E9 Section 28: Lauči - Tūja

The E9 Section 28: Lauči–Tūja is a flat, roughly 17 km point-to-point coastal trail on the Gulf of Riga in Vidzeme, Latvia, gaining under 60 m of elevation over a single day. Rated easy, it traces sandy beaches, pine forest and the dramatic red Devonian sandstone of the Veczemju Cliffs, one of the most photographed spots on Latvia's coast.

About the E9 Section 28: Lauči - Tūja

The E9 European long distance path runs 9,880 km from Tarifa in southern Spain to Narva-Jõesuu in Estonia, crossing eleven countries managed under the umbrella of the European Ramblers Association. Section 28, from Lauči to Tūja, is one stage of the Latvian portion, known locally as the Jūrtaka ("Sea Trail"), which covers 581 km of coastline over roughly 30 days of walking — about 20 km per stage.

This particular day belongs to the Baltic Coastal Hike, the long-distance route shared by Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia that follows the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. All three countries use the same white-blue-white waymarks painted on stones, trees and posts, so navigation along the Lauči–Tūja stretch is straightforward as long as you keep the water on your left walking north. The terrain here is gentle: low coastal terraces, pebble and sand beaches, fishing hamlets and stands of Scots pine. With almost no climbing and a clear linear direction, it suits walkers of all abilities, including families adding a single scenic day to a longer Vidzeme coast trip.

Lauči and Tūja both sit in Liepupe parish within Limbaži municipality, north of Riga. Tūja is a small seaside village built around former fishing and Soviet-era summer holiday infrastructure, and it serves as a natural break point on the trail with shops, a campsite and bus connections back toward the capital.

Route Overview & Stages

The Lauči–Tūja stage is best understood as a sequence of short coastal segments. Distances below are approximate, reflecting the Jūrtaka's typical ~20 km daily stages and the flat coastal profile; verify exact splits against current waymarking before you set off.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Veczemju Cliffs (Veczemju klintis) — The signature sight of this section: red Devonian sandstone cliffs up to several metres high, pocked with small caves and grottoes, lining the shore over roughly 1 km. They are among the most striking coastal formations in Latvia.
• Gulf of Riga shoreline — Long stretches of mixed sand and pebble beach face west across the gulf, giving uninterrupted sunset views over the water for nearly the entire walk.
• Ķurmrags cape — A low, forested point where the coastline bends, marked by scattered boulders and shallows that are good for a rest and a paddle.
• Tūja village — A quiet former fishing settlement with a shop, café in season, and the Tūja campsite, serving as the practical end point of the stage.
• Coastal pine forest — Behind the dunes, Scots pine woodland offers shade, blueberry and lingonberry picking in late summer, and an alternative inland line when the beach is stormy.
• Boulder fields and erratics — Glacial boulders dot the waterline, some large enough to scramble onto, evidence of the ice sheets that shaped the Baltic basin.
• Liepupe surroundings — The wider Liepupe parish landscape of meadows and small farms lies just inland, accessible via short waymarked spurs.
• Birdlife of the gulf — The shoreline is a flyway corridor; expect gulls, terns, and during migration large flocks of waders and waterfowl moving along the coast.

Best Time to Hike the E9 Section 28: Lauči - Tūja

The Latvian coast has a temperate maritime-influenced climate with cold winters and mild summers. The hiking window runs from May to September. July is the single best month for this stage: as of 2026 it brings the warmest sea (often 18–20 °C, swimmable), the longest daylight, and the most reliable dry beach walking, with average highs around 21–23 °C.

June is nearly as good, with very long days and fewer crowds, though the water is still cool. August stays warm but sees more thundery showers and, in some years, blue-green algae blooms in the gulf that make swimming inadvisable. May and September are quieter shoulder months: pleasant for walking at 12–17 °C but with a real chance of wind and rain off the sea, and a colder Baltic. Avoid October to April unless you are prepared for short days, freezing temperatures, and storm-driven waves that can submerge the beach line entirely. Whatever the month, the open coast is exposed — wind chill from the gulf can make a sunny day feel sharp, so a windproof layer is worth carrying year-round.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Options cluster around Tūja at the end of the stage. The Tūja campsite offers tent pitches typically for around €8–12 per person, with basic facilities. Guesthouses and holiday homes in Liepupe parish and along the coast usually run €40–80 per double room in summer; book ahead for July and August, when Latvian and Baltic holidaymakers fill the coast. Wild camping is restricted in Latvia — pitch only with the landowner's permission or at designated sites, and keep fires to established rings. For a longer Jūrtaka itinerary, plan each night around a village or campsite, as services between them are sparse.

Getting There & Back

The nearest major hub is Riga, about 80–90 km south, with Riga International Airport (RIX) as the regional gateway. Regional buses run from Riga's central bus station up the Vidzeme coast toward Salacgrīva, stopping near Tūja and Liepupe; the journey takes roughly 1.5–2 hours. Lauči, the start point, is reachable by the same coastal bus line — confirm the exact stop, as not all services halt at every hamlet. Because this is a point-to-point stage, the simplest plan is to ride the bus to Lauči, walk north to Tūja, then catch a return bus to Riga. Check current timetables with Latvia's national operator before travelling, as rural frequencies are limited.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to walk the E9 / Jūrtaka, and the beach and coastal path are free to access. Latvia's coast is legally public below the high-water line. The only costs are accommodation, the campsite fee, and any park or museum entry inland. Respect signage at the Veczemju Cliffs, as the soft sandstone is protected and easily damaged — carving and climbing on the formations is discouraged. For official stage details, consult the Baltic Coastal Hike day 28 page.

Gear & Packing List

This is a short, flat day, so a light daypack is plenty — but the exposed coast demands wind and rain protection regardless of the forecast. A 12–35 L pack handles a single stage comfortably; for the full Jūrtaka you will want a larger, comfortable load-carrier. Good choices from our database include the Salomon ADV Skin 12 for fast day hikers, the versatile Fjällräven Abisko Hike 35 for a day-plus or overnight, and the ultralight Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider if you are thru-hiking the coast and counting grams. Pack a windproof shell, sun protection, 1.5–2 L of water (coastal sources are unreliable), sandals or quick-dry shoes for soft sand, and insect repellent for the forest sections. If you are walking multiple days, see our guide to the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 for help dialling in a lighter base weight. Plan your trail food carefully too — read how many calories you need hiking a full day to avoid bonking on longer Jūrtaka stages.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If you enjoy this stretch of the Latvian coast, the neighbouring Jūrtaka stages link directly into it and continue north toward the Estonian border with the same easy, sea-facing character. Walking them back to back makes a satisfying multi-day coastal trip. For something more rugged and mountainous, our guide to hiking the Theth to Valbona Trail in Albania shows the opposite end of the European hiking spectrum.

• E9 Section 29: Tūja - Svētciems — the immediate continuation north from Tūja.
• E9 Section 30: Svētciems - Ainaži — the final Latvian coastal stage toward the Estonian frontier.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike E9 Section 28?
July is the best month, offering the warmest sea (around 18–20 °C), the longest daylight, and the most reliable dry beach walking with highs near 22 °C. June is a close, quieter alternative. May and September work for walking but bring colder water and a higher chance of wind and rain off the Gulf of Riga.

How difficult is the Lauči to Tūja stage?
It is rated easy. The route is almost completely flat, gaining under 60 m total, and follows clear white-blue-white coastal waymarks. The main challenge is soft sand and pebble underfoot, which tires the legs more than the distance suggests, plus exposure to coastal wind. No technical skills or scrambling are required.

How long does the section take and what is the daily distance?
The stage is roughly 17 km, in line with the Jūrtaka's typical ~20 km daily stages. Most walkers complete it in 4 to 6 hours including stops at the Veczemju Cliffs. It comfortably fits into a single day, and fitter hikers can combine it with the adjacent Tūja–Svētciems stage for a longer outing.

Where can I stay along this section?
Accommodation clusters at Tūja, where a campsite charges roughly €8–12 per person and guesthouses run about €40–80 per double in summer. Liepupe parish has additional holiday homes. Wild camping is restricted in Latvia, so use designated sites or get landowner permission. Book ahead for July and August, the busiest coastal months.

Do I need a permit or pay any fees?
No permit is needed to walk the E9 / Jūrtaka, and the beach and coastal path are free to access, as Latvia's shoreline below the high-water line is public. Your only costs are accommodation, campsite fees, and optional inland attractions. Respect protection signage at the Veczemju Cliffs, since the soft sandstone is fragile and legally safeguarded.