VIRSAIŠI WATERFALL TRAIL

The Virsaiši waterfall can be found in the deep side valley of the Virbupe River. The nature here is all but pristine, with a stream burbling over dolomite, cliffs being seen on the walls of the valley, trees knocked down by the wind lying scattered all around the territory, and hardly any trails for strollers or hikers. The waterfall was truly identified only in 1998, when geographer Ivars Strautnieks took measurements of its height and width. He was studying geological and geomorphological objects in the Abava River alley, and local residents pointed him toward this monument of nature. The waterfall stands 1,7 m high, and during the spring and autumn, its width can be as much as 4 m. The waterfall is distinguished by the fact that its water slides down a tilted piece of dolomite, as opposed to dropping vertically. In 2010, the waterfall as declared to be the geological monument of the year. There is an out-and-back path to the waterfall, with a total distance of 2,8 km. During wet weather, some parts of the trail become very slippery, which makes it hard to get up and back down the hills. Trees may be blocking the path, which weaves through forestland that has been hardly touched by civilisation. At the end of the trail and by the waterfall, there is room to sit down and relax, as well as to build a campfire. The waterfall, it must be added, is on private property, and potential visitors are asked to ring +371 20037375 to arrange for a visi.