Spoguļu Cliffs Oxbow Lake Viewing Platform

Previously, one of the many bends of the River Gauja passed directly along the Spoguļu Cliffs, leaving visible traces in the rock face. Over the course of time, as the Gauja carved its way deeper into the valley, the waters of the river, seeking a more direct route to the sea, cut through the bend in the river at the narrowest point and continued flowing along the new bed. Both ends of the loop gradually silted up, forming a closed water-body. This is how all the oxbow lakes along the bank of Gauja were formed.The water supply in this former river channel is greatly supplemented and clarified by the springs flowing from the Spoguļu (Mirror) Cliffs, making the water clean and clear. The cliffs are reflected in the clear water as in a mirror, giving rise to the name.