Sildruvu Waterfall

Before its descent into the Venta River, the Abava flows through a pristine wilderness area. For tens of kilometres, dense forests stretch alongside the river, interspersed with rare farms.

On both banks of the Abava in this region, there are impressive sandstone cliffs. Composed of yellow, delicate sandstone, these formations were shaped during the Givetian stage of the Devonian period and belong to the Gauja Formation, or, possibly, the Burtnieki Formation. The highest cliffs, known as the Galmicu Cliffs, reach a height of 20 meters. Adjacent to them, on the opposite (right) bank of the Abava, lie the Sildruvu Cliffs (also frequently referred to as the Lejeju Cliffs). This continuous cliff wall extends for approximately 200 meters along the river.

Within the middle section of these cliffs, there is a delightful feature: a small waterfall stream that cascades over the cliff’s edge and then, in the final meter of its descent, plunges directly into the river below.

Experiencing this petite waterfall is sheer bliss — one can recline on the opposite bank and revel in its soothing, perpetual sound.

The accompanying images were captured during spring when the water level in the Abava is somewhat higher. Consequently, during the summer, the waterfall would likely be somewhat taller, although with reduced water flow.