Kolkas

Kolkas is a rural parish (pagasts) in western Latvia, located in the Kurzeme region and administratively part of Talsi Municipality. The parish encompasses the Cape Kolka area, which marks the westernmost point of Latvia where the Gulf of Riga opens into the Baltic Sea. The landscape around Kolka is defined by a dynamic sand spit, shifting dunes, and pine forests, shaped by strong coastal winds. A notable landmark in the area is the Cape Kolka Lighthouse, which has historical significance for navigation.

Protected areas are a key feature of the Kolkas landscape. The region includes nature conservation zones such as the Kolkasrags Nature Reserve, established to protect dune habitats and the rich bird life that uses the area as a migratory stopover. The combination of marine, beach, and dune ecosystems makes the area important for biodiversity and environmental research.

The local economy is predominantly rural and diversified by tourism, forestry, and small-scale fishing or services for visitors, particularly during the summer months when nature-based activities attract travelers. Kolkas is also part of the broader cultural and historical fabric of Kurzeme, reflecting the rural character and maritime heritage of western Latvia.

In summary, Kolkas is a small coastal parish notable for Cape Kolka, dune landscapes, and protected coastal ecosystems, with a economy anchored in nature-oriented tourism and traditional rural livelihoods.