Bigauņciems is the first fishing village on the Kurzeme side of the Gulf of Riga when coming from the capital. It emerged at the end of the 18th century and carries a colorful origin story with it. According to local legend, a man from Estonia with his three sons crossed the sea fleeing a cruel lord. In time, the sons married local women, and thus the “Estonian village” (Igauņu ciems) was born. However, as the story goes, a careless parish clerk mistakenly added a “B” at the beginning of the name – and so it became Bigauņciems.
In the 19th century, Bigauņciems began to develop as a leisure destination, with many summer cottages being built. In 1824, a stagecoach route to Riga was established, allowing city dwellers to enjoy weekends by the sea. The area’s first school was built in Bigauņciems in 1864.
To the north, Bigauņciems borders the village of Lapmežciems. Right along this boundary lies the Kupskalni Nature Trail, a scenic path running alongside the Siliņupe River estuary and leading directly to the beach. It’s a perfect place to enjoy birdwatching, sunrise views, and the timeless beauty of the sea, complete with the silhouette of an old pier.
Over the years, Bigauņciems has become home to several artists. The village proudly hosts the talented painter Olita Gulbe-Ģērmane, known for her refined, expressive works, and the esteemed master Andrejs Ģērmanis. Notably, the painter Visvaldis Garokalns also spent part of his life here, drawing inspiration from the serene coastal surroundings.