Lielie Kangari is the largest wasp mound or ridge in Latvia, as well as a nature reserve of the same name. It is located in Ropazi municipality and Suntaži municipality of Ogre municipality, covering an area of 1972.4 ha. The relative height of the ridge varies from 10 to 27 metres. The absolute height reaches 78 metres above sea level. The width varies from 60 to 100 metres. The total length of the ridge is about 26 kilometres, but the highest part, which is usually understood and referred to as ‘Lielie Kangari’, is about 7 kilometres long.

The protected area includes the ridge itself, as well as adjacent natural areas and rare habitats.
The main natural values of the area are:
 the topography, soil and cultural landscape of the nature reserve, which create conditions for the existence of rare and protected habitats, including the rare in Latvia yellow corncrake;
 eight specially protected habitats in Europe, including five of priority importance and two specially protected habitats in Latvia;
 rare and protected plant, invertebrate and bird species in Latvia and Europe; in total, the following specially protected species have so far been recorded in the territory of the reserve: 20 plants, three fungi, six lichens, two fungi, six invertebrates, 19 birds and two mammals.

The Ķoderi Castle Mound, also known as the “Big Man’s Bed”, is a cultural and historical monument of national importance. The reserve also includes the Great Kangari Swamp and Kangari Lake. Burlakkalniņš, a place where highway robbers used to hide, is located on the edge of the nature trail next to Kangari Lake.

Want to see it all in person? You are welcome to visit!
The nature reserve “Lielie Kangari” has a 2 km long nature trail with various activities, as well as a 33 m high observation tower with a platform at the top, which offers a beautiful view of Kangari Lake and Lielkangari Swamp.

Photos from the archives of Ropazu TIC.