Lake Engure

Lake Engure, one of the best lakes to visit in Latvia, is a lake in the western part of Latvia, in the Talsi District. After Lake Lubāns and Lake Rzna, it is the third-largest lake in the nation. An old sea lagoon called Lake Engure is separated from the sea by a 1.5 to 2.5 km broad sandbar with dunes. The artificial Mersraga waterway, excavated in 1842, serves as its outflow. It is eutrophic, largely reed-covered, and home to 16 different species of fish. Although the first nature reserve was created here in 1957, the entire lake and its surroundings have been a part of the Lake Engure Nature Park since 1999. It includes an ornithologists' floating base. In 1995, the lake was added to the Ramsar list of wetlands of international significance.

The name Engure is derived from a Libyan word that means "eel," hence the lake might also be referred to as "the eel lake," but there are currently relatively few eels there. Due to the lake's unfortunate eutrophication, the reed vegetation must be trimmed down and the lake must be routinely cleansed. A wide variety of bird species call the lake home. For birdwatchers' protection, a number of towers have been built. From the observation towers of the Ornithology Center in Bērzciems (Tukums district) and Krievrags (ciems parish), one may take in the lakeside beauty. Numerous activities are hosted by the Latvian Ornithology Society here at the lake. Many bird lovers from all around Latvia attend the society's Bird Watching Days, which are held from April to October. Towers that have been built all around the lakes provide excellent vantage points from which to see the many bird species.

Location: Engure