Ķemeri Water Tower and Ķemeri Resort Park in Latvia

Looking for a place to soothe a restless mind or an aching heart? Ķemeri Sanatorium was once Latvia’s most prestigious rehabilitation center. Alongside mud baths and sulfur water, a key part of the healing process was believed to be quiet walks through the scenic Ķemeri Resort Park.

I am not a doctor and can’t speak for the science of healing—but from the experience I do know that a peaceful walk in a beautiful place can calm an overwhelmed mind and ease a heavy soul. Though the Ķemeri sanatorium has long since closed its doors, the park has been lovingly restored and is just as tranquil as ever.

So come—take a leisurely stroll with me through Ķemeri Resort Park. And while we’re here, let’s climb the old Ķemeri water tower as well.

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!!! Please note: You have to make a reservation to climb to the top of the tower

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Jump to:

42 m Tall Ķemeri Water Tower

The silhouette of the Ķemeri Water Tower is hard to miss—you can spot it from a distance, rising above the treetops like a curious architectural puzzle. It almost looks as if it was sticked together from three different towers: a white, textured base; a pastel pink middle adorned with white trim that reminds me of a layer of wedding cake; and a tall, red cylindrical top, crowned by the Latvian flag fluttering proudly in the wind.

But before you decide to head to Ķemeri Water Tower, a word of warning: spontaneity won’t work here. Due to the limited capacity of the rooftop viewing platform, advance reservations by phone are mandatory. You can’t just swing by on a whim.

And another fair warning—this climb isn’t for the faint of heart. The stairs of the Ķemeri Water Tower are narrow and steep, the steps small, and to reach the rooftop, you’ll need to climb through a hatch. Unfortunately, this means the tower isn’t accessible to everyone.

But if you are up for a climb…

What’s Inside the Belly of the Ķemeri Water Tower? 

Your visit begins with a small exhibit on the tower’s history and notable figures from the area. Then you’ll head to the first observation deck, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Ķemeri Resort Park. 

From there, you can make your way to the fourth floor of Ķemeri Water Tower. Here, you might have to wait a bit before going up to the rooftop—only five people are allowed at the top observation deck of the Ķemeri Water Tower at a time, which is why reservations are needed. 

The good news? You won’t be bored while waiting. This floor features some interactive displays. You can take a playful photo with a lady enjoying a mud bath (or choose from three other historic photo backdrops), and enjoy a ballad while seated in the musical chair.

Or you can take a closer look at the industrial interior and photographs lining the walls tell the story of how the park once looked—back at the days when ladies still strolled beneath parasols.

How Are the Views From the Top of Ķemeri Water Tower?

Once you’ve overcome your fears and climbed the narrow metal staircases, you’re rewarded with an open-air panorama from the top of the Ķemeri Water Tower.

Take a deep breath—and look around.

To one side, the quiet ruins of old sanatorium buildings sit half-hidden among the trees, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

To the other, a vast sea of treetops stretches all the way to the horizon. And nestled in between lies the restored Ķemeri Sanatorium Park, with many paths winding through the greenery.

“But where’s the real sea?” you might wonder.

Maybe it’s too far to see… or maybe not. If you look closely (or try one of the free binoculars), you might catch a faint, bluish line just above the horizon—slightly different from the sky. Maybe it’s the sea. Or maybe it’s just a trick of the light.

Stroll Through Ķemeri Resort Park

Between the woods and wide-open lawns—now, in early summer, dotted with hundreds of tiny white flowers—a peaceful network of winding paths stretches out before you. These trails are linked by picturesque bridges arching over the Veršupīte River, each one inviting you to slow down and take in the view.

This time of year, Ķemeri Resort Park feels especially romantic—perfect for a leisurely walk.

So, where shall we go first?

The Pavilion on Love Island of Ķemeri Resort Park

First, let’s head over to Love Island, tucked away in a quiet corner of Ķemeri Resort Park. Sitting pretty on the island is a dainty white pavilion where guests used to sip tea and coffee while listening to the radio.

These days, it looks like they are selling ice cream there instead. How cute!

The whole scene is delightfully charming—especially with the metallic bird sculptures near the front, where couples have hung love locks, to make their love eternal.

Hotel Ķemeri

Next, head over to the old building of Hotel Ķemeri, which in its golden days was one of Latvia’s most prestigious establishments. The rich, influential, and famous once stayed here.

Today, the hotel stands silent and empty, leaving visitors to wonder what secrets its walls might hold inside. From the outside, however, it still looks like a white castle—adorned with grand columns, arched windows, and delicate little balconies.

In front, a vast garden stretches out, where grass, trimmed bushes, and winding pathways form neat geometric patterns, quietly holding onto the elegance of a bygone era.

The Sulfur Spring of Ķemeri Resort Park

Our last stop in Ķemeri Resort Park is the sulfur spring known as the Little Lizard. You’ll find it by following your nose—because, well, the smell kind of leads the way!

From the mouth of this little stone reptile flows dark, sulfurous water. But your attention might quickly shift to the white canopy behind it. Beneath the glass dome sits what looks like a well, where dark water bubbles and foams together, creating a kind of witchy soup.

Can someone explain what I’m looking at? Because honestly, I’m not quite sure!

I can see there are more trails stretching out through Ķemeri Resort Park—if you have some extra time, you could easily explore a few more. But since I need to head to my next destination for the day, I’m sorry to say I have to end my adventure here.

That said, if what I’ve shared about Ķemeri Resort Park has sparked your curiosity, why not come and wander these paths yourself? There’s plenty here to discover.

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Thoughts?

Since Ķemeri is only about 50 km from Riga city center, Ķemeri Resort Park makes a perfect spot for a leisurely weekend day trip. Just be sure to book the Ķemeri Water Tower in advance—it’s the highlight of the visit.

And if you want to extend your adventure, the area is full of nearby attractions: the Kaņieris Reed Trail, Sloka Lake Trail, and the mysterious Witches’ Swamp are all close by.