Dauda Waterfall

There are many waterfalls in the vicinities of Sigulda – most of them small or flowing just some weeks per year, but each of them is beautiful.

The most impressive among them is Dauda Waterfall. As one approaches it across the meadow, the sound gives away – there is a waterfall!

The waterfall is located in a shallow valley. Below it starts a deep ravine – a wilderness area, a strict nature conservation area that should not be entered without special permits.

Waterfall has two steps – 0.5 m high and 1.8 m high.

Dauda Waterfall has formed on the Upper Devonian (Frasnian stage) sandstone of the Amata Formation. In general, this sandstone is fragile but in this area, some layers of sandstone contain much lime that has cemented the sand grains. The cemented sandstone there has created concretions – some 0.5-2 cm large balls that are cemented together. Sometimes, though, below the falls can be found separate perfectly round stone pellets.

Somehow, frequently there is mentioned that this is the third-tallest waterfall in Latvia. There are numerous taller ones, but most of these waterfalls have water for just some weeks per year. Nevertheless, there are rather many perennial waterfalls in Latvia that are higher.