Lielupe

Lielupe is a river in Latvia and a drainage channel to the Baltic Sea. It flows through the southern portion of the country, in the Zemgale region, generally northward. The river passes the city of Jelgava before reaching the Baltic Sea along Latvia’s western coastline.

Geography and hydrology: The Lielupe’s watershed covers agricultural land and forested areas. Its lower stretches include wetlands and floodplains that are important for biodiversity and natural flood management. The river has several tributaries and has been subject to human modifications to manage water flow and reduce flooding.

Economy and ecology: The river corridor supports recreation and tourism, including boating and fishing, and contributes to the regional landscape character. It also plays a role in local ecosystems, with habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife along the banks and in nearby wetlands.

Name and etymology: The name Lielupe derives from Latvian elements meaning “great river.”