Nestled within the sprawling waters of the Daugava River, Kundziņsala is Latvia’s second-largest island, an often-overlooked natural and historical gem just a stone’s throw from Riga’s bustling center.
Despite its proximity to the capital, this island remains largely under the radar for travelers, blending elements of industrial infrastructure, natural beauty, and a rich history that stretches back centuries.
Interestingly, Latvia, like its southern neighbor, Lithuania, has no islands in the Baltic Sea. Unlike Estonia, which boasts over 2,300 islands, Latvia’s islands are all river or lake islands, with Buļļu sala being the largest among them.
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Largest Islands in Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia
| Rank | Island | Country | Size (km²) | Size (sq mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saaremaa | Estonia | 2,673 | 1,032 |
| 2 | Rusnė | Lithuania | 49 | 18 |
| 3 | Buļļu | Latvia | 13 | 5 |
Kundziņsala: A Unique River Island
Unlike most large islands, which typically rest in open seas, Kundziņsala (meaning “Kundziņš’s Island” in Latvian) is a river island—a rarity of its size in the Baltic region. It covers approximately 5.5 square kilometers (2 square miles) and is formed by the branching distributaries of the Daugava as the river nears the Gulf of Riga.
The landscape of Kundziņsala is shaped by a mix of human and natural influences. While a significant portion of the island is industrial, with Riga’s Free Port occupying a substantial area, pockets of marshes, small forested zones, and riverbanks provide a habitat for various bird species and fish.
During the warmer months, anglers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts find refuge in the quieter corners of the island, where the sounds of shipping containers and cranes fade into the background. The island’s location along the river delta also makes it an important floodplain area, a fact that has influenced its development over the centuries.
A History of Waterways and Trade
Kundziņsala’s historical significance is tied to its strategic position on the Daugava, one of the most important trade routes in Northern Europe. Since medieval times, this river served as a crucial link between the Baltic Sea and the Russian interior, with merchants from Riga using islands like Kundziņsala for storage, shipbuilding, and even settlement.
During the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries, Kundziņsala was an important transport hub, with warehouses and docks catering to Riga’s expanding port.
In the Soviet era, the island’s industrial role intensified, leading to the construction of large port terminals, many of which still operate today. Despite these transformations, a small local community has persisted on the island.
Remnants of historical buildings, old wooden houses, and traces of former fishing villages hint at a past when Kundziņsala was more than just a logistics hub. Today, modern infrastructure coexists with these older elements, making it a fascinating blend of past and present.
How to Get to Latvia’s Second-Largest Island
Reaching Kundziņsala is surprisingly simple. The island is connected to the mainland via a bridge from Sarkandaugava, allowing both vehicles and pedestrians to cross. Located about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Riga’s Old Town, it’s easily accessible by car, bicycle, or the #3 trolleybus.
For a more scenic approach, some travelers prefer kayaking or small boat tours from the Daugava’s main branch, allowing for a unique perspective of the island’s riverbanks and industrial waterfront.
When to Visit Kundziņsala
While Latvia’s second-largest island can be visited year-round, the best time to explore its natural side is from late spring to early autumn (May–September). During this period, the island’s greenery is at its peak, and the waters around it are more inviting for activities like fishing and birdwatching.
For those interested in the island’s industrial aspects, visiting on weekdays provides an opportunity to see the bustling port operations in full swing. However, weekends tend to be quieter, making it easier to appreciate the natural parts of the island without the constant movement of cargo and ships.
Why Visit Latvia’s Second-Largest Island?
While Kundziņsala may not have the open-sea charm of Saaremaa in Estonia or the wetland biodiversity of Rusnė Island in Lithuania, it stands out as a unique island in an urban river environment, showcasing the complex relationship between industry and nature.
Kundziņsala is an island of contrasts—where steel cranes meet quiet riverbanks, and where Latvia’s industrial strength meets its natural resilience. While not a typical tourist destination, it offers an intriguing glimpse into Riga’s economic heart and a chance to explore an area that is historically significant and naturally interesting.