Kolka is the northernmost point of the Kurzeme peninsula, while Cape Kolkas is the most distinct promontory on the Latvian coast, a place where the waves of two seas – the open Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga – meet. The cape, like a shoal underwater, continues for another 6 km, and its back is covered by the sea at a depth of 0.5-3 metres. The sea around Kolkasrags Bank has been the site of countless shipwrecks. Kolka Lighthouse is located on an artificial island at the end of the shoal.

The name Kolkasrag (Domesnes) first appears in a text (1040) carved into the Murval Rune Stone in Sweden. Kolka was first mentioned as a settlement in a document from 1387. Until the end of the 19th century, Kolkasrag was called Domesnes in documents , but the locals called the village Kolkasrag. In the 20th century the name of the settlement Kolka, in Livonian Kūolka , was established . Cf. Estonian kolgas, kolk, Finnish kolkka – corner, nook, nook.

Here is a unique opportunity to watch both sunrise and sunset in the sea in one place.

During the spring migration, this is a significant concentration and resting place for migratory birds.

Photo Ainars Gaidis