World 🢖 Europe 🢖 Latvia 🢖 Kurzeme
Waterfalls 🢔 Geological wonders 🢔 Categories of wonders
Wonder
Dukupji Waterfall (Dūkupju ūdenskritums)
In short
A lesser-known natural feature is Dukupji Waterfall. It is located in a region where are no other known waterfalls. This waterfall has formed on a glacial moraine.
20.5 %
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Stream
Height
Drops
Width
Map of the site
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.
In detail
Dukupji Waterfall is one of the “famous” small Latvian waterfalls that in many other countries would be unnoticed. But this small wonder of nature is in a flatland where no one would expect to find it.
Waterfall has formed on a smaller brook – Dūkupji Brook – that falls into the Bārta River. This is a forested area and the water is colored brown by the tannic acid. This brook was drained and straightened, most likely, in the second half of the 20th century. The new bed of the brook was cut into glacial sediments – moraine.
Moraine is a fairly hard material that consists of clay, sand, and small pebbles. The power of the stream, though, gradually disintegrates the moraine.
Most likely, initially the waterfall was near the Bārta River. Now it has receded some 90 m from the river, gradually becoming less high. Every year the waterfall looks different. Thus, around 2000 this waterfall was some 2 m high.
Today Dūkupji Waterfall is some 0.9 m high. In spring the width of the stream in the falls is approximately 3 m, but during the summer the stream becomes smaller and might become dry.
Below the falls on the right side another, smaller stream also has a waterfall.
According to some sources, the waterfall is 2.2 m high and has two steps. In April 2023 there was just one step and it was approximately 0.9 m high. No other step was seen.
Linked articles
Wonders of Latvia
Highlights of Latvia are the rich architectural heritage in Riga City, numerous palaces, country houses, and castles.
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Wonders of Europe
The heritage of Europe is diverse and endlessly interesting. Incomparably rich is the wealth of European historical architecture, but this part of the world has exciting natural heritage and archaeological heritage as well.
Recommended books
Latvia (Countries Around the World)
Latvia offers complete coverage of this fascinating country, including sections on history, geography, wildlife, infrastructure and government, and culture. It also includes a detailed fact file, maps and charts, and a traceable flag.
Latvia (Bradt Travel Guide)
Touring the peaceful countryside and historic towns of Latvia is made simple with this guide. Travelers will benefit from advice on how to reach long, sandy beaches and quaint provincial villages, as well as a mass of practical information. Fascinating insights into Latvian folklore, customs, language, and cuisine are provided to intrigue the curious browser and provide food for thought for travelers during their journey.