The breakwater was commissioned by Tsar Alexander II and completed in 1861 to safeguard the shipping lane.
Beneath the waves, the breakwater connects to a submerged stone dam that continues toward the Daugavgrīva side.
The stones used for the construction were quarried in the surrounding region and transported by rail and barge.
The surrounding Mangalsala area holds the remnants of the 20th-century Daugavgriva Fortress coastal defense system.
The structure acts as an artificial reef, attracting various species of fish and local seabirds.
The Mangalsala breakwater is a 2.2-kilometer-long stone structure extending into the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava River. Built in the mid-19th century, it was designed to prevent sand silting in the river channel and facilitate navigation to the Port of Riga. The structure consists of massive stone blocks, many of which are reinforced with concrete to withstand Baltic Sea storms. It serves as a popular coastal walk, providing direct views of incoming cargo ships and cruise liners entering the capital. The area is bordered by the Mangalsala forest, which contains ruins of former military coastal batteries. The breakwater provides a vantage point for observing migratory birds and maritime traffic. Access is provided via a path that cuts through coastal pine woods and dune habitats.
The very end of the breakwater where the lighthouse stands against the open sea.
Wear windproof clothing as the structure is fully exposed to coastal gusts regardless of the season.
Bring binoculars to get a closer view of the large commercial vessels passing through the channel.
Stick to the established stone path, as the concrete blocks can be slippery and uneven.
Walking on the structure during high storm surges or heavy icing conditions when surfaces become hazardous.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes due to uneven stone surfaces.
