Listen to the audio of the trail:

Description:

This nature trail, completed at the end of 2018, is a completely new addition to the area. It stretches along Lake Usma – the sixth largest lake in Latvia by surface area and the second largest by water volume. The trail offers a beautiful view of the legendary Moricsala (Morics Island), which is also referenced in Latvian folk songs. The island forms part of the Moricsala Nature Reserve, covering a total area of 818 hectares. It is the second oldest nature reserve in Europe, having been established in 1912.

According to historical accounts, in 1727 a Saxon Count named Morics, fleeing from advancing Russian troops, took refuge on the island with his soldiers. However, realising the overwhelming strength of the enemy, he escaped under cover of darkness to Ventspils. He would later go on to become a marshal in the French army. Since then, the island has been known as Moricsala, although its original name was Fish Island.

Moricsala holds exceptional natural value – it is home to around one-fifth of all plant species found in Latvia, along with numerous rare and protected insects.

In early 2025, a tactile model of Lake Usma was installed along the trail, together with an ensemble of eight tactile fish species that inhabit the lake. Visitors are invited to touch and explore each fish, as well as learn about the legendary Moricsala Island. The fish and lake model are located on the wooden boardwalk, directly facing Moricsala – offering an engaging and inclusive experience for all.

Download the GPX of the trail

In order to open the GPX file with the trail route on a mobile phone or computer, please install one of the hiking apps or maps, e.g., Wikiloc, Outdooractive, ViewRanger, OS Maps or any other GPX file reading programme or application.

Location: Usma

Suggested starting point: Open-air sanctuary

Starting poing of the trail in the map: Lat:57.20721,Lon: 22.15261

Accessibility:

Hiking time: 15 min

Distance: 0,7 km

Marking: Not marked, but can easily follow the trail

Type: Loop

Difficulty: 

Trail surface:Wooden boardwalk, path

 (During rain and in winter the trail is slippery)

Facilities: 

Getting there: by car, by bus

Rules to follow: 

Trail administrator: Usma Parish Council, +371 29287631, usma@ventspilsnd.lv

Info: Ventspils Tourism Information Centre, 6 Dārzu Street (Ventspils Ferry Passenger Terminal, 1st Floor), +371 29232226, tourism@ventspils.lv, www.visitventspils.com

Closest shops: Spāre, Ugāle, Pope

Closest gas stations: Ugāle