Project POLPROP-NATURA (LIFE07 ENV/LV/000981) results

5 new products are designed in the Slītere national park: hiking, cycling, boating, driving and nature watching. The products have been systematised in 9 routes and toures. The goal of the new products is to attract longer visitor stays in the national park and its vicinity, making use of local services and contributing to the long term development of the area. The route descriptions were discussed and agreed with the local community, integrating the local stakeholder comments and suggestions. Participating were the local entrepreneurs, tourism specialists and residents, as well as the administration of the Slītere national park.

Hiking routes
The Kolkasrags circle	~ 3 km	This route is meant for hikers who want a bit more than just a stroll from the car park to a popular destination.  This is an interesting way to look at the Kolkarsags promontory (the Cape of Kolka) from different viewpoints.	Print version
Learn about Mazirbe	7-10 km	This is a route for active hikers, and it covers Mazirbe and its surroundings.  Here you will find information about the Liv people and their culture.  The Liv nation has lived on the shores of the sea in this region for many centuries.	Print version
Along the seashore and coast	2-55 km	The territory of the Slītere National Park has a sandy beach that is around 40 kilometres long and is appropriate for short hikes or ones that take several days.  There are no insurmountable obstacles for people on foot between Melnsils and Sīkrags. Route descriptions show the distance in kilometres between major populated areas.  This will allow you to plan a route that is in line with your abilities and your interests.	Print version
Bicycle routes
Slītere circle	50 km	This route is appropriate for active tourists who are interested in coastal landscapes and the culture of the Liv people.  The old forest road passes through five Liv villages: Mazirbe, Košrags, Pitrags, Saunags and Vaide. Some trace of the old days and fishermen lifestyle is still found here. From Košrags the route takes the ”Apakšceļš” – a lonely old forest road between Košrags and Dūmele passsing the Bažu bog. After Dūmele the route returns to Kolka.	Print version
Liv villages	28 km	This route is appropriate for active tourists who are interested in coastal landscapes and the culture of the Liv people. The old forest road passes through five Liv villages: Mazirbe, Košrags, Pitrags, Saunags and Vaide. Some trace of the old days and fishermen lifestyle is still found here. Returning by the Ventspils – Kolka road.	Print version
Canoeing
Around the Kolka lighthouse	~ 15 km	The first 1.5 kilometres of the route are along the western shore of the Gulf of Rīga. At the Kolka shallows, it turns toward the Kolka lighthouse. After an hour or so, the boat sails around the artificial island then the boat returns to its initial departure point. This route involves boats that are meant for this specific purpose.  They are stable and seaworthy.  The tour can be taken under different weather conditions, but only if the windspeed is no more than 4-5 m/s.  You should preferably have a guide with you.	Print version
Car route
Around Slītere	~ 90 km	This route will allow you to learn about the diverse environmental and cultural heritage of northern Kurzeme peninsula.  You will also find the loveliest views in the Slītere National Park.  You can drive down the route, or you can ride a bicycle.	Print version
Nature watching
Birds at the Slītere	-	Of the 338 species of birds ever registered in Latvia, 261 have been spotted at the SNP. The best places to spot birds during and outside of migration season are the Ēvaži, Pēterezers, pines of Cape Kolka and Šlītere nature trails, and on the seashore by the village of Vaide and at Cape Kolka. The spring is the best time to bird-watch at Kolka – the birds fly North along the coast, and there are both land and water birds – loons, ducks, gulls and terns which see the cape as a boundary along which there are very clear streams of migration.  Not all species of birds travel at the same time. Spring migration begins in late February and continues until late May. April and early May are the best viewing times. In the autumn, there are different species and fewer birds – fewer predatory and more wading birds. The migration of water birds along the cape can be quite intensive during the autumn, too.	Print version
Animals in the Slītere	-	Animal-watching at the Slītere National Park is only possible in the presence of a guide, and only for small groups of one to five people (the park asks that children under the age of 15 not be brought along). The process involves sitting around in special towers for several hours. If you learn to be quiet and careful while looking at the lives and habits of forest denizens, you have every opportunity to hear hooting owns, rooting bucks and howling wolves. You may smell a racoon dog, run into a doe with her fawns, watch a beaver building a home, or spot a group of stags swimming in a lake during the foggy morning. You must bring water-resistant and comfortable shoes, warm and “quiet” apparel. You will be walking around 2 km. Bring binoculars, a camera, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. You must apply for an animal-watching tour at least two weeks in advance. Contact Country Traveller on +371-6761-7600, or write to lauku@celotajs.lv.	Print version