Foto: BB.LV / Тропа Дуникас
The Dunikas Trail existed before, but over time the wooden walkways fell into disrepair. Now, the Latvijas valsts meži enterprise has completed a major renovation: three kilometers of the old decking have been replaced with new. The work proved to be challenging — heavy boards had to be transported manually and with wheelbarrows across the swamp. Construction machinery cannot be easily brought in there. But what is worth going so far for? First and foremost, for the Tirspurvs swamp itself, which is at least seven thousand years old. There is almost no familiar forest here — only an endless open plain, small ponds, islets, and low, oddly twisted pine trees. At first glance, they seem like young growth, but in reality, some of the trees are already several hundred years old. They simply grow very little in the poor swamp soil. Underfoot, travelers occasionally find a seven-meter layer of peat that has accumulated over millennia. Around them are mosses, water, sky, and extraordinary silence. It is no wonder that this trail is loved by those who want to disappear from the usual hustle and bustle for at least a couple of hours. And if the silence seems too boring, one can recall the local legend: it is said that a tank sank in the swamp. Where exactly, when, and under what circumstances — is unknown. However, such a place must certainly hold many secrets. There is also a curiosity here that will interest botany enthusiasts. At the other end of the trail, travelers are greeted by the Luknena Hornbeam Grove — the only place in Latvia where hornbeam forms a whole forest without the admixture of other species. The trees are almost one and a half centuries old, and their tall crowns create a completely different atmosphere, as if one has unexpectedly moved from a harsh northern swamp to a forest in Central Europe. For rest near the trail, three sites with tables, benches, and grills have been equipped. By the end of the year, they promise to install additional benches every 500 meters, and later build a small tower for birdwatching. However, before the trip, it is worth considering one trick of the route. Five kilometers is the distance only one way. You will have to walk the same distance back unless you arrange for someone to pick you up from the opposite end. It usually takes about one and a half hours to walk the trail one way. It is located in the Dunika Nature Reserve, in the South Kurzeme region, not far from Rucava. You can reach it via the Liepāja — Lithuania border highway (A11), then turn at the sign for "Grobiņa 52" and look for the sign for the swamp trail about 19 kilometers later. The walk is free, and the trail is accessible year-round. However, after rain and in winter, the wooden boards can be slippery, so it is better to choose non-slip and comfortable footwear.
