaches Dubulti in 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Parking at Dubulti station is limited in summer; the train is strongly preferable.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike E9 Section 22 or to enter Ragakāpa Nature Park. Trail access is free throughout the year. The only payable service on the route is the SolVita raft crossing over the Lielupe River, which costs approximately €2 per person each way and is cash-only — there is no card payment facility on the raft. The service operates seasonally from approximately early May through late September; call +371 29549910 before your hike to confirm availability. No advance booking or trail registration is required for any part of this section.

Gear & Packing List

Section 22 is a flat, single-day coastal walk — a heavy pack is unnecessary. For a comfortable 15 km beach and forest day hike, aim for a total carry weight under 5 kg including 1.5 L of water and lunch. If you're combining multiple consecutive Baltic Coastal stages, a 35–50 L pack gives enough room for overnight gear while remaining manageable on soft sand.

The Fjällräven Abisko Hike 35 suits Scandinavian coastal conditions well — its G-1000 fabric resists salt spray and light rain without a separate cover, and the wide hip-belt pockets are ideal for keeping snacks or a phone accessible on a long beach walk. Ultralight hikers covering several E9 sections in a single trip should look at the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L, which packs multi-day gear into just 595 g of pack weight — an advantage felt immediately on loose upper-beach sand. For a versatile mid-range option suited to varying conditions on longer Baltic routes, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 provides a well-ventilated back system and a 10-litre extender for the inevitable souvenir amber purchased in Jūrmala's beach market stalls.

Key items specific to this trail:

• Footwear: Trail runners or light hiking shoes — the beach is sandy, not rocky, and stiff boots add unnecessary weight. Bring a small towel to dry feet after paddling at the Lielupe mouth.
• Sun protection: Wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and a UV shirt. The Gulf of Riga beach has no natural shade for several kilometres and the sun reflects off wet sand.
• Water: Carry at least 1.5 L from Dubulti. Café stops exist at Dzintari and Majori, but there is nothing between Majori and Bulduri — approximately 8 km of unsupported walking.
• Navigation: Download the Baltic Trails GPX track before leaving home; the dune forest near Ragakāpa has multiple branching paths and the waymarking thins in places.
• Cash: The SolVita raft is cash-only. Bring coins for the approximately €2 crossing fee.
• Wind layer: Even in summer, the Gulf of Riga generates a persistent onshore breeze. A lightweight windshirt packs to nothing and pays dividends on exposed beach sections.

For detailed food planning on a full beach day, our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day covers energy requirements across different terrain types and paces. If this section sparks a longer Baltic adventure requiring a bigger pack, the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 covers seven tested options across all weight categories.

Similar Trails You Might Like

Section 22 is one chapter in a continuous coastal narrative running the full length of Latvia's Baltic shore. Hikers who enjoy the beach-and-dune character of this route will find the same landscape extended in both directions along the E9, with each successive section offering progressively wilder terrain and fewer services as the route moves north toward Estonia. The sections around Saulkrasti and Tūja — roughly 50 km north of Jūrmala — are particularly rewarding for those ready to carry overnight gear and meet fewer people. For something completely different in scale and setting while staying in the E9 family, the rugged coastal cliffs and river valleys of the Albanian Alps explored in the Theth to Valbona hike show just how varied the long-distance walking world can be.

• E9 Section 27: Saulkrasti – Lauči (Latvia)
• E9 Section 28: Lauči – Tūja (Latvia)
• E9 Section 29: Tūja – Svētciems (Latvia)
• E9 Section 30: Svētciems – Ainaži (Latvia)
• E9 Section 2: Pape – Bernāti (Latvia), 25 km

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike E9 Section 22?

May is the single best month for this trail. Temperatures sit at a comfortable 14–18 °C, the Jūrmala beach is crowd-free on weekdays, the SolVita raft is operational, and coastal bird migration peaks in the second half of the month. September is a close second — warm afternoons, far fewer tourists than July–August, and the pine forests beginning to turn golden. Avoid midsummer public holidays when Jūrmala reaches maximum capacity.

How difficult is E9 Section 22: Dubulti – Lielupe – Bulduri?

This section is rated easy. Total elevation gain is approximately 20 m across 15 km, with the only noticeable terrain variation on the stabilised dune ridges near Ragakāpa Nature Park. The main physical challenge is walking on loose upper-beach sand for several kilometres, which tires leg muscles more than a packed trail at the same pace. Fit adults of any age, including older walkers and families with children over 8, handle this stage comfortably.

How far is it, and how long does it take to complete?

The full section covers 15 km from Dubulti station to Bulduri. Most hikers complete the walking in 4–5 hours at a moderate pace. Allowing for a lunch stop in Majori (around the 7 km mark), a swim at the widest beach section, and time at the Lielupe raft crossing, a full day out of 6–7 hours is realistic. Both endpoints have railway stations with frequent trains to Rīga, so there is no pressure to rush.

What accommodation is available along the route?

Jūrmala has dense accommodation throughout the section. Options range from €18 dorm beds at the Majori hostel to €45+ guesthouses in Dubulti and €60–120 boutique hotels near Dzintari. Wild camping is not permitted in Ragakāpa Nature Park, but a seasonal campsite near Bulduri accepts tent pitches from approximately €10. July and August weekends fill quickly — book several weeks ahead. The Jūrmala Tourism Information Centre (+371 67147900) handles bookings.

Are any permits or fees required to hike this trail?

No permit or park entry fee is required for E9 Section 22 or Ragakāpa Nature Park — access is completely free. The only payable element is the SolVita raft crossing over the Lielupe River, which costs approximately €2 per person each way and is cash-only. The raft runs seasonally from early May through late September. Call +371 29549910 before your planned hike to confirm it is operating, as water levels and weather can affect the schedule on short notice.