Liepaja has always charmed with its closeness to nature, which can be explained by particular placement of the city between a lake and the sea. Liepaja has a wide seaside, bodies of water and green zones that create a unique environment found only in Liepaja and allow the residents to rest in quality ecological environment.
Lake Liepaja
Lake Liepaja is a lagoon type lake, which formed when the Baltic Sea retreated. The lake and nearby meadows are included in nature reserve “Lake Liepaja” and are a part of “Natura 2000” protected area, since this an important area for nesting and migratory water birds. Here 27 protected bird species nest, 10 protected bird species overwinter and 50 protected bird species feed during migration. Also 41 protected plant species are found in the area around the lake.
Lake Liepaja is a popular fishing and recreation spot. It is connected to the sea by the Trade channel, where boat and catamaran rent services are located. Two bird-watching towers are erected near the lake – at the end of Lauku Str. and on Golodova dam on Zirgu isle.
Lake Liepaja has a nature protection plan, which is aimed to ensure the following:
- Protect the biologic assets of the area – protected biotopes of Latvian and European significance, birds, fishes, mammals, invertebrates, plants and species characteristic to the biotopes,
- Balanced protection of internationally significant bird dwelling areas with sustainable use of recreational resources.
Protection of Lake Liepaja is also regulated by:
- Provisions by the cabinet of Ministers No. 5 “Individual provisions on protection and use of Nature reserve “Lake Liepaja””,
- Provisions by the Cabinet of Ministers No. 212 “Provisions on nature reserves”.
Tosmare lake
Tosmare lake is also a lagoon type lake, however it is almost completely overgrown due to natural processes. Currently, approximately 12% of the former lake area remain free from growth. The lake is inaccessible due to overgrown banks.
At the same time the lake and nearby meadows form an important area for water bird nesting, feeding and rest during migration. Tosmare lake has the status of nature reserve due to the fact that approximately 20 species of rare endangered plants are found here.
Tosmare lake protection is regulated by:
- Provisions by the Cabinet of Ministers No. 264 “General provisions on protection and use of specially protected natural areas",
- Provisions by the Cabinet of Ministers No. 212 “Provisions on nature reserves”.
Beberlini water reservoir
Beberlini quarry is an artificial water reservoir that is located in the northern part of Liepaja city, in Karosta. The water reservoir was formed as the result of sand extraction for construction of military objects. Quarry banks are often covered with fine-grained white sand which is similar to beach sand. Therefore, residents of Liepaja often choose this area for recreation.
Currently Beberlini area is widely used for recreation both in winters and summers. It is a popular place for rest and picnics, which also offers activities of wake-park track and a cable-park. Here you can go on a boat ride or simply enjoy sunshine surrounded by beautiful seaside pine wood. Such tourism objects as a camping site, air-obstacle track, barefoot trail are developed in Beberlini water reservoir area as well.
Swimming area with Blue flag status is also available at the water reservoir.