The splendour of sulfur water and mud resort town

Text by Valdis Čeičs and photos by Solveiga Kaļva, www.solveigaspiedzivojumi.lv

The Ķemeri mud resort town history is tangled with the sulfur water that makes the town what it is nowadays. The name Ķemeri first time is mentioned in the 16th century. A household “Kemmeru” on the same place where is nowadays Ķemeri town. Back then already people knew about the healing properties of the sulfur springs near this house because the researchers have found different items that were offered to the spring as a gift for received healing. Also mentioned that the household has accommodated sick persons and the sulfur water was brought to them, but the first research about the sulfur spring healing properties was done only in the 19th century. The development of Ķemeri town started, when the nobles were coming here for healing and in 1836 the Russian emperor Nicholas I donated money to establish accommodations for the bathing facilities. Soon the railway station was built and in 1911 even the first direct trains from Moscow arrived. Ķemeri bloomed from a single household to a resort with magical water. During the World War I Ķemeri is the front line and the established facilities were burned.  After the war the newly formed Latvian government re-built it all again and this time with even more modern facilities. The pride of Ķemeri was the so-called “The White Ship”, that was one of the most modern hotels in Europe at this time, that could accommodate more than 100 people. During World War II the buildings survived, but the Soviets nationalized it and continued to develop it. In the 1970-ties in Ķemeri were even 10 sanatoriums and more than 100 doctors treating patients in sulfur and sea mud baths. In the 1990ties the resort’s economy collapsed together with the Soviet Union. Nowadays Kemeri resort is in a re-built mode.

In the history of Ķemeri the wilderness has been spoiled by human activity, like peat industry, deforestation and wars, but nevertheless here still are Latvia’s biggest wetlands. Ķemeri has preserved its untouched nature and has never been highly populated because of its border land and regional nature. The woodpeckers love this territory because of the many fallen trees, where they can find food. Form 9 woodpecker species that live in Latvia 8 of them live here. To protect all of this in 1997 was established the Ķemeri National Park. It is an exciting place to walk around and to see the Ķemeri historical resort sites, lovely wooden architecture, wet broadleaf forest, Black Alder swamp, Green Dune and the Swamp of the Witches. One of the most popular destination is the Great Ķemeri Bog boardwalk, that takes the visitors to the world of moss, small pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes, and the smell of wild rosemary.

Join our tour – Romantic town, green dune, bog and sulfur water in Kemeri

What travelers say about us

EXCELLENT
36 reviews on
claire wallick moy
claire wallick moy
2025-06-19
Our small family group 2 seniors and 2 adult children all agree our 10 day “best of” Lithuania was excellent. We were very happy we went with a private tour and driver. (same person, Tomas) This way we could include all (or most) of the destinations within the country in this short time. Valdis arranged our itinerary, suggested museums, parks and researched accomodations including local guest house and vacation rentals when there were no hotels (or not available) close to our destinations. We loved visiting the national parks and UNESCO heritage sites. Our travels with Tomas was excellent. He is very knowledgeable about the history and geography of Lithuania and happy to share this with us. He was very helpful with all the arrangements the tickets for entry at various attractions and accomodations (all of which was included and arranged by Baltic Nature Travel). Tomas was also helpful in guiding us for food and drink choices. And suggesting restaurants in Vilnius, Siauliai and kaunas. He is also an excellent driver and the van was very comfortable. We feel really lucky to have had this opportunity. The 4 of us agreed that where we visited and having Tomas as our tour guide made our Lithuania holiday very special. Although most people speak some English it is not enough to have the in depth conversations that Tomas was able to translate for us. The 2 days we had to tour the Curonian Spit were lovely even though we had some rain. And though thunderstorms interfered with our planned kayaking Aukstaitija NP, we were able to do a short kayak ride in Dzukija NP. Also our pottery visit in Merkine was a highlight. If you are planning a trip to Lithuania I suggest contacting Baltic Nature Travel and let them handle arrangements for you.
Laura Lopez Vinasco
Laura Lopez Vinasco
2025-06-19
Fue un viaje que llenó nuestras expectativas por mucho, una gran sorpresa cada lugar que visitamos
Michael Neilson
Michael Neilson
2025-05-26
We toured the Curonian Spit with Kristina who provided a great mix of nature, history and personal experiences to give us a very entertaining and enjoyable day.
michelle leow
michelle leow
2025-05-20
Kuldiga: charming streets, and wides waterfall in Europe on 7th May 2025 We joined a private tour of 6 people to this exotic location. Our vacation was made an even better experience by a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide Valdis, who provides us with all the information about the place and enlightens us on the history and culture of the region. Despite the chilly weather, Celsius 5 degree. It was a few hours walking tour around the newly built tower that oversees the magnificent view, waterfalls, and the old town. Valdis waited for us patiently taking photos. Because we saw so many beautiful places of interest, our vacation was well worth the time and money we spent on it. Apart from showing us the various places of interest, Valdis also managed our transportation and meals recommendation, all of which he did very efficiently. Please accept our heartfelt thanks, Valdis.
Priya Bhatt
Priya Bhatt
2025-05-12
Loved the trip, every day was truly amazing Estonia is worthy and so I would recommend people to visit Estonia through Baltic travels, Mr Valdis did a terrific planning, every details were given and made my journey memory very happy 😃
Samuel Lister
Samuel Lister
2025-02-08
We had a fantastic tour with Tomas around Vilnius. He was informative, friendly and helpful and despite there being no snow for snowshoes it was a brilliant experience. I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to experience Vilnius.
SisterBliss66
SisterBliss66
2024-11-02
Great day out - lovely walk in Gauja - Līgatne trail - in the crisp autumn air followed by the paper mill. Then on to Sigulda Castle and Gutman Cave. Valdis was very knowledgeable and we had some interesting conversations about the places visited, history, culture and lots more besides. Friendly guy, fluent in English. It was awesome getting out of Riga to see more of the country.
Jane Bower
Jane Bower
2024-09-30
My partner and I (69 and 75) are just back from a 17 day self-drive tour put together with the help of Valdis from Baltic Nature Travel. It was an absolutely delightful and fascinating experience. We asked for quirky or unusual accommodation and a mix of hotels and self-catering - great fun. We went at our own pace and chose what to see. Everything was beautifully organised - a couple of small hitches were dealt with straight away on the phone. We are well-travelled but didn't know these stunning countries at all. Our overall impression is CLEAN and GREEN. Thank you, thank you for such a unique and special holiday.
Andrew Golding
Andrew Golding
2024-09-16
First Class Personal Tour of the Baltic Republics organised by Valdis: a bespoke, friendly, intelligent, safe and varied introduction to this wonderful part of the world. Wholly recommended.

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