E9 Section 27: Saulkrasti - Lauči
E9 Section 27: Saulkrasti to Lauči is a roughly 22 km point-to-point coastal day stage in Latvia, part of the 581 km Jūrtaka along the Baltic Sea. With almost no elevation gain (under 30 m of flat beach and dune walking), it rates as easy, following white-sand shoreline, pine forest and the famous White Dune of Saulkrasti.
About the E9 Section 27: Saulkrasti - Lauči
The E9 European long distance path is one of twelve continental routes coordinated by the European Ramblers Association, stretching 9,880 km from Tarifa in southern Spain to Narva-Jõesuu in Estonia. It hugs the Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic coastlines through eleven countries, earning its nickname, the "European Coastal Path." Within Latvia the E9 is signed as the Jūrtaka, meaning "the sea trail," a 581 km national route that takes around 30 days to complete and forms the central portion of the cross-border Baltic Coastal Hike linking Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Section 27 covers the leg from the resort town of Saulkrasti north to the small settlement of Lauči, a stage of approximately 22 km. The route stays almost entirely on or beside the Gulf of Riga shoreline, alternating between firm sand at low water, low foredunes anchored by marram grass, and shaded forest tracks through coastal pine. Elevation change is negligible — the entire Latvian coast is essentially flat, rarely rising more than a few metres above sea level — which makes this a textbook beginner-friendly long-distance stage. Way-marking follows the standard Baltic system of white-blue-white blazes painted on stones, posts and tree trunks, supplemented by the E9 and Jūrtaka logos at junctions.
Saulkrasti itself is a historic seaside resort about 45 km north of Riga, long popular for its calm bathing water and pine-scented air. The town anchors the southern end of this section and is best known for the Baltā kāpa, the White Dune, a bright sandstone bluff that has become an emblem of the Latvian coast. From here the trail heads north into quieter, less-developed shoreline, where holiday villages thin out and the beach becomes the dominant landscape all the way to Lauči.
Route Overview & Stages
Section 27 is normally walked as a single day. The table below breaks the stage into its natural segments so you can pace water stops, photo halts and the river crossing near Saulkrasti.
| Stage | Distance | Elevation gain | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saulkrasti to White Dune | ~3 km | ~15 m | White Dune viewpoint, Sunset Trail boardwalk |
| White Dune to Pēterupe | ~4 km | ~5 m | Pēterupe river mouth, fishing huts |
| Pēterupe to Zvejniekciems | ~6 km | ~5 m | Wide open beach, Aģe river estuary |
| Zvejniekciems to Lauči | ~9 km | ~5 m | Quiet forested coast, dune meadows |
Because the section runs along an open beach, distances flex slightly with the tide line and how much firm sand is exposed. Walking the harder-packed sand near the water saves energy; the soft upper beach is noticeably more tiring over a full day. Total moving time is typically five to six hours at a relaxed pace.
Highlights & Points of Interest
- Baltā kāpa (White Dune) — A pale sandstone bluff rising around 18 m above the beach at the Inčupe river mouth, the signature landmark of Saulkrasti and the standout view of the section.
- Saulrieta taka (Sunset Trail) — A wooden boardwalk and footbridge network winding through pine forest above the dune, with interpretive panels and sea overlooks ideal in evening light.
- Pēterupe river mouth — A small estuary where a tannin-stained stream meets the Gulf of Riga, often flanked by traditional wooden fishing sheds.
- Zvejniekciems fishing village — A working coastal settlement at the Aģe river, offering a glimpse of Latvia's small-scale Baltic fishing tradition.
- Aģe river estuary — A shallow, braided river crossing where the trail meets brackish wetland habitat favoured by gulls, terns and waders.
- Coastal pine forest — Long, shaded stretches of Scots pine on stabilised dunes, carpeted with lingonberry and heather and dotted with summer bilberry.
- Open Baltic beaches — Wide, near-empty sand between the resort towns, where the only sounds are surf and wind through marram grass.
- Lauči dune meadows — The quiet northern endpoint, marked by low grassy dunes and a calm, undeveloped shoreline that signals the transition toward the Section 28 leg to Tūja.
Best Time to Hike the E9 Section 27: Saulkrasti - Lauči
The Latvian coast has a cool maritime climate with a short, comfortable hiking window. The trail is realistically walkable from May through September. July is the single best month: average daytime highs sit around 21–23 °C, the Gulf of Riga is warm enough for a swim (often 19–20 °C), daylight stretches past 17 hours, and the firm beach is at its most pleasant for long walking days.
May and June offer fewer crowds and blooming dune meadows, but the sea is still cold and rain showers are common. August stays warm but brings the warmest water of the year and slightly higher chances of afternoon storms. September can be gorgeous — crisp, golden light over empty beaches — though daylight shortens quickly and Baltic winds pick up. As of 2026, spring conditions on this stretch have trended slightly milder and wetter, so waterproofing and quick-dry layers remain worthwhile even at peak summer. Winter walking is possible for the hardy but brings freezing onshore winds, occasional drift ice and very limited services; it is not recommended for first-timers.
Practical Information
Accommodation
Saulkrasti is the logical base for this section, with the widest choice of beds. Guesthouses and small hotels typically run €45–€90 per double room in summer, while seasonal apartments and B&Bs can be found from around €35. Budget travellers will find a handful of campsites and guest houses along the coast charging roughly €8–€15 per tent pitch or €20–€30 for a hostel-style bunk. Latvia also permits responsible wild camping on much of the undeveloped coast outside protected zones, though you should pitch discreetly, avoid private plots and carry out all waste. Lauči itself has minimal services, so most walkers either continue to accommodation near Tūja or arrange a pickup back to Saulkrasti for the night.
Getting There & Back
Saulkrasti sits on the Riga–Skulte commuter rail line. Direct trains from Riga Central Station reach Saulkrasti in about 55–70 minutes, with several departures daily; a one-way ticket costs roughly €3–€4. Riga International Airport (RIX), the largest in the Baltics, is around 70 minutes from Saulkrasti by a combination of bus and train, or about 50 minutes by car. From the Lauči end, the nearest rail option is back down the Skulte line, and regional buses connect the small coastal villages with Saulkrasti and Limbaži. Because Lauči has sparse transport, many hikers walk the section as a there-and-back day from Saulkrasti or pre-book a taxi.
Permits & Fees
No permit or trail fee is required to walk E9 Section 27. The Latvian coast is generally open to public access under the country's right-to-roam tradition, and the Jūrtaka is free to hike along its full 581 km. Where the route passes near protected dune habitat, stay on marked paths and respect seasonal nesting closures. There are no entry gates or booking systems on this stage, though you should budget for transport, food and lodging as your only fixed costs.
Gear & Packing List
This is a low-elevation, single-day coastal walk, so the gear list is light — but Baltic weather can swing from sun to squall within an hour, and soft sand is more tiring than it looks. Pack a reliable rain shell, sun protection, at least 1.5–2 litres of water (freshwater is scarce on the open beach), and quick-dry footwear or sandals you do not mind getting damp at river crossings. A daypack is plenty for the distance; the ADV Skin 12 or the slightly larger ADV Skin 20 are well suited to fast, light coastal days. If you plan to link several Jūrtaka sections and carry camping kit, a comfortable mid-size pack such as the Abisko Hike 35 handles a multi-day load without overkill.
Fueling matters even on flat terrain — beach walking burns more than most people expect, so plan your snacks accordingly using our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day. If you are upgrading your kit for a longer Baltic Coastal Hike, compare options in our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026.
Similar Trails You Might Like
If you enjoy this stage, the rest of the northern Latvian Jūrtaka offers more of the same easy, scenic Baltic coast walking, each section building toward the Estonian border. The neighbouring legs continue the white-blue-white blazed route through fishing villages, pine forest and quiet beaches, and they string together naturally into a multi-day coastal trek. For something more dramatic and mountainous, our guide to hiking the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania is a striking contrast to the flat Baltic shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to hike E9 Section 27?
July is the best month, with daytime highs around 21–23 °C, sea temperatures near 19–20 °C and over 17 hours of daylight. The full season runs May to September. May and June are quieter but cooler, August has the warmest water, and September offers golden light and empty beaches but shorter days and stronger Baltic winds.
How difficult is the Saulkrasti to Lauči section?
It is easy. The route is almost completely flat, with under 30 m of total elevation change across roughly 22 km, and follows beach and forest tracks the whole way. The main challenges are tiring soft sand, exposure to sun and wind, and a couple of shallow river crossings. It suits beginners and families comfortable with a full day on foot.
How far is the walk and can I do it in one day?
Section 27 is approximately 22 km and is designed as a single day stage. At a relaxed pace, expect five to six hours of walking plus stops. Walking on the firm, packed sand near the waterline is faster and easier than the soft upper beach, so timing your walk to lower water helps you keep a steady pace.
Where can I stay along the route?
Saulkrasti has the most options: guesthouses and hotels at roughly €45–€90 per double, apartments from about €35, and campsites or hostels around €8–€30. Lauči has very limited services, so most walkers either continue toward Tūja or return to Saulkrasti for the night. Responsible wild camping is permitted on undeveloped, unprotected coast.
Do I need a permit to hike this section?
No. There is no permit, entry gate or trail fee for E9 Section 27. The Latvian coast is open under the country's public-access tradition, and the entire 581 km Jūrtaka is free to walk. Just stay on marked paths near protected dune habitat, respect seasonal nesting closures, and carry out all your waste.
For full route data and official stage descriptions, consult the Baltic Coastal Hiking day-stage page and the European Ramblers Association's official E-paths resource.
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Download GPX FileThis route is generated from open map data (OpenStreetMap) and has not been independently surveyed or walked by HikeLoad. Use it for planning and inspiration only — always cross-check with official maps and local information before setting off, and hike within your ability.
| Country | Latvia |
| Type | Point-to-point |
| Network | IWN |
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