The calendar shows the middle of September, the first month of an autumn. This season is very beautiful in Latvia, especially when the greenery becomes yellow, but the leaves still stay on the trees. There is a tradition in Latvia to go to the nature in this period of the year and to enjoy the beauty of colours in the forests, in the fields, and even in the swamps. The latter deserve a special attention since there is a magnificent place, Kemeri National Park, located in Zemgale and Vidzeme, with lots of beautiful swamps and forests there. It is also populated by varieties of birds.

The National park was founded in 1997, its area is about 40 000 ha. It is the third largest Latvian National park. The Park’s symbol is a white-backed woodpecker, which is a rare specimen.

The distinctive trait of Kemeri National park is a sulphur containing mineral water, which is formed under the swamps and breaks through to the surface, creating sulphur wells. This water has a therapeutic effect and was used since the 18th century when Kemeri resort was operated there. Though the resort is closed now, it is still possible to visit its historical centre with a park, buildings, and a sulphur spring “Ķirzaciņa”. Nowadays the mineral water is served by several other medical resorts in Jurmala.

Kemeri National park has also a beautiful forest landscape. It has a wide variety of trees in the forests. There are also several lakes located in the Kemeri National park, which also look marvellous. A picturesque coastline of Lampežciems, Bigauņciems, and Ragaciems fishermen villages, as well as dunes along the coasts of Gauja river, are also a part of the park. Though the most visitors’ attention deserve the swamps, these villages are also worth a visit not only because of their authenticity. It is also possible to buy some fresh smoked fish there.

Kemeri National park’s flora is rich with its varieties. There are 97 protected plants, which grow in the park. The fauna of Kemeri park is represented by almost all mammals, which are met in Latvia, excluding a bear. The park’s territory plays an important role in the migration of animals between western and eastern forests of Latvia and serves a “corridor”. There are also lots of various birds and fish species living in the park.