Water level changes in the Daugava River near Koknese

From 12 August to 27 September, the water level in the Pļaviņas HPP reservoir is lowered for the restoration of the hydraulic structures. The Aizkraukle Municipality and Koknese Tourism Information Centre invite you to use this time to explore new landscapes in Koknese along the banks of the Daugava and the Pērse River, both on walks and on boat trips, SUPs or sailing boats.

The lowering of the water level in the Pļaviņas HPP reservoir and on the banks of the Pērse has revealed rarely seen landscapes - dolomite rocks, which before the Daugava was flooded in the 1960s formed cliffs on the river banks several tens of metres high, as well as sand formations on the banks of Likteņdārzs, which are daily covered by the flooded bay of the Daugava.

The exposed banks can be particularly well observed along the entire length of the Koknese Nature Trail, both at the Koknese Lutheran Church and at the beach, where the ancient Koknese Road and the stumps along its sides are exposed. The view is spectacular at the Garden of Destiny - where the viewing terrace is located, at the amphitheatre, and where the old Riga-Daugavpils road "disappears" into the Daugava River. If you go by boat or other watercraft, you will find interesting views of the medieval ruins of Koknese, as the concrete foundations of the castle ruins and the dolomite promontories have been uncovered.

The lowering of the water level affects not only the Daugava, but also its tributaries. The River Pērse at the bridge on the Daugavpils highway has lost most of its water, giving the opportunity to see the river bed.

If you want to go on a "photo hunt" for unusual views, start by visiting the Koknese Tourism Information Centre, where you can see photographs and a model of what the area around the Pērse and Daugava looked like in the 1920s - 1930s. There is also a digital stand presenting lost landscapes, souvenirs and up-to-date tourist information.

Information prepared by Aizkraukle Municipality and Koknese Tourism Information Centre