The Swamp Trail is a unique tourist and nature exploration object. The Swamp Trail is a 1.5-kilometre-long trail with several viewing platforms and hides for bird and animal watching. The trail is located in the Esplanade Wetland next to the Latgale Zoo. You can explore the diverse life of the swamp’s inhabitants in two ways: by taking a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained trail, or by taking on the role of a field researcher and choosing an adventurous route.
The Esplanade Swamp Trail has several entrances and you can start your walk at four points:
▪ at the viewing platform on the hill, from Esplanade Park and Kandavas Street;
▪ at the Daugavas Street footpath next to the wastewater treatment plant area;
▪ at the Daugavas Street footpath next to the dog walking park;
▪ on the side of Latgale Zoo.
The trail is equipped with bicycle stands, information boards and signs providing information on possible directions of the trail.
The “Herpitologist Trail” is intended as an exciting and educational route. The “Herpitologist Trail” can be wet and flooded at times, with possible obstacles such as fallen trees, branches, swamp animals, high humidity and long reeds. Moreover, the viewing platform has binoculars for birdwatching, and there are also bird-watching walls on the footbridges.
The trail is accessible for everyone and is suitable for mothers with strollers and people using wheelchairs. The exception is the “Herpitologist Trail”.
Access to the site is prohibited between 1 March and 1 August, as this is the bird breeding season.