Jurkalne Bluffs

At Jurkalne the Kurzeme coast rises into bluffs of sand, clay and gravel standing up to twenty metres above the beach, running for several kilometres and eroding steadily as the open Baltic works at the base, so trees fall onto the sand and the line retreats a little each year. This is the exposed western shore facing the open sea rather than the sheltered gulf, and the character is different: heavier surf, driftwood, wind and very few people. Steps descend from the road and the village to the beach at several points. A wooden Catholic church of 1834 stands in Jurkalne. Sunsets over the open water are the other reason people stop.

What you actually see

• The eroding bluffs - the steep sand and clay face along the shore.
• Fallen trees - the pines dropped onto the beach as the bank retreats.
• The open Baltic - the exposed western coast and its surf.
• The wooden church - the 1834 building in the village.

When to go

May to September for the beach; autumn and winter storms are dramatic on this coast and drive the erosion. Sunset is the best light. The coast is windy year round.

Honest expectations

The bluffs are actively eroding and standing beneath them is unwise. Access is by steps that shift with the bank. There are no facilities on the beach. The coast is exposed and cold in wind.

Nearby

Pavilosta lies south; Ventspils is north.