Abava is one of the most scenic rivers in Kurzeme. Falls into the river Venta. You have to continue your trip down Venta, it is possible to end the route only in the Naba lakes. Canoing in this river is possible throughout the ice-less season. In springtime the river is an interesting experience for those who prefer faster flow, in summer and autumn it brings delight with its scenic bluffs and water springs falling from the steep banks and slopes. Excellent wild-life and bird-watching opportunity, some fish also.
The Abava river is usually divided in two parts – the “civilized” one and the “wild” one. Civilized part is considered to be from Kandava to Renda (50 km), but the wild one – from Renda to the mouth of the river Venta (34.3 km). However from there you have to paddle 7 km in river Venta to get to finish. Near Kandava the river is very winding and at its first kilometres you may think why did you even come here? And just at that moment the boat is rapidly tolerated under unfinished bridge and shoots through the first Abava overfall. Shores of Abava here resembles a Tuscan landscape with grape fields on the slopes. Further on the paddling becomes much more interesting, as the river begins to flow through a wide valley and the landscape around it becomes more and more picturesque. In the stretch till Sabile, there are many well-appointed halts and tourist attractions. Sabile is definitely worth a stop to stroll through the small town or buy some treats.
After Sabile, the Abava river becomes much calmer and slowly flows through a forest. Shores become steeper and first cliffs (approx. 15m high) start to appear. The slow flow of 6 km is stopped by Waterfall on the Abava river (Abavas Rumba) – a meter high waterfall that has stretched across the width of the river. After the waterfall, the river’s speed increases and you start to feel a bit of wilderness. Overfalls mixes with each other and nature overtakes the river. Ducks, beavers, deer’s, herons, storks and hawks become nothing extraordinary. In some parts river passes sand dunes. Around Renda the Abava river returns to civilization. Already 6 km before the bridge of Renda the flow of the river becomes really calm and some houses located on the shores start to appear. In Renda the “civilized” part ends and the “wild” one starts. Paddlers do not have one opinion if the most beautiful stretch of the Abava river is from Kandava to Renda or from Renda to the mouth of the Venta river.
Slow flow continues 5 km after Renda, until it is stopped by the first rapids. Moreover, the scenery changes completely. Shores that were overgrown with shrubs and deciduous trees are replaced by coniferous trees, river-bed becomes stony, but the water becomes clear. Below Renda to where Abava flows into the Venta river there are almost no buildings. However, there are many sites where you can do the camping, overfalls are being mixed with slower stretches, the banks of larger and smaller sandstone and dolomite cliffs follow one after another, some of them are overgrown and not as easily visible, watch closely! If you stay calm, you can meet many wild animals. Approaching Venta, the Abava river becomes narrower, deeper and swifter. Approximately 30m high cliff Galmicu is a good landmark 5 km before the mouth of the Venta river. Those who just remembered that they have not managed to take a picture of anything, can still have time to take beautiful photos.
A favorite for family leisure time as well as paddling events for larger groups with collective activities at the end of the route. Single to four day routes are possible, overnight stays in camping places on the river bank. Our base camp in „Avoti”. No previous canoing / kayaking experience required in summer.
Explore historical imaginary of Abava river zudusilatvija.lv
Abava routes
Veģi – Renda (“Avoti”) 1 day (3-5 hours) 13 km
- € 25,- (single kayak)
- € 30,- (double canoe, kayak, SOT)
- € 35,- (3 seated canoe)
- € 38,- (4 seated canoe)
Vegi – Renda is most popular route for one day. Easy to arrange. Finish in our rental base
Rumba (Abava waterfall)– Renda (“Avoti”) 1 day (4-6 hours) 18 km
- € 25,- (single kayak)
- € 28,- (double canoe, kayak, SOT)
- € 35,- (3 seated canoe)
- € 38,- (4 seated canoe)
Rumba – Renda is easy to arrange. + 1€ from person for entrance in territory has to be paid to Abavas Rumba camping in this route. Finish in our rental base
“Plosti” – Abavas Rumba 1 day 12/ 13 km (3-4 hours)
- € 30,- (single kayak)
- € 35, – (double canoe, kayak, SOT)
- € 39,- (3 seated canoe)
- € 43,- (4 seated canoe)
+ 1,5 € from person for entrance in territory has to be paid to Abavas Rumba camping in this route
“Plosti”– Renda (“Avoti”) 2 days 32 km
- € 40,- (single kayak)
- € 47,- (double canoe, kayak, SOT)
- € 49,- (3 seated canoe)
- € 54,- (4 seated canoe)
Renda – Naba lakes 2days 42 km
- €42,- (single kayak)
- € 55,- (double canoe, kayak, SOT)
- € 57,- (3-seated canoe)
- € 60,- (4-seated canoe)
Kandava – Renda (“Avoti”) 3 days 47 km
- € 54,- (single kayak)
- € 64,- (double canoe, kayak, SOT)
- € 70,- (3-seated canoe)
- € 75,- (4-seated canoe)
Abava river routes map
Take a closer look on Abava river route maps and details on RouteYou or alternatively on Google Maps
Service
- Gear (boat, paddles life jackets)
- Gear transportation
- Pickup of your car drivers if large group, everyone if small group to / from start /finish depending on chosen route geography*
For all regular routes service included in price:
* For instance you leave car in our rental base at finish and we transport you together with boats to start. Thus your finish trip where your car is. Or your car stays at start and we bring you to your car from finish - it's depending on route.
- Call us +371 27788081 or write noma@seakayak.lv and we will figure out the best trip for You!
- See also Rental section for available fleet and rental base locations