ECOLOGICAL PROCESS TRAIL AND ĶOŅCIEMS

This nature process trail lets travellers to learn about the lower part of Lake Pape nature park with five different ecosystems – lake, meadow, forest, swamp and dune. Each stop has a story about how the natural landscape emerged from the influence of various natural processes. The path goes toward the village of Ķoņi and to the Nida swamp, which is the only one in Latvia that is so close to the Baltic Sea. It is one of the most valuable swamps in Latvia. On the west side of the swamp is a wooden boardwalk that leads to a viewing platform from which you can see the swamp. The trail then turns toward the sea and leads along the seashore along a uniquely white sand beach, going back to the Pape channel in the village of Pape. Ķoņi is a true jewel in Europe, with a unique and historical fishing village that has preserved its authenticity to the present day. Groups can take tours of the village and learn more about its historical buildings. You can also learn about the placement of reed roofs, because the Curonian initiative fund regularly rebuilds historical buildings with support from grants. The “Vītolnieki” fishermen’s site of the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is in Ķoņi and near the sea. You will enjoy the sea that is an inviolable part of Curonian everyday lives. You will also enjoy the wind and sunsets. You will see historical buildings that are made of natural materials – clay, wood, rock and reed roofs which are fastened with “roosters”. You will learn about tools, apparel and a one-log boat that is more than 1100 years old. The harsh coast has made the nature of Curonians stronger, and it has provided them the resources through trading, robbery and pulling a fishing rope to the coast, what can be tested by visitors today.